Research on the Effect of Dance Therapy on Improving Social Communication Ability of Children with Autism

Research motivation:Through the 12 weeks dance therapy intervention for children with autism,the purpose is to explore the intervention model of dance therapy for children with autism and the changes in motor ability,social ability,and communication ability of children with autism after dance therapy intervention.The results of the research are expected to expand the intervention mode of dance therapy in my country and provide practical reference for rehabilitation intervention of children with autism.Research methods:24 autistic boys aged 6 to 12 with mild to moderate symptoms were recruited and screened through the Internet as the subjects of this study.We randomly divided them into experimental group(N=12)and control group(N=12).All children with autism have an autism diagnosis certificate issued by Children’s Hospital or a tertiary hospital,excluding other mental diseases(such as epilepsy,major physical disability,mental illness,no history of drugs and other interventions,etc.).We used the paired sample t-test to compare the score difference between the dance treatment group and the control group before and after the two groups,and used the observation method to record the basic communication behavior and the number of active communication behaviors in the experimental group during the intervention process.All data analysis is used in SPSS 20.0.Research results:After 12 weeks of dance therapy intervention,there were statistically significant differences in the gross movement,balance,and coordination abilities of the children in the experimental group compared with those before the intervention(p<0.01).There was no significant difference between the children in the control group(p>0.05).After 12 weeks of dance therapy intervention,there were statistically significant differences in the scores of the social response scale for children with autism in the experimental group(p<0.05).There was no significant change in the scores of each item of the SRS scale before and after intervention in the control group and the dance treatment group(p>0.05).

Metabolomic changes in children with autism

BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social communication and repetitive behaviors.Metabolomic profiling has emerged as a valuable tool for understanding the underlying metabolic dysregulations associated with ASD.AIM To comprehensively explore metabolomic changes in children with ASD,integrating findings from various research articles,reviews,systematic reviews,meta-analyses,case reports,editorials,and a book chapter.METHODS A systematic search was conducted in electronic databases,including PubMed,PubMed Central,Cochrane Library,Embase,Web of Science,CINAHL,Scopus,LISA,and NLM catalog up until January 2024.Inclusion criteria encompassed research articles(83),review articles(145),meta-analyses(6),systematic reviews(6),case reports(2),editorials(2),and a book chapter(1)related to metabolomic changes in children with ASD.Exclusion criteria were applied to ensure the relevance and quality of included studies.RESULTS The systematic review identified specific metabolites and metabolic pathways showing consistent differences in children with ASD compared to typically developing individuals.These metabolic biomarkers may serve as objective measures to support clinical assessments,improve diagnostic accuracy,and inform personalized treatment approaches.Metabolomic profiling also offers insights into the metabolic alterations associated with comorbid conditions commonly observed in individuals with ASD.CONCLUSION Integration of metabolomic changes in children with ASD holds promise for enhancing diagnostic accuracy,guiding personalized treatment approaches,monitoring treatment response,and improving outcomes.Further research is needed to validate findings,establish standardized protocols,and overcome technical challenges in metabolomic analysis.By advancing our understanding of metabolic dysregulations in ASD,clinicians can improve the lives of affected individuals and their families.

Nutritional epigenetics education improves diet and attitude of parents of children with autism or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

