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Children in lower income households are less likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and diagnosis is often delayed. Lack of or delayed identification of ASD minimizes a child’s ability to receive effective early intervention services that support development of functional independence skills. Research has yet to identify relationships between functional independence and household income for children with ASD. A cross-sectional national survey with 231 caregivers of children with autism aged 2–12 years was conducted. Caregivers completed a 90-min survey examining family demographics, intervention services, autism symptom severity, and children’s functional behavioral outcomes. Significant differences in functional independence behavior scores were identified for children from the highest and lowest income categories when controlling for autism symptom severity, age of diagnosis, and receipt of intervention services. This study provides preliminary evidence to support the association between income and functional independent behavior for children with ASD.

Background Understanding the daily health experiences of people with intellectual disability is necessary to illuminate factors that may be influencing health and health disparities. The objective of this study is to understand how people with intellectual disability participate in and access health promotion. Methods Ten adults with intellectual disability engaged in an adapted photovoice study. Results Four themes emerged: Health Is Who We Are; Health is What We Do; Health Is Our Body, Mind, and Place; and Barriers and Facilitators. Participants communicated an understanding of health, a strong identity of themselves as being healthy, and diverse participation in health promotion. Additionally, participants identified specific resources and support necessary to pursue health. Participants' broad description of health aligns with understandings of the social determinants of health. Conclusion Participant's holistic view of health and experienced factors of health promotion should inform the development and implementation of inclusive health programming for people with intellectual disability.

Background and Objectives Though exercise for care recipients receives considerable emphasis, few dyadic studies focus on caregivers. This systematic review identified dyadic exercise interventions, which measured outcomes for older adult caregivers. Studies that met inclusion criteria were examined to better understand whether caregivers derived greater benefit from exercising with care recipients, or not exercising at all. Research Design and Methods PRISMA guidelines were followed to identify quantitative studies of dyadic exercise interventions in which caregivers enrolled with care recipients, and either coparticipated in exercise; or while their care recipients exercised independently, caregivers received a separate, nonexercise intervention or usual care (UC). To be included, studies had to measure physical or psychosocial outcomes for caregivers. Study quality was assessed via the Downs and Black checklist. Results Eleven studies met inclusion criteria. In six, the dyad exercised; in five, care recipients exercised while caregivers received a separate program, or UC. Results suggest that caregivers may improve both psychosocial and physical health when exercising together with care recipients. Caregivers who did not exercise but received a separate, nonexercise intervention, such as support, education, or respite, showed psychosocial benefits. Those who received UC were less likely to derive physical or psychosocial benefits. Included studies were fair to good quality with moderate to high risk of bias. Discussion and Implications Often examined secondarily, caregivers are overlooked for participation in interventions with care recipients. This analysis suggests that caregivers may benefit from dyadic interventions in which they either exercise together with their care recipients or receive a separate nonexercise intervention or respite.

Motor challenges are commonly reported in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Yet, there is substantial heterogeneity in motor ability within ASD, and it is unknown what behavioral characteristics best explain individual differences in motor ability in ASD and related conditions. This observational study examined motor ability as a function of sensory features, attention deficit/hyperactivity symptoms, ASD symptoms, and IQ in 110 children with ASD, typical development, or an intermediate behavioral profile. While motor challenges were more prevalent in the ASD group compared to other groups, sensory symptom severity and IQ across all individuals best predicted motor performance above-and-beyond group status. Therefore, motor challenges may be best characterized by individual variation in sensory features and cognitive abilities rather than diagnostic group.

Infants exposed to Zika virus (ZIKV) prenatally may develop birth defects, developmental deficits, or remain asymptomatic. It is unclear why some infants are more affected than others, although enhancement of maternal ZIKV infection via immunity to an antigenically similar virus, dengue virus (DENV), may play a role. We hypothesized that DENV immunity may worsen prenatal ZIKV infection and developmental deficits in offspring. We utilized a translational macaque model to examine how maternal DENV immunity influences ZIKV-exposed infant macaque neurodevelopment in the first month of life. We inoculated eight macaques with prior DENV infection with ZIKV, five macaques with ZIKV, and four macaques with saline. DENV/ZIKV-exposed infants had significantly worse visual orientation skills than ZIKV-exposed infants whose mothers were DENV-naive, with no differences in motor, sensory or state control development. ZIKV infection characteristics and pregnancy outcomes did not individually differ between dams with and without DENV immunity, but when multiple factors were combined in a multivariate model, maternal DENV immunity combined with ZIKV infection characteristics and pregnancy parameters predicted select developmental outcomes. We demonstrate that maternal DENV immunity exacerbates visual orientation and tracking deficits in ZIKV-exposed infant macaques, suggesting that human studies should evaluate how maternal DENV immunity impacts long-term neurodevelopment.

