An Assessment Of A Naturalistic In Home Training Protocol To Establish Joint Attention Responding With Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorders

ABSTRACT: Children with autism have deficits in social interactions and verbal and nonverbal communication and engagement in rigid and repetitive activities and/or interests (ASA, 2008). A joint attention (JA) repertoire has been identified as a behavioral cusp for later social development and thus, JA deficits serve as an early indicator for diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (Vismara & Lyons, 2007; Whalen & Schbreibman, 2003). A JA repertoire consists of both responses to- and initiations for-bids for coordinated attention. Previous research has shown teaching strategies such as pivotal response and discrete trial training for joint attention skills to be effective (Vismara & Lyons, 2007; Whalen & Schreibman, 2003). The purpose of the current study was to evaluate a mixture of pivotal response and discrete trial training as an intervention method for training joint attention behaviors with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in a home setting. In addition, this study evaluated the effects of interspersing targets during training and incorporated generalization probes to assess JA initiations in the form of shifting eye gaze and pointing. Lastly this study examined a parent training procedure to determine if it would promote maintenance after skill acquisition. Results show that all targets were acquired when taught simultaneously. The results show that 2 of the 3 participants made JA initiations during probes throughout intervention. Lastly, the results indicated that parent training did not help maintain JA responding for participant one.

It is perhaps no exaggeration to suggest that all of what is intrinsically human experience is grounded in its shared nature. Joint attention to objects and events in the world provides the initial means whereby infants can start to share experiences with others and negotiate shared meanings. It provides a context for the development of both knowledge about the world and about others as experiencers. It plays a central role in the development of the young child's understanding of both the social and nonsocial worlds and in the development of the communicative interplay between child and adult. The first devoted to this important topic, this volume explores how joint attention first arises, its developmental course, its role in communication and social understanding, and the ways in which disruptions in joint attention may be implicated in a variety of forms of abnormal development including autism.

The authors combine clinical vignettes, research findings, methodological considerations and historical accounts.

Neural Engineering for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Volume Two: Diagnosis and Clinical Analysis presents the latest advances in neural engineering and biomedical engineering as applied to the clinical diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Advances in the role of neuroimaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, MRI, fMRI, DTI, video analysis of sensory-motor and social behaviors, and suitable data analytics useful for clinical diagnosis and research applications for Autism Spectrum Disorder are covered, including relevant case studies. The application of brain signal evaluation, EEG analytics, fuzzy model and temporal fractal analysis of rest state BOLD signals and brain signals are also presented. A clinical guide for general practitioners is provided along with a variety of assessment techniques such as magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The book is presented in two volumes, including Volume One: Imaging and Signal Analysis Techniques comprised of two Parts: Autism and Medical Imaging, and Autism and Signal Analysis. Volume Two: Diagnosis and Treatment includes Autism and Clinical Analysis: Diagnosis, and Autism and Clinical Analysis: Treatment. Presents applications of Neural Engineering techniques for diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Includes in-depth technical coverage of assessment techniques, such as the functional and structural networks underlying visuospatial vs. linguistic reasoning in autism Covers treatment techniques for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including social skills intervention, behavioral treatment, evidence-based treatments, and technical tools such as Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy for ASD Written by engineers for engineers, computer scientists, researchers and clinicians who need to understand the technology and applications of Neural Engineering for the detection and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

The CSBS™ Record Forms and Caregiver Questionnaires, sold in packages for easy re-ordering, are assessment forms for the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales (CSBS™), one of the best measures of early communication in children 8–24 months (or up to 72 months if developmental delays are present). The norm-referenced, standardized CSBS™ uses parent interviews and naturalistic sampling procedures to collect crucial information — not just on language skills but also on often-overlooked communicative behaviors like communicative functions, gestures, rate of communicating, positive affect, and gaze shifts. CSBS™ takes just 50–75 minutes for child assessment and 60–75 minutes for in-depth scoring. Backed by technical data, CSBS™ is compatible with most developmental curricula in use today. A package of CSBS™ Record Forms and Caregiver Quesionnaires includes: 25 Caregiver Questionnaires: Caregivers complete this 15-minute qualitative questionnaire to provide background information. Their responses provide a baseline that helps professionals evaluate a child's performance. 25 Behavior Sample Record Forms: Data from the CSBS™ behavior sample is tallied on this form and converted to scores on 22 five-point scales. 2 Outline Cards: These reference cards outline sampling procedures step by step and give directions for scoring. Available separately or as part of the CSBS™ Complete Kit are the other materials required to conduct a CSBS™ assessment. These forms are part of CSBS™, a norm-referenced, standardized tool that uses parent interview and direct observation to assess infants, toddlers, and preschoolers at risk for communication delays and impairments. With 22 rating scales that accurately survey children's language skills and symbolic development, CSBS is backed by technical data and compatible with most developmental curricula in use today. This product is sold in a package of 25. Learn more about the whole CSBS system.

Includes bibliographical references

A review of the current science of identifying and treating autism spectrum disorders in young children examines research issues, approaches to assessment, and developmental, behavioral, and medical intervention models.

This book is the first to offer a comprehensive overview of Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI), which are evidence-based interventions that integrate both behavioral and developmental approaches in the treatment of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The authoritative guide to implementing the Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement, and Regulation (JASPER) intervention. With a strong evidence base, JASPER provides a clear, flexible structure to bolster early skills core to social communication development. The authors show how to assess 1- to 8-year-olds with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), set treatment targets, choose engaging play materials, tailor JASPER strategies to each individual, and troubleshoot common challenges.

This Research Topic has the aim to fill the gap of the many unresolved scientific issues on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) that are still in need of investigation, Targeted treatments based on the understanding of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of disease are still lacking. Further research is awaited and should be obtained through a significant effort on experimental treatment trials and neuroscience research. This Topic is divided in two main sections, one covering clinical issues and another on basic neurosciences of Autism Spectrum Disorders. A more detailed description of the contents of the articles is provided in the editorial at the beginning of the issue.