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Li X, Xu H, Zhang J. Attitudes of Chinese public towards the autism community: Evidence from a decade of Weibo data. Heliyon 2024; 10:e35113. [PMID: 39229499 PMCID: PMC11369461 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism is a highly stigmatized developmental disorder in Chinese society, with the public harboring many prejudices and misunderstandings towards individuals with autism.Grounded in ABC attitude theory, explores the status, trends, and characteristics of Weibo users' attitudes towards the autism community. Utilizing natural language processing and machine learning techniques, the study analyzes 1,113,014 Weibo posts concerning autism, spanning from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2022. Findings indicate that Weibo users generally hold a positive and progressively improving attitude towards the autism community, particularly in affective and behavioral dimensions. However, the cognitive dimension of these attitudes remains relatively underdeveloped. Notable variations in attitudes and their components are evident across demographic variables such as gender, age, educational level, and verification status. These insights offer valuable guidance for policy-making by relevant authorities and contribute to enhancing public acceptance of individuals with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Li
- College of Education, Sehan University, Yeongam, 58425, South Korea
| | - Hao Xu
- Wuhan Institute of Bioengineering, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- College of Education, Sehan University, Yeongam, 58425, South Korea
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2
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Jones DR, Botha M, Ackerman RA, King K, Sasson NJ. Non-autistic observers both detect and demonstrate the double empathy problem when evaluating interactions between autistic and non-autistic adults. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:2053-2065. [PMID: 38149622 PMCID: PMC11308351 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231219743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT The "double empathy problem" refers to breakdowns in communication and understanding that frequently occur between autistic and non-autistic people. Previous studies have shown that autistic people often establish better rapport and connection when interacting with other autistic people compared to when interacting with non-autistic people, but it is unclear whether this is noticeable to non-autistic observers. In this study, 102 non-autistic undergraduate students viewed and rated video recordings of "get to know you" conversations between pairs of autistic and non-autistic adults. Sometimes the pairs were two autistic people, sometimes they were two non-autistic people, and sometimes they were "mixed" interactions of one autistic and one non-autistic person. Observers tended to rate non-autistic participants and their interactions the most favorably, but-consistent with the "double empathy problem"-they rated mixed interactions between autistic and non-autistic people as the least successful. They also perceived that only non-autistic people disclosed more when interacting with a non-autistic conversation partner. Autistic participants' partners in the conversations tended to evaluate them more favorably than did outside observers, suggesting that personal contact may facilitate more positive evaluations of autistic people. Furthermore, observers expressed less social interest in participants than did the autistic and non-autistic participants in the interactions. Together, these findings suggest that non-autistic observers both detect and demonstrate some aspects of the double empathy problem.
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Chan JKY, Cheung TCK, Chan CW, Fang F, Lai KYC, Sun X, O'Reilly H, Golan O, Allison C, Baron-Cohen S, Leung PWL. Enhancing emotion recognition in young autistic children with or without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Hong Kong using a Chinese App version of The Transporters. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:945-958. [PMID: 37522637 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231187176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
TRIAL REGISTRATION This study was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register - Deutschen Register Klinischer Studien (DRKS) on 23 December 2018. The Trial Registration Number (TRN) is DRKS00016506. LAY ABSTRACT The Transporters App is an intervention programme with 15 animated episodes that teach emotion recognition skills to autistic children between 4 and 6 years of age. Each episode contains a story depicting social interactions between characters in the form of a vehicle, with human faces grafted on to each of them. Each episode teaches a specific emotion in a story context. Autistic children watched at least three episodes at home for about 15 min daily for a month, with parental guidance. Its automated, home-based format is cost-saving and readily accessible. This study translated The Transporters to a Cantonese-Chinese version. Results showed a significant improvement in emotion recognition following viewing The Transporters in a group of Hong Kong Chinese autistic children, between 4 and 6 years of age, with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (n = 48) relative to a control group (n = 24). A non-autistic group (n = 23) showed that the autistic children scored lower in emotion recognition pre-intervention. Post-intervention, the autistic children had improved in emotion recognition to the level of the non-autistic children. The autistic children in the intervention groups also generalized their learning to novel situations/characters not taught within The Transporters. There was no dosage effect, with the standard recommended number of episodes viewed being sufficient to achieve significant improvement. This study confirms the effectiveness of The Transporters for Chinese autistic children and contributes to the literature/practice by expanding the range of applicability of The Transporters to autistic children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, which is important given the high rate of co-occurrence between autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fan Fang
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Xiang Sun
- University of Cambridge, UK
- Star Kay Bridge Centre for Children with Autism, China
- Quanzhou Normal University, China
| | - Helen O'Reilly
- University of Cambridge, UK
- University College Dublin, Ireland
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Shkel J, Geng A, Pilchak E, Millan ME, Schwartzman JM, Schuck R, Bundang MV, Barnowski A, Slap DM, Stratford S, Hardan AY, Phillips JM, Gengoux GW. A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Motivation-Based Social Skills Group Treatment with Parent Training. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06302-9. [PMID: 38446265 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06302-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Despite the popularity of social skills groups, there remains a need for empirical investigation of treatment effects, especially when targeting pivotal aspects of social functioning such as initiations to peers. The goal of the present study was to conduct a randomized controlled trial of a 12-week social intervention (SUCCESS), which combined an inclusive social group with a parent education program. Twenty-five 4- to 6-year-olds with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) were randomized to SUCCESS (N = 11) or to treatment as usual (N = 14). Combining a peer group model with a parent training program, the SUCCESS intervention used naturalistic behavioral techniques (e.g., environmental arrangement, natural reinforcement) to increase social initiations to peers. After 12 weeks, children participating in the SUCCESS program made more frequent initiations to peers than children in the treatment-as-usual group, including more prompted and unprompted initiations to request. Additional gains in clinician-rated social functioning were observed in children randomized to SUCCESS, while differential treatment effects were not detected in parent-rated measures. However, lower baseline social motivation was associated with greater parent-reported initiation improvement. This study provides preliminary support for the efficacy of a naturalistic, behavioral social skills intervention to improve peer initiations for children with ASD. The findings suggest that using a motivation-based social skills group was effective in increasing both prompted and spontaneous initiations to peers, and highlights the need for further research into the role of baseline social motivation in predicting social skills treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Shkel
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA
| | - Alicia Geng
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA
| | | | | | - Jessica M Schwartzman
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
- Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Rachel Schuck
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA
| | | | | | - Devon M Slap
- Stanford Medicine Children's Health, Stanford, USA
| | | | | | | | - Grace W Gengoux
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA, 94305-5719, USA.
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Williams TI, Loucas T, Sin J, Jeremic M, Meyer S, Boseley S, Fincham-Majumdar S, Aslett G, Renshaw R, Liu F. Using music to assist language learning in autistic children with minimal verbal language: The MAP feasibility RCT. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024:13623613241233804. [PMID: 38433533 DOI: 10.1177/13623613241233804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Research has shown that autistic individuals often have unusually good musical skills and that combining words and music helps autistic individuals to focus on spoken words. This study tests the idea that music will help with early language learning of preschool autistic children. The results show that when caregivers sing words to autistic children, the children pay more attention to the caregiver than when the words are spoken and that they learn word combinations more easily.
