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BACKGROUND: In the digital age, social media platforms such as YouTube have become significant channels for disseminating health information, including content related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The quality and reliability of this information, especially when produced by healthcare professionals, are crucial for public health education and promotion. This study aims the content of Portuguese-language videos about the treatment of ASD on YouTube, produced by healthcare providers from 2019 to 2023, assessing their quality and alignment with evidence-based practices. METHODS: A qualitative exploratory descriptive approach was used, with content analysis based on Bardin's method. A total of 41 videos were selected using keywords related to ASD. Transcriptions were analyzed for discussions on treatment approaches, best practices, and professional recommendations according to DSM-V and ICD-10 guidelines. The quality of information was assessed using the DISCERN questionnaire. RESULTS: The analysis revealed significant variability in the quality of the information. Videos were categorized into four quality groups based on DISCERN scores: good (n = 6), moderate (n = 11), poor (n = 20), and very poor (n = 4). Good quality videos had the highest engagement metrics and overall quality scores. Common themes identified included defining and understanding ASD, ABA interventions and strategies, family and social impact, skills development, and challenges and solutions. CONCLUSION: While some videos provided accurate, evidence-based information, a substantial portion did not meet minimum quality criteria. This highlights the need for improved mechanisms to ensure the dissemination of reliable health information on social media platforms.
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INTRODUCTION: Vitamin A deficiency can cause eye disease and has been related to food selectivity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS: A series of 13 pediatric patients with severe ophthalmological involvement as an initial manifestation of hypovitaminosis A is described. RESULTS: With significant Vitamin A deficiency, neuroimaging was performed in 11 patients. Of these, 8 had pathological findings with the presence of cranial hyperostosis. Lumbar puncture was performed in these patients and endocranial hypertension was detected in 7 of the 8 patients. All had food selectivity and 61.5% had ASD. CONCLUSIONS: Toxic-nutritional optic neuropathy is a rare pathology in children and presents with progressive, bilateral and painless visual loss due to damage to the optic nerve, which can generate severe and irreversible damage to it. Food history allows early detection of nutrient deficiencies in children with restrictive feeding, especially in neuro-atypical patients. This is essential to implement preventive measures and treatment with vitamin A in order to avoid irreversible consequences.
Introducción: La deficiencia de vitamina A puede producir enfermedad ocular y se ha relacionado con la selectividad alimentaria en niños con trastorno del espectro autista (TEA). Métodos: Se describen una serie de 13 pacientes pediátricos con compromiso oftalmológico grave como manifestación inicial de hipovitaminosis A. Resultados: Con deficiencia significativa de Vitamina A, en 11 pacientes se realizaron neuroimágenes. De ellos, 8 tuvieron resultados patológicos con presencia de hiperostosis craneal. En estos se realizó punción lumbar y en 7 de los 8 pacientes se detectó hipertensión endocraneana. Todos tenían selectividad alimentaria y el 61.5 % TEA. Conclusiones: La neuropatía óptica toxico-nutricional es una enfermedad poco frecuente en niños y se presenta con pérdida visual progresiva, bilateral e indolora debido al daño del nervio óptico, pudiendo generar lesión severa e irreversible del mismo. La anamnesis alimentaria permite la pesquisa temprana de deficiencias de nutrientes en niños con alimentación restrictiva, especialmente en pacientes neuro atípicos. Esto es esencial para implementar medidas de prevención y el tratamiento con vitamina A con el fin de evitar consecuencias irreversibles.
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Vitamin A Deficiency , Humans , Female , Male , Vitamin A Deficiency/complications , Child , Child, Preschool , Autism Spectrum Disorder/complications , Optic Nerve Diseases/etiology , Food Preferences , Adolescent , Vision Disorders/etiologyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To verify whether factors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) would have impact on the dental-caries prevalence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All ASD-individuals receiving care in a specialized center with minimum of 4y old were recruited. Demographic, socioeconomic and behavioral characteristics, level of support/commitment (Childhood Autism Rating Scale), mealtime behavior (Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory) and medication use were answered by ASD-individual's parents. Behavior during dental care was evaluated from Frankl scale. Dental-caries prevalence was the primary outcome. Three examiners calibrated/trained collected the data. Chi-square test was used to compare the variables impact on the dental-caries prevalence. RESULTS: 61 ASD-individuals were potentially eligible, and the all parents/guardians consent to participate. Dental-caries prevalence was 42.9%, which was statistically associated with lower toothbrushing frequency, higher level of support/commitment, and worse behavior at meals and during in dental care. Dental-caries prevalence was approximately higher twice in ASD-individuals: (i) uncooperative with dental care when compared those cooperative (62% versus 32%, respectively); (ii) with severe level of support when compared to those with mild/moderate level (58% versus 28%, respectively); and (iii) with worse mealtime behavior when compared to those with better behavior (59% versus 28%, respectively). A medium statistical correlation was observed between support level and mealtime behavior (rS=0.39). The BAMBI component statistically associated with dental-caries prevalence was the food refusal (capture problem when a child rejects a presented food, crying, spitting out food). CONCLUSION: higher required level of support, worse mealtime behavior and uncooperative profile in dental care negatively affect the dental-caries prevalence. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: our findings provide evidence of the need of specialized, preventive and individualized dental care among ASD-individuals.
