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Individuals with ASD display deficits in social interaction and communication across multiple contexts, making social communication a primary intervention target in school and community-based settings. Social narratives (SN) are designed to be implemented easily and flexibly by numerous caregivers and interventionists, provided that correct training is given. However, research findings regarding the efficacy of SN have been mixed. Much previous research has used generic forms of SN, in which pictures are not individualized to the child and the setting in which change is desired. In addition, the presumed mechanism of change in most social narrative research has been that narratives are skill-building, thus resulting in long-term and persistent effects. However, little research has supported or examined that assumption. The present study examined the efficacy of SN presented via various delivery methods, including written narratives with generic pictures, written narratives with personalized pictures, and written narratives with personalized pictures plus role play. Brief experimental analysis followed by extended analysis facilitated an examination of whether SN resulted in rapid generalization, or may function more similarly to antecedent interventions, such as prompts. Findings with three children with ASD whose special education teacher implemented SN indicate that some degree of personalization is more effective than generic presentation of SN. While SN appeared to sometimes produce generalizable gains, such effects were neither immediate nor as strong as when SN was used immediately prior to observation. Implications and future directions are discussed.

Background. GPs can refer obese children living in deprived areas to multidisciplinary programmes for a weight loss intervention, though the effectiveness of these local initiatives targeted to this specific group is unknown. Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of the Kids4Fit intervention in deprived areas on child's weight status. Methods. Design and setting: cohort study, including a waiting list control period. Subjects: children (N = 154) aged 6-12 years, who signed up for the Kids4Fit intervention programme, led by a dietitian, physiotherapist and child psychologist were included. Measurements of standardized body mass index (BMI-z) and waist circumference were taken at start of the waiting list period, at start and at the end of the intervention and after 52 weeks. Mixed model analyses (random effects models) were used, expressed in effect per week [β with 95% confidence interval (CI)], compared to the waiting list expectancy over the 52-week study period. Results. Mixed model analyses showed a non-significant trend towards a lower BMI-z up to 52 weeks after start of Kids4Fit (β: -0.0024; 95% CI: -0.0053; 0.0004), compared to the waiting list expectancy. A significantly lower waist circumference was found over time compared to the waiting list expectancy (β: -0.0558; 95% CI: -0.0950; -0.0166). No differences were found in lifestyle and health-related quality of life. Conclusion. A local multidisciplinary intervention programme in deprived areas is effective in reducing waist circumference of obese children, compared to a waiting list expectancy, but no significant changes in lifestyle and quality of life were shown.

To assess the effect of multidisciplinary intervention (MI) programs for overweight and obese children on quality of life (QoL). Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant studies without date restrictions up to July 2014. Included were randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials evaluating an MI aimed to reduce weight in overweight children and reporting QoL. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane guidelines. Data were pooled for short- (up to 6 months) and long-term (12-18 months) effects using a random effects model. In total, 11 studies were included, studying a total of 997 children aged 3-18 years. No significant differences were found between MI and control interventions on short-term QoL outcomes [mean difference (MD) 1.73, 95 % confidence interval (CI) -0.26 to 3.73 on a 0-100 scale]. Long-term results showed a nonsignificant trend toward a higher QoL in children following an MI program compared with control interventions (MD 4.40 95 % CI -0.12 to 8.92). There is insufficient evidence that MI programs, aimed to reduce weight in overweight and obese children, improve QoL.