Table 1 Categories of improvement or worsening

1 Anxiety: any reference to reduction of anxiety, including OCD.

2. Behavior and mood: any reference to improvement in externalizing behaviors, including following directions, reduction in aggression, and complying with requests

 a. Compliance—e.g., following direction, complying with requests

 b. Transitions—e.g., willingness to change activities, ease of transitions

 c. Externalizing behavior—e.g., aggression, SIB, destruction of property, temper tantrums

 d. Mood—e.g., reference to changes in mood or irritability, listlessness

3. Communication: any reference to improvement in ability to communicate

 a. Articulation—reference to intelligibility or speech production

 b. Language—reference to ability to communication, word use, spontaneous use of speech (without a clear reference to social engagement/interactions)

4. Cognitive/academic: any reference to improvements in cognitive or academic skills

 a. Cognitive—e.g., better scores on IQ test, ability to follow complex directions, increased cognition

 b. Attention/memory/concentration—e.g., better focus, able to listen longer

 c. Academic—e.g., better math skills, increased reading, better writing

5. Engagement: any reference to improvement in engagement with others and/or the environment

 a. Social interactions—e.g., social interactions, social communication, engagement with others, willingness to engage

 b. Engagement with environment—e.g., increased interests, engaging with activities

6. Functional skills: any reference to improvements in daily activities including self-care, independence with functional activities

 a. Self-help/daily living skills—e.g., getting dressed, feeding self, toileting etc.

 b. Independence/autonomy—e.g., improved work/job skills, more independence in household activities