Assessing the impact of grief on quality of life, work productivity, and health outcomes for parents bereaved from SMA: A study protocol.

Background: U.S. cost-effectiveness recommendations suggest that analyses should include all costs and effects relevant to the decision problem [1].

Exploring health behaviors and the role of pet dogs in households with autistic children: the DANE study.

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often presents a unique set of risk factors that impact healthy eating and physical activity. Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) are a promising approach for autistic children. There is growing evidence for the positive impact of AAIs on self-regulation, which is necessary for initiating and maintaining behavioral changes.

A Stakeholder-Engaged Approach to Development of an Animal-Assisted Intervention for Obesity Prevention Among Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Pet Dogs.

Stakeholder involvement in research has been demonstrated to increase the effectiveness, validity, and quality of a study. This paper describes the engagement of a stakeholder panel in the development and implementation of an animal-assisted intervention (AAI) assessment and program for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Canines for Autism Activity and Nutrition (CAAN) aims to promote physical activity and wellness among children diagnosed with ASD by integrating activities with their pet dog during the child's ongoing Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) in-home therapy sessions.

Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician Perspectives on Decision-Making in Early Treatment Planning for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Objective: Providers of children with autism spectrum disorder (hereafter "autism") report higher levels of shared decision-making during initial diagnostic and treatment planning visits than observed. The goal of this study was to qualitatively explore this discrepancy by investigating provider perceptions of the parent-provider decision-making process in early treatment planning and the role for parents in this process.

Methods: We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with developmental behavioral pediatricians (DBPs; n = 15) to investigate how they approach early treatment planning with parents.

Shared Decision-Making During Initial Diagnostic and Treatment Planning Visits for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Objective: Although shared decision-making (SDM) can improve patient engagement, adherence, and outcomes, evidence on the use of SDM within the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) initial diagnosis and treatment planning remains limited. The goal of this study was to objectively assess the occurrence of SDM in these visits and to compare this assessment with parent and provider perceptions of SDM in the same encounter.

Methods: After audio-recording and transcribing initial clinical visits between parents (n = 22) and developmental behavioral pediatricians (n = 6) discussing the diagnosis of ASD and treatment options, we used the OPTION5 Item scale to assess the occurrence of SDM.

A multi-state study on mental health evaluation for children entering foster care.

When compared with the general United States child population, children entering foster care have elevated rates of mental health problems. This study examines: (1) state approaches to mental health evaluations for children entering foster care for the first time, (2) the consistency of these approaches with professional guidelines, and (3) whether the specific instruments endorsed are supported by available evidence. Semi-structured qualitative interviews and a document review of available protocols/policies were conducted for 47 states and the District of Columbia.