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

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

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 & …

Stress For Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Effects Of Age, Gender, And Intelligence Quotient, Kristen Louise Hess

Communication Sciences and Disorders Dissertations

ABSTRACT STRESS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS: EFFECTS OF AGE, GENDER, AND INTELLIGENCE QUOTIENT by Kristen Louise Hess Researchers previously have found that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) experience higher levels of stress and anxiety than individuals who are typically developing and than those with other disabilities. The purpose of this study was to identify the nature and degree of stress reported for individuals with ASD, with particular attention to the effects of age, gender, and intelligence quotient (IQ). Stressful events were identified by the Stress Survey Schedule for Persons with Autism and Other Developmental Delays (SSS), the …

The Relation Among Sleep, Routines, And Behavior In Children With An Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jill Angelique Henderson

Dissertations

Children with an ASD have a propensity for routines and reportedly have a greater incidence of sleep disturbance and externalizing behaviors than typical children. In addition, significant relations have been identified among routines, sleep behavior, and externalizing behavior in a community sample of children, suggesting that a lack of routines maybe related to sleep disturbance and externalizing behaviors. However, to date, no known studies have thoroughly examined the relation between these variables in children with an ASD. The primary purpose of the present investigation was to examine relations among routines, sleep, and behavior in children with an ASD. Primary caregivers …

Examining The Relationships Between Parental Efficacy, Parenting Styles And Repetitive Behaviors In Children With Autism, James R. Carrillo

Graduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between parental efficacy, parenting styles and stereotypical behaviors exhibited by children with autism. Fourteen mothers and their children with autism (ages 14-21) were recruited from local schools and the rehabilitation center. Surveys used in this study included the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R), Parents Sense of Competence (PSOC) and the Parents Locus of Control (PLOC) scale. Also incorporated was the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Even though there was no correlation between the PLOC and stereotypical behaviors of the RBS-R, results revealed a significant relationship between the PSOC and the RBS-R. …

Approaching Autism: A Qualitative Review Of Maternal And Familial Adaptation Among Families Of Children With Autism, Stephanie A. Williamson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to serve as an exploration of family experiences in relation to a child's autism diagnosis. Specifically, it focuses on family adaptation as explained by McCubbin, et al.'s Double ABCX Model (1983). Given that mothers play a crucial role in the family system and are often the primary caregivers for children with disabilities, maternal adaptation is also investigated. This study employs qualitative methods, including in-depth personal and group interviews. Mothers shared their perceptions and experiences surrounding children's autism diagnoses, including initial recognition of atypical behavior and development, the formal diagnosis process, and subsequent transitions within …

A Parent Training Program Combining Discrete Trial Training And Incidental Teaching In The Home Environment, Lindsey Jones

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the effects of a parent training program teaching discrete trial teaching (DTT) and incidental teaching (IT) methods using a parent training manual. Three families with children between the ages of 5-6 diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) participated. Both parents received parent training although Parent A received training from the experimenter and Parent B received training from Parent A. The parents taught their children one skill each from three categories: communication, self-care routines and a household expectation. This study sought to expand upon the literature in the realm of combining DTT and IT as well as adding …

Studying The Effects Of Motivation On The Emergence Of Untrained Verbal Operants, Alysia Gilliam

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In Skinner's (1957) analysis of verbal behavior, the tact and mand are suggested to be functionally independent verbal operants. Many studies evaluating the verbal operants have provided results consistent with Skinner's notion of functional independence. For example, previous studies have yielded results showing that responses taught as tacts failed to emerge as mands unless they were directly trained as such. However, in many of the studies evaluating the functional independence of the verbal operants it is unclear whether the mand conditions were designed to actually evaluate that response function. The current study replicated and extended the findings of Wallace, Iwata, …

Emotional Communication And Attachment Security In Infants At Risk For Autism Spectrum Disorders, John D. Haltigan

Open Access Dissertations

Thirty-two infants and their parents were observed at 6 months in the Face-to-Face/Still-Face (FFSF) paradigm. Attachment security was assessed in the Strange Situation Paradigm (SSP) at 15 months. Eighteen of these infants had an older sibling with a clinically diagnosed ASD (ASD-siblings) and 14 had older siblings with no ASD (comparison-siblings). Results suggested that at fifteen months, before diagnostic outcomes are available, ASD-sibs are no more likely to evidence insecurity in attachment, or attachment disorganization, than are COMP-sibs. Additionally, 15-month secure and insecure infants differed with respect to 6-month gazing at their parent's face during the still-face (SF) and reunion …

The Morphological Complexity Of Spelling, Ages 8 To 15 Years, Courtney R. Mossing

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Learning to spell requires integration of phonological, orthographic, and morphological knowledge. Historically, spelling development has been characterized by linear stages in which children learn to use these knowledge bases in succession. A more recent view challenges the linearity of this approach and proposes that spelling development from the beginning is characterized by the simultaneous interaction of all three linguistic factors. Minimal research exists that qualitatively investigates the integration of these three factors, especially as noted in derivational morphology. The study's purpose was to investigate spelling accuracy and qualitatively analyze the morphological error patterns of typically developing children, ages 8-15 years, …

