• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.17-22
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• 2010

Objectives ： Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by abnormalities of social functioning, communication and behavior. The association of the 7q21-34 region with ASD has been reported. The DLX6 gene, which is located at the 7q22 region, is one of the positional and functional candidate genes for ASD. We found that there is no association between DLX6 polymorphisms and ASD in the Korean male population. Methods ： We selected three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that might be implicated in the change of the DLX6 gene expression. The genomic DNA was collected from the venous blood of 147 male controls and 179 male patients with ASD. The genotypes of the selected SNPs were determined using the Illumina GoldenGate assay, and the statistical analyses were performed using HapAnalyzer software and SAS Enterprise. Results ： We found no association of the three SNPs in the DLX6 gene with ASD in the Korean male population. Conclusion ： Our study suggests that the three SNPs in the DLX6 gene are not associated with ASD, and we need to analyze the previously reported regions for their associations with ASD.

• Journal of Music and Human Behavior
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.47-72
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• 2019

This study reviewed and analyzed English-written studies using a rhythmic tapping task for motor control of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Inclusion criteria for the participants were children with ASD and typically developing (TD) children. The keywords used for the outcome variables included rhythmic tapping, timed movement, and synchronization. Ten studies were included in the final analysis. The included studies were analyzed in terms of target variables, auditory stimuli, and measurements. A meta-analysis was also conducted to examine how children with ASD performed rhythmic tapping tasks compared to children with TD. In the identified studies, five variables were used: timed movement control, timing reproduction, bimanual coordination, synchronization, and interpersonal synchronization. It was found that rhythmic tapping performance was analyzed in terms of accuracy and precision of the movement and reported as significantly correlated to social skills measures. The meta-analysis results showed that there were no significant differences between the ASD and TD groups in continuing rhythmic movements when the presented auditory stimuli ended, whereas there were significant group differences in their ability to maintain their motor performance consistently and to synchronize with auditory cue or with others. These results support the rhythmic tapping task as an effective measure for not only motor control but also social skills development in children with ASD.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.41-45
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• 2020

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess serum, hair, and urinary magnesium (Mg) levels in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and both ASD and ADHD to reveal potential interactive effects. Methods: A total of 148 boys aged 4-9 years old were enrolled in this study, including 44 children with ADHD, 40 pediatric patients with ASD, 32 patients with both ADHD and ASD, as well as 32 healthy neurotypical children. Hair, serum, and urinary Mg levels were assessed using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Laboratory quality control was performed using certified reference materials of human hair, plasma, and urine. Results: No significant group difference in serum Mg levels was observed. Mg content in hair was found to be reduced in children with ADHD and ADHD+ASD compared to that in healthy controls by 11% and 15%, respectively. Urinary Mg levels in children with ADHD+ASD exceeded the control, ADHD, and ASD values by 51, 76, and 65%, respectively. Factorial analysis revealed significant contribution of ADHD to hair and urinary Mg levels. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that hair and urinary Mg levels were considered as significant predictors of neurodevelopmental disorder complexity. Conclusion: We propose that impaired Mg status may provide a link between ADHD and ASD.

• Journal of Music and Human Behavior
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.97-125
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• 2020

This case study examined the effects of synchronization-based group music therapy for improving peer interaction of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The participants were five children between the ages of 6 and 10 with ASD. A total of eight 30-minute music therapy sessions were conducted two times a week. During sessions, target behaviors (i.e., engagement in joint action, synchronized movements, eye contact, and initiation of social interaction) were observed and analyzed. Also, the PIPPS-P was completed by parents to identify behavioral changes in real-life environments from pretest to posttest. Following the intervention, all of the participants showed increases in synchronized movements with peers and attempts to initiate social interaction. In addition, parents rated their children's play behavior as being improved in their everyday living environment. These results support that synchronous movements between children with ASD, which were facilitated with rhythmic cueing, led to enhanced engagement in joint action. Considering that those movements are the basis for further social skills (e.g., play behavior), this study also indicates that synchronization-based group music therapy could be an effective therapeutic approach for improving the peer interaction of this population.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.8 no.7
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• pp.341-348
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• 2017

The aim of this study is to distinguish children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from the norm group by identifying their Intelligence with Korean Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (K-WISC-IV) profile analysis. The article were administered to 90 children with high-functioning ASD (6-16) years and has surveyed the average of the Full scale IQ, index scores, and subtest scores of K-WISC-IV. Also, this study has conducted a single-subject T-test in order to verify whether Full scale IQ, index scores, subtest scores are different from those of the norm group. The results show that children with high-functioning ASD achieved significantly lower scores on Processing Speed Index, compared to the norm group. Furthermore, their scores in Comprehension, Picture Concept, Picture completion, Coding, and Symbol Search were significantly lower than those of the norm group. It is likely that what have turned out to be the cognitive weaknesses of high-functioning ASD children by K-WISC-IV analysis, including slow process speed, low social judgement, and difficulty in visual stimuli in everyday life are interrelated to their unique characters.