BACKGROUND Unhealthy maternal diet leads to heavy metal exposures from the consumption of ultra-processed foods that may impact gene behavior across generations,creating conditions for the neurodevelopmental disorders known as autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD).Children with these disorders have difficulty metabolizing and excreting heavy metals from their bloodstream,and the severity of their symptoms correlates with the heavy metal levels measured in their blood.Psychiatrists may play a key role in helping parents reduce their ultra-processed food and dietary heavy metal intake by providing access to effective nutritional epigenetics education.AIM To test the efficacy of nutritional epigenetics instruction in reducing parental ultra-processed food intake.METHODS The study utilized a semi-randomized test and control group pretest-posttest pilot study design with participants recruited from parents having a learning-disabled child with autism or ADHD.Twenty-two parents who met the inclusion criteria were randomly selected to serve in the test(n=11)or control(n=11)group.The test group participated in the six-week online nutritional epigenetics tutorial,while the control group did not.The efficacy of the nutritional epigenetics instruction was determined by measuring changes in parent diet and attitude using data derived from an online diet survey administered to the participants during the pre and post intervention periods.Diet intake scores were derived for both ultra-processed and whole/organic foods.Paired sample t-tests were conducted to determine any differences in mean diet scores within each group.RESULTS There was a significant difference in the diet scores of the test group between the pre-and post-intervention periods.The parents in the test group significantly reduced their intake of ultra-processed foods with a preintervention diet score of 70(mean=5.385,SD=2.534)and a post-intervention diet score of 113(mean=8.692,SD=1.750)and the paired t-test analysis showing a significance of P<0.001.The test group also significantly increased their consumption of whole and/or organic foods with a pre-intervention diet score of 100(mean=5.882,SD=2.472)and post-intervention diet score of 121(mean=7.118,SD=2.390)and the paired t-test analysis showing a significance of P<0.05.CONCLUSION Here we show nutritional epigenetics education can be used to reduce ultra-processed food intake and improve attitude among parents having learning-disabled children with autism or ADHD.

Early Intervention Facilitates Neuropsychological Development in Children with Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Objective:This study aims to investigate the impact of early intervention on neuropsychological development in children with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD),providing effective intervention strategies for clinical practice.Methods:A total of 130 children with autism and ADHD who visited the hospital between June 2023 and June 2024 were selected as study subjects and randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group,with 65 children in each group.The intervention group received a one-year early comprehensive intervention,including behavioral therapy,cognitive training,and family guidance,while the control group only received routine medical care.The neuropsychological development assessment scale was used to evaluate both groups before and after the intervention to compare changes in their neuropsychological development levels.Results:Children in the intervention group showed significant improvements in cognitive function,social skills,language ability,and attention concentration,with an average improvement score of 23.5 points.Children in the control group did not show significant improvements in these areas,with an average improvement score of only 5.8 points.The difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:Early comprehensive intervention has a significant promoting effect on the neuropsychological development of children with autism and ADHD.Targeted behavioral therapy,cognitive training,and family guidance can effectively enhance children’s cognitive,social,language,and attention abilities,laying a solid foundation for their future overall development.Therefore,it is recommended to actively promote and apply early intervention strategies in clinical practice.

Play therapy in children with autism:Its role,implications,and limitations

Play is a pleasurable physical or mental activity that enhances the child’s skills involving negotiation abilities,problem-solving,manual dexterity,sharing,decision-making,and working in a group.Play affects all the brain's areas,structures,and functions.Children with autism have adaptive behavior,adaptive response,and social interaction limitations.This review explores the different applications of play therapy in helping children with autism disorder.Play is usually significantly impaired in children with autism.Play therapy is mainly intended to help children to honor their unique mental abilities and developmental levels.The main aim of play therapy is to prevent or solve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal child-healthy growth and development.Play therapy helps children with autism to engage in play activities of their interest and choice to express themselves in the most comfortable ways.It changes their way of self-expression from unwanted behaviors to more non-injurious expressive behavior using toys or activities of their choice as their words.Play therapy also helps those children to experience feeling out various interaction styles.Every child with autism is unique and responds differently.Therefore,different types of intervention,like play therapy,could fit the differences in children with autism.Proper evaluation of the child is mandatory to evaluate which type fits the child more than the others.This narrative review revised the different types of play therapy that could fit children with autism in an evidence-based way.Despite weak evidence,play therapy still has potential benefits for patients and their families.