Date Presented 04/01/2022 Understanding the full spectrum of deficits and early predictors associated with Zika virus (ZIKV) is important for OTs to provide early intervention therapy to maximize long-term child functional outcomes. Using a rhesus macaque model, we examined the impact of ZIKV on gait development. Compared with controls, macaques with prenatal exposure to ZIKV demonstrated less balance over the first month of life, potentially identifying an early predictor of late-onset functional motor deficits. Primary Author and Speaker: Sabrina Kabakov Additional Authors and Speakers: Karla Ausderau Contributing Authors: Natalie Dulaney, Jack Drew, Madison Stumpf, Kristen A. Pickett, Emma Mohr

Date Presented 04/02/2022 Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have significant feeding challenges that create barriers to successful mealtimes. A qualitative study consisted of thematic analysis of 12 semistructured interviews of mothers who participated in 24 home-based feeding sessions and parent education to examine the perceived impact of parent-mediated feeding therapy. Data validated the complexity of maternal roles and supported positive child-specific goals as well as parenting efficacy and family participation. Primary Author and Speaker: Libby Hladik Additional Authors and Speakers: Karla Ausderau, Brittany St John

Date Presented 03/31/2022 Health disparities exist for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Health-related research addressing health and well-being rarely includes individuals with IDD and their caregiving communities as a result of misconceptions regarding their ability and interest in research. OT research should include self-advocates with IDD; this presentation will discuss how to effectively integrate stakeholders in the production and dissemination of health research. Primary Author and Speaker: Allison Doerpinghaus Additional Authors and Speakers: Libby Hladik, Megan Gray, Natalie Dulaney, Karla Ausderau Contributing Authors: John Rogers, Brittany St John, Nicole Noblet, Kayte Barton

Congenital Zika virus (ZIKV) exposure results in a spectrum of disease ranging from severe birth defects to delayed onset neurodevelopmental deficits. ZIKV-related neuropathogenesis, predictors of birth defects, and neurodevelopmental deficits are not well defined in people. Here we assess the methodological and statistical feasibility of a congenital ZIKV exposure macaque model for identifying infant neurobehavior and brain abnormalities that may underlie neurodevelopmental deficits. We inoculated five pregnant macaques with ZIKV and mock-inoculated one macaque in the first trimester. Following birth, growth, ocular structure/function, brain structure, hearing, histopathology, and neurobehavior were quantitatively assessed during the first week of life. We identified the typical pregnancy outcomes of congenital ZIKV infection, with fetal demise and placental abnormalities. We estimated sample sizes needed to define differences between groups and demonstrated that future studies quantifying brain region volumes, retinal structure, hearing, and visual pathway function require a sample size of 14 animals per group (14 ZIKV, 14 control) to detect statistically significant differences in at least half of the infant exam parameters. Establishing the parameters for future studies of neurodevelopmental outcomes following congenital ZIKV exposure in macaques is essential for robust and rigorous experimental design.

Participatory action research methodologies may empower and protect marginalized individuals; however, they remain underutilized. Limited studies have investigated the impact of participatory action research, specifically on individuals with intellectual disability (ID). This study examines (1) the perspectives of co-researchers with ID on their involvement in the research process and (2) the feasibility of their inclusion based on perspectives of research staff (academic faculty and graduate students without ID). Three co-researchers with ID were interviewed regarding their research participation. Thematic analysis of interviews identified four themes: (1) Shared Experience of Disability, (2) Teaching and Guidance, (3) Acquisition of Skills and Knowledge, and (4) Value of Participation. Research staff reviewed field notes and identified benefits and challenges to feasibility of including co-researchers with ID. Inclusion of co-researchers with ID was found to be both meaningful and feasible.

