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Visual-motor Connectivity Disruption and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Biological Psychiatry published research comparing resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans from 100 8- to 12-year-old children of which 50 had a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The results were analyzed and functional connectivity was estimated between visual and motor systems. Brain-behavior relationships were evaluated by regressing functional connectivity measures with social deficit […]

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Implicit Versus Explicit Motor Learning in Boys with Autism

Research in Developmental Disabilities published an article comparing implicit versus explicit motor learning in 30 boys with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their age and IQ matched peers.  Each children participated in a serial reaction time task (SRTT).  The children were separated into different groups based on diagnosis and implicit or explicit learning for the […]

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Self Regulation, Cognitive Abilities and Motor Disabilities

Research in Developmental Disabilities published research on secondary and post-secondary student with congenital motor disabilities.  By examining a task of throwing a ball at a target, data was collected on self-regulatory aspects (i.e., goal-setting, self-efficacy and self-evaluation). Participants were divided into four subgroups: 1.) normal cognitive development and mild physical disabilities 2.)normal cognitive development and […]

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Light Touch, Postural Sway and Children with Autism

Gait & Posture published research comparing 16 children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and 16 typically developing children (TD) to determine the effects of a light fingertip touch on postural control.  Postural sway was measured with a force platform in different conditions: anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions, light fingertip touch (LT) and no touch […]

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Physical Activity and Adolescents with Autism

Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly published research on a questionnaire completed by 35 adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 60 typically developing (TD) adolescents comparing physical activity enjoyment, perceived barriers, beliefs, and self-efficacy.   The results indicated the following: fewer adolescents with ASD enjoyed team sports – 65% vs. 95% of TD adolescents. fewer adolescents […]

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Pool Noodle Quick Fix

Do you have any students who need just a little extra reminder of where the chair ends?  Maybe an external cue of where to put their hips?  Grab a pool noodle.  Measure it to fit the seat of the chair and cut off the excess.  Use some duct tape and strap it to the chair. […]

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Try One More Time

During pediatric therapy sessions children are frequently encouraged to try just one more time. Here is an inspirational poster to remind us that the path to success requires many trials and even errors but never give up! To find out more about the full color, high quality 11″x17″ poster go to https://www.yourtherapysource.com/postertry.html.  To see the other […]

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Heart Rate, Motor Skills and Children with Autism

Physiology & Behavior published research on 20 children – 10 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 10 control subjects to determine how the heart rate adjusts during different physical tests. Each participant was evaluated using the Eurofit Physical Fitness Test Battery with constant heart rate monitoring. In addition, their parents completed the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. […]

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Neurobiology of Sensory Overresponsivity in Children with Autism

JAMA Psychiatry published research on the neurobiological basis of sensory overresponsivity (an extreme negative reaction to sensory stimuli) in youth with autism.  Since more than half of youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have sensory overresponsivity (SOR)  the researchers wanted to use functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the differences in brain responses, habituation, and connectivity during […]