Associations between meeting 24-hour movement guidelines and quality of life among children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder

Background:The Canadian 24-hour movement behavior(24-HMB)guidelines suggest that a limited amount of screen time use,an adequate level of physical activity(PA),and sufficient sleep duration are beneficial for ensuring and optimizing the health and quality of life(QoL)of children and adolescents.However,this topic has yet to be examined for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder(ASD)specifically.The aim of this cross-sectional observational study was to examine the associations between meeting 24-HMB guidelines and several QoLrelated indicators among a national sample of American children and adolescents with ASD.Methods:Data were taken from the 2020 U.S.National Survey of Children’s Health dataset.Participants(n=956)aged 617 years and currently diagnosed with ASD were included.The exposure of interest was adherence to the 24-HMB guidelines.Outcomes were QoL indicators,including learning interest/curiosity,repeating grades,adaptive ability,victimization by bullying,and behavioral problems.Categorical variables were described with unweighted sample counts and weighted percentages.Age,sex,race,preterm birth status,medication,behavioral treatment,household poverty level,and the educational level of the primary caregivers were included as covariates.Odds ratio(OR)and 95%confidence interval(95%CI)were used to present the strength of association between adherence to 24-HMB guidelines and QoL-related indicators.Results:Overall,452 participants(45.34%)met 1 of the 3 recommendations,216(22.65%)met 2 recommendations,whereas only 39 participants(5.04%)met all 3 recommendations.Compared with meeting none of the recommendations,meeting both sleep duration and PA recommendations(OR=3.92,95%CI:1.639.48,p<0.001)or all 3 recommendations(OR=2.11,95%CI:1.034.35,p=0.04)was associated with higher odds of showing learning interest/curiosity.Meeting both screen time and PA recommendations(OR=0.15,95%CI:0.040.61,p<0.05)or both sleep duration and PA recommendations(OR=0.24,95%CI:0.070.87,p<0.05)was associated with lower odds of repeating any grades.With respect to adaptive ability,participants who met only the PA recommendation of the 24-HMB were less likely to have difficulties dressing or bathing(OR=0.11,95%CI:0.020.66,p<0.05)than those who did not.For participants who met all 3 recommendations(OR=0.38,95%CI:0.150.99,p=0.05),the odds of being victimized by bullying was lower.Participants who adhered to both sleep duration and PA recommendations were less likely to present with severe behavioral problems(OR=0.17,95%CI:0.040.71,p<0.05)than those who did not meet those guidelines.Conclusion:Significant associations were found between adhering to 24-HMB guidelines and selected QoL indicators.These findings highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle as a key factor in promoting and preserving the QoL of children with ASD.

Role of gastrointestinal health in managing children with autism spectrum disorder

Children with autism spectrum disorders(ASD)or autism are more prone to gastrointestinal(GI)disorders than the general population.These disorders can significantly affect their health,learning,and development due to various factors such as genetics,environment,and behavior.The causes of GI disorders in children with ASD can include gut dysbiosis,immune dysfunction,food sensitivities,digestive enzyme deficiencies,and sensory processing differences.Many studies suggest that numerous children with ASD experience GI problems,and effective management is crucial.Diagnosing autism is typically done through genetic,neurological,functional,and behavioral assessments and observations,while GI tests are not consistently reliable.Some GI tests may increase the risk of developing ASD or exacerbating symptoms.Addressing GI issues in individuals with ASD can improve their overall well-being,leading to better behavior,cognitive function,and educational abilities.Proper management can improve digestion,nutrient absorption,and appetite by relieving physical discomfort and pain.Alleviating GI symptoms can improve sleep patterns,increase energy levels,and contribute to a general sense of well-being,ultimately leading to a better quality of life for the individual and improved family dynamics.The primary goal of GI interventions is to improve nutritional status,reduce symptom severity,promote a balanced mood,and increase patient independence.

Higher rates of autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in American children:Are food quality issues impacting epigenetic inheritance?

In the United States,schools offer special education services to children who are diagnosed with a learning or neurodevelopmental disorder and have difficulty meeting their learning goals.Pediatricians may play a key role in helping children access special education services.The number of children ages 6-21 in the United States receiving special education services increased 10.4%from 2006 to 2021.Children receiving special education services under the autism category increased 242%during the same period.The demand for special education services for children under the developmental delay and other health impaired categories increased by 184%and 83%respectively.Although student enrollment in American schools has remained stable since 2006,the percentage distribution of children receiving special education services nearly tripled for the autism category and quadrupled for the developmental delay category by 2021.Allowable heavy metal residues remain persistent in the American food supply due to food ingredient manufacturing processes.Numerous clinical trial data indicate heavy metal exposures and poor diet are the primary epigenetic factors responsible for the autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder epidemics.Dietary heavy metal exposures,especially inorganic mercury and lead may impact gene behavior across generations.In 2021,the United States Congress found heavy metal residues problematic in the American food supply but took no legislative action.Mandatory health warning labels on select foods may be the only way to reduce dietary heavy metal exposures and improve child learning across generations.