Date Presented 04/20/21 This systematic review included 11 studies examining the effects of caregiver–care recipient dyad exercise interventions on caregiver health outcomes. Benefits for caregivers were compared among those participating in dyadic exercise with a care recipient, those receiving a separate nonexercise intervention while their care recipients exercised, and those remaining in their role with usual care. Results suggest involvement in dyadic exercise produces both physical and psychosocial benefits. Primary Author and Speaker: Kecia Doyle Contributing Authors: Erika Kemp

Date Presented 04/13/21 Individuals with intellectual disabilities have a high risk for obesity. The effectiveness of community-based interventions at improving obesity-related outcomes was assessed. Results showed low to moderate evidence for nutritional, physical activity, and health knowledge and self-efficacy outcomes and low evidence for physical fitness. OTs are well suited to align community-based interventions with meaningful outcomes to improve the health and well-being of people with intellectual disabilities. Primary Author and Speaker: Yasmeena Ougayour Additional Authors and Speakers: Stacey Reynolds

Date Presented Accepted for AOTA INSPIRE 2021 but unable to be presented due to online event limitations. The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of a parent-mediated, in-home feeding intervention (parent training, direct intervention, and parent coaching) over 6 months for families with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The findings support preliminary evidence that the intervention improves eating skills and mealtime behaviors in children with ASD and the need for more targeted feeding interventions for children with ASD that involve the parents in the natural context of the home. Primary Author and Speaker: Karla Ausderau Additional Authors and Speakers: Brittany St John, Libby Hladik, Shannon Kant, Jessica Muesbeck, and Holly Romaniak

BACKGROUND: Objective gait evaluation in humans is used as a predictive disability outcome measure as well as an indicator for intervention effectiveness. Parallel methods of gait analysis in nonhuman primate models are essential for clinical translation. The goal of this study was to first assess whether marmosets’ gait data could be reliably collected in a Noldus CatWalk XT10.6 and second, establish a testing protocol to assess gait and the intraindividual variability during repeated testing. NEW METHOD: The CatWalk, originally developed for rodents, was modified and used to assess gait in eight adult common marmoset monkeys across multiple days and trials. Data was first analyzed to identify valid runs. Repeated measures ANOVA was completed for the following gate measures: mean base of support, average stride length, average swing time, and average stance time. RESULTS: Raters had a high level of concurrence of usable data across all trials with successful trials including four consecutive hindfoot footfalls, during a continuous, uninterrupted segment of walking. A significant main effect of time (p

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness of parent-mediated interventions on occupational performance of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHOD. We conducted a search of academic databases using terms such as autism spectrum disorder, parent, caregiver, and intervention. Five hundred eighty-two articles were reviewed, and 109 were selected for full-text review. The final analysis included 13 articles. RESULTS. Strong evidence was found for the efficacy of parent-mediated intervention for increasing child joint attention. Moderate evidence was found for the improvement of language scores, expressive language, nonverbal communication, initiation and response to interaction, behavior, play, adaptive functioning, ASD symptoms, and social communication. CONCLUSION. This systematic review suggests that parent-mediated interventions for children with ASD can improve various aspects of communication and ASD symptoms, with emerging support for occupational performance. Occupational therapy practitioners are well suited to facilitate these interventions to support families with children with autism.

Sensory features are prevalent and heterogeneous across children with ASD and these features have been associated with child outcomes. Identification of clinically defined sensory subtypes may enhance our understanding of unique phenotypes that have implications for etiology, prognosis, and intervention. This longitudinal study used a national online survey aimed to identify associations of previously validated sensory subtypes to specific child and family characteristics and functional outcomes [vineland adaptive behavior scale-II (VABS) and parenting stress index short form (PSI)]. The sensory experiences questionnaire-3.0 was collected from caregivers with children with ASD, ages 2–12, at two time points (Time 1, n = 1307, Time 2, n = 884), 1 year apart. Functional outcomes assessments were collected at the second time point. A latent profile transition analysis (LPTA) was used to test associations, and results indicated that the attenuated-preoccupied subtype presented with the significantly lowest levels of VABS adaptive behavior composite scores compared to the other three sensory subtypes. Both the VABS maladaptive behavior index and the total PSI score were significantly highest in the extreme-mixed subtype. These results underscore the clinical utility of this subtyping approach for differentiating characteristics and functional outcomes associated with clinically defined sensory phenotypes. These findings may have implications for better understanding etiology, prognosis, and more precise targets for interventions designed to ameliorate sensory difficulties, and ultimately mitigate negative developmental consequences and parenting stress. Autism Res 2016, 9: 1316–1327. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Date Presented 03/27/20 The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of a parent-mediated, in-home feeding intervention (parent-training, direct intervention, and parent coaching) over six months for families with children with ASD. The findings support preliminary evidence of the intervention at improving eating skills and mealtime behaviors in children with ASD and the need for more targeted feeding interventions for children with ASD that involve the parents within the natural context of the home. Primary Author and Speaker: Karla Ausderau Additional Authors and Speakers: Shannon Kant, Jessica Muesbeck, Libby Hladik, Holly Romaniak, Brittany St. John