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Autism Spectrum Disorder , Dental Caries , Humans , Cross-Sectional Studies , Prevalence , Female , Male , Dental Caries/epidemiology , Child, Preschool , Autism Spectrum Disorder/epidemiology , Autism Spectrum Disorder/psychology , Meals , Feeding Behavior , Surveys and Questionnaires , Dental CareABSTRACT
Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder and its possible correlations with clinical characteristics in patients with infantile epileptic spasms syndrome in a single center in Brazil. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study examined 53 children with the diagnosis of infantile epileptic spasms syndrome prior to an autism spectrum disorder assessment. Participants were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of autism spectrum disorder. Available variables (sex, medications, median age at onset of infantile epileptic spasms syndrome, and presence of comorbidities) were compared using Mann-Whitney U or chi-square tests. Results Among the included patients, 12 (23 %) were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, corresponding to a relative risk of 0.29 (95 % confidence interval 0.174-0.492). The age at the first seizure ranged from 3 to 15 months, with a mean of 6.65 months. This age significantly differed between participants with autism spectrum disorder (10.58 months) and those without (5.43 months), p<0.001. Conclusion Children with infantile epileptic spasms syndrome have a higher risk of being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Later age of onset and period of spasm occurrence might be predisposing risk factors.
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Introducción. El trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) se caracteriza por dificultades de comunicación social y comportamientos repetitivos y estereotipados. Además de la categoría diagnóstica, las actividades que los niños, niñas y adolescentes (NNyA) pueden realizar y la participación social son los aspectos principales por considerar desde el marco de la Clasificación Internacional del Funcionamiento, la Discapacidad y la Salud (CIF), propuesta por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, para describir los estados de salud. En una investigación previa, elaboramos la primera versión de una herramienta pediátrica basada en la CIF llamada TEA-CIFunciona para evaluación funcional de NNyA con diagnóstico de TEA, que permitió captar características funcionales adaptadas a nuestro contexto cultural. Se propuso como objetivo posterior aplicar TEA-CIFunciona en formato multicéntrico para evaluar NNyA de diferentes regiones, revisar y actualizar la herramienta, e identificar barreras y facilitadores. Población y métodos. Se administró TEA-CIFunciona versión 1.0 a NNyA con diagnóstico confirmado de TEA (según criterios del DSM-5), menores de 16 años, en seguimiento en cinco centros de atención pediátrica del país. Resultados. Se obtuvo la versión 2.0 de TEA-CIFunciona con 34 categorías (10 funciones corporales, 15 actividades y participación, y 9 factores ambientales). Se elaboró el perfil funcional de la muestra completa (n = 308). Conclusiones. La versión actualizada de TEA-CIFunciona contribuye a estandarizar y a sistematizar la obtención de información necesaria para adecuar el seguimiento de los NNyA con TEA a nivel nacional. Además, permite identificar barreras por superar y facilitadores para generalizar
Introduction. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulties in social communication and repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. In addition to the diagnostic category, the activities performed by children and adolescents and their social involvement are the main aspects to be considered according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) proposed by the World Health Organization to describe health status. In a previous study, we developed the first version of a pediatric tool based on the ICF called ICF-ASD for the functional assessment of children and adolescents with ASD to capture functional characteristics adapted to our cultural setting. Our subsequent objective was to apply the ICF-ASD in a multicenter format to assess children and adolescents from different regions, review, and update it, and identify barriers and facilitators. Population and methods. The ICF-ASD version 1.0 was administered to children and adolescents younger than 16 years with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD (as per DSM-5 criteria), who were receiving follow-up at 5 children's health centers across Argentina. Results. Version 2.0 of the ICF-ASD was obtained, which included 34 categories (10 under body function, 15 under activities and participation, and 9 under environmental factors). A functional profile was developed for the whole sample (n = 308). Conclusions. The updated version of the ICF-ASD helps to standardize and systematize the collection of necessary data for an adequate follow-up of children and adolescents with ASD at a national level. It also allows to identify barriers to overcome and facilitators to be generalized
