Recent work suggests sensory seeking predicts later social symptomatology through reduced social orienting in infants who are at high-risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) based on their status as younger siblings of children diagnosed with ASD. We drew on extant longitudinal data from a community sample of at-risk infants who were identified at 12 months using the First Year Inventory, and followed to 3-5 years. We replicate findings of Damiano et al. (in this issue) that a) high-risk infants who go on to be diagnosed with ASD show heightened sensory seeking in the second year of life relative to those who do not receive a diagnosis, and b) increased sensory seeking indirectly relates to later social symptomatology via reduced social orienting. We extend previous findings to show that sensory seeking has more clinical utility later in the second year of life (20-24 months) than earlier (13-15 months). Further, this study suggests that diminished attention disengagement at 12-15 months may precede and predict increased sensory seeking at 20-24 months. Findings add support for the notion that sensory features produce cascading effects on social development in infants at risk for ASD, and suggest that reduced attention disengagement early in life may set off this cascade.

Most evidence-based autism spectrum disorder (ASD) interventions are tested with primarily White, mid-upper class, English-speaking populations, despite the increase in Latino children with ASD in early intervention programs throughout the United States. Unfortunately, interventions that are incongruent with a target population's culture may be relatively ineffective. This mixed-methods study explored how culturally appropriate, feasible, and acceptable Latino caregivers perceived intervention models, strategies, and targets. Survey data were compared for 28 Latino and 27 non-Latino White parents of young children with ASD. Further, 20 Latino caregivers participated in focus groups to describe their challenges, perspectives and preferences for intervention strategies and models, and unmet needs from providers. These findings underscore the need for culturally modified interventions for Latino children and families.

Communication difficulties and other stroke sequalae may cause individuals with aphasia (IWA) greater psychological and physiological stress than the general population. Indeed, Laures-Gore, Hamilton, and Matheny (2007) found that IWA have greater perceived stress when compared to healthy controls. Increased levels of psychological stress are associated with negative health outcomes, including poor immune system function and increased risk for disease (Selye,1955;McEwen, 1998). Individuals can reduce the damaging impact of stress by using

WP in individuals with aphasia holds potential as a behavioral index of stress in this population.

No abstract

No abstract

This study suggests that UFNB combined with speech-language therapy may benefit overall language production and functional communication. Further investigation on use of UFNB treatment alongside traditional speech-language therapy is warranted.

Purpose: This scoping review maps research in parent-mediated autism spectrum disorder interventions culturally adapted for Latin American populations, to provide an overview of the available evidence across perspectives and disciplines and to identify gaps in the research knowledge base. Method: A systematic search for relevant articles was conducted using six databases and archival and forward hand searches of articles that met inclusion criteria. Titles and abstracts were reviewed by three authors, followed by full-text reviews of remaining articles. Twenty-one articles met inclusion criteria and were retained for data extraction. The ecological validity framework was used to frame data analysis and results. Results: In total, 19 studies described unique implementations of 16 different interventions, which spanned 21 articles, representing a range of study designs and implementing a variety of adaptations. Most adaptations consisted of surface-structure changes, spanning the dimensions of language, concepts, methods, context, and persons. Few articles were identified that described international studies or studies examining direct parent-mediated strategies with large sample sizes and strong methodological designs. Conclusions: Several intervention adaptations that have potential for clinical utility are presented. Clinicians working with Latin American families are encouraged to discuss potential adaptations openly with families before choosing and implementing specific strategies.