Date Presented 03/26/20 This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of intervention at improving dietary intake in children with autism. Overall, limited to moderate evidence supported behavior modification and desensitization practices within interdisciplinary feeding teams to increase food variety directed at improving dietary status. The impact of intervention on a child’s dietary status in addition to feeding behaviors should be considered when working with children with autism and feeding challenges. Primary Author and Speaker: Amanda Malzacher Additional Authors and Speakers: Sophia Slocum Contributing Authors: Karla Ausderau

Date Presented 03/27/20 Individuals with intellectual disabilities have a high risk of obesity. The effectiveness of community-based interventions at improving obesity-related outcomes was assessed. Results showed low to moderate evidence for nutritional, physical activity, and health knowledge and self-efficacy outcomes and low evidence for physical fitness. OTs are well-suited to align community-based interventions with meaningful outcomes to improve the health and well-being of people with intellectual disabilities. Primary Author and Speaker: Megan Gray Additional Authors and Speakers: Kathryn Bach, Yasmeena Ougayour, Karla Ausderau

Date Presented 03/26/20 People with IDD and their caregivers have lacked the opportunity for meaningful research participation and the chance to be engaged partners in the research process. This capacity-building study collaborated with Special Olympics to develop a skilled community of stakeholders to participate in the development and evaluation of health outcomes for research. Primary Author and Speaker: Karla Ausderau Additional Authors and Speakers: Libby Hladik, Megan Gray

Date Presented 03/26/20 Transmission of Zika virus from a mother to an infant results in a spectrum of mild to severe deficits. Using a rhesus macaque model, the impact of Zika on gait development was examined using the Noldus Catwalk XT. Infants exposed to the Zika virus in utero, compared to control animals, used a less mature gait over the first month of life, specifically related to their use of diagonal walking patterns. Primary Author and Speaker: Sabrina Kabakov Additional Authors and Speakers: Sarah Navin, Natalie Dulaney, Kathryn Bach, Karla Ausderau

Date Presented Accepted for AOTA INSPIRE 2021 but unable to be presented due to online event limitations. This study presents the relationships between different types of feeding challenges for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to specific sensory patterns, parenting stress, and overall adaptive behaviors. The findings of this study suggest children with ASD demonstrate unique patterns of feeding challenges and sensory responses that are significantly connected to parenting stress and adaptive behavior and can inform the development of targeted family-centered feeding interventions. Primary Author and Speaker: Brittany St John Additional Authors and Speakers: Muhammad Al-Heizan, Molly Hamre, and Karla Ausderau Contributing Authors: Kate Dorrance, Colleen Althoff

Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) are at an increased risk for health disparities that serve as barriers to participation in daily occupations. Understanding the lived experience of individuals with ID can illuminate barriers and facilitators to these health-promoting occupations. Commonly used methods examining health for individuals with ID may not reveal important information about their daily participation potentially due to cognitive or communication limitations. Participatory action research including Photovoice is a viable alternative to meet their unique needs.The purpose of this study was to describe the process of using a Photovoice method with individuals with ID and present results from two participants to understand their meaning of health.An analysis of two participants is provided to illustrate the use of Photovoice.Three themes, Personal Identity of Health, Nutrition, and Meaningful Occupation were identified using photos, personal narratives, and focus group data.Participants had complex definitions of health that are better understood through the composite of narrative descriptions and visual data as compared to more commonly used research methods. The use of a Photovoice method allowed participants to communicate additional depth and complexity of their understanding of health that has not been previously captured.