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Humans , Male , Female , Child, Preschool , Child , Adolescent , Autism Spectrum Disorder/classification , Autism Spectrum Disorder/diagnosis , Argentina , International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health , Cross-Sectional Studies , Disability EvaluationABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare socio-cognitive skills and emotion comprehension between children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and children with neurotypical development. METHODS: This quantitative, cross-sectional, controlled study involved 19 children in each group, matched by age (6-12 years) and sex. The assessments examined cognitive aspects (Intelligence Quotient was assessed using the Vocabulary and Matrix Reasoning subtests; working memory using the digit span and letter-number sequencing subtests; attention using the Continuous Performance Test - Identical Pairs; and executive functions using the Trail Making Test), social functions (Children's Social Skills, Behavior Problems, and Academic Competence Inventory), and emotion comprehension (language was assessed using the Strange Stories Test; emotional facial expressions using the digital emotion comprehension test; emotional/affective prosody using the Profiling Elements of Prosody in Speech-Communication - Brazilian Portuguese adapted version). RESULTS: The group with ASD exhibited better performance in executive functions (p=0.02). However, they lagged the control group in social skills (p=0.04), behavior problems (p=0.03), and emotion comprehension (language, facial expressions, and prosody) (all p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that children with ASD have diminished performance in social skills and emotion comprehension compared to children with neurotypical development. Therefore, the development of technologies and/or therapeutic interventions that address these deficits among children with ASD is recommended.
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The global prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing. ASD manifests with persistent social communication and interaction challenges, limited interests, and repetitive behaviors. As the scientific literature on ASD in adults varies greatly, mapping the recent global research becomes valuable for enhancing comprehension of this subject. This study aims to map recent global scientific publications on ASD in adults. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, bibliometrics, and network analyses, we assessed 850 articles indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection between 2013 and 2022 assigned to the research area of psychology. Findings indicate an annual average growth of 11.69%. Key keywords include Emotion, Anxiety, and Depression, with Anxiety, Depression, and Mental Health as central nodes in the network. Rehabilitation, Behavioral Sciences, and Psychiatry frequently co-occur, and Psychology, Psychiatry, and 'Neurosciences and Neurology' are central nodes in the network of research areas. The United States of America and the United Kingdom lead in publications, with the United Kingdom being the most central country in the network. King's College London and the University of California are the main research organizations, with King's College London as the central node in the network. The American Psychiatric Association's DSM-5-TR was the most cited reference in the period. This comprehensive analysis contributes to understanding the landscape of ASD research in adults, providing insights for future research and fostering collaborations.
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The present study analyzed the association between anxiety, repetitive behavior and parental stress in individuals with autism from Spain (n = 60, mean age = 8.52, SD = 4.41) and Colombia (n = 58, mean age = 10.29, SD = 4.98). Similarly, differences in anxiety, repetitive behavior and parental stress between both countries were analyzed. Outcomes revealed a strong relationship between anxiety and repetitive behavior in both populations. Furthermore, moderate positive associations were observed between anxiety, repetitive behavior and parental stress in the Spanish sample. However, parental stress was found to be moderately and negatively related with anxiety and repetitive behavior in the Colombian sample. Finally, no differences were found in anxiety and repetitive behavior between countries, but differences did emerge for parental stress which was found to be higher in the Colombian sample. In conclusion, differences in parental stress may be due to regional differences in socio-health resources, socio-economics, parenting styles, etc.