Exploring the Lives of Mothers Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Japan

Background: Examining the lives that mothers experience and build will allow us to deepen our understanding of children with ASD and their mothers and facilitate developing support methods. The study aimed to examine the lives of mothers raising children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and investigate their sources of support. Method: We conducted a qualitative inductive study using semi-structured interviews to identify characteristics of the lives that mothers have created. Results: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 mothers having children with ASD. The analysis comprised three stages of coding and yielded eight categories. The lives of these mothers contained three themes: preoccupation with parenting children with ASD and their siblings;evolving mother;and using social resources. Mothers engaged in “assessing the characteristics, growth, and changes in the child with ASD”, had a “preoccupation with parenting children with ASD”, and were “thinking about the future of the child with ASD”, and “having goals and plans for parenting” while having “consideration toward the child’s siblings”. During this process, mothers experienced “changes in perspective or approach” and created lifestyles while “receiving help from people around them” and engaged in the “use of social resources”. Conclusions: To avoid becoming preoccupied with parenting and being burdened by their lifestyle, mothers require social support to monitor their perceptions. Furthermore, the utilization of social resources requires the supporting individuals to understand the characteristics of children with ASD, provide appropriate information, and assist in decision-making.

Expert consensus on pediatric orthodontic therapies of malocclusions in children

Malocclusion,identified by the World Health Organization(WHO)as one of three major oral diseases,profoundly impacts the dental-maxillofacial functions,facial esthetics,and long-term development of~260 million children in China.Beyond its physical manifestations,malocclusion also significantly influences the psycho-social well-being of these children.Timely intervention in malocclusion can foster an environment conducive to dental-maxillofacial development and substantially decrease the incidence of malocclusion or reduce the severity and complexity of malocclusion in the permanent dentition,by mitigating the negative impact of abnormal environmental influences on the growth.Early orthodontic treatment encompasses accurate identification and treatment of dental and maxillofacial morphological and functional abnormalities during various stages of dental-maxillofacial development,ranging from fetal stages to the early permanent dentition phase.From an economic and societal standpoint,the urgency for effective early orthodontic treatments for malocclusions in childhood cannot be overstated,underlining its profound practical and social importance.This consensus paper discusses the characteristics and the detrimental effects of malocclusion in children,emphasizing critical need for early treatment.It elaborates on corresponding core principles and fundamental approaches in early orthodontics,proposing comprehensive guidance for preventive and interceptive orthodontic treatment,serving as a reference for clinicians engaged in early orthodontic treatment.

Melatonin improves synapse development by PI3K/Akt signaling in a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorders are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders involving more than 1100 genes,including Ctnnd2 as a candidate gene.Ctnnd2knockout mice,serving as an animal model of autis m,have been demonstrated to exhibit decreased density of dendritic spines.The role of melatonin,as a neuro hormone capable of effectively alleviating social interaction deficits and regulating the development of dendritic spines,in Ctnnd2 deletion-induced nerve injury remains unclea r.In the present study,we discove red that the deletion of exon 2 of the Ctnnd2 gene was linked to social interaction deficits,spine loss,impaired inhibitory neurons,and suppressed phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt) signal pathway in the prefrontal cortex.Our findings demonstrated that the long-term oral administration of melatonin for 28 days effectively alleviated the aforementioned abnormalities in Ctnnd2 gene-knockout mice.Furthermore,the administration of melatonin in the prefro ntal cortex was found to improve synaptic function and activate the PI3K/Akt signal pathway in this region.The pharmacological blockade of the PI3K/Akt signal pathway with a PI3K/Akt inhibitor,wo rtmannin,and melatonin receptor antagonists,luzindole and 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetralin,prevented the melatonin-induced enhancement of GABAergic synaptic function.These findings suggest that melatonin treatment can ameliorate GABAe rgic synaptic function by activating the PI3K/Akt signal pathway,which may contribute to the improvement of dendritic spine abnormalities in autism spectrum disorders.