Mealtime is an important family routine commonly affected for families with children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Limited research is available regarding strategies families incorporate to support mealtime engagement. The purpose of this study was to explore the frequency and characterize the purpose of Props used during mealtimes with children with ASD. A total of 12 families with a child(ren), N = 14, aged 2 to 7 years, with ASD and mealtime challenges or eating difficulties participated in video-recorded mealtimes in their home. Independent coders analyzed mealtimes for the frequency and purpose of Props (items used to support child participation during mealtime). Props were used by 75% of families ( n = 9); common Props included toys, electronics, and books. Props were used primarily as a self-regulation tool for the child and occasionally as positive reinforcement for specific behaviors. Overall, Props were used to support child engagement in mealtime. Occupational therapists should consider using Props as individualized, accessible, and supportive mealtime interventions for families and children.

Background In utero Zika virus (ZIKV) infection causes birth defects and neurodevelopmental deficits in neonates. We reasoned that a translational macaque model of congenital ZIKV infection could define disease pathophysiology not possible in human clinical studies. Methods We inoculated 5 pregnant rhesus macaques with a Puerto Rican isolate of ZIKV (ZIKV-PRVABC59) during the first trimester, monitored infection with plasma viral RNA (vRNA) loads, and evaluated infants for birth defects and neurodevelopmental deficits during their first week of life. Assessments included neurobehavioral assessments, ophthalmic examinations, optical coherence tomography, electroretinography with visual evoked potentials, hearing examinations, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and tissue histopathological analyses. Results All five pregnant dams demonstrated plasma viremia and seroconversion following ZIKV inoculation. One of the five pregnancies resulted in a stillbirth. All liveborn infants had decreased feeding volumes and weight gain compared with control infants. A comprehensive voxel-based morphometric comparison of ZIKV-exposed and control infant brain MRIs identified increased gray matter volume and density in the frontal lobe in the ZIKV-exposed infant group, which corresponds to the pharyngeal motor cortex responsible for coordinating swallowing. Ocular studies identified differences between ZIKV-exposed and control infants in retinal layer thicknesses (inner plexiform, outer nuclear layers, photoreceptor outer segment) and visual evoked potentials (increased amplitude of waveforms). While ZIKV vRNA was detected in the decidua of 2/5 pregnancies, no ZIKV vRNA was identified in infant tissues and none of the infants developed an anti-ZIKV IgM response. Conclusion In utero ZIKV exposure resulted in decreased feeding volumes and weight gain, which may be related to the gray matter changes identified in the pharyngeal motor cortex. Changes in retinal layer thicknesses and increased cortical visual pathway waveform amplitude suggest vision may be impaired. These changes occurred despite the lack of evidence of vertical transmission, suggesting that ZIKV exposure without measurable vertical transmission affects fetal brain development. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Sensory features are highly prevalent among children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and have been shown to cluster into four patterns of response, including hyperresponsiveness, hyporesponsiveness, enhanced perception, and sensory interests, repetitions and seeking behaviors. Given the lack of large-scale research on the differential effects of sensory response patterns on children's participation in specific activities, this study investigated the extent to which sensory response patterns impacted six dimensions of children's activity participation as measured by the Home and Community Activities Scale among a large, national sample of school aged children with ASD (n = 674). Using mixed model regression, results showed that sensory response patterns differentially impacted dimensions of activity participation, and associations were moderated by a number of child characteristics.

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is an increasingly popular non-human primate species for developing transgenic and genomic edited models of neurological disorders. These models present an opportunity to assess from birth the impact of genetic mutations and to identify candidate predictive biomarkers of early disease onset. In order to apply findings from marmosets to humans, a cross-species comparison of typical development is essential. Aiming to identify similarities, differences, and gaps in knowledge of neurodevelopment we evaluated peer-reviewed literature focused on the first six months of life of marmosets and compared to humans. Five major developmental constructs, including reflexes and reactions, motor, feeding, self-help, and social, were compared. Numerous similarities were identified in the developmental sequences with differences often influenced by the purpose of the behavior, specifically for marmoset survival. The lack of detailed knowledge of marmoset development was exposed as related to the vast resources for humans.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to empirically derive dimensions of activity participation among a sample of school-age children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; n = 713). Additionally, we examined the associations between dimensions of activity participation and child characteristics (i.e., chronological age, autism severity, gender) and family demographics (i.e., maternal education). METHOD. Exploratory factor analysis was used to determine the factors on the Home and Community Activities Scale (HCAS). Multiple regression was used to examine the extent to which child characteristics and family demographics were related to HCAS dimensions. RESULTS. A six-factor model best characterized activity participation among the school-age children with ASD, and child characteristics and family demographics were differentially associated with HCAS dimensions. CONCLUSION. The findings have implications for how activities may be categorized for children with ASD and suggest that the frequency of specific activities is affected by child characteristics and maternal education.