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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves social communication difficulties and repetitive behaviors, and it has a growing prevalence worldwide. Symptoms include cognitive impairments, gastrointestinal (GI) issues, feeding difficulties, and psychological problems. A significant concern in ASD is food selectivity, leading to nutrient deficiencies. Common GI issues in ASD, such as constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, stem from abnormal gut flora and immune system dysregulation. Sensory sensitivities and behavioral challenges exacerbate these problems, correlating with neurological symptom severity. Children with ASD also exhibit higher oxidative stress due to low antioxidant levels like glutathione. Therapeutic diets, including ketogenic, high-antioxidant, gluten-free and casein-free, and probiotic-rich diets, show potential in managing ASD symptoms like behavior, communication, GI issues, and oxidative stress, though the evidence is limited. Various studies have focused on different populations, but there is increasing concern about the impact among children. This review aims to highlight the food preferences of the ASD population, analyze the effect of the physicochemical and nutritional properties of foods on the selectivity in its consumption, GI problems, and antioxidant deficiencies in individuals with ASD, and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic diets, including diets rich in antioxidants, gluten-free and casein-free, ketogenic and essential fatty acids, and probiotic-rich diets in managing these challenges.
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Background: Low levels of knowledge among health professionals about autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can impair the care provided to people with autism. In Brazil, there are still no validated instruments that assess the knowledge of pharmacy students and pharmacists regarding ASD. Objective: This study aimed to carry out the cross-cultural adaptation of the Autism Stigma Knowledge Questionnaire (ASK-Q) into Brazilian Portuguese and to evaluate the evidence of content validity. Methods: This study was conducted in two stages, as recommended in the literature. Stage 1 corresponded to cross-cultural adaptation carried out in six phases (translation of the ASK-Q, synthesis of the translations, evaluation by a committee of experts, evaluation by the target audience of pharmacy students and pharmacists, reverse translation, and evaluation by the author of the original instrument). Step 2 corresponds to the assessment of content validity evidence. Results: The instrument presented semantic, idiomatic, conceptual, and cultural equivalences, and the author considered the adaptation adequate. Content validity had an adequate coefficient (0.89). The ASK-Q was cross-culturally adapted to the Brazilian context according to the main theoretical framework. Conclusions: Future studies will be conducted to evaluate other evidence for the validity of the ASK-Q-Brasil. These studies will be fundamental in assessing knowledge about ASD.
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OBJECTIVE: In this population-based cohort study, we compared the risks of incident hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism, and strabismus between children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and children without ASD. METHODS: This study included children who were born in Taiwan at any time between 2004 and 2017. Data were collected from the Taiwan Maternal and Child Health Database. We included 20,688 children with ASD and 2,062,120 matched controls to estimate the risks of incident hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism, and strabismus. Cox proportional hazards regression models were constructed for risk assessment. The models were adjusted for sex, calendar year of birth, and gestational age at birth. Statistical significance was determined by calculating adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Children with ASD had higher risks of incident hyperopia (aHR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.70-1.86), myopia (aHR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.24-1.30), astigmatism (aHR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.46-1.56), and strabismus (aHR: 2.18; 95% CI: 2.05-2.32) than did those without it. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should screen children with ASD for potential ophthalmic conditions. Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the associations between ASD and ophthalmic diseases. The roles of types and severities of ASD symptoms in detecting ophthalmic disease also requires further study.
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Parenting a child on the autism spectrum presents particular challenges that can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression among family members. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of mental disorders in first-degree relatives of individuals on the autism spectrum. This article adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines, including studies indexed in PubMed/Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), and SciELO. Nineteen articles met eligibility criteria for the systematic review. Using a random-effects model (N = 93,876), we found a pooled prevalence of affective disorders of 13% in mothers of people on the autism spectrum (95% CI 7-21%; I2 = 99%, p < 0.01). Additionally, another random-effects model pointed out that first-degree relatives of people on the autism spectrum (N = 93,263) were more likely to present affective disorders than relatives of people with neurotypical development (N = 152,455) (pooled OR: 2.17; 95% CI 1.81-2.61). Careful assessment for mental disorders in parents and siblings of individuals on the autism spectrum is crucial to ensure appropriate treatment for these family members. This approach can also contribute to optimizing care for the individuals on the autism spectrum.
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Feeding difficulties are prevalent among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Nevertheless, the knowledge about the association between feeding-related early signs and child development remains limited. This review aimed to describe the signs and symptoms related to feeding during child development and to explore their relevance to the diagnosis of ASD. Specialists in nutrition and/or ASD conducted a search of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases. Although studies in typically developing children demonstrate age-related variations in hunger and satiety cues, the literature about early feeding indicators in ASD is scarce. Challenges such as shortened breastfeeding duration, difficulties in introducing solid foods, and atypical mealtime behaviors are frequently observed in children with ASD. The eating difficulties experienced during childhood raise concerns for caregivers who base their feeding practices on their perceptions of food acceptance or refusal. Considering the observed associations between feeding difficulties and ASD, the importance of recognizing feeding-related signs according to developmental milestones is emphasized to alert medical professionals that deviation in the formation of feeding habits and skills could indicate the need for ASD diagnostic investigation.