• Journal of Music and Human Behavior
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.75-97
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• 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effect of cognitive-motor interaction-based instrument playing on the early social skills of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Nine children with ASD, averaging 5.6 years of age, participated in twelve individual sessions lasting 30 minutes each. The intervention comprised five stages: self-regulation, motivation to engage in social interaction, acceptance of a partner in co-playing activities, interpersonal coordination with a partner, and engagement in joint music playing. To evaluate changes in early social skills, joint attention and social interaction behaviors were observed, and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2) was administered pre- and post-intervention. Social synchronization was measured through a dyadic drum task, measuring synchronization accuracy, duration, and timing. Following the intervention, all nine children demonstrated increased early social behaviors, although there were no significant differences in SRS scores. Moreover, synchronized movement improved significantly in accuracy and maintained duration but not in reaction time. This study highlights the significance of recognizing the cognitive-motor interplay as crucial element in facilitating early social skills development in children with ASD.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.187-193
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• 2024

Background: Patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present challenges in dental treatment cooperation owing to deficits in communication skills and social interaction. Behavioral guidance, sedation, and general anesthesia may be employed to ensure the quality of dental care for individuals with ASD. This study aimed to examine the trends in dental treatment for patients with ASD who visited the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Dankook University Jukjeon Dental Hospital, an oral health center for the disabled in the Gyeonggi region, over the past 10 years. Methods: This study utilized the order communication system to gather data on sex, age, cooperation level, number of quadrants treated, and administration of sedation or general anesthesia for patients with ASD who visited the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Dankook University Jukjeon Dental Hospital between January 2013 and December 2022. Results: The total number of patients with ASD increased annually, possibly due to an increase in ASD prevalence and the hospital's designation as a center for disabled oral health. General anesthesia was predominant before 2017, with a shift towards N₂O-O₂ sedation. The most common age group for sedation or general anesthesia was 6-9 years, with a higher prevalence in males than in females. Notably, N₂O-O₂ and midazolam sedation resulted in better cooperation and fewer treated teeth than general anesthesia. Conclusion: This study highlights the evolving trends in dental treatment for individuals with ASD, indicating a shift towards outpatient methods, particularly N₂O-O₂ sedation. The sex distribution aligns with national statistics, emphasizing a higher prevalence of ASD in males than in females. These findings underscore the need for further research to establish evidence-based guidelines for optimal dental care strategies tailored to the unique needs of individuals with ASD.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.213-219
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• 2013

Objectives : It is known that adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often concurrently exhibit attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The objective of this study is to investigate how ADHD symptoms modify clinical characteristics in adolescents with ASD. Methods : Subjects were recruited from the Program for the Education Enrichment of Relational Skills program, which is a program for adolescents with ASD to promote and train social skills. The study participants and their parents completed the study questionnaires, such as the ADHD rating scale, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, and Korean version of Child Behavior Checklist. Results : Adolescents with ASD and ADHD (N=19) were found to have more impaired sociality, less open communication with their parents, and more behavioral and emotional problems compared with adolescents with ASD, and without ADHD (N=28). Conclusion : Although further research is needed, the results of our study suggest that adolescents with ASD present different clinical characteristics when comorbid with ADHD.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.101-110
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• 2024

Purpose : The purpose of this study provided an overview of the general status and recent intervention approaches in overseas research related to feeding problems in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This review aims to explore interventions for feeding problems in order to provide higher quality follow-up research directions and implications, particularly focusing on providing recommendations for future research in the context of domestic studies. Methods : Analyzing studies published in international journals from 2017 to 2023. This review involved six selected articles, through Embase, Pubmed, RISS, KISS database search engine. A literature analysis that includes inclusion and exclusion criteria, six selected articles were examined. The literature analysis categorized the general status of the research and intervention approaches and treatment components into intervention, treatment settings and therapists, and dependent variables, respectively. Results : Among feeding intervention approaches, parent education interventions based on behavioral therapy had the highest proportion, followed by multidisciplinary interventions. To maintain the effectiveness of interventions over the long term and to generalize them to the home environment, parent education that utilizes parents as mediators is considered a crucial factor. The most commonly observed effects as dependent variables were changes in the consumption of disliked foods, health foods and alterations in feeding behavior. Conclusion : This study introduces various intervention approaches for addressing feeding problems in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), focusing on the positive effects demonstrated by active intervention research in abroad. Furthermore, it underscores the need for additional research in Korea to validate the efficacy of these feeding intervention methods. Lastly, the study outlines future research directions aimed at developing feeding programs to support children with ASD and their families coping with feeding issues.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.73-81
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of various treatment modalities including pharmacotherapy, educational-behavioral therapy, and complementary alternative treatment for children with mental retardation (MR) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Korea. Methods : The sample consisted of 50 parents who have children with MR (N=28) or ASD (N=22) : 38 boys, 12 girls ; mean age 14.06 (4.14) years old. A questionnaire was composed of the experienced modality, duration, cost, satisfaction, etc. Results : According to the results, 56.0%, 100.0%, and 36.0% of children with MR or ASD have experienced pharmacological treatment, educational-behavioral therapy and complementary alternative medicine (CAM), respectively. Children who experienced educational-behavioral therapy and CAM experienced 3.52 kinds of education-behavioral therapy and 2.78 kinds of CAM, respectively. Monthly cost of pharmacological treatment was lowest among three modality categories. Regarding treatment satisfaction by parental report, the lowest score was recorded for CAM. Conclusion : Parents who have a child with MR or ASD are trying many treatment modalities and feeling the burden of their treatment.