In-Home Training for Fathers of Children with Autism: A Follow up Study and Evaluation of Four Individual Training Components

Literature regarding fathers of children with autism remains sparse, and because mothers are the more common intervening parent, few training methods have focused on fathers. Thus, we sought to evaluate effects of in-home training directed at fathers and their ability to train mothers in the same manner in which they were trained. Fathers were taught four skills commonly associated with in-home training interventions for parents of children with autism: following the child’s lead, imitation with animation, commenting on the child, and expectant waiting. Father skills were evaluated twice a week for 12 weeks during videotaped in-home father–child play sessions. Analyses included visual inspection of graphed data and statistical analyses of father skill acquisition, mother skill acquisition, and child behaviors with both parents. A multivariate repeated measures analysis of 18 dyads revealed significant increases in frequencies of fathers’ imitation with animation, expectant waiting, and commenting on the child. Child initiating rates increased significantly as did frequencies of child non-speech vocalizations. Analysis of mothers revealed significant increases in frequencies of imitation with animation, expectant waiting, and following the child’s lead. Child behaviors had similar results for father and mother sessions. Findings are consistent with those from our first study indicating that fathers can effectively implement skills that promote father–child social interactions and that children respond positively to this approach

Cerebellopontine angle tumours in black South Africans - how rare are acoustic schwannomas?

Previous reports of Intracranial neoplasms from Africa have all shown a very low incidence of acoustic schwannomas (neuromas). In this series a group of 11 cerebellopontine angle solid tumours from black Africans were studied. On conventional histological examination only 3 had the features of a schwannoma. However, by using Immunohistochemistry, a further 3 examples were identified. As controls, the same antisera were also applied to known schwannomas and meningiomas. During the period of the study, 163 patients with primary intracranial neoplasms were seen and thus acoustic schwannomas accounted for 3,7%. Although this figure is low by world standards, it still represents a far higher figure than has previously been reported trom Africa. This study therefore emphasises the value of immunohistochemistry In the diagnosis of brain tumours and, furthermore, shows that acoustic schwannoma must be considered In the appropriate clinical setting, even in a group previously regarded as low-risk.S Afr Med J 1990; 78: 11-1

Multilevel Acute Spinal Epidural Hematoma In A Patient With Chronic Renal Failure - Case Report

A 47-year-old female with diabetic nephropathy presented with acute onset of severe back pain and progressive weakness in both lower extremities. Neuroimaging revealed a spinal epidural hematoma extending from the T-3 vertebra to the sacrum. Removal of all or every other lamina on levels with epidural hematoma and emergent evacuation of the hematoma were planned. T-9 and T-10 laminectomies were performed, but excessive bleeding during the operation prompted us to abandon the procedure. Plasma and desmopressin administration controlled the bleeding from the drain 8 hours after the operation. Follow-up neuroimaging one month later revealed total resolution of the hematoma with improved neurological status. Acute spinal epidural hematomas extending over more than 15 segments are extremely rare and the surgical treatment is still challenging. Coexisting hemorrhagic diathesis creates more problems. Conservative treatment may be the best option.WoSScopu