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Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are characterized by persistent changes in communication and social interaction, as well as restricted and stereotyped patterns of behavior. The complex etiology of these disorders possibly combines the effects of multiple genes and environmental factors. Hence, exposure to insecticides such as imidacloprid (IMI) has been used to replicate the changes observed in these disorders. Lutein is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is associated with neuroprotective effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of lutein-loaded nanoparticles, along with their mechanisms of action, on Drosophila melanogaster offspring exposed to IMI-induced damage. To simulate the neurodevelopmental disorder model, flies were exposed to a diet containing IMI for 7 days. Posteriorly, their offspring were exposed to a diet containing lutein-loaded nanoparticles for a period of 24 h, and male and female flies were subjected to behavioral and biochemical evaluations. Treatment with lutein-loaded nanoparticles reversed the parameters of hyperactivity, aggressiveness, social interaction, repetitive movements, and anxiety in the offspring of flies exposed to IMI. It also protected markers of oxidative stress and cell viability, in addition to preventing the reduction of Nrf2 and Shank3 immunoreactivity. These results demonstrate that the damage induced by exposure to IMI was restored through treatment with lutein-loaded nanoparticles, elucidating lutein's mechanisms of action as a therapeutic agent, which, after further studies, can become a co-adjuvant in the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ASD and ADHD.
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Behavior, Animal , Drosophila melanogaster , Lutein , Nanoparticles , Nitro Compounds , Animals , Drosophila melanogaster/drug effects , Lutein/pharmacology , Lutein/administration & dosage , Behavior, Animal/drug effects , Male , Female , Nitro Compounds/toxicity , Neonicotinoids/toxicity , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Insecticides/toxicity , Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology , Neuroprotective Agents/administration & dosage , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/prevention & control , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/chemically induced , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/metabolism , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Antioxidants/metabolismABSTRACT
Neonatal immune activation (NIA) through exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces adult behavioral changes in rodents that resemble symptoms of developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder. The neonatal timing of LPS exposure appears to play a crucial role in determining the nature and extent of long-term changes. This study aims to explore whether a 3-day LPS-NIA triggers sex- and age-related changes in gut function, potentially linking LPS-NIA to gastrointestinal dysfunction. Male and female Swiss mice received intraperitoneal injections of LPS or saline on postnatal days (PN) 3, 5, and 7. At PN35 (juvenile) and PN70 (adult), gut inflammation and oxidative stress were evaluated in addition to assessments of working memory, depressive-like symptoms, sociability, and repetitive behavior. Gut examination showed elevated C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) in LPS-NIA mice, while MyD88 and Zonulin expressions were significantly higher only in adult LPS-NIA females. Interleukin (IL)-23 expression increased in juvenile and adult male and juvenile female LPS-NIA mice. Oxidative changes included decreased duodenal reduced glutathione (GSH) in juvenile females and ileal GSH in adult females exposed to LPS-NIA. Regarding behavioral alterations, adult LPS-NIA females exhibited depressive-like behavior. Working memory deficits were observed across all LPS-NIA groups. Only juvenile LPS-NIA females increased grooming, while rearing was higher in adult LPS-NIA mice of both sexes. The findings imply that LPS-NIA impacts intestinal barrier function and causes gut inflammatory alterations that are sex- and age-specific. These findings pave the way for exploring potential mechanisms that could contribute to LPS-induced gastrointestinal disturbances among individuals with ASD.
Subject(s)
Animals, Newborn , Lipopolysaccharides , Sex Characteristics , Animals , Lipopolysaccharides/toxicity , Female , Mice , Male , Age Factors , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Oxidative Stress/physiology , Aging/immunology , Aging/physiologyABSTRACT
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by an impairment in social interaction, involving communication deficits and specific patterns of behaviors, like repetitive behaviors. ASD is clinically diagnosed and usually takes time, typically occurring not before four years of age. Genetic mutations affecting synaptic transmission, such as neuroligin and neurexin, are associated with ASD and contribute to behavioral and cognitive deficits. Recent research highlights the role of astrocytes, the brain's most abundant glial cells, in ASD pathology. Aberrant Ca2+ signaling in astrocytes is linked to behavioral deficits and neuroinflammation. Notably, the cytokine IL-6 overexpression by astrocytes impacts synaptogenesis. Altered neurotransmitter levels, disruptions in the blood-brain barrier, and cytokine dysregulation further contribute to ASD complexity. Understanding these astrocyte-related mechanisms holds promise for identifying ASD subtypes and developing targeted therapies.
