Journal of Intellectual Disability - Diagnosis and Treatment

Number 6/1, 2018

1-7
The Impact of Aquatic Exercise on Sleep Behaviors in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Authors: Jennifer Wood Kanupka, Kathryn N. Oriel, Cheryl L. George, Lindi Crist, Kaitlyn Deardorff, Danielle Douglass, Kiersten Prenger, Rebecca Ulicny, Danielle Wirick

Abstract

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Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often demonstrate disturbed sleep behaviors that negatively impact daytime behavior. The purpose of this study was: 1) To determine if participation in aquatic exercise improves sleep duration in children with ASD, and 2) to examine the social validity of the intervention. A within-subjects crossover design over an 8 week period was used. Participants were assigned to the intervention (aquatic exercise 2x/ week for 1 hour) or the control (no exercise) condition for 4 weeks; they then switched conditions for 4 weeks. Sleep habits were recorded using the EMFIT QS sleep monitor. The IRP-15 was administered to parents after completion of the intervention to establish social validity. Mean sleep duration for intervention versus control was compared using the Wilcoxon-Signed Ranks Test. Statistically significant improvements (p=0.012) in sleep duration were observed (intervention:Â 9.27 hours vs control 8.37 hours). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze IRP-15 data indicating the majority of parents strongly agreed that aquatic exercise had a positive effect on their child's sleep. Results suggest that participation in an aquatic exercise program may lead to improved sleep duration in children with ASD, and is a socially valid intervention.

8-13
Integrated Sensorial Development Program Applied to Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Relations between Emotion and Global Behavior Development

Authors: Manuel Ojea Rúa

Abstract

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Number of views: 36

This study aimed to show the significant relationships between emotion and behavior variables among throughout the behavioral modification learning processes in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A quasi- experimental research design pre- tests - post- test was realized. A total of 10 years old children with ASD level 1, who have been distributed into two groups, an experimental group (n= 5), whom a sensory integrated behavior program was applied and a control group (n=5), whom a behavioral modification "Stimulus"- "Response"- "Readjustment" (S-R) program has been applied. Results found through Mann-Whitney U Test and Pearson Correlation Test showed that thereÂ´re significant differences between both groups and, above all, great relationships are indicated between the emotional and behavioral variables found as a result of the learning process.

14-24
How the Attitude of Acceptance, Enthusiasm and Learning through Motivation Affects Brain Development in Children with Autism: A Literature Review

Authors: Joana Prata, Rui Coelho, Wenn Lawson

Abstract

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Number of views: 34

Research on the autism spectrum (AS) has expanded tremendously over the last two decades with exciting insights into underlying neurobiology. Neuroplasticity, the remarkable ability of the brain to form new connections as a result of experience, is not limited to specific parts of the brain nor does it have a time limit meaning that growth and learning are on-going processes. In this review we explore the impact of the attitude of acceptance, enthusiasm and learning through motivation on brain development in children on the AS. The first part of the review focusses on the impact of attitude on social, emotional and cognitive development, while the second part focusses on the impact of attitude on brain biology.

25-30
Communication Patterns of Adolescent Autism in Expressing Feelings to The Opposite Sex

Authors: Ria Dwi Ismiarti, Munawir Yusuf, Zaini Rohmad

Abstract

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Number of views: 33

Problems in this research is the pattern of communication conducted by adolescent autism in expressing feelings to the opposite sex and the uncontrolled behavior of adolescent autism in expressing the feeling to the opposite sex. The purpose of this study was to describe and explain the communication patterns of adolescent autism in expressing the feeling to the opposite sex as well to explain the uncontrollable behavior that may arise from autistic adolescents when feeling an attraction with the opposite sex. The type of this research is descriptive qualitative with the case study. Subjects in this study were autistic adolescents with an age range of 12 to 22 years, autistic adolescent parents, and teachers/therapists from autistic adolescents. Data collection techniques used are interviews, observation, and documentation. Data analysis techniques by collecting data, organizing data systematically then interpreting data to others. Of the 2 subjects studied showed that communication adolescent autism to the opposite sex that makes them interested tend to passive, 2 subjects cannot communicate their feelings to the opposite sex firmly and clearly. They are more likely to show interest by staring at the opposite sex for long periods of time, walking back and forth near the opposite sex, or following the opposite sex everywhere. Not all autistic teenagers who are getting interested in the opponent have uncontrollable behavior, from 2 subjects there is only 1 who likes to suddenly kiss and hug the opposite sex that attracts him.