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Carpita B, Nardi B, Bonelli C, Massimetti E, Amatori G, Cremone IM, Pini S, Dell’Osso L. Presence and correlates of autistic traits among patients with social anxiety disorder. Front Psychiatry 2024; 14:1320558. [PMID: 38312918 PMCID: PMC10834675 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1320558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Due to their similar behavioral presentation, it can sometimes be challenging to distinguish between a social anxiety disorder (SAD) and the social avoidance that is frequently described in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Moreover, a growing body of evidences is reporting that a significant proportion of subjects with ASD also meet the requirements for SAD and, vice versa, subjects with SAD tend to exhibit a higher prevalence of autistic traits. Aim In this framework, the current study aims to evaluate prevalence and correlates of autistic traits in a sample of adult subjects diagnosed with SAD and healthy controls (HC), also evaluating which autism spectrum dimensions may statistically predict higher SAD symptoms. Methods 56 subjects with a clinical diagnosis of SAD and 56 gender and age matched HC were recruited from the Psychiatric Clinic of the University of Pisa. Subjects were assessed with the SCID-5, the Social Anxiety Spectrum - Short Version (SHY- SV) and the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS Spectrum). Results SAD group scored significantly higher in all AdAS Spectrum and SHY-SV domains and total score compared to the HC group with no significant gender difference. SHY-SV total and domain scores, were strongly and positively and strongly correlated with all AdAS Spectrum domains and total score. AdAS Spectrum total score and Childhood/Adolescence, Non-Verbal Communication, Empathy and Restricted interests and Rumination domain scores score were significant predictors of higher SHY-SV score. Conclusion Our results confirm the link between SAD and autistic traits also in adult population, describing not only high levels of autistic traits in SAD adults, but also significant correlations between many core features of the two disorders and a predictive role of autistic traits on higher SAD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Carpita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Benedetta Nardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Bonelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Enrico Massimetti
- North-Western Tuscany Region NHS Local Health Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Amatori
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ivan Mirko Cremone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Pini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Liliana Dell’Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Chung KM, Chung E, Lee H. Behavioral Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Brief Review and Guidelines With a Specific Focus on Applied Behavior Analysis. Soa Chongsonyon Chongsin Uihak 2024; 35:29-38. [PMID: 38204739 PMCID: PMC10774556 DOI: 10.5765/jkacap.230019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
We conducted a comprehensive review of behavioral and educational interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The most prominent type of intervention, Comprehensive Early Intervention, often referred to as Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI), has been found to be particularly effective in improving intelligence and adaptive behaviors. The naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention, designed to enhance social and communication abilities, showed effectiveness in improving language, cognitive function, and social initiation. However, more studies are needed to examine its effectiveness. Intensive individualized intervention, which provides a tailored intervention for a specific target behavior, was effective in improving social skills and communication, as well as reducing sleep, eating, and toileting problems. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective method for dealing with emotional difficulties, but it has not been widely used because of the shortage of trained experts. Parent-mediated intervention (PMI) involves parents acquiring knowledge and specific skills to improve their child's functioning or reduce challenging behaviors. Speech and language therapy, sensory integration, Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communications Handicapped Children, developmental approaches, and social stories are frequently used interventions. However, evidence of their effectiveness has yet to be well established. Based on these findings, intervention recommendations for autism include EIBI, Early Start Denver Model, intensive individualized intervention, CBT, and PMI. The choice of intervention should be tailored to the individual's needs and delivered by qualified professionals with expertise in the specific intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyong-Mee Chung
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eunsun Chung
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hoomyung Lee
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
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Antezana L, Albright J, Scarpa A, Richey JA, Laugeson EA, Factor RS. PEERS® for Preschoolers preliminary outcomes and predictors of treatment response. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:4671-4684. [PMID: 36103076 PMCID: PMC10011023 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05724-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PEERS® for Preschoolers (P4P) is a social skills group program for young autistic children and their caregivers, which provides everyday tools for interacting and communicating with others. Twenty-two caregiver-child dyads participated and completed pre-treatment, post-treatment, and follow-up measures (4-16 weeks after). Using single-subject analyses to examine social skills, 60% demonstrated post-treatment improvement, and 53.85% demonstrated follow-up improvement. Regarding a secondary outcome of behavioral difficulties, 33.33% demonstrated post-treatment reduction, and 7.69% demonstrated follow-up reduction. Using regressions, autistic traits predicted outcomes; fewer social communication difficulties predicted both greater social skills and fewer behavioral difficulties at post-treatment, while fewer repetitive behaviors predicted fewer post-treatment and follow-up behavioral difficulties. These results preliminarily demonstrate the benefits of P4P and how autistic traits may impact P4P outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ligia Antezana
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, 109 Williams Hall, 890 Drillfield Drive, 24061, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
- Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Jordan Albright
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, 109 Williams Hall, 890 Drillfield Drive, 24061, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Penn Center for Mental Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Angela Scarpa
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, 109 Williams Hall, 890 Drillfield Drive, 24061, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - John A Richey
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, 109 Williams Hall, 890 Drillfield Drive, 24061, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Laugeson
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Reina S Factor
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, 109 Williams Hall, 890 Drillfield Drive, 24061, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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9
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Spiegel R, Notter M, Lazari O, Schmeck K, Herbrecht E. Clinical utility of the standardized observation tool Autism Behavior Coding System for early intervention research in autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2023; 16:2415-2431. [PMID: 37937753 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
The Autism Behavior Coding System (ABCS) was developed to help evaluating the effectiveness of early intensive interventions in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The video-based ABCS assesses eight core autistic behavioral variables during therapist-child interaction using standardized quantitative criteria, four behaviors according to their frequency of occurrence, four according to their duration. The present study focuses (1) on the correspondence of ABCS scores with scores on two standard clinical instruments (the ADOS-2 and an ASD-adaptation of the Children's Global Assessment Scale, DD-CGAS), (2) on the sensitivity to change of ABCS scores by the end of an intensive 18 days intervention period (EIP) and (c) on the predictability of short- and longer-term changes in social and repetitive behaviors from ABCS scores at baseline and EIP. Data from 51 children (42 M, 9 F; median age 45 months) followed over 1 year were available. There were significant correlations at baseline between several ABCS scores and ADOS-2 as well as DD-CGAS scores. Correlations at EIP between some ABCS and DD-CGAS scores were highly significant. Four ABCS scores reflected significant changes from baseline to EIP. Several baseline ABCS scores were predictive of DD-CGAS and ADOS-2 scores at EIP and Year 1. However, associations between ABCS score changes from baseline to EIP and the clinical scale changes by Year 1 were not significant. It is concluded that several ABCS scores have adequate clinical validity and sensitivity to change. The short-term changes in ABCS scores and their relationship to longer-term clinical changes need further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Spiegel
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marianne Notter
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospitals, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Olga Lazari
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospitals, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Klaus Schmeck
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Evelyn Herbrecht
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospitals, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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10
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Carpita B, Cremone IM, Nardi B, Amatori G, Bonelli C, Massimetti E, Casagrande D, Pini S, Dell’Osso L. Implications of Social Anxiety Symptoms in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Is There a Predictive Role of Interpersonal Sensitivity and Substance Abuse? Brain Sci 2023; 13:1559. [PMID: 38002519 PMCID: PMC10669824 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) has been frequently reported by subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, interestingly, the overlap between social anxiety and autistic traits may sometimes impede ASD diagnosis in subjects without intellectual or language impairment. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the presence and correlates of social phobic features among subjects with ASD, with a specific focus on evaluating which social anxiety symptoms may be statistically predictive of an ASD diagnosis. With this purpose, 48 subjects with ASD and 48 gender- and age- matched healthy controls (HCs) were recruited and assessed with the SHY-SV and the AdAS Spectrum questionnaires. Results highlighted higher scores in all SHY-SV Spectrum domains and total scores for the ASD group. Moreover, AdAS Spectrum scores were significantly correlated with all SHY-SV domain and total scores. A logistic regression analysis highlighted the SHY-SV Interpersonal sensitivity and Substance Abuse domains scores as significant positive predictors of an ASD diagnosis. These results confirm the link between ASD and SAD. Because of this association, particular attention should be paid to subjects with high interpersonal sensitivity traits and substance abuse problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Carpita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 67 Via Roma, 56126 Pisa, Italy (B.N.); (G.A.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Ivan Mirko Cremone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 67 Via Roma, 56126 Pisa, Italy (B.N.); (G.A.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Benedetta Nardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 67 Via Roma, 56126 Pisa, Italy (B.N.); (G.A.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Giulia Amatori
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 67 Via Roma, 56126 Pisa, Italy (B.N.); (G.A.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Chiara Bonelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 67 Via Roma, 56126 Pisa, Italy (B.N.); (G.A.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Enrico Massimetti
- North-Western Tuscany Region NHS Local Health Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Head Office, Via Cocchi 7/9, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Danila Casagrande
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 67 Via Roma, 56126 Pisa, Italy (B.N.); (G.A.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Stefano Pini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 67 Via Roma, 56126 Pisa, Italy (B.N.); (G.A.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Liliana Dell’Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 67 Via Roma, 56126 Pisa, Italy (B.N.); (G.A.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
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11
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Gates JA, McNair ML, Richards JK, Lerner MD. Social Knowledge & Performance in Autism: A Critical Review & Recommendations. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2023; 26:665-689. [PMID: 37544969 PMCID: PMC10613329 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-023-00449-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Autistic social challenges have long been assumed to arise from a lack of social knowledge ("not knowing what to do"), which has undergirded theory and practice in assessment, treatment, and education. However, emerging evidence suggests these differences may be better accounted for by difficulties with social performance ("doing what they may know"). This distinction has important implications for research, practice, policy, and community support of autistic people. This review examines the theoretical and clinical implications and empirical status of the knowledge-performance distinction in autism. Current evidence suggests that social knowledge deficits are neither definitional nor reliably related to outcomes in autism. Prioritizing social knowledge, then, may produce unanticipated, problematic consequences in terms of accuracy of assessment, intervention effectiveness, and promotion of stigma. It may also yield unrealistic expectations around the value of knowledge for autistic people and their families, yielding important ethical considerations. Conversely, recent evidence highlights performance-related factors as being especially promising for better modeling and addressing social challenges in autism. Prioritizing performance, then, may offer new directions for assessment, substantially different intervention opportunities, and novel methods of inclusion and affirmation. This review touches upon each of these domains and implications, integrates these developments with broader models of social competence in youth, and provides direction for future research and practice regarding social competence in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Matthew D Lerner
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, USA.
