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Sensory Over-Responsivity, Autism and Sleep

Sleep Medicine published research on a large well-characterized sample of 1347 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) examining the relationship between sleep problems, sensory over-responsivity, and anxiety.  Statistical analysis was completed using the  Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire, Child Behavior Checklist, and Short Sensory Profile. The following results were recorded: anxiety was associated with all types […]

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Daily Living Skills in Adolescents with Autism

Autism published research examining the daily living skills standard scores on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales–2nd edition in 417 adolescents with Autism spectrum disorder.  All participants had at least average intelligence. Using statistics, a “daily living skills deficit,” was defined as below average daily living skills in the context of average intelligence quotient. The results […]

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Research Review: Reaction Time and Autism

A research review was published on 32 studies which included 238 simple reaction time and choice reaction time conditions in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (n = 964) and controls (n = 1032). The results indicated that there are little if any simple reaction time/choice reaction time slowing in this sample of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, in comparison […]

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5 Tips on Including All Kids at School

In the classroom, on the playground and during recess all children should feel included. Many times pediatric therapists focus on environmental modifications. Don’t forget other types of modifications as well. Each child can bring their own unique abilities to a classroom setting. Here are several ideas to ensure that all kids are included during the […]

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Comparing Media use and Sleep in Boys with Autism, ADHD or Typical Development

Pediatrics published research comparing questionnaire results on media use (television, computer, and video games) and sleep among 49 boys with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared with 38 boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or 41 boys with typical development (TD). The results indicated the following: 1. bedroom media access was associated with less time spent sleeping […]

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Characteristics of Food Refusal in Children with Autism

The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics published research on whether parent report of food refusal based on the characteristics of food was greater in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) than in typically developing children. A modified food frequency questionnaire was used for parent-reported food refusal related to characteristics of food (eg, texture/consistency, temperature, […]

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Balance, Age and Autism Symptoms

The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders published research on the influence of task difficulty and age on balance control in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  The researchers tested balance control during increasingly difficult balance conditions in children with ASD and typically developing peers.  The relationship between balance control and diagnostic/symptom severity for participants […]

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Posturography and Sensory Integration

A feasibility study was published on using posturography to monitor changes following vestibular input in children. The participants in the study included 5 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and 5 neurotypical children. Each child received 10 minutes of vestibular swing activity with pre and post evaluations of postural stability under four different conditions and […]

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Make Your Own Comics

MakeBeliefsComix (http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/) is a FREE website that has been around for some time now.  I have recommended it before but now they added even more!  There are new characters and clip art.  In addition, they have added a new section on how to use MakeBeliefsComix with children who may have autism, learning disabilities, physical disabilities […]