The effects of using perseverative interests or obsessions on token economies for individuals with autism spectrum disorder

A single-subject, alternating treatments design with initial baseline testing was used to analyze the effectiveness of perseverative interests or obsessions as tokens within a token economy to change behavior. The literature examined in this paper presents several examples of how token economies are used to effect behavior change. Two research questions were addressed in this study; 1) What is the effect of incorporating perseverative interests or obsessions into a token economy designed to decrease problem behaviors? 2) What are the effects over time of incorporating perseverative interests or obsessions into a token economy compared to a traditional token (i.e., a token economy not aligned to a student’s obsessions) economy for individuals with autism? The results from this study were inconclusive, as implementation of the intervention phase was not completed. The researcher reported data from baseline and training measures that showed a decrease in problem behavior and slight increase in target behavior when a traditional token economy was implemented. The data does not support any prediction for the implementation of the alternating treatments of a traditional token economy versus a token economy that utilizes a perseverative interest or obsession

Court Appointed Special Advocates: Special Volunteers

CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, is a national organization composed mainly of volunteers, who work together to help children whose parents are in court because of neglect or abuse charges. Volunteers, who are appointed by the court and trained, work with the children to help them understand what is happening and to assess all information to help decide what is best for the child. They also work with parents to help educate them and get them the services they need to be a better parent. The focus of this research is on the CASA volunteers and their experiences within the program. The study surveyed volunteers on their training experience, work with various agencies in coordinating help to benefit children, and studied attachment issues within the program. The project also covered, through voluntary follow up interviews, in-depth problems within the program and emotional attachment problems, workplace problems, and problems deemed important by the volunteer. The poster presentation will highlight the background of CASA, the survey and interview processes, tools used, such as email or internet surveys, and the importance of participatory research

Magnesium deficiency promotes a pro-atherogenic phenotype in cultured human endothelial cells via activation of NFkB.

Contains fulltext : 87400.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access)Phenotypic modulation of endothelium to a dysfunctional state contributes to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, partly through the activation of the transcription factor NFkB. Several data indicate that magnesium deficiency caused by prolonged insufficient intake and/or defects in its homeostasis may be a missing link between diverse cardiovascular risk factors and atherosclerosis. Here we report that endothelial cells cultured in low magnesium rapidly activate NFkB, an event which is prevented by exposure to the anti-oxidant trolox. It is well known that NFkB activation correlates with marked alterations of the cytokine network. In the present study, we show that exposure of endothelial cells to low magnesium increases the secretion of RANTES, interleukin 8 and platelet derived growth factor BB, all important players in atherogenesis. Moreover, we describe the increased secretion of matrix metalloprotease-2 and -9 and of their inhibitor TIMP-2. Interestingly, by zymography we show that metalloprotease activity predominated over the inhibitory effect of TIMP-2. These results indicate that low magnesium promotes endothelial dysfunction by inducing pro-inflammatory and pro-atherogenic events.1 november 201