Efficacy of Children Neuropsychological and Behavioral Scale in Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorders through a Combination of Developmental Surveillance

Objective This study aimed to explore the clinical value of Children Neuropsychological and Behavioral Scale-Revision 2016(CNBS-R2016)for Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD)screening in the presence of developmental surveillance.Methods All participants were evaluated by the CNBS-R2016 and Gesell Developmental Schedules(GDS).Spearman’s correlation coefficients and Kappa values were obtained.Taking GDS as a reference assessment,the performance of the CNBS-R2016 for detecting the developmental delays of children with ASD was analyzed with receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.The efficacy of the CNBS-R2016 to screen for ASD was explored by comparing Communication Warning Behavior with Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule,Second Edition(ADOS-2).Results In total,150 children aged 12–42 months with ASD were enrolled.The developmental quotients of the CNBS-R2016 were correlated with those of the GDS(r=0.62–0.94).The CNBS-R2016 and GDS had good diagnostic agreement for developmental delays(Kappa=0.73–0.89),except for Fine Motor.There was a significant difference between the proportions of Fine Motor,delays detected by the CNBS-R2016 and GDS(86.0%vs.77.3%).With GDS as a standard,the areas under the ROC curves of the CNBS-R2016 were above 0.95 for all the domains except Fine Motor,which was 0.70.In addition,the positive rate of ASD was 100.0%and 93.5%when the cut-off points of 7 and 12 in the Communication Warning Behavior subscale were used,respectively.Conclusion The CNBS-R2016 performed well in developmental assessment and screening for children with ASD,especially by Communication Warning Behaviors subscale.Therefore,the CNBS-R2016 is worthy of clinical application in children with ASD in China.

The optimal atropine concentration for myopia control in Chinese children: a systematic review and network Metaanalysis

AIM:To figure out whether various atropine dosages may slow the progression of myopia in Chinese kids and teenagers and to determine the optimal atropine concentration for effectively slowing the progression of myopia.METHODS:A systematic search was conducted across the Cochrane Library,PubMed,Web of Science,EMBASE,CNKI,CBM,VIP,and Wanfang database,encompassing literature on slowing progression of myopia with varying atropine concentrations from database inception to January 17,2024.Data extraction and quality assessment were performed,and a network Meta-analysis was executed using Stata version 14.0 Software.Results were visually represented through graphs.RESULTS:Fourteen papers comprising 2475 cases were included;five different concentrations of atropine solution were used.The network Meta-analysis,along with the surface under the cumulative ranking curve(SUCRA),showed that 1%atropine(100%)>0.05%atropine(74.9%)>0.025%atropine(51.6%)>0.02%atropine(47.9%)>0.01%atropine(25.6%)>control in refraction change and 1%atropine(98.7%)>0.05%atropine(70.4%)>0.02%atropine(61.4%)>0.025%atropine(42%)>0.01%atropine(27.4%)>control in axial length(AL)change.CONCLUSION:In Chinese children and teenagers,the five various concentrations of atropine can reduce the progression of myopia.Although the network Meta-analysis showed that 1%atropine is the best one for controlling refraction and AL change,there is a high incidence of adverse effects with the use of 1%atropine.Therefore,we suggest that 0.05%atropine is optimal for Chinese children to slow myopia progression.