Date Presented 04/06/19 Individuals with ID experience limited autonomy in occupational engagement impacting their health promoting occupations. Photovoice was used to allow individuals with ID to capture their lived experience of health, occupational participation, and barriers to participation. Understanding the perspective of individuals with ID will contribute to the development of novel health promotion programing. Primary Author and Speaker: Brittany St. John Additional Authors and Speakers: Karla Ausderau, Holly Romaniak, Elisabeth Hladik

Date Presented 04/06/19 A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of public space interventions promoting community engagement for families with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Findings suggest a dearth of research and limited evidence supporting current effectiveness. Further research and collaboration among OTs, stakeholders, and public institutions are needed to increase opportunities for families' meaningful participation in the community. Primary Author and Speaker: Holly Romaniak Additional Authors and Speakers: Elisabeth Hladik, Karla Ausderau

Date Presented 04/04/19 Special Olympics athletes are individuals with intellectual disabilities who participate in sports training and competition to encourage their development of physical fitness and life skills. In addition, Special Olympics regularly conducts health promotion programming. Health outcomes between Special Olympic athletes and nonathletes with intellectual disabilities were compared using a state-wide Medicaid data set to determine potential benefits of participation in Special Olympics. Primary Author and Speaker: Karla Ausderau Additional Authors and Speakers: Brittany St. John, Elisabeth Hladik, Holly Romaniak, Muhammad Al-Heizan

This national online survey study characterized sensory features in 1,307 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) ages 2–12 years using the Sensory Experiences Questionnaire Version 3.0 (SEQ-3.0). Using the SEQ-3.0, a confirmatory factor analytic model with four substantive factors of hypothesized sensory response patterns (i.e., hyporesponsiveness; hyperresponsiveness; sensory interests, repetitions and seeking behaviors; enhanced perception), five method factors of sensory modalities (i.e., auditory, visual, tactile, gustatory/olfactory, vestibular/proprioceptive), and one of social context were tested with good model fit. Child and family characteristics associated with the sensory response patterns were explored. The effect of sensory response patterns on autism severity was tested, controlling for key child and family characteristics. The SEQ-3.0 demonstrates an empirically valid factor structure specific to ASD that considers sensory response patterns, modalities, and social context.

Pediatric occupational therapy practitioners frequently provide interventions for children with differences in sensory processing and integration. Confusion exists regarding how best to intervene with these children and about how to describe and document methods. Some practitioners hold the misconception that Ayres Sensory Integration intervention is the only approach that can and should be used with this population. The issue is that occupational therapy practitioners must treat the whole client in varied environments; to do so effectively, multiple approaches to intervention often are required. This article presents a framework for conceptualizing interventions for children with differences in sensory processing and integration that incorporates multiple evidence-based approaches. To best meet the needs of the children and families seeking occupational therapy services, interventions must be focused on participation and should be multifaceted.

Background Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is known to be associated with a range of developmental challenges, yet the occurrence and intensity of therapy services along with associated factors have not been determined. Method In a US national survey, caregivers provided information regarding the therapy services received by their sons (n = 1013) and daughters (n = 283) with FXS (from birth to 63 years; mean = 15.6 years, SD = 10.6). Caregivers reported (1) type, (2) amount, (3) location, and (4) overall satisfaction with services. Associations with other child variables and family income were also examined. Results Key findings included that 72% of males and 47% of females were currently receiving at least one type of therapy service; the most common services for both males and females were speech–language therapy (ST) and occupational therapy (OT). Overall, males were more likely to receive therapy services as well as a greater number of services than females. Autism status was significantly associated with both males and females receiving ST and males receiving OT and behaviour management therapy. Therapies were provided in a variety of locations, and parents were generally satisfied with the amount and quality of therapy services. Age-related declines were evident in the use of services for both males and females, with very few individuals receiving any therapy services after 20 years of age. Conclusions This study provides a baseline description of the current state of therapy services for children with FXS, laying a foundation for future research and recommendations for service provision and policy.

