Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have been defined as developmental disorders characterized by abnormalities in social interaction, communication skills, and behavioral flexibility (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Although no evidence-based cure exists for ASD, psychosocial and pharmacologic interventions can improve the quality of life of children with ASD and their families. Psychosocial interventions in ASD include behavioral therapy, social skills training, and parental interventions. In general, psychosocial interventions appear to have limited effect sizes and maintenance of results over time. Recent research suggests that of all psychosocial interventions, intensive one-to-one behavioral therapy of at least 20 h per week at an early age is most effective (van Engeland & Buitelaar, 2008). Pharmacologic interventions such as atypical antipsychotics, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and stimulants do no affect the core symptoms of ASD, but may be components of a comprehensive treatment program in temporarily reducing additional problem behavior. Both psychosocial and pharmacologic interventions provide no curative solution for the treatment of ASD, but might offer benefits for relieving ASD symptoms.A relatively new form of treatment for ASD is neurofeedback. The goal of neurofeedback is to influence or change abnormal oscillatory activity by making clients aware of this activity and reward the inhibition or enhancement of desired oscillatory activity. In 2002, Jarusiewicz started research on the effects of neurofeedback in children with autism. She found a 26% decline in autistic behavior as reported by parents in 12 autistic children after inhibiting theta power and enhancing low beta power, compared to a 3% decline in a matched waiting list control group. Coben and Padolsky (2007) extended this Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders xxx (2009) xxx-xxx