Subject(s)
Astrocytes , Autism Spectrum Disorder , Neurons , Autism Spectrum Disorder/metabolism , Autism Spectrum Disorder/genetics , Humans , Astrocytes/metabolism , Neurons/metabolism , Animals , Synaptic Transmission , Blood-Brain Barrier/metabolism , Brain/metabolismABSTRACT
Today, talking about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the same as talking about cases that occur in one in 160 births worldwide. Some of them will be able to live independently when they grow up while others will have less autonomy and will be more dependent, requiring the support of caregivers throughout their lives. Objective: Understanding the emotional burden that this could generate on parents, we sought to analyze the level of stress and coping techniques in caregivers of children with ASD in Chile, 2021. Methods: Interview with a sample composed of 61 parents or guardians of people with ASD. Results: After data analysis, it was possible to perform a statistically significant correlation (p=0.002) between the level of stress and the coping strategies (problem-solving, self-criticism, emotional expression, wishful thinking, social support, cognitive restructuring, problem avoidance, and social withdrawal). In addition, positive strategies that reduce stress levels in parents or caregivers of children with ASD were identified (problem resolution, cognitive restructuring, social support, and emotional expression). Conclusion: Through this research, it was possible to respond to each of the stated objectives, managing to determine what were the characteristics of caregivers and their main difficulties. It was also observed that the majority lost the possibility of working to dedicate themselves to the care of the diagnosed person.
Hoje, falar sobre transtorno do espectro autista (TEA) é falar sobre casos que ocorrem em um a cada 160 nascimentos em todo o mundo. Alguns deles conseguirão viver de forma independente quando crescerem, e outros terão menos autonomia e serão mais dependentes, necessitando do apoio de cuidadores ao longo da vida. Objetivo: Entendendo o gasto emocional que isso pode gerar nos pais, buscamos analisar o nível de estresse e as técnicas de enfrentamento em cuidadores de crianças com TEA no Chile, 2021. Métodos: Entrevistar uma amostra composta de 61 pais ou responsáveis de pessoas com TEA. Resultados: Isto nos permitiu obter, após a análise dos dados, uma correlação estatisticamente significativa (p=0,002) entre o nível de estresse e as estratégias de coping (resolução de problemas, autocrítica, expressão emocional, wishful thinking, apoio social, reestruturação cognitiva, evitação de problemas e retraimento social). Além disso, foram identificadas estratégias positivas que reduzem os níveis de estresse em pais ou cuidadores de crianças com TEA (resolução de problemas, reestruturação cognitiva, apoio social e expressão emocional). Conclusão: Além disso, esta investigação conseguiu responder a cada um dos objetivos enunciados, conseguindo determinar quais eram as características dos cuidadores e quais as suas principais dificuldades. Observar-se-á também que a maioria perdeu a possibilidade de trabalhar para se dedicar ao cuidado da pessoa diagnosticada.
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BACKGROUND: Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders are shown to have poor periodontal health and dental hygiene habits. Extensive research has revealed that parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently encounter heightened levels of stress, despair, and anxiety in comparison to parents of neurotypical children. The aim was to understand the relationship between the dental hygiene of children with ASD and the stress generated in their parents. Methods: A scoping review was carried out to identify any gaps or research opportunities for clinical practice concerning oral care and stress levels in parents in the PubMed, Medline, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases. Results: A total of 139 articles were reviewed. Of these, only 10 met the selection criteria for inclusion. Our results reveal a lack of studies presenting evidence on the topic of poor dental hygiene in children with ASD and high stress levels in their parents. Discussion: There is ample evidence that children with ASD have poor dental hygiene, as well as higher levels of stress in their parents. However, little or no evidence links these two variables. Future studies should focus on this link, which could have practical implications for improving dental care for children with ASD.
