• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.50-59
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• 2015

Objectives The purpose of this study is to report seven cases of autism spectrum disorder treated by oriental medicine. Methods Seven patients who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder were treated with herbal medicine (Kwakhyangjungkisanhapyukmijihwangtang-gamibang), and the effect was measured. Results After the treatment, cognitive skill, speech, motor function, communication skill, and the patients' general conditions have gotten better. Conclusions This study has shown that the oriental medical treatment for autism spectrum disorder was effective, but further studies are needed.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.3-9
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• 2011

Autism and autistic spectrum disorder are chronic neuro-developmental disorders characterized by social and language impairments and stereotyped, repetitive patterns of behavior. The etiology of autism remains unknown; however, a strong genetic component has been detected and environmental factors may also be involved in their etiologies. In the current study, we reviewed evidence for the presence of prenatal and perinatal factors, gastrointestinal factors, food allergies, metabolic and heavy metal factors, and other nutritional factors that may represent risk factors for the development of autism and autistic spectrum disorder.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.119-126
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• 2010

Synaptic adhesion molecules mediate synapse formation, maturation and maintenance. These proteins are localized at synaptic sites in neuronal axons and dendrites. These proteins function as a bridge of synaptic cleft via interaction with another synaptic adhesion molecules in the opposite side. They can interact with scaffold proteins via intracellular domain and recruit many synaptic proteins, signaling proteins and synaptic vesicles. Scaffold proteins function as a platform in dendritic spines or axonal terminals. Recently, many genetic studies have revealed that synaptic adhesion molecules and scaffold proteins are important in neurodevelopmental disorders, psychotic disorders, mood disorders and anxiety disorders. In this review, fundamental mechanisms of synapse formation and maturation related with synaptic adhesion molecules and scaffold proteins are introduced and their psychiatric implications addressed.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.42-50
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• 2018

Objectives The purpose of this study is to report a case of one autism spectrum disorder child who was treated by Korean medicine treatment. Methods The subject was a male child with autism spectrum disorder. This patient was treated with oriental herbal medicine and acupuncture. The improvement was observed by K-CARS. Results Korean medicine treatment relieved an autism spectrum disorder child's symptoms. For example, emotional excitement, hyperactivity disorder and repetition behavior are improved. K-CARS score at the initial stage of the treatment was 48 points, which can be considered as severe autistic. After 27 months of the treatment, the K-CARS was 26 points which is not autistic. There was no side effect reported. Conclusions This study showed that Korean medicine can be an effective treatment option for autism spectrum disorder.

• 대한상한금궤의학회지
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.183-198
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• 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study was to report improvement in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) treated with herbal medication described in Shanghanlun. Methods: The patient was diagnosed with Lesser Yin disease based on the 315^th provision of Shanghanlun, and Baektonggajeodamjup-tang was used for treatment. The result was evaluated using the Korean-Childhood Autism Rating Scale (K-CARS). Results: The K-CARS score decreased from 32 to 15 after 7 months of treatment. Conclusions: Lesser Yin disease 315^th provision of Shanghanlun may be a provision describing ASD; in addition, Baektonggajeodamjup-tang may be an effective treatment for ASD.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Sensory Integration
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.12-25
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• 2021

Objective : This study explored the effects of family-centered coaching using a sensory integration-based approach on the levels of performance and satisfaction for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods : From April 16, 2020 to August 6, 2020, participants included 10 children with ASD, between the ages of three to six who met the inclusion criteria, and their guardians. I used the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) to evaluate the children's levels of performance and satisfaction and the Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) to evaluate their occupational performance. The experimental group (n=5) continued the sensory integration therapy while receiving their personalized family-centered coaching training for 60 minutes per week. This continued for four weeks via home visits and video calls. The control group (n=5) also continued to receive the sensory integration therapy while receiving sensory integration-based general counseling in relation to activity objectives. Results : Statistically significant differences were found in the scores of COPM performance and satisfaction and the GAS scores between the experimental group and the control group, before and after the intervention (p<.05). Statistically significant differences were found in score changes in COPM and GAS, between the two groups (p<.05). Cohen's d also showed a big effect size on the scores of COPM satisfaction (d=2.768) and the GAS scores (d=2.786). Conclusion : This study demonstrated that the sensory integration-based, family-centered coaching had more positive effects on the level of performance and satisfaction of children with ASD, than general counseling.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.205-210
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• 2012