Nutrition impacts of non-solid cooking fuel adoption on under-five children in developing countries

This paper examines the nutrition impacts of using non-solid cooking fuel on under-five children in developing countries.We draw on data from more than 1.12 million children in 62 developing countries from the Demographic and Health Surveys(DHS).Results from both fixed effects(FE)and instrumental variable(IV)estimates show that using non-solid cooking fuel significantly improves the nutrition outcomes of under-five children.Compared with their peers from households mainly using solid fuel,children from households mainly using non-solid fuel exhibit a lower probability of experiencing stunting(by 5.9 percentage points)and being underweight(by 1.2 percentage points).Our further investigation provides evidence for several underlying mechanisms,such as improved indoor air quality,induced reduction in children’s respiratory symptoms,benefits on maternal health,and reduction in maternal time spent on fuel collection or cooking.Heterogenous analyses suggest that the nutrition benefits of using non-solid cooking fuel are more prominent among boys,children above three years old,and those from households of lower socioeconomic status,rural areas,and Southeast Asia.

Association of preschool children behavior and emotional problems with the parenting behavior of both parents

BACKGROUND Parental behaviors are key in shaping children’s psychological and behavioral development,crucial for early identification and prevention of mental health issues,reducing psychological trauma in childhood.AIM To investigate the relationship between parenting behaviors and behavioral and emotional issues in preschool children.METHODS From October 2017 to May 2018,7 kindergartens in Ma’anshan City were selected to conduct a parent self-filled questionnaire-Health Development Survey of Preschool Children.Children’s Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire(Parent Version)was applied to measures the children’s behavioral and emotional performance.Parenting behavior was evaluated using the Parental Behavior Inventory.Binomial logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between the detection rate of preschool children’s behavior and emotional problems and their parenting behaviors.RESULTS High level of parental support/participation was negatively correlated with conduct problems,abnormal hyperactivity,abnormal total difficulty scores and abnormal prosocial behavior problems.High level of maternal support/participation was negatively correlated with abnormal emotional symptoms and abnormal peer interaction in children.High level of parental hostility/coercion was positively correlated with abnormal emotional symptoms,abnormal conduct problems,abnormal hyperactivity,abnormal peer interaction,and abnormal total difficulty scores in children(all P<0.05).Moreover,paternal parenting behaviors had similarly effects on behavior and emotional problems of preschool children compared with maternal parenting behaviors(all P>0.05),after calculating ratio of odds ratio values.CONCLUSION Our study found that parenting behaviors are associated with behavioral and emotional issues in preschool children.Overall,the more supportive or involved the parents are,the fewer behavioral and emotional problems the children experience;conversely,the more hostile or controlling the parents are,the more behavioral and emotional problems the children face.Moreover,the impact of fathers’parenting behaviors on preschool children’s behavior and emotions is no less significant than that of mothers’parenting behaviors.

Effect of lens surgery on health-related quality of life in preschool children with congenital ectopia lentis

AIM:To evaluate the effect of lens surgery on health-related quality of life(HRQoL)of preschool children with congenital ectopia lentis(CEL).METHODS:A prospective self-controlled study was conducted in Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center.Children aged from 5 to 7y whom were diagnosed with CEL and underwent phacoemulsification with scleral-fixated posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation and their parents were enrolled in this study.All of them completed the child and proxy(parental)PedsQL™4.0 before and after the surgery.Their preoperative scores were compared to their postoperative ones.Subgroup analyses were performed based on gender and preoperative bilateral presenting visual acuity of the children.RESULTS:Thirty-two children with CEL successfully underwent surgery without any complications,among whom 8 had monocular surgery and 24 had binocular surgery.Preoperative and postoperative questionnaires were completed by 32 child-parent pairs.Surgical intervention could significantly improve the vision of affected children(P<0.001).The medians of physical,psychosocial and total health scores self-reported by the children were 68.75(62.50,81.25),65.00(60.00,80.00)and 67.39(60.87,78.26)preoperatively and were 93.75(87.50,100.00),90.00(83.33,96.67)and 89.13(85.32,95.65)postoperatively.The preoperative scores of the affected children were significantly lower in all scales than age-matched healthy children(P<0.001).All the postoperative scores were significantly higher than the preoperative scores in affected children and their parents(P<0.001).In the physical functioning evaluation,the preoperative score reported by parents of girls was higher than parents of boys(P=0.041),and the postoperative score of girls was higher than that of boys(P=0.036).CONCLUSION:CEL is associated with significantly worse quality of life in preschool children.Surgical intervention can significantly improve the HRQoL in affected children from both personal and family perspective.