OBJECTIVE. We identified and described the strategies parents use to support the mealtime participation of their child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHOD. Twelve families with children with ASD (ages 2–7 yr) participated in videotaped mealtime observations. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify strategies families used to facilitate participation. RESULTS. Six categories were identified: (1) parent intervening and ignoring, (2) meal preparation and adaptability, (3) play and imagination, (4) distractions, (5) positive reinforcements, and (6) modeling. Props—common child objects that support the child’s mealtime participation—were used in the context of multiple strategies. In addition, increased parental vigilance emerged as an important component of all family mealtimes. CONCLUSION. Families used multiple strategies within and across mealtimes, highlighting the individualistic nature of feeding challenges. Understanding parent mealtime strategies allows for further investigation into the efficacy and development of intervention strategies to promote mealtime participation of children with ASD.

Date Presented 4/21/2018 Findings from this study provide preliminary confirmation of the construct validity of the Feeding Assessment for Children With Autism, providing researchers and clinicians with a comprehensive and psychometrically sound assessment tool to assess the unique feeding challenges of children with autism. Primary Author and Speaker: Karla Ausderau Additional Authors and Speakers: Muhammad Al-Heizan, Caitlin Dammann, Sarah Hope, Colleen Althoff, Katelyn Dorrance, Molly Hamre, Brittany St. John

Date Presented 4/21/2018 This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of health-promoting community-based interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities. Results show strong evidence for a positive impact on physical health and low to moderate evidence for mental health, social, and health knowledge outcomes. Primary Author and Speaker: Rachel Eggers Additional Authors and Speakers: Elise Pagel, Karla Ausderau

Date Presented 4/21/2018 Income disparities in diagnosis and intervention services have been documented for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study explored relationships between family socioeconomic status variables and functional independence outcomes for children with ASD. Primary Author and Speaker: Brittany St. John Additional Authors and Speakers: Karla Ausderau

Date Presented 4/19/2018 A systematic review was conducted to determine the influence of family meals on the health and well-being of family members. Results suggest that increased family meal frequency is associated with improved health and well-being outcomes for family members. Primary Author and Speaker: Lauren Lange Additional Authors and Speakers: Emily Katz, Karla Ausderau

Date Presented 4/1/2017 A scoping review was conducted to describe types of stress reduction interventions available for pregnant women. Although emerging evidence exists, more rigorous research is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of various stress reduction interventions, especially for high-risk populations. Primary Author and Speaker: Kristen Bochenek Additional Authors and Speakers: April LeGrave, Karla Ausderau

Date Presented 3/30/2017 A cross-species comparison was conducted between typical development of the common marmoset and typical development of the human child. Information obtained from this comparison can be used to understand potential early developmental markers of disease and to prevent and manage chronic conditions. Primary Author and Speaker: Caitlin Dammann Additional Authors and Speakers: Karla Ausderau Contributing Authors: Marina Emborg, Katherine McManus, Mary Schneider, Nancy Schultz-Darken

Date Presented 4/1/2017 A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of feeding interventions for children with developmental disabilities. Findings suggest that quality evidence to support feeding interventions in this population is extremely limited, identifying an urgent need for further research. Primary Author and Speaker: Molly Hamre Additional Authors and Speakers: Kate Dorrance, Karla Ausderau

Background Sensory features are highly prevalent and heterogeneous among children with ASD. There is a need to identify homogenous groups of children with ASD based on sensory features (i.e. sensory subtypes) to inform research and treatment. Methods Sensory subtypes and their stability over 1 year were identified through latent profile transition analysis (LPTA) among a national sample of children with ASD. Data were collected from caregivers of children with ASD ages 2–12 years at two time points (Time 1 N = 1294; Time 2 N = 884). Results Four sensory subtypes (Mild; Sensitive-Distressed; Attenuated-Preoccupied; Extreme-Mixed) were identified, which were supported by fit indices from the LPTA as well as current theoretical models that inform clinical practice. The Mild and Extreme-Mixed subtypes reflected quantitatively different sensory profiles, while the Sensitive-Distressed and Attenuated-Preoccupied subtypes reflected qualitatively different profiles. Further, subtypes reflected differential child (i.e. gender, developmental age, chronological age, autism severity) and family (i.e. income, mother's education) characteristics. Ninety-one percent of participants remained stable in their subtypes over 1 year. Conclusions Characterizing the nature of homogenous sensory subtypes may facilitate assessment and intervention, as well as potentially inform biological mechanisms.