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The increased prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has placed a significant emotional and psychological burden on mothers. We explored the association between the severity of ASD symptoms in children and the mental health of their mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study included 1,924 mothers of children with ASD, enrolled in a web-based cross-sectional survey over 85 consecutive days to gather clinical and sociodemographic data. The severity of ASD symptoms was obtained according to the children's age. Using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS-21) scale, we found that 35.8 percent of mothers experienced both anxiety and depression. A high education level and a high family income reduced the chance of concurrent anxiety and depression. Conversely, unemployment, a child using psychiatric medication, and higher severity of ASD symptoms increased the chance. Notably, the severity of the ASD symptom was the sole predictor of maternal co-occurring anxiety and depression across all age groups (<3 years aOR = 2.04, 95%CI 1.07-3.89; 3-5 years aOR = 2.76, 95%CI 1.67-4.56; ≥ 6 years aOR = 1.61, 95%CI 1.04-2.50). Recognizing the challenges associated with ASD leads to greater acceptance and tailored interventions, ultimately improving the overall well-being of both individuals with ASD and their mothers.
Subject(s)
Anxiety , Autism Spectrum Disorder , COVID-19 , Depression , Mental Health , Mothers , Humans , Autism Spectrum Disorder/psychology , Autism Spectrum Disorder/epidemiology , Mothers/psychology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Adult , Anxiety/epidemiology , Anxiety/psychology , Depression/epidemiology , Depression/psychology , Child , Child, Preschool , COVID-19/psychology , COVID-19/epidemiology , Male , Stress, Psychological/epidemiology , Stress, Psychological/psychology , SARS-CoV-2 , Middle Aged , Severity of Illness Index , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
La Educación Física ha demostrado ser una herramienta eficaz para desarrollar condiciones físicas y mentales en el ser humano. Sin embargo, aún las propuestas a favor de hacer realidad la educación inclusiva en estudiantes con trastorno del espectro autista no logra los niveles mundialmente esperados. Es por ello que en esta obra se plantea como objetivo diseñar un sistema de juegos inclusivos para el desarrollo de la coordinación motriz en estudiantes con trastorno del espectro autista, en la clase de Educación Física. Para lograr este propósito se emplearon como métodos fundamentales del nivel empírico la encuesta, la prueba pedagógica y la observación. Los resultados del diagnóstico apuntan a un deficiente conocimiento por parte de los docentes de Educación Física sobre el tratamiento de los estudiantes con este trastorno, por lo que se procede a la tarea de elaborar un sistema de juegos para el desarrollo de la coordinación motriz que gradualmente los incorpore a la socialización en el grupo, y un sistema evaluativo pertinente donde se pudieron apreciar resultados superiores cuantitativa y cualitativamente.
A Educação Física tem se mostrado uma ferramenta eficaz para desenvolver as condições físicas e mentais do ser humano. No entanto, mesmo as propostas a favor de tornar a educação inclusiva uma realidade para alunos com perturbação do espectro do autismo não atingem os níveis globalmente esperados. Por isso o objetivo deste trabalho é desenhar um sistema de jogos inclusivos para o desenvolvimento da coordenação motora em alunos com transtorno do espectro do autismo, na aula de Educação Física. Para atingir este propósito, o inquérito, o teste pedagógico e a observação foram utilizados como métodos fundamentais a nível empírico. Os resultados do diagnóstico apontam para pouco conhecimento por parte dos professores de Educação Física sobre o tratamento dos alunos com esse transtorno, por isso passam à tarefa de desenvolver um sistema de jogos para o desenvolvimento da coordenação motora que os incorpore gradativamente à socialização em o grupo, e um sistema avaliativo pertinente onde resultados superiores pudessem ser vistos quantitativa e qualitativamente.
Physical Education has proven to be an effective tool to develop physical and mental conditions in human beings. However, even the proposals in favor of making inclusive education a reality for students with autism spectrum disorder do not achieve the globally expected levels. That is why, the objective of this work is to design a system of inclusive games for the development of motor coordination in students with autism spectrum disorder, in the Physical Education class. To achieve this purpose, the survey, the pedagogical test and observation were used as fundamental methods at the empirical level. The results of the diagnosis point to poor knowledge on the part of Physical Education teachers about the treatment of students with this disorder, so it is proceed to the task of developing a system of games for the development of motor coordination that gradually incorporated them into socialization in the group, and a pertinent evaluative system where superior results could be seen quantitatively and qualitatively.