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical profile, efficacy, and safety of long-term treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in Korean autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) patients. Methods Effectiveness was assessed through a retrospective review of self-reported target symptom improvement at the last follow-up visit. Changes in illness severity and improvement were measured using the Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) of illness and Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) Scales. Tolerability was assessed through a review of the reason for discontinuation of SSRI and documented adverse events. Results A total of 21 ASDs patients (aged 9 to 19 years) treated with SSRI during July 2010 to July 2011 in department of child and adolescent psychiatry of Seoul National Hospital were identified. The mean duration of SSRI treatment was 47.9 (standard deviation = 36.9) months (range 0.7-114.5), and the mean fluoxetine equivalent dosage of SSRIs was $27.1{\pm}10.8$ mg. Nineteen (90.5%) patients were using concomitant medication. We found that SSRIs were prescribed for symptoms of agitation, stereotyped behavior, aggression, depression, impulsivity and self-injury in ASDs. Ten patients (47.6%) reported improvement in their target symptom after SSRI treatment based on CGI-I scores (CGI-I ${\leq}$ 2). The side effects were reported in 5 patients (23.8%) ; vomiting (n = 2, 9.5%), excessive mood elevation (n = 1, 4.8%), insomnia (n = 1, 4.8%), somnolence (n = 1, 4.8%) and decreased appetite (n = 1, 4.8%). Self-injurious behavior was reported in one patient (4.8%). Conclusions The results of this study suggest that SSRIs may be used effectively in children and adolescents diagnosed with ASDs. However, safety issues need to be considered carefully when choosing SSRIs for treatment. Future controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.96-105
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• 2017

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the professional knowledge and perceptions of the early screening of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in practitioners who have contact with patients with ASD. Methods: A survey was carried out among 674 practitioners in total, where practitioners are defined as those who work at primary medical centers, public institutions, educational institutions and treatment institutions. The survey was carried out both online and offline, and it mainly focused on 1) knowledge about ASD symptoms, 2) knowledge about the early screening of ASD, 3) measures taken after ASD detection, 4) thoughts on the development of early screening tools for ASD, and 5) the current status of ASD treatment. The data collected were analyzed through descriptive statistics, analysis of frequency and cross tabulation analysis using SPSS WIN 22.0. Results: The results of this study suggest that the practitioners were not aware of the exact symptoms of ASD and their professional knowledge and the environment for early screening were insufficient. Furthermore, very few and inappropriate measures were taken after the detection of ASD. In addition, there was a high demand for early ASD screening tools to be used on site and, regarding treatment, the significance of the implementation of evidence based treatments as well as the continuity of relevant research came to the fore. Conclusion: It seems that there is a lack of knowledge and perception of the early screening of ASD and that education and training among practitioners is urgently required. This issue is discussed in more detail in the paper.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.154-160
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• 2012

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical characteristics of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) using methylphenidate (MPH). Methods : Retrospective review of the charts of 79 children and adolescents with ASDs, who visited the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry of Seoul National Hospital, from July 2010 to July 2011, was conducted. Changes in illness severity and improvement were measured using the Clinical Global Impression-Severity of illness (CGI-S) and Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) Scales. Results : We found that MPH was prescribed in 23 (29.1%) children and adolescents. Of the 23 patients on MPH, 4 patients (17.4%) were on MPH monotherapy and 18 patients (78.3%) were using risperidone concomitantly. MPH was prescribed primarily for symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity in ASDs patients. The mean dosage of MPH was $26.2{\pm}11.1$mg/day and mean duration of treatment was $31.9{\pm}28.7$ months. Mean CGI-S score improved significantly from baseline to endpoint (from $5.4{\pm}0.6$ to $4.1{\pm}0.9$ ; p<.01). MPH was reported to be effective in 17 patients (17/23, 73.9%), and 10 patients (10/23, 43.5%) reported side effects. Side effects included decreased appetite (4/23, 17.4%), tic (2/23, 8.6%), sleep disturbances (2/23, 8.6%), headache (1/23, 4.3%) and irritability (1/23, 4.3%). Conclusion : The results of this study demonstrate that MPH may be used effectively and safely in children and adolescents with ASDs with hyperactivity and impulsivity. Future controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.123-129
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• 2007

Objectives: Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental spectrum disorder with a strong genetic component. Previous neurochemical and genetic studies have suggested the possible involvement of the serotonin system in autism. Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase(TDO2) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the catabolism of tryptophan, which is the precursor of serotonin synthesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the TDO2 gene and autism spectrum disorders(ASD) in a Korean population. Methods: The patients were diagnosed with ASD on the basis of the DSM-IV diagnostic classification outlined in the Korean version of the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. The present study included the detection of four single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) in the TDO2 gene(rs2292536, rs6856558, rs6830072, rs6830800) and the family-based association analysis of the single nucleotide polymorphisms in Korean ASD trios using a transmission disequilibrium test(TDT) and haplotype analysis. The family trios of 136 probands were included in analysis. 87.5% were male and 86.0% were diagnosed with autism. The mean age of the probands was $78.5{\pm}35.8$ months(range: 26-264 months). Results: Two SNPs showed no polymorphism, and there was no significant difference in transmission in the other two SNPs. We also could not find any significant transmission in the haplotype analysis(p>.05). Conclusion: We could not find any significant statistical association between the transmission of SNPs in the TDO2 gene and ASD in a Korean population. This result may not support the possible involvement of the TDO2 gene in the development of ASD, and further exploration might be needed to investigate other plausible SNP sites.