Maya Matheis

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa | UH Manoa · Center on Disability Studies

Aim To identify which interventions are supported by evidence and the quality of that evidence in very young children with or at high likelihood for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to improve child outcomes. Method We conducted an overview of reviews to synthesize early intervention literature for very young children with or at high likelihood for...

Investments in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research, guided by the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), have focused disproportionately on etiology over a well-established stakeholder priority area: research to improve accessibility and quality of community-based services. This study analyzed National Institutes of Health ASD servic...

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common co-occurring psychi- atric disorders among individuals with intellec- tual disability (ID; Clark & Bélanger, 2018). Research has also shown that individuals with dual diagnoses of ID and ADHD have greater impairments in adaptive behavior, suggesting that ADHD may be another s...

A growing body of research suggests that symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may present differently in males and females. This study examined gender differences in ASD symptoms and developmental functioning, using the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtism Traits, Part 1 (BISCUIT-Part 1) and the Battelle Developmental Inventory, 2n...

Young children (n = 7526) assessed within a statewide early intervention program between 2008 and 2015 were screened for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits- Part 1 (BISCUIT- Part 1). The relationship between premature birth, birth weight, and ASD screening outcome was examined using bivar...

Purpose: Parents/caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have varying types of initial concerns regarding their child’s development, which may be culturally bound to parents’ perceptions of their child’s development. This study investigated differences in the types of initial developmental concerns reported by parents or caregive...

Motor skills refer to the movement and coordination of one’s muscles and body. Gross motor skills require coordination of an individual’s arms, legs, and other large body parts for actions such as running, jumping, and throwing. Fine motor skills require coordination of smaller movements between the fingers, hands, and feet for actions such as pick...

The term “challenging behavior” describes a wide range of behaviors that may be harmful to an individual and that pose significant risks related to health, emotional distress, or exclusion from community settings. Challenging behaviors occur at high rates among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Some forms of challenging behavior incl...

Treatment efficacy is very important. However, establishing ethical guidelines that examine the intrusiveness, cost, time commitment, and side effect(s) is critical. These factors are essential in determining the most humane way to provide care. The variables noted above also factor into treatments parents choose as well as interventions persons wi...

Controversy exists regarding whether gastrointestinal (GI) issues play a role in the symptomatology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While some studies have found GI problems to be more prevalent in individuals with ASD, others have reported no such difference. Studies looking at the relationship between GI issues and ASD symptom severity have al...

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by social and communication impairments as well as restricted, repetitive behavior patterns. Despite the fact that ASD is reported worldwide, very little research exists examining ASD characteristics on a multinational scale. Cross-cultural comparisons are especially important for ASD, since cultural...

Purpose: The age of first concern (AOC) of parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has substantial implications for early diagnosis and intervention. The current study sought to determine the average AOC, what types of first concerns are most common, and what factors predict earlier AOC in toddlers with ASD. Methods: This study...

Depression is prevalent among persons within the autism spectrum. Individuals with Asperger’s syndrome, high-functioning autism, adolescents, and adults are particularly at risk. This chapter will review methods and procedure used to identify depression among persons with autism.

Emerging evidence of the efficacy of early intervention for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has focused attention on the need for early identification of young children suspected of having ASD and thus on the implementation of routine ASD screenings. This study examined the refusal rates of ASD screening among infants and toddlers enrolled in EarlyS...

Emerging evidence of the efficacy of early intervention for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has focused attention on the need for early identification of young children suspected of having ASD and thus on the implementation of routine ASD screenings. This study examined the refusal rates of ASD screening among infants and toddlers enrolled in EarlyS...

The current study examines the relationship between premature birth and the age at which caregivers first become concerned with their child's development in a sample of 84 toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The participants were split into two groups: those born prematurely and those born full term. The results indicate that the age of c...