The Effects Of Reinforcement Magnitude And Session Length On Stereotypical Behavior Of An Adolescent With Autism, Spiro Kotsios

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Functional Analysis is an important component of creating a treatment plan for individuals with autism. A concern of functional analysis is that it might not match the natural environment in which the problem behavior occurs. Dimensions such as varying reinforcement duration and session length may affect response rates during functional analyses in natural settings. This study investigated if varying reinforcement duration and session length during functional analyses would affect the identification of the function of problem behavior across assessors, and the intervention designed based on the functional analyses would be effective in reducing stereotypic behavior and teaching communicative skills of …

Predicting Variation In Social Outcome Among Adolescents With High-Functioning Autism, Caley Bryce Schwartz

Open Access Dissertations

Even among the most high-functioning individuals with autism, there is a wide range of variation in outcome. This study examined within-child factors, such as temperament, that contribute to variation in social outcomes, the most salient area of deficit among individuals with high-functioning autism (HFA). Approach/withdrawal tendencies and effortful control were used to predict variation in symptoms and social skills. A unique multi-method approach employing self- and parent-report measures, physiological assessment, and social observation was used to determine whether temperament could be used to predict variation in social skills and symptom presentation. Results indicated that compared with an age- and gender-matched …

The Effects Of Script-Fading Procedures And Extinction Procedures On The Variability Of Mand Frames Used By Young Children With Autism, Alison M. Betz

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A primary deficit seen in many children with autism, particularly those with limited verbal repertoires, is repetitive and rote verbal behavior. This type of repetitive or rote verbal behavior can be stigmatizing and may severely limit access to primary reinforcers. Therefore, it may be beneficial to attempt to increase response variability in verbal behavior demonstrated by children with autism. Previous researchers have focused their efforts on examining response variability in motor behavior or existing verbal behavior, rather than new or recently taught verbal behavior. A potentially complementary intervention for teaching new verbal interactions is the use of scripts and script …

De-Masking The Silence - Drama Therapy: For Children With Asd, Joshua M. Galligan

Theses and Dissertations

This dynamic form of pedagogy attempts to cross the interdisciplinary boundaries between theatre, psychology, and modern medicine. What I attempt to present in this thesis is a systematic developmental framework for the theoretical use of drama therapy with children suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder. This approach has been based on in-depth interdisciplinary study which makes use of the most current research looking at the neurological makeup of the autistic brain. This systematic approach examines the mirror neuron system which has been labeled as a major defect in children with ASD. Through the use of theatrical techniques such as acting, movement, …

Subtypes Of Toddlers With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Implications For Early And Future Diagnosis, Lisa D. Wiggins

Psychology Dissertations

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of disorders that affect social, communication, and behavioral development. Identification of clinically distinct subtypes of ASDs, especially in the developmental period when delays or deficits are first recognized (i.e., in the first few years of life), can lend clues to etiology and trajectory and enhance current knowledge on early manifestations of the disorders. Moreover, identification of clinically distinct subtypes of ASDs may inform early identification efforts. Past research suggests that social relations, verbal abilities, nonverbal abilities, and the presence of certain stereotyped interests and behaviors (SIB) may be important factors in delineating subtypes …

The Geek Syndrome… A Study Of The Impact Of Asperger’S On The Family, Richelle H. Kramer

Culminating Projects in Social Work

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of Asperger's Syndrome on the family. The study employed a qualitative research approach with a life story design. A purposeful sample of six families with children diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome/Autism (AS) was used. In most cases, both parental caregivers of the . identified biological or adopted children, consisting of five boys and one girl, were interviewed. The interview consisted of a free flowing conversation addressing the impact that Asperger's Syndrome has had on the family. The Care Giver Strain Tool was informally used as a guide to ensure all relevant …

The Effect Of Auditory Sensory Abnormalities On Language Development In Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Melissa Tatyana Nikolic

Psychology Honors Theses

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by atypical development in the domains of social, emotional, language and cognitive functioning in the first few years of life. Research indicates an associated phenomenon of sensory processing abnormalities in the ASD population (Baker, Lane, Angley, & Young, 2008), and specifically auditory domain (Tecchio et al., 2003) which may relate to language deficits (Baranek, David, Poe, Stone & Watson, 2006). This study researched the effect of auditory sensory abnormalities on language in young children with ASD (n = 118), specifically receptive and expressive language and prosody. A specific subdomain of auditory …

The Effects Of A Modified Learning Strategy On The Multiple Step Mathematical Word Problem Solving Ability Of Middle School Students With High-Functioning Autism Or Asperger's Syndrome, Peggy Schaefer Whitby

