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Author(s): R. Matthew Reese[sup.1] , T. Rene Jamison[sup.1] , Matt Braun[sup.1] , Maura Wendland[sup.1] , William Black[sup.2] , Megan Hadorn[sup.1] , Eve-Lynn Nelson[sup.3] , Carole Prather[sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) Center [...], Children living in rural and underserved areas experience decreased access to health care services and are often diagnosed with autism at a later age compared to those living in urban or suburban areas. This study examines the utility and validity of an ASD assessment protocol conducted via video conferencing (VC). Participants (n = 17) included families with young children (2.5-6 years) requesting an evaluation for ASD in an interdisciplinary clinic. We randomly assigned families to complete an additional evaluation either in-person or via VC prior to their clinic appointment and compared diagnostic impressions to their interdisciplinary clinic evaluation. Results demonstrate excellent inter-rater agreement on diagnoses between clinicians in the VC setting and the interdisciplinary team, which suggests VC may be a viable method to increase access to autism diagnostic services, and ultimately early intervention, for families in rural and underserved areas.

Expanding on Reese et al. [2003], functional behavioral assessment interviews [O'Neill et al., 1997] concerning disruptive behavior were conducted with parents of 23 children with autism (6 females, 17 males, [...]

Byline: R. Matthew Reese (1), James A. Sherman (1), Jan B. Sheldon (1) Keywords: Disruptive behavior; DRO; autism; mental retardation Abstract: A treatment package consisting of a DRO procedure, token fines, and prompted relaxation was used to reduce the agitated-disruptive behavior of a person with autism and mental retardation living in a community group home. The agitated-disruptive behaviors (cursing, hitting, kicking, throwing objects, and verbal threats) were measured during three different activities in a group home. The baseline rates of the agitated-disruptive behavior during one of these activities was relatively low, during another was moderate, and during the third was high. DRO procedures were partially implemented by a peer with Down syndrome and mental retardation during a portion of the study. Effects of the DRO procedures were as follows: During each activity an initial reduction of agitated-disruptive behavior was dependent on choosing an appropriate DRO interval, with shorter DRO intervals required during activities in which the baseline rates of the agitated-disruptive behavior were higher. Once shorter DRO intervals had been used to reduce agitated-disruptive behavior, longer DRO intervals were effective in maintaining those reductions. Reductions were maintained for up to 6 months. Author Affiliation: (1) Child Development Unit--Kansas UAP and Department of Human Development and Family Life, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, 66045 Article History: Registration Date: 29/09/2004

Byline: Stephen R. Schroeder (1), Johannes Rojahn (2), R. Matthew Reese (3) Author Affiliation: (1) Life Span Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, 66045 (2) Nisonger Center UAP, The Ohio State University, USA (3) Child Development Unit, University of Kansas Medical Center, USA Article History: Registration Date: 08/09/2004

Risperidone has shown safety and efficacy for aggressive and destructive behaviors in short-term studies. This longer-duration study includes a broad sample. Forty subjects, aged 8-56 years (mean=22), all with mental retardation and 36 with autism spectrum disorders participated in this 22-week crossover study, with 24 weeks of open maintenance thereafter. Of 40 subjects, 23 (57.5%) responded fully (50% decrease in Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community Irritability subscale score), while 35 subjects (87.5%) showed a 25% decrease. Gender, mood disorder, and antiseizure medications did not alter response. Increased appetite and weight gain were common. Low dose risperidone was effective for aggressive behavior in persons with MR. More long-term studies are needed, incorporating weight control interventions.