Early Detection of Autism in Children Using Transfer Learning

Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a challenging and complex neurodevelopment syndrome that affects the child’s language,speech,social skills,communication skills,and logical thinking ability.The early detection of ASD is essential for delivering effective,timely interventions.Various facial features such as a lack of eye contact,showing uncommon hand or body movements,bab-bling or talking in an unusual tone,and not using common gestures could be used to detect and classify ASD at an early stage.Our study aimed to develop a deep transfer learning model to facilitate the early detection of ASD based on facial fea-tures.A dataset of facial images of autistic and non-autistic children was collected from the Kaggle data repository and was used to develop the transfer learning AlexNet(ASDDTLA)model.Our model achieved a detection accuracy of 87.7%and performed better than other established ASD detection models.Therefore,this model could facilitate the early detection of ASD in clinical practice.

Survey and clinical considerations of gender identity in lower primary school children

BACKGROUND Gender consciousness directly affects the development of gender identity,which is a continuous and lifelong process.Meanwhile,hospitalization is a part of many children's lives and has an impact on their gender development.AIM To investigate the current situation of gender identity in lower primary school children by conducting a survey of 202 hospitalized children in the lower grades and to provide a theoretical basis and foundation for the cultivation of gender identity and medical treatment of children based on the results.This study aims to inspire clinical medical staff to scientifically and reasonably arrange hospital wards for lower primary school children and pay attention to gender protection during the medical treatment process and to help children shape a unified and clear gender identity,which will enable them to better integrate into society and promote their personality development.METHODS The gender consciousness scale for elementary and middle school students was RESULTS Gender identity was already present in lower primary school children.The children's gender roles and gender equality consciousness were strong,exceeding the critical value,but their gender characteristics,gender identity,and gender ideal consciousness were weak.Children aged 6 had the weakest gender identity,and girls had significantly stronger gender identity than boys.CONCLUSION Gender identity is already present in lower primary school children,providing a basis and inspiration for the cultivation of gender identity and medical treatment of lower primary school children.Clinical medical staff should be aware of and understand these results and should scientifically and reasonably arrange hospital wards for lower primary school children.

Research on the Intervention of Visual Cue Strategy on Self-Care Ability of Children with Autism

The formation of self-care ability is the first step for children with autism to enter the society,and it is also a prerequisite and guarantee for their independent survival.This study aimed to explore the impact of visual cue strategies on the self-care ability of children with autism.Based on the ABA design of a single case study,this research conducted a four-month intervention on a seven-year-old child with autism via visual cue strategy as independent variables and sock-wearing skills as dependent variables,in order to explore the effect of visual cue strategy on self-care ability of children with autism.It turned out that visual cue strategy exerts a positive immediate sustained effect and social validity on the self-care ability of children with autism.Lastly,suggestions were provided for future related research based on the research process,results,and limitations.

Pre-autism:Advancing early identification and intervention in autism

Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is often diagnosed long after symptoms have become noticeable.This delay can make it difficult to provide early intervention,which can impact long-term outcomes.The concept of"pre-autism"highlights the phase before a formal diagnosis of ASD,providing an opportunity for earlier identification and intervention,which could be a turning point in ASD management.In a previous article,we explored different ways of diagnosing pre-autism,including historical records,physical markers,laboratory tests,and radiological evidence.This manuscript builds on that foundation by emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in ASD.Recent research advancements have clarified that ASD presentations can be complex,and individualized support strategies are necessary.The significance of pre-autism lies in its potential to alter the trajectory of ASD through early detection and intervention despite challenges such as limited awareness and variability in symptom presentation.Biomarkers and diagnostic tools have shown promise as avenues for early detection,but it is essential to exercise caution and not rely too heavily on yet-tobe-established markers.Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort to increase awareness,improve access to diagnostic tools,and foster inclusive environments.Ultimately,this manuscript calls for ongoing research,advocacy,and resource allocation to enhance early detection and intervention efforts,ensuring optimal outcomes for individuals on the autism spectrum.