Global and functional performance of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder users of cochlear implants

Author(s)

Emille Mayara Scarabello

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Bauru.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB/SDB)
• Defense date: 2019-10-22

Examining board members

Adriane Lima Mortari Moret; Eliene Silva Araujo; Mariane Perin da Silva Comerlatto; Dionisia Aparecida Cusin Lamonica

• Advisor: Adriane Lima Mortari Moret

Abstract

The detailed knowledge of cochlear implants users abilities diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder in a comprehensive way may improve the accuracy of clinical assessment regarding the development of oral language. Moreover, it will be able to identify clinical aspects in the child that need specific intervention, and, consequently, direct the therapeutic work according to the needs of the child and the family. Given the above, this study proposes to chacacterize the overall development and functional abilities of children using cochlear implant with the diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder and compare to children using cochlear implant without other associated disabilities, using standardized instruments, seeking to add to the existing studies in the area. This is a prospective cross-sectional study conducted at the Cochlear Implant Section of the Craniofacial Anomaly Rehabilitation Hospital of the University of São Paulo in partnership with the Department of Speech Pathology of Bauru School of Dentistry from University of São Paulo. The following instruments were used: Child Language Testing in the areas of Phonology, Vocabulary, Fluency and Pragmatics - ABFW, Peabody Image Vocabulary Test: Spanish-American adaptation, MacArthur Communicative Skills Development Inventory, Communicative Behavior Observation, Pediatric Disability Assessment Inventory, Denver Development Screening Test II and Childhood Autism Rating Scale. This study concludes that the performance of children with cochlear implants diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder regarding receptive and expressive oral language, communicative abilities, communicative behavior, global development and functional abilities were below expectations when considering the parameters available in the instruments used, but allow observing a slight evolution. The results obtained by the group of children with cochlear implants and Autistic Spectrum Disorder were, for the most part, significantly worse when compared to the results of implant-using children with no other associated disabilities. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/21349-5 - Global and functional performance of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder using cochlear implants
• Grantee: Emille Mayara Scarabello
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate