A personal digital assistant for improving independent transitioning in adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a personal digital assistant (PDA) on independent transitioning between activities in a day treatment centre for youth with high-functioning ASD. METHODS: Within a multiple baseline design across four participants, data were collected on participant's transitioning and staff's prompting behaviour. Intervention by staff consisted of one technical instruction session on use of the PDA and non-specific instruction following incorrect transitions while not using the PDA, in the natural setting. RESULTS: Analysis revealed a significant increase in percentage independent daily transitions, which resulted from the independent use of the PDA. The change in staff's prompt use during intervention was mainly the result of a significant decrease in the use of non-specific prompts in correcting participant's transition behaviour. CONCLUSION: A brief intervention was effective in improving independent transitioning using a PDA. Findings are evaluated in light of their clinical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Cognitive, behavioral, and physiological reactivity to chronic itching: analogies to chronic pain.

It is well-known that cognitive, behavioral, and physiological reactivity to pain, such as catastrophizing, avoidance of activity, and increased physiological responses, can unfavorably affect long-term outcomes in patients with chronic pain. In line with similarities between the psychophysiology of pain and itching, corresponding mechanisms may be relevant for the maintenance of chronic itching. The goal of this study was to examine the role of self-reported cognitive, behavioral, and physiological reactivity factors on itching-related outcomes in 235 patients with chronic skin diseases suffering from chronic itching. Sequential regression analyses indicate that all 3 reactivity systems predicted itching-related outcomes. Specifically, more catastrophizing, higher levels of avoidance of activity, and heightened self-reported physiological reactivity predicted more itching, more scratching, and a reduced disease-related quality of life. The results suggest that a psychological model as described for chronic pain is a useful starting point for study of the maintaining mechanisms of chronic itching.