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-2500, USA.
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12
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Kourtesis P, Kouklari EC, Roussos P, Mantas V, Papanikolaou K, Skaloumbakas C, Pehlivanidis A. Virtual Reality Training of Social Skills in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Examination of Acceptability, Usability, User Experience, Social Skills, and Executive Functions. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:bs13040336. [PMID: 37102850 PMCID: PMC10136366 DOI: 10.3390/bs13040336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Poor social skills in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are associated with reduced independence in daily life. Current interventions for improving the social skills of individuals with ASD fail to represent the complexity of real-life social settings and situations. Virtual reality (VR) may facilitate social skills training in social environments and situations similar to those in real life; however, more research is needed to elucidate aspects such as the acceptability, usability, and user experience of VR systems in ASD. Twenty-five participants with ASD attended a neuropsychological evaluation and three sessions of VR social skills training, which incorporated five social scenarios with three difficulty levels. Participants reported high acceptability, system usability, and user experience. Significant correlations were observed between performance in social scenarios, self-reports, and executive functions. Working memory and planning ability were significant predictors of the functionality level in ASD and the VR system's perceived usability, respectively. Yet, performance in social scenarios was the best predictor of usability, acceptability, and functionality level. Planning ability substantially predicted performance in social scenarios, suggesting an implication in social skills. Immersive VR social skills training in individuals with ASD appears to be an appropriate service, but an errorless approach that is adaptive to the individual's needs should be preferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Kourtesis
- Department of Psychology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 84 Athens, Greece
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AD, UK
| | - Evangelia-Chrysanthi Kouklari
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
- 1st Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Roussos
- Department of Psychology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 84 Athens, Greece
| | - Vasileios Mantas
- 1st Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Papanikolaou
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Skaloumbakas
- Department of Child Psychiatry, P. & A. Kyriakou Children's Hospital, 115 28 Athens, Greece
- Habilis, R&D Team, 141 22 Athens, Greece
| | - Artemios Pehlivanidis
- 1st Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
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Stark C, Groves NB, Kofler MJ. Is reduced social competence a mechanism linking elevated autism spectrum symptoms with increased risk for social anxiety? BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 62:129-145. [PMID: 36300947 PMCID: PMC9908854 DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Approximately 50% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) develop comorbid social anxiety disorder, and this comorbidity predicts poorer treatment outcomes than either syndrome alone. ASD and social anxiety are both associated with reduced social competence as evidenced by difficulties implementing fundamental social skills for successful social interactions, but it remains unclear whether reduced social competence reflects a mechanism that explains the increased risk for social anxiety associated with elevated autism spectrum symptoms. DESIGN/METHODS To address this gap in the literature, the current study combined multi-informant measures (child, parent and teacher report) with a sample of 194 children with and without psychiatric disorders (ages 8-13; 68 girls; 69% White/Non-Hispanic). Autism spectrum traits, social competence and social anxiety symptoms were measured continuously. RESULTS Bias-corrected, bootstrapped conditional effects modelling indicated that elevated parent-reported autism spectrum symptoms predicted reduced teacher-perceived social competence (β = -.21) and elevated child self-reported social anxiety (β = .17); reduced social competence accounted for 20% of the autism/social anxiety link (indirect pathway β = .04, ER = .20), and reduced social competence also predicted higher social anxiety independent of autism symptoms (β = -.16; all 95% CIs exclude 0.0, indicating significant effects). Exploratory analyses suggested that these findings were driven primarily by autism spectrum social communication difficulties rather than restricted/repetitive behaviours/interests. CONCLUSIONS The current findings are consistent with prior work implicating reduced social competence as a risk factor for the development of social anxiety among children with ASD, and extend prior work by demonstrating that this link is robust to control for mono-informant/mono-measure bias, age, sex, SES, majority/minoritized race/ethnicity status, clinical comorbidities, and item overlap across measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chani Stark
- Florida State University, Department of Psychology
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14
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Honan I, Sharp N, McIntyre S, Smithers‐Sheedy H, Balde I, Quinn K, Morgan M, Rothery S, Butchers T, Laugeson E. Program evaluation of an adapted PEERS® social skills program in young adults with autism spectrum disorder and/or mild intellectual impairment and social skills difficulties. J Eval Clin Pract 2023; 29:126-135. [PMID: 35927973 PMCID: PMC10946497 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Social challenges are common for young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or mild intellectual impairment, yet few evidence-based interventions exist to address these challenges. PEERS®, the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills, has been shown to be effective in improving the social skills of young adults with ASD; however, it requires a significant time commitment for parents of young adults. As such, this mixed-methods study aimed to investigate the experiences of young adults, parents and PEERS® social coaches participating in an adapted PEERS® program, and to evaluate its acceptability and efficacy. METHOD Young adults with ASD and/or mild intellectual impairment participated in a 16-week PEERS® program. Parents and PEERS® social coaches attended fewer, condensed sessions, where they learnt program content to support the young adults' social skill development at home and in the community. Focus groups were conducted post intervention. Quantitative pre-post assessment using the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults, the Test of Young Adult Social Skills Knowledge, and Quality of Socialization Questionnaire-Young Adults was completed by young adults. The Social Responsiveness Scale Second Edition was completed by young adults and their parents. RESULT Qualitative results revealed that, taken together, young adults, parents and PEERS® social coaches all felt that the adapted PEERS® program was 'challenging, but worth it'. The program was acceptable with a 93% attendance rate across all sessions. Whilst young adults' perceptions of their own social functioning did not change post-intervention, their knowledge of social skills content improved significantly (p < 0.05). Parent perceptions of young adults' social responsiveness also improved (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Social skill knowledge, social responsiveness, and social engagement improved significantly following the completion of the adapted PEERS® program. It was deemed acceptable and worthwhile by young adults, their parents and PEERS® social coaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Honan
- Cerebral Palsy Alliance/Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute, Specialty of Child & Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine & HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Nicole Sharp
- School of Health Sciences and Translational Health Research InstituteWestern Sydney UniversityPenrith SouthNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Sarah McIntyre
- Cerebral Palsy Alliance/Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute, Specialty of Child & Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine & HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Hayley Smithers‐Sheedy
- Cerebral Palsy Alliance/Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute, Specialty of Child & Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine & HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Isabelle Balde
- Cerebral Palsy Alliance/Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute, Specialty of Child & Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine & HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Kirsten Quinn
- Cerebral Palsy Alliance/Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute, Specialty of Child & Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine & HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Marita Morgan
- Cerebral Palsy Alliance/Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute, Specialty of Child & Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine & HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Sophie Rothery
- Cerebral Palsy Alliance/Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute, Specialty of Child & Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine & HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Teigan Butchers
- Cerebral Palsy Alliance/Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute, Specialty of Child & Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine & HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Elizabeth A. Laugeson
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human BehaviorUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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15
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Rehn AK, Caruso VR, Kumar S. The effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2023; 50:101719. [PMID: 36599281 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND and purpose Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience difficulty with communication, learning, behaviour, and social interactions. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a growing alternative and complementary therapy for ASD. This review aims to investigate the effectiveness of AAT for children and adolescents with ASD in the domains of cognitive, social, emotional, behavioural, and physical. METHODS A systematic search of databases (Medline, Emcare, Embase, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Scopus, ERIC and OTseeker) was conducted in March 2022. Grey literature was also explored which included searching Trove database and the first 10 pages of Google, as well as pearling reference lists of included studies. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using a modified Joanna Briggs Institute Review Form for Randomised Controlled Trials. A descriptive synthesis was undertaken due to heterogeneity within the evidence base. RESULTS Seven randomised controlled/clinical controlled trials with moderate methodological quality were included in this review. Overall, participation in AAT identified positive trends in the cognitive, social, emotional, behavioural, and physical domains. Despite the positive outcomes, implementation of AAT should be taken with caution as there are currently no standardised frameworks due to heterogeneity within the intervention protocols and outcome measures. CONCLUSION AAT may have positive effects across a multitude of outcomes in the management of ASD for children and adolescents. However, the current literature has considerable methodological concerns which should be addressed by future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Kate Rehn
- UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, South Australia, 5001, Australia.
| | - Victoria Rose Caruso
- UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, South Australia, 5001, Australia.
| | - Saravana Kumar
- UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, South Australia, 5001, Australia.
