OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness of parent-mediated interventions on occupational performance of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHOD. We conducted a search of academic databases using terms such as autism spectrum disorder, parent, caregiver, and intervention. Five hundred eighty-two articles were reviewed, and 109 were selected for full-text review. The final analysis included 13 articles. RESULTS. Strong evidence was found for the efficacy of parent-mediated intervention for increasing child joint attention. Moderate evidence was found for the improvement of language scores, expressive language, nonverbal communication, initiation and response to interaction, behavior, play, adaptive functioning, ASD symptoms, and social communication. CONCLUSION. This systematic review suggests that parent-mediated interventions for children with ASD can improve various aspects of communication and ASD symptoms, with emerging support for occupational performance. Occupational therapy practitioners are well suited to facilitate these interventions to support families with children with autism.

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is an increasingly popular non-human primate species for developing transgenic and genomic edited models of neurological disorders. These models present an opportunity to assess from birth the impact of genetic mutations and to identify candidate predictive biomarkers of early disease onset. In order to apply findings from marmosets to humans, a cross-species comparison of typical development is essential. Aiming to identify similarities, differences, and gaps in knowledge of neurodevelopment we evaluated peer-reviewed literature focused on the first six months of life of marmosets and compared to humans. Five major developmental constructs, including reflexes and reactions, motor, feeding, self-help, and social, were compared. Numerous similarities were identified in the developmental sequences with differences often influenced by the purpose of the behavior, specifically for marmoset survival. The lack of detailed knowledge of marmoset development was exposed as related to the vast resources for humans.

Date Presented 3/30/2017 A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of parent-mediated interventions for children with autism in occupational performance areas. Findings support improvement in social communication and symptom severity, with emerging support for feeding, play, independence, and behavior. Primary Author and Speaker: Caitlin Dammann Additional Authors and Speakers: Colleen Althoff, Sarah Hope, Karla Ausderau

Date Presented 4/21/2018 Findings from this study provide preliminary confirmation of the construct validity of the Feeding Assessment for Children With Autism, providing researchers and clinicians with a comprehensive and psychometrically sound assessment tool to assess the unique feeding challenges of children with autism. Primary Author and Speaker: Karla Ausderau Additional Authors and Speakers: Muhammad Al-Heizan, Caitlin Dammann, Sarah Hope, Colleen Althoff, Katelyn Dorrance, Molly Hamre, Brittany St. John

Date Presented 3/30/2017 A cross-species comparison was conducted between typical development of the common marmoset and typical development of the human child. Information obtained from this comparison can be used to understand potential early developmental markers of disease and to prevent and manage chronic conditions. Primary Author and Speaker: Caitlin Dammann Additional Authors and Speakers: Karla Ausderau Contributing Authors: Marina Emborg, Katherine McManus, Mary Schneider, Nancy Schultz-Darken