Mapping the Research Landscape of Language Development in Autistic Children: A Preliminary Scientometric Analysis

Children with autism spectrum disorder(ASD)often encounter difficulties in language learning and utilization,a concern that has gained significant academic attention,particularly given the widespread occurrence of ASD globally.Previous reviews,however,have relied on empirical observations rather than a more rigorous selection criterion.This preliminary study seeks to systematize the scientific knowledge base regarding language development in autistic children by utilizing the analysis tool Citespace 6.2.R5.We visualized and analyzed research patterns and trends regarding autism by drawing data from the Web of Science.Through document citation and emerging trend analyses,seven key research clusters and their chronological associations are identified,along with research hotspots such as language disorder diagnosis and intervention,social communication,language acquisition,and multilingual and multicultural influences.Research findings show that there exist some issues with the current research,including small sample sizes,the need for further investigation into receptive language development,and a lack of cross-cultural comparative studies.Meanwhile,the scope and depth of interdisciplinary research on language development in autistic children also need to be further enhanced.The research contributes to the extant literature by providing valuable references for autism researchers and practitioners.

Parenting stress and affective symptoms in parents of autistic children

We examined parenting stress and mental health status in parents of autistic children and assessed factors associated with such stress. Participants were parents of 188 autistic children diagnosed with DSM-IV criteria and parents of 144 normally developing children. Parents of autistic children reported higher levels of stress, depression, and anxiety than parents of normally developing children. Mothers of autistic children had a higher risk of depression and anxiety than that did parents of normally developing children. Mothers compared to fathers of autistic children were more vulnerable to depression. Age, behavior problems of autistic children, and mothers' anxiety were significantly associated with parenting stress.

Problems in treatment and training of autistic children growing up in China:A follow‐up case report

Introduction Currently,interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders(ASD)in China are mainly carried out by professionals in rehabilitation institutions and special schools.However,when autistic children are older,they do not receive effective training and treatment,and there is no specific place in society to accommodate autistic adults.Mental hospitals are usually their ultimate home.Case presentation We report a 22‐year‐old male with ASD.The manifestation and/or intervention from the age of 3 years to now were recorded.He has been hospitalized in the closed ward of a mental hospital since 2015.Conclusion This report typically present the current problems in treatment and training of autistic children growing up in China.Life‐long rehabilitation training is important for every patient with ASD.Relevant policies and resources in China should be optimized in terms of medical treatment and health care,education and training,social assistance,social security,labor employment,and social culture.

Training Helps Autistic Children Emerge from Solitude

Amother considers her child to be a continuation of her own life, and places her own desires that she cannot achieve on her child. A child is a mother’s sun, a mother’s hope. In this world, however, there exists another group of mothers whose children have autism. These children act as if they are completely alone, do not interact with others, and even refuse the love

Prediction of Outcomes in Mini-Basketball Training Program for Preschool Children with Autism Using Machine Learning Models

In recent years evidence has emerged suggesting that Mini-basketball training program(MBTP)can be an effec-tive intervention method to improve social communication(SC)impairments and restricted and repetitive beha-viors(RRBs)in preschool children suffering from autism spectrum disorder(ASD).However,there is a considerable degree if interindividual variability concerning these social outcomes and thus not all preschool chil-dren with ASD profit from a MBTP intervention to the same extent.In order to make more accurate predictions which preschool children with ASD can benefit from an MBTP intervention or which preschool children with ASD need additional interventions to achieve behavioral improvements,further research is required.This study aimed to investigate which individual factors of preschool children with ASD can predict MBTP intervention out-comes concerning SC impairments and RRBs.Then,test the performance of machine learning models in predict-ing intervention outcomes based on these factors.Participants were 26 preschool children with ASD who enrolled in a quasi-experiment and received MBTP intervention.Baseline demographic variables(e.g.,age,body,mass index[BMI]),indicators of physicalfitness(e.g.,handgrip strength,balance performance),performance in execu-tive function,severity of ASD symptoms,level of SC impairments,and severity of RRBs were obtained to predict treatment outcomes after MBTP intervention.Machine learning models were established based on support vector machine algorithm were implemented.For comparison,we also employed multiple linear regression models in statistics.Ourfindings suggest that in preschool children with ASD symptomatic severity(r=0.712,p<0.001)and baseline SC impairments(r=0.713,p<0.001)are predictors for intervention outcomes of SC impair-ments.Furthermore,BMI(r=-0.430,p=0.028),symptomatic severity(r=0.656,p<0.001),baseline SC impair-ments(r=0.504,p=0.009)and baseline RRBs(r=0.647,p<0.001)can predict intervention outcomes of RRBs.Statistical models predicted 59.6%of variance in post-treatment SC impairments(MSE=0.455,RMSE=0.675,R2=0.596)and 58.9%of variance in post-treatment RRBs(MSE=0.464,RMSE=0.681,R2=0.589).Machine learning models predicted 83%of variance in post-treatment SC impairments(MSE=0.188,RMSE=0.434,R2=0.83)and 85.9%of variance in post-treatment RRBs(MSE=0.051,RMSE=0.226,R2=0.859),which were better than statistical models.Ourfindings suggest that baseline characteristics such as symptomatic severity of 144 IJMHP,2022,vol.24,no.2 ASD symptoms and SC impairments are important predictors determining MBTP intervention-induced improvements concerning SC impairments and RBBs.Furthermore,the current study revealed that machine learning models can successfully be applied to predict the MBTP intervention-related outcomes in preschool chil-dren with ASD,and performed better than statistical models.Ourfindings can help to inform which preschool children with ASD are most likely to benefit from an MBTP intervention,and they might provide a reference for the development of personalized intervention programs for preschool children with ASD.

Inclusive Methods in Art Classroom for Students with Autism in China

Cultivating professional knowledge and developing specific inclusive training has always been important for educators in China.Within the context of special art education in China,art educators are supposed to adjust the instruction effectively for students with a variety of disabilities.This qualitative study sought to gain insight of the strategies of modifying and adapting art instruction for children with autism.Data were collected and analyzed by comparative method through interviews with three art educators.During the interview,three participants addressed strategies they use when working with autistic students in art classroom and proved the ways to modify and adapt art instruction to enhance autistic children’s pedagogical skills.Art teachers can also identify students’preferred art materials to engage autistic students in learning art.Beyond helping my educational practice,this study could further serve as an impetus to assist other educators in China thus expand teachers’professional knowledge in teaching children with special needs.