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Students with HFA/AS present with a unique set of cognitive deficits that may prevent achievement in the mathematics curriculum, even though they present with average mathematical skills. The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of the use of a modified learning strategy to increase the mathematical word problem solving ability of children with high functioning autism or Asperger's syndrome; determine if the use of Solve It! increases the self-perceptions of mathematical ability, attitudes towards mathematics and attitudes towards solving mathematical word problems; and, determine if Solve It! cue cards or a Solve It! multimedia academic …

Nutrient And Medication Intake Of Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Cristina Elizabeth Hiten

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

The incidence of autism continues to rise with no cure or understanding of the cause of the disorder. Approximately one in 150 children will be diagnosed with an (ASD) Autism Spectrum Disorder although recent prevalence data suggest one in 91. The objective of the study is to assess medicinal intake regarding prescription and nonprescription medications of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and its affect on their nutritional status compared to age, and sex matched healthy children. The study included families of children with autism in which they completed questionnaires and 24‐hour recalls. There were 26 children used within the questionnaire …

The Relationship Between Rrequency Of Physical Activity And Stereotypical Behaviors Among Adolescents With Autism, Justin M. Keyes

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Categorical Perception Of Stop Consonants In Children With Autism, Laura Bourdeau

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to determine whether children with autism recognize the same perceptual voicing boundaries of stop consonants as normally developing children of the same age group. This was explored using three groups of participants: ten children with autism between the ages of 8-14, five typically developing children between the ages of 8-14, and five typically developing seven-year-old children. Children in all groups listened to initial stop consonant syllables with voicing contrasts, with voiced and voiceless cognates presented. The initial consonants were altered along a voice onset time continuum within the typically perceived boundaries of each consonant. …

Effects Of A Collaborative Parent-Professional Positive Behavior Support Team Training On Challenging Behaviors Of Children With Autism, Traci Elaine Ruppert

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Positive behavior support (PBS) involves applying individualized approaches to appropriate behaviors and reducing problem behaviors in a way that produces long-lasting improvements in a person's lifestyle. To date little research is available on the effects of the PBS process on challenging behavior in the home environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of collaborative parent-professional PBS team training on challenging behaviors of children with autism. Two parent-professional teams along with two focus individuals participated in this study. The parent and professional attended one, seven-hour day training. Home observations, one-hour in length, were conducted four times per …

Understanding Relationships In Health Related Quality Of Life For Parents Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Norah Louise Johnson

Dissertations (1934 -)

Nurses encounter many parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Both parents are under stress that ultimately impacts their health related quality of life (HRQL). Few studies assess the mediators of parenting stress on HRQL for both parents. This study explored the relationship of parenting stress, family functioning and HRQL for parenting dyads of children with ASD. Lazarus and Folkman's (1984) Transactional Model of Stress and Coping and Lakey and Cohen's (2000) Social Support Theory framed the study.

Implementing a cross sectional, descriptive design, 387 parents (n=64 dyads) of ASD-affected children, from 46 states, completed web-based surveys. Demographics, the …

Gender Differences In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders And Comorbid Psychopathology, Julie Hess

LSU Master's Theses

Abstract Children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) frequently exhibit symptoms that are not associated with the core features of ASD. These symptoms may meet criteria for an additional diagnosis; however, accurate assessment of comorbid psychiatric conditions in ASD has been hindered by a lack of measures designed for this specific purpose. The newly constructed assessment measure, Autism Spectrum Disorders-Comorbid for Children (ASD-CC) has been developed specifically for examining comorbid psychiatric disorders in ASD. Therefore, this study set out to assess differences in the endorsement rates of psychiatric symptoms in children and adolescents diagnosed with ASD compared to …

Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Electric Training Modules, Jennifer Stuehrenberg

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The South Central Crisis Center is a State Operated Services mental health facility in Mankato, Minnesota. The center is designed to offer people suffering an acute mental health episode, such as suicidal thoughts, or who need a medication adjustment or other psychiatric services, up to a few days in a safe, secure environment. The center accepts referrals from law enforcement, county or health care professionals in these participating counties: Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, Freeborn, Le Sueur, Martin, Nicollet, Rice, Sibley and Watonwan. Recently, the program has been serving a larger amount of clients who have a diagnosis of Asperger’s Disorder …

The Assessment Of And Differences Among Intellectually Disabled Adults With Comorbid Autism Spectrum Disorders And Epilepsy, Kimberly Robin Michelle Smith

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The goal of this study was to systematically examine group differences among those with intellectual disabilities (ID) and comorbid Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and epilepsy in an adult population through a detailed exploration of the characteristics that these disorders present in the areas of psychopathology, behavior problems, and impaired social behavior. Previous studies indicating that individuals with ID have comorbid ASD and neurological conditions tend to stop short of addressing these disorders’ impact on the full range of psychosocial issues, particularly in adult samples. Assessments of psychopathology, behavior problems, and impaired social behavior were made with the ASD-Comorbidity-Adult Version and …