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16
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Sönmez D, Jordan TR. Investigating associations between cognitive empathy, affective empathy and anxiety in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2023; 70:957-965. [PMID: 39131758 PMCID: PMC11308965 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2022.2163605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is strongly associated with socio-cognitive impairments that may result in vulnerability to other mental health conditions, particularly anxiety disorders. This study examined the relationship between anxiety disorders and two key socio-cognitive impairments (cognitive empathy, affective empathy) in 60 adolescents (aged 11-18 years) with and without ASD. Adolescents with ASD showed cognitive empathy was negatively associated with separation anxiety disorder, whereas positive associations between affective empathy and generalized anxiety disorder, and positive marginal associations between affective empathy, social phobia, total anxiety, and separation anxiety disorder were observed. These findings suggest that cognitive and affective empathy show different patterns of associations with anxiety-related issues in ASD, and these differences should be considered for interventions and treatment programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilruba Sönmez
- Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ibn Haldun University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Timothy R. Jordan
- Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ibn Haldun University, Istanbul, Turkey
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17
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Rafiei Milajerdi H, Ordooiazar F, Dewey D. [Formula: see text]Is active video gaming associated with improvements in social behaviors in children with neurodevelopmental disorders: a systematic review. Child Neuropsychol 2023; 29:1-27. [PMID: 35236234 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2022.2046721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Active video gaming (AVG) is a way that children with neurodevelopmental disorders can participate in social play and could be associated with improvements in social behaviors. However, limited research has investigated if AVG is associated with improvements in social behaviors in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders. A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline, Embase, Psycinfo, Cinahl, and Eric, Web of Science, and Scopus. Three main concepts were searched: exergaming, neurodevelopmental disorders, and social behaviors. Keywords and subject headings were used for each concept. 3080 articles were identified in the initial search in 2019; in January 2021, 167 additional articles were identified. Of these, 8 studies with 242 children with autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, or developmental coordination disorder were included in this review. Six studies reported that participation in AVG was associated with improved social functioning, social interaction, emotional well-being, and social/emotional skills in children with ASD, CP, and DCD. In contrast, two studies that included children diagnosed with ASD did not find any association between AVG participation and social behaviors. The findings of this systematic review suggest that participation in an AVG intervention may be associated with improved social behaviors in children and adolescents with ASD, CP, and DCD. However, due to the limited number of studies included, this finding must be interpreted with caution. Future research is needed that examines the treatment fidelity of AVG in improving social behavior skills in children with neurodevelopmental disorders and the generalizability of these skills to real-life social situations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Deborah Dewey
- Departments of Paediatrics and Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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18
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Son C, Yoo HJ, Kim JH, Oh M. Mood and Emotional Changes After PEERS ® Program in Parents of Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Soa Chongsonyon Chongsin Uihak 2023; 34:30-36. [PMID: 36636495 PMCID: PMC9815999 DOI: 10.5765/jkacap.220023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study examined the changes in anxiety and depressive symptoms in the parents of Korean adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) after participating in the Korean version of the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills for Young Adults (PEERS®-YA-K). Methods Forty-six parents were enrolled (mean age 54.7 years; 22 fathers and 24 mothers), of whom 27 participated in the PEERS®- YA-K as social coaches. Participants completed self-report scales, including the Test of Young Adult Social Skills Knowledge (TYASSK), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Symptom Check-List-90-R (SCL-90-R). The scales were administered three times: before and after the 16-week program and 4 months after the program ended. Differences between participant variables at pretreatment, post-treatment, and follow-up were analyzed using paired-sample t-tests. Results Participants showed a significant improvement in their social skills knowledge (TYASSK) (p<0.01). There was a significant improvement in the BAI and BDI scores of parents with severe depressive and anxiety symptoms at the baseline (p<0.05). Paternal paranoia and maternal hostility results also significantly improved on the SCL-90-R. Conclusion This study suggests that PEERS®-YA-K can reduce parental anxiety and depressive symptoms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first to compare the degree of depression and anxiety after PEERS®-YA-K in parents of adults with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chansoo Son
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee Jeong Yoo
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea,Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joo-Hyun Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Miae Oh
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul, Korea,Address for correspondence: Miae Oh, Department of Psychiatry, Kyung Hee University Hospital, 23 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea Tel: +82-2-958-8551, Fax: +82-2-957-1997, E-mail:
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19
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Bradley RL, Noell GH. Rule-Governed Behavior: Teaching Social Skills via Rule-Following to Children with Autism. Dev Neurorehabil 2022; 25:433-443. [PMID: 34951556 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2021.2018735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Rule-governed behavior (RGB) is behavior that is controlled by verbal descriptions of contingencies rather than by direct contact or a history of direct contact with the contingencies. Humans rely on RGB to navigate a multitude of life experiences, and in doing so, we avoid direct contact with destructive or harmful contingencies or contingencies that would be inefficient to contact. However, individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) frequently struggle with RGB, leaving them at increased risk of contacting aversive consequences. As a result, acquiring RGB can be a valuable developmental outcome for individuals with ASD. The current study examined the effectiveness of an intervention program designed to promote acquisition and generalization of rule-governed social skills in children with ASD. Multiple exemplar training (MET) resulted in increased performance of the target behavior as well as successful discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George H Noell
- Louisiana State University, Old Dominion University, USA
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20
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Physical Human-Robot Interaction Influence in ASD Therapy Through an Affordable Soft Social Robot. J INTELL ROBOT SYST 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10846-022-01617-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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21
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Utilizing the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Preliminary Screener and Outcome Measure for the PEERS® Intervention for Autistic Adolescents. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 52:2061-2074. [PMID: 34052960 PMCID: PMC9926906 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05103-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Exploration of potential preliminary screeners, and examination of social intervention outcomes for effects on comorbid symptoms is imperative. The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL; Achenbach & Rescorla, Achenbach and Rescorla, Manual for the ASEBA school-age forms & profiles, University of Vermont, Research Center for Children, Youth & Families, 2001) provides a potential ASD screener and intervention outcome evaluation. This study had two aims: (1) to examine CBCL scales scores as a potential ASD screener; (2) to investigate PEERS® outcomes via the CBCL for Autistic adolescents. Results indicated elevated scores on four CBCL scales in the ASD groups, contrasted to a typically-developing group. Furthermore, decreases in the two CBCL scales for adolescents that received the intervention were found. Findings support prior research indicating a unique CBCL elevation pattern as a potential screener for ASD, and provide additional support for the efficaciousness of PEERS®.
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22
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Barbaro D, Shankardass K. Work-Related Social Skills Interventions for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder Throughout the Life Course. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-022-00317-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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23
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Factor RS, Rea HM, Laugeson EA, Scarpa A. Examining Feasibility and Outcomes of the PEERS® for Preschoolers Program. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 53:1821-1833. [PMID: 35267147 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05502-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Social impairments characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are evident in early childhood and often worsen. There is a paucity of evidence-based interventions explicitly targeting social skill development for young children with ASD and few actively integrate caregivers. The PEERS® program, an evidence-based caregiver-assisted social skills program, was extended for young children with ASD (i.e., PEERS® for Preschoolers (P4P)). This pilot study expands upon initial results by examining the feasibility of a briefer intervention period and the effectiveness in improving child social skills among 15 children with ASD. Results suggest P4P recruitment, participant retention, and implementation are feasible across clinicians and sites. Further, P4P appears to improve social skills, maintained post-intervention. Future research might examine mechanisms that lead to results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reina S Factor
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech 109 Williams Hall, 890 Drillfield Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA. .,Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research, 3110 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA. .,Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, 300 Medical Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Hannah M Rea
- Research in Autism and the Brain Lab, University of Washington, CHDD Box 357920, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Laugeson
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, 300 Medical Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Angela Scarpa
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech 109 Williams Hall, 890 Drillfield Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.,Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research, 3110 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
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Abstract
Abstract. With the widespread adoption of masks, there is a need for understanding how facial obstruction affects emotion recognition. We asked 120 participants to identify emotions from faces with and without masks. We also examined if recognition performance was related to autistic traits and personality. Masks impacted recognition of expressions with diagnostic lower face features the most and those with diagnostic upper face features the least. Persons with higher autistic traits were worse at identifying unmasked expressions, while persons with lower extraversion and higher agreeableness were better at recognizing masked expressions. These results show that different features play different roles in emotion recognition and suggest that obscuring features affects social communication differently as a function of autistic traits and personality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jelena Ristic
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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25
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Duesenberg MD, Burns MK. Autism spectrum disorder identification in schools: Impact of criteria, assessments, and student data for identification decisions. PSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pits.22649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- McKinzie D. Duesenberg
- Department of Educational, School, & Counseling Psychology University of Missouri Columbia Missouri USA
| | - Matthew K. Burns
- Department of Educational, School, & Counseling Psychology University of Missouri Columbia Missouri USA
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26
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Factor RS, Rea HM, Dahiya AV, Albright J, Ollendick TH, Laugeson EA, Scarpa A. An Initial Pilot Study Examining Child Social Skills, Caregiver Styles, and Family Functioning in the PEERS® for Preschoolers Program for Young Autistic Children and their Caregivers. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 121:104152. [PMID: 34942441 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social impairments characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are evident in early childhood and worsen as the child matures. Though many interventions for young children exist, few specifically target social skills and involve caregivers. AIMS This pilot study examined PEERS® for Preschoolers, focusing on temporal change in child social skills, caregiver style, and family functioning in the context of a caregiver-assisted social skills intervention. This extension of the PEERS® program builds on the success of the intervention for older children, presenting skills in a developmentally appropriate manner to young autistic children and their caregivers. METHODS AND PROCEDURES The present pilot study used a non-concurrent multiple baseline design to examine the above variables with 15 autistic children (Mage = 4.87, SD = 1.25; 11 boys). Children and caregivers participated in PEERS® for Preschoolers groups, with each group randomly assigned three different baseline periods (1.5, 2, or 2.5 weeks) before beginning. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Simulation Modeling Analysis (SMA) revealed concurrent improvements in social and caregiving skills, with subsequent changes in family functioning occurring over the course of this 16-session intervention. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Future research will need to examine mechanisms of change in PEERS® for Preschoolers for children and caregivers. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS There is a dearth of research that specifically examines social skills interventions for young autistic children that incorporates caregivers and examines family functioning as well. This paper is one of the first to evaluate the PEERS® for Preschoolers (P4P) intervention by: 1) exploring changes in child social skills, caregiver efficacy, and family functioning, and 2) analyzing the sequence of improvements in the aforementioned variables to measure systematic change. This pilot study presents results using appropriate methodology for a small sample size of children and caregivers. Results suggested concurrent improvements in social and caregiving skills and subsequent changes in family functioning. These can be built upon for further research on the PEERS® for Preschoolers intervention. This study supports PEERS® for Preschoolers as a feasible intervention that likely contributes to improvements for the child, caregiver in their relationship with their child and parenting styles in general, as well as functioning of the entire family. In sum, this work is essential to furthering the provision of a much needed service of social skills interventions for young autistic children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reina S Factor
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, 109 Williams Hall, 890 Drillfield, Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States; Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research, 3110 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States; Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, 300 Medical Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States.
| | - Hannah M Rea
- Research in Autism and the Brain Lab, University of Washington, CHDD Box 357920, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Angela V Dahiya
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, 109 Williams Hall, 890 Drillfield, Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States; Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research, 3110 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Jordan Albright
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, 109 Williams Hall, 890 Drillfield, Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States; Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research, 3110 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Thomas H Ollendick
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, 109 Williams Hall, 890 Drillfield, Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States; Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research, 3110 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Laugeson
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, 300 Medical Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Angela Scarpa
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, 109 Williams Hall, 890 Drillfield, Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States; Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research, 3110 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
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27
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Silver K, Parsons S. Perspectives of autistic adults on the strategies that help or hinder successful conversations. AUTISM & DEVELOPMENTAL LANGUAGE IMPAIRMENTS 2022; 7:23969415221101113. [PMID: 36382069 PMCID: PMC9620675 DOI: 10.1177/23969415221101113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Background & aims There is increasing recognition of the importance of challenging deficit-focused, medical model approaches to supporting autistic people in daily life, however there is a lack of inclusion of autistic perspectives to inform approaches that may empower autistic people in conversations. Methods This multiple case study used a participatory approach to explore the conversation experiences and exchange in dyads of five autistic and five non-autistic adults over four to 12 months. The study was grounded in the perspectives of autistic people through a series of semi-structured interviews, observations, reflective conversations, and diary records. Results The findings focus on autistic participants' existing knowledge of conversations that they reported could be useful to them, including the communication environment, and type and structure of talk. The study also helped participants to identify and use previously unrecognised metacognitive abilities (what they already knew about conversations) within naturalistic interactive contexts. Conclusions These findings provide novel insights as to how the 'interactional expertise' of non-autistic people could be strengthened to enable the effective contribution of the voices of autistic people in everyday conversations. Implications The identification and use of successful conversation strategies identified by autistic adults gave them a greater sense of empowerment within the conversation based on their accounts of their experiences. Understanding these strategies has valuable implications for staff training, for working with families and for learning by autistic adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Silver
- The Autism Community Research Network @Southampton
[ACoRNS] and the Centre for Research in Inclusion, Southampton Education School, University of
Southampton, UK
| | - Sarah Parsons
- The Autism Community Research Network @Southampton
[ACoRNS] and the Centre for Research in Inclusion, Southampton Education School, University of
Southampton, UK
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Factor RS, Glass L, Baertschi D, Laugeson EA. Remote PEERS ® for preschoolers: A pilot parent-mediated social skills intervention for young children with social challenges over telehealth. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1008485. [PMID: 36523874 PMCID: PMC9745198 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1008485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Social differences characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities are evident in early childhood and are associated with later difficulties. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of evidence-based interventions explicitly targeting social skills development for young children, few actively integrate parents and caregivers, and even fewer have remote models. The importance of providing accessible, tailored services for families in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompted the creation of a parent-mediated telehealth version of Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) for Preschoolers (P4P), a pre-existing, evidence-based social skills intervention for children 4-6 years focused on making and keeping friends. METHOD This methodological paper documents the implementation, feasibility, and satisfaction of a novel telehealth group-based delivery of P4P. RESULTS Qualitative results indicate acceptable feasibility and satisfaction. Additionally, following completion there was an increase in parental confidence in social coaching and increased use of child social skills. DISCUSSION Future work will evaluate quantitative outcomes and comparisons between delivery methods (e.g., telehealth vs. in-person).
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Affiliation(s)
- Reina S Factor
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Leila Glass
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Daliah Baertschi
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Laugeson
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Agostini JMG, Freitas LC. HABILIDADES SOCIAIS EDUCATIVAS DE PAIS DE CRIANÇAS COM AUTISMO: REVISÃO DE LITERATURA. PSICOLOGIA ESCOLAR E EDUCACIONAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/2175-35392022234495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
RESUMO Trata-se de uma revisão de literatura de artigos sobre habilidades sociais educativas de pais de crianças com Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA). Objetivos: identificar, selecionar e descrever artigos que caracterizaram Habilidades Sociais Educativas (HSE) parentais e realizar uma análise de correspondência entre os comportamentos abordados nesses estudos e o Sistema de Habilidades Sociais Educativas (SHSE) de Del Prette e Del Prette. Fonte de dados: artigos publicados no LILACS, Scielo, PubMed, ScienceDirect e PsycoINFO, sem especificação de período. Conclusões: Verificou-se a ausência de estudos no contexto brasileiro. Nove artigos em língua inglesa foram encontrados. Todas as classes de habilidades do SHSE foram identificadas, tendo sido mais frequentes as classes Monitorar Positivamente e Transmitir ou expor conteúdos sobre habilidades sociais. A análise de correspondência demonstrou a possibilidade de uso do SHSE em estudos com pais de crianças com TEA, bem como a necessidade de aprimoramentos, incluindo comportamentos avaliados e/ou treinados nessa população.
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Agostini JMG, Freitas LC. SOCIAL EDUCATIONAL SKILLS OF PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM: LITERATURE REVIEW. PSICOLOGIA ESCOLAR E EDUCACIONAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/2175-35392022234495t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT This is a literature review of articles about educational social skills of parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Objectives: to identify, select and describe articles that characterized parental Social Educational Skills (SES) and perform a correspondence analysis between the behaviors addressed in these studies and the Social Educational Skills System (SESS) by Del Prette and Del Prette. Data source: articles published in LILACS, Scielo, PubMed, ScienceDirect and PsycoINFO, without period specification. Conclusions: There was a lack of studies in the Brazilian context. Nine English-language articles were found. All SESS skill classes were identified, with the most frequent classes Positively Monitor and Transmit or expose content about social skills. Correspondence analysis demonstrated the possibility of using the SESS in studies with parents of children with ASD, as well as the need for improvements, including behaviors evaluated and/or trained in this population.
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Lee CS, Yeghiazarian C. Personal value, self-efficacy, and social acceptability of a social behavior as correlates of behavioral action in social anxiety. TRENDS IN PSYCHIATRY AND PSYCHOTHERAPY 2021; 43:217-224. [PMID: 34852408 PMCID: PMC8638717 DOI: 10.47626/2237-6089-2020-0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Current therapies for social anxiety disorder emphasize taking behavioral action; active engagement of a behavior despite any present fear or anxiety that is associated with the behavior, through use of exposures. However, less is known about the mechanisms of behavioral action. The present study aimed to examine personal value, self-efficacy, and the perceived social acceptability of a social behavior as correlates of behavioral action in a high social anxiety sample. Method The present study utilized vignettes and self-report measures to examine self-efficacy, personal value, and the social acceptability of a social behavior as correlates of behavioral action in a high social anxiety sample (N = 92). Results The findings indicated that self-efficacy, but not personal value or social acceptability, was significantly associated with social anxiety. Additionally, with all variables included in the multiple regression model, social anxiety was significantly associated with behavioral action, while personal value and self-efficacy were associated with behavioral action over and above social anxiety. Discussion The results highlight the potential for self-efficacy and personal value as target mechanisms for increasing engagement with exposures and behavioral experiments in treatments for social anxiety.
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Chance S, Cividini-Motta C, Livingston C. Assessing the Effects of Observational Conditioning and Response-Contingent Pairing on the Vocalizations of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Anal Verbal Behav 2021; 37:194-216. [PMID: 35141106 PMCID: PMC8789963 DOI: 10.1007/s40616-021-00157-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often display impairments in communication, such as limited echoic behavior, few vocal-verbal responses, and a lack of functional communication. One potential way to foster the acquisition of vocal responses in individuals with disabilities is by conditioning vocalizations as reinforcers. Conditioning procedures include stimulus-stimulus pairing, response-contingent pairing (RCP), operant discrimination training, and observational conditioning (OC). However, previous research has not evaluated whether OC can be used to condition vocalizations as reinforcers. The current study assessed whether two conditioning procedures, RCP and OC, were effective in conditioning vocalizations as a reinforcer and also evaluated their effect on the rate of vocalizations. Participants included three children with ASD, ages 5-10 years old. During the conditioning phase, rates of vocalizations during the RCP and OC conditions and a control condition were compared within an adapted alternating-treatments design. Reinforcer assessments were completed in a multielement design, pre- and postconditioning, to assess whether the target vocalizations acquired reinforcing properties. A conditioning effect and an increase in the rate of vocalizations were observed for two of the three participants; however, the conditioning effect was minor for one participant. Overall, the results of this study indicate both the RCP and OC procedures may be beneficial in increasing vocalizations for some children and could be incorporated into clinical programs and further explored in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydni Chance
- Department of Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, MHC2333, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
| | - Catia Cividini-Motta
- Department of Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, MHC2333, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
| | - Cynthia Livingston
- Department of Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, MHC2333, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
- University Of Nebraska Medical Center’s Munroe-Meyer Institute, Omaha, NE USA
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Ronis SD, Lee E, Cuffman C, Burkhart K. Impact of Social and Relational Adversity on Access to Services among US Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder 2016–2019. CHILDREN 2021; 8:children8121099. [PMID: 34943296 PMCID: PMC8700475 DOI: 10.3390/children8121099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To explore the impact of social and relational adversity on access to key health services among US children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), cross-sectional analyses of the 2016–2019 National Survey of Children’s Health assessed use of key health services by children with ASD, accounting for differences in demographic characteristics, medical needs, and experience of social and relational adversities. sUS children with ASD were more than twice as likely as peers without ASD to report two or more social adversities and more than three times as likely to report two or more relational adversities. In multivariable models, relational adversities were significantly associated with greater odds of medication use for ASD (OR 1.50, 95%CI:1.02, 2.17). Social adversities were neither associated with receipt of behavioral therapies nor prescription of medication to treat ASD. Screening for various forms of adversity among youth with ASD is of great importance; even one adverse experience may be enough to influence care of a child with ASD, with differences in effect according to the nature of the particular adversity. Further research should evaluate the role that childhood adversity plays in physical and mental health outcomes in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah D. Ronis
- Center for Child Health and Policy, UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, 11100 Euclid Avenue, MS 6036, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (E.L.); (K.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-216-286-6933
| | - Eunice Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (E.L.); (K.B.)
| | - Carrie Cuffman
- Center for Developmental Pediatrics, Cleveland Clinic Children’s, 2801 Martin Luther King Drive, Cleveland, OH 44104, USA;
| | - Kimberly Burkhart
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (E.L.); (K.B.)
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics and Psychology, UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, W.O. Walker Building, 10524 Euclid Avenue Suite 3150, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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Internet of Things (IoT)-Enhanced Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for Special Education Needs. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21196693. [PMID: 34641011 PMCID: PMC8513056 DOI: 10.3390/s21196693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) has become a popular behavioral therapy in the special education needs (SEN) community. ABA is used to manage SEN students’ behaviors by solving problems in socially important settings, and puts emphasis on having precise measurements on physical and observable events. In this work, we present how Internet of Things (IoT) technologies can be applied to enhance ABA therapy in normal SEN classroom settings. We measured (1) learning performance data, (2) learners’ physiological data, and (3) learning environment sensors’ data. Upon preliminary analysis, we have found that learners’ physiological data is highly diverse, while learner performance seems to be related to learners’ electrodermal activity. Our preliminary findings suggest the possibility of enhancing ABA for SEN with IoT technologies.
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Banker SM, Gu X, Schiller D, Foss-Feig JH. Hippocampal contributions to social and cognitive deficits in autism spectrum disorder. Trends Neurosci 2021; 44:793-807. [PMID: 34521563 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by hallmark impairments in social functioning. Nevertheless, nonsocial cognition, including hippocampus-dependent spatial reasoning and episodic memory, is also commonly impaired in ASD. ASD symptoms typically emerge between 12 and 24 months of age, a time window associated with critical developmental events in the hippocampus. Despite this temporal overlap and evidence of hippocampal structural abnormalities in ASD individuals, relatively few human studies have focused on hippocampal function in ASD. Herein, we review the existing evidence for the involvement of the hippocampus in ASD and highlight the hippocampus as a promising area of interest for future research in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Banker
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Center for Computational Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; The Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Xiaosi Gu
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Center for Computational Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; The Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Daniela Schiller
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Center for Computational Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; The Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jennifer H Foss-Feig
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; The Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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Bailey B, Zyga O, Meeker H, Kirk J, Russ SW. A comparison of curricula: Examining the efficacy of a school-based musical theater intervention. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES : JOID 2021; 25:370-386. [PMID: 31750754 DOI: 10.1177/1744629519883159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Students qualifying for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act may experience challenges meeting the socioemotional demands of the school environment, creating a need for targeted interventions that can be delivered within school settings. The current study used a mixed-methods approach to examine the efficacy of a 4-week school-based musical theater intervention delivered to 121 elementary students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Quantitative analyses of teacher-reported changes in student engagement pre- and post-intervention were conducted to compare student gains made across two intervention curricula, followed by qualitative content analyses of teachers' responses to open-ended survey questions. Results indicated an overall benefit of the musical theater intervention, with increases found in composite scores on the teacher-report Student Engagement Survey measure after completion of both intervention curricula; however, gains in individual survey item scores differed by curricula. Additionally, qualitative analyses provided positive insight into several aspects of the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olena Zyga
- 2546Case Western Reserve University, USA
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Macmillan CM, Pecora LA, Ridgway K, Hooley M, Thomson M, Dymond S, Donaldson E, Mesibov GB, Stokes MA. An Evaluation of Education-Based Interventions for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders Without Intellectual Disability: a Systematic Review. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-021-00289-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Cohen S, Koegel R, Koegel LK, Engstrom E, Young K, Quach A. Using Self-Management and Visual Cues to Improve Responses to Nonverbal Social Cues in Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Behav Modif 2021; 46:529-552. [PMID: 34293935 DOI: 10.1177/0145445520982558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Many individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience challenges with social communication, including recognizing and responding to non-verbal cues. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of self-management combined with textual cues to teach adults with ASD to recognize and respond to nonverbal expressions of boredom and confusion during social conversation. A multiple baseline across participants design was used to assess the efficacy of this intervention for three participants. Results showed substantial gains across all participants in their recognition and responsiveness to the targeted nonverbal cues. Moreover, this skill maintained after the completion of intervention and generalized to novel conversation partners and settings with large effect sizes. The findings add to the literature base on interventions for adults with ASD, and further support the use of self-management and textual cues as effective intervention strategies for improving nonverbal communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shereen Cohen
- University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, USA
| | - Robert Koegel
- University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, USA
| | | | | | - Kurtis Young
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa John A Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, USA
| | - Anthony Quach
- University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, La Jolla, USA
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Apps to Teach Social Skills to Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review of the Embedded Behaviour Change Procedures. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-021-00271-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AbstractSocial skill interventions have become increasingly popular in recent times, as well as the use of technology to deliver and aid interventions for the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) population. Little research exists on the use of apps to teach social skills to individuals with ASD, in particular the behaviour change procedures that exist within apps. The current review examines the behaviour change procedures that exist within apps according to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board Task List, 5th Edition. A total of 15 apps were included within this review. Results indicate that a variety of behaviour change procedures exist within apps. However, the quality of apps and the number of behaviour change procedures vary across app developers.
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Narzisi A, Sesso G, Berloffa S, Fantozzi P, Muccio R, Valente E, Viglione V, Villafranca A, Milone A, Masi G. Could You Give Me the Blue Brick? LEGO ®-Based Therapy as a Social Development Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Brain Sci 2021; 11:702. [PMID: 34073614 PMCID: PMC8228619 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11060702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
LEGO®-based therapy is a social skills development program aimed at children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A systematic review of the literature was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science bibliographic databases were searched from their date of inception to August 2020. The review included 19 studies. Studies were classified according to experimental designs (e.g., Randomized Control Trial, Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions and case report and series) and a narrative synthesis of each was provided, along with a critical discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the available literature on the topic. Although LEGO®-based therapy appears a promising treatment for social interaction in ASD, the findings of LEGO®-based therapy studies should be interpreted and generalized with caution, due to the low quality of the studies and the small sample sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Narzisi
- Department of Child Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56018 Pisa, Italy; (G.S.); (S.B.); (P.F.); (R.M.); (E.V.); (V.V.); (A.V.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
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Yamamoto T, Okuno H, Tatsumi A, Sakai S, Mohri I, Taniike M. Use of a Sensing Device to Visualizes Group Participation in Social Skills Learning Groups. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:642949. [PMID: 33927654 PMCID: PMC8076530 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.642949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have difficulties in developing stable peer relationships. Interventions for learning social skills (SS) for such children are often conducted in a group. Behavioral imaging and social imaging, which have been called for in recent years, are methods for visualizing children's behaviors and interpersonal relationships. To examine the usefulness of visualizing face-to-face interaction with others in the social skills learning scene of children with ASD, we use a business microscope that can qualify and visualize face-to-face interactions automatically. We highlight two boys' face-to-face interaction changes in the same SS learning group of five children. The device's use may provide a more objective measurement that complements the observer's subjective evaluation in case of the intervention's validation. It is expected that information on face-to-face interactions will be used to determine the SS learning process in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoka Yamamoto
- Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Hiroko Okuno
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Aika Tatsumi
- Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Saeko Sakai
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Research Development, Hyogo Institute for Traumatic Stress, Kobe, Japan
| | - Ikuko Mohri
- Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Masako Taniike
- Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
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Fan L, Shire S, Couture M, Zwaigenbaum L, Thompson-Hodgetts S. The influence of disclosure of an autism diagnosis on peer engagement and interactions for a child with autism in summer camps: a case study. Disabil Rehabil 2021; 44:4519-4530. [PMID: 33771093 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1904012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Little research has evaluated how disclosure of an autism diagnosis influences peer engagement and understanding of children with autism in community recreation programs. This study describes outcomes of disclosing an autism diagnosis for a child with autism participating in mainstream, community summer camps. METHODS This case study includes a 9-year-old boy diagnosed with autism who participated in two camps, one in which he disclosed and one in which he did not disclose. Quantitative data on peer engagement states and reciprocal interactions were coded through structured behavioral observation of video recorded on the first, second, and last day of each program. Qualitative interviews about perceived outcomes of disclosure were completed with the child with autism, camp leaders, and peers in the disclosure camp. RESULTS Peer engagement and reciprocal interactions improved following the disclosure protocol and continued to improve on the final day of the camp, which was not observed in the non-disclosure camp. A key qualitative theme revealed that changed behavioral attribution was the main contributor to improved inclusion following disclosure. CONCLUSIONS This study provides preliminary data to support that disclosure may be a simple intervention to improve peer engagement and understanding of children with autism in community programs.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONChildren with Autism Spectrum Disorder are at high risk of experiencing social exclusion, especially in community programs.A disclosure protocol (disclosure + explanation for behaviors) could be a simple intervention to facilitate peer acceptance and inclusion of children with autism, however this intervention has not been evaluated in a real life context.This study provides preliminary evidence to support the use of a simple disclosure protocol for families who want to disclose, within short-term community programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu'an Fan
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Mélanie Couture
- Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Lonnie Zwaigenbaum
- Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Terlouw G, Kuipers D, van 't Veer J, Prins JT, Pierie JPEN. The Development of an Escape Room-Based Serious Game to Trigger Social Interaction and Communication Between High-Functioning Children With Autism and Their Peers: Iterative Design Approach. JMIR Serious Games 2021; 9:e19765. [PMID: 33755023 PMCID: PMC8294642 DOI: 10.2196/19765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have social deficits that affect social interactions, communication, and relationships with peers. Many existing interventions focus mainly on improving social skills in clinical settings. In addition to the direct instruction-based programs, activity-based programs could be of added value, especially to bridge the relational gap between children with ASD and their peers. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to describe an iterative design process for the development of an escape room-based serious game as a boundary object. The purpose of the serious game is to facilitate direct communication between high-functioning children with ASD and their peers, for the development of social skills on the one hand and strengthening relationships with peers through a fun and engaging activity on the other hand. METHODS This study is structured around the Design Research Framework to develop an escape room through an iterative-incremental process. With a pool of 37 children, including 23 children diagnosed with ASD (5 girls) and 14 children (7 girls) attending special primary education for other additional needs, 4 testing sessions around different prototypes were conducted. The beta prototype was subsequently reviewed by experts (n=12). During the design research process, we examined in small steps whether the developed prototypes are feasible and whether they have the potential to achieve the formulated goals of different stakeholders. RESULTS By testing various prototypes, several insights were found and used to improve the design. Insights were gained in finding a fitting and appealing theme for the children, composing the content, and addressing different constraints in applying the goals from the children's and therapeutic perspectives. Eventually, a multiplayer virtual escape room, AScapeD, was developed. Three children can play the serious game in the same room on tablets. The first test shows that the game enacts equal cooperation and communication among the children. CONCLUSIONS This paper presents an iterative design process for AScapeD. AScapeD enacts equal cooperation and communication in a playful way between children with ASD and their peers. The conceptual structure of an escape room contributes to the natural emergence of communication and cooperation. The iterative design process has been beneficial for finding a constructive game structure to address all formulated goals, and it contributed to the design of a serious game as a boundary object that mediates the various objectives of different stakeholders. We present 5 lessons learned from the design process. The developed prototype is feasible and has the potential to achieve the goals of the serious game.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gijs Terlouw
- NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Leeuwarden, Netherlands
- Medical Faculty Lifelong Learning, Education & Assessment Research Network, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Derek Kuipers
- Research Group Serious Gaming, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Leeuwarden, Netherlands
| | - Job van 't Veer
- Research Group Digital Innovation in Healthcare and Social Work, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Leeuwarden, Netherlands
| | - Jelle T Prins
- University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Jean Pierre E N Pierie
- Post Graduate School of Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Surgery Department, Medical Center Leeuwarden, Leeuwarden, Netherlands
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Wolstencroft J, Kerry E, Denyer H, Watkins A, Mandy W, Skuse D. New approaches to social skills training: Blended group interventions for girls with social communication difficulties. Autism Res 2021; 14:1061-1072. [PMID: 33694323 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Social skills group interventions are increasing popular for children with social communication disorders but there is little evidence of their acceptability or effectiveness when delivered online. We report a feasibility study that adapted the Program for Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) to provide an intensive 8 week online delivery to female adolescents, blended with some face-to-face group meetings. A systematic multiple-case series design with case tracking was developed, comprising a 3-month baseline, a 2-month intervention and a 3-month follow-up period. Seven adolescents with Turner Syndrome and social communication difficulties (17-20 years) took part, together with their parents. Acceptability and feasibility were assessed by means of qualitative feedback and attendance rates. Changes in social adaptation were tracked using measures of social knowledge, social behaviour and autistic symptoms, plus anxiety and self-esteem. Attendance rates were consistently high and there were no dropouts. Qualitative feedback indicated the online format was acceptable to both the participants and their families. Objective outcome measures showed significant gains in social knowledge and improved social initiations from measures made during the pre-intervention baseline. This proof-of-principle pilot study demonstrated blended social skills interventions are both feasible and acceptable to adolescent females with social communication difficulties. LAY SUMMARY: Social skills groups are increasingly popular for children with social communication disorders, but there is little evidence for their use online. Psychological treatments that require weekly face-to-face sessions for both children and their parents are associated with practical difficulties, disrupting family life and school commitments. Our study, is the first to use a blended online and face-to-face social skills training program for adolescent girls with social communication difficulties. We showed that this new approach to treatment was acceptable to families and has a positive and significant impact on participant's social performance and social knowledge. This new treatment approach may increase the accessibility of treatment for adolescents and young adults, especially those with social communication difficulties. Autism Res 2021, 14: 1061-1072. © 2021 The Authors. Autism Research published by International Society for Autism Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Wolstencroft
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Eleanor Kerry
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Hayley Denyer
- King's College London, Social Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, London, London, UK
| | | | - William Mandy
- Faculty of Brain Sciences, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - David Skuse
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
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45
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Kang E, Gioia A, Pugliese CE, Islam NY, Martinez-Pedraza FDL, Girard RM, McLeod BD, Carter AS, Lerner MD. Alliance-Outcome Associations in a Community-Based Social Skills Intervention for Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Behav Ther 2021; 52:324-337. [PMID: 33622503 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Although the alliance is a consistent predictor of treatment outcomes in psychosocial interventions, few studies have examined this association among youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In particular, youth-therapist alliance has never been examined in social skills interventions (SSIs), a common modality for this population. In this study, thirty-four youth with ASD (Mage = 12.41; 79% male) participated in a community-delivered, group-based SSI in a summer camp format led by eight Head Therapists (Mage = 32.12; 50% male). Early alliance and change in alliance over the course of the treatment were assessed via self- and observer-reported measures. Both self- and observer-rated alliance were associated with positive treatment outcomes as reported by parents (decreased problem behaviors) and other peers in the group (reciprocated friendship and social preference). These results provide the first evidence of the role of the alliance in an SSI for youth with ASD and add to the growing body of literature that demonstrates the importance of assessing and addressing the alliance in treatment for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Kang
- Stony Brook University; Montclair State University.
| | | | - Cara E Pugliese
- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders and Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Health System
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Exploring Social Biomarkers in High-Functioning Adults with Autism and Asperger's Versus Healthy Controls: A Cross-Sectional Analysis. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 50:4412-4430. [PMID: 32279223 PMCID: PMC7677266 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04493-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are lacking but would facilitate drug development for the core deficits of the disorder. We evaluated markers proposed for characterization of differences in social communication and interaction in adults with ASD versus healthy controls (HC) for utility as biomarkers. Data pooled from an observational study and baseline data from a placebo-controlled study were analyzed. Between-group differences were observed in eye-tracking tasks for activity monitoring, biomotion, human activity preference, composite score (p = 0.0001-0.037) and pupillometry (various tasks, p = 0.017-0.05). Impaired olfaction was more common in the ASD sample versus HC (p = 0.018). Our preliminary results suggest the potential use for stratification and response sub-analyses outcome-prediction of specific eye-tracking tasks, pupillometry and olfaction tests in ASD trials.
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47
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Sportsmanship Interventions for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders: a Systematic Literature Review. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-021-00240-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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48
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Randomized Controlled Trial of a Video Gaming-Based Social Skills Program for Children on the Autism Spectrum. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 51:3637-3650. [PMID: 33389304 PMCID: PMC7778851 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04801-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Families often face financial and geographical barriers to services for children with autism. The current study explored the effectiveness of a parent-supported adaptation of the computer game-based social skills program Secret Agent Society (SAS). Seventy child-parent dyads were randomized to SAS (n = 35) or a caregiver-supported cognitive skills training game (CIA—control comparison; n = 35), both completed over 10 weeks. Child participants were on the autism spectrum and aged seven to 12 years (60 boys, 10 girls). SAS participants improved more than CIA participants on parent-rated social skills and problem behaviors and teacher-rated social skills. Findings suggest the intervention may be a convenient, cost-effective therapeutic approach, especially during times of restricted face-to-face service access, such as COVID-19.
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49
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Gengoux GW, Schwartzman JM, Millan ME, Schuck RK, Ruiz AA, Weng Y, Long J, Hardan AY. Enhancing Social Initiations Using Naturalistic Behavioral Intervention: Outcomes from a Randomized Controlled Trial for Children with Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 51:3547-3563. [PMID: 33387236 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04787-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Deficits in social skills are common in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and there is an urgent need for effective social skills interventions, especially for improving interactions with typically developing peers. This study examined the effects of a naturalistic behavioral social skills intervention in improving social initiations to peers through a randomized controlled trial. Analyses of multimethod, multi-informant measures indicated that children in the active group (SIMI) demonstrated greater improvement in the types of initiations which were systematically prompted and reinforced during treatment (i.e., behavior regulation). Generalization to joint attention and social interaction initiation types, as well as collateral gains in broader social functioning on clinician- and parent-rated standardized measures were also observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace W Gengoux
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA, 94305-5719, USA.
| | - Jessica M Schwartzman
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA, 94305-5719, USA.,Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1501 23rd Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37209, USA
| | - M Estefania Millan
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA, 94305-5719, USA
| | - Rachel K Schuck
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA, 94305-5719, USA.,University of California Santa Barbara, Special Education, Disability, and Risk Studies, 18 Ocean Road, Santa Barbara, CA, 93117, USA
| | - Andrés A Ruiz
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA, 94305-5719, USA.,Sharp Health Care, Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital, 7850 Vista Hill Ave., San Diego, CA, 92123, USA
| | - Yingjie Weng
- Department of Medicine, Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University, 1701 Page Mill, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Jin Long
- Department of Medicine, Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University, 1701 Page Mill, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Antonio Y Hardan
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA, 94305-5719, USA
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50
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King G, McDougall C, Kingsnorth S, Pinto M. Program factors influencing parents' engagement in a friendship-making intervention for youth with disabilities. Disabil Rehabil 2020; 44:1620-1630. [PMID: 33351666 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2020.1861115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim was to examine parents' experiences of engagement in a friendship-making intervention for youth with physical and developmental disabilities. METHOD This mixed methods study used a convergent parallel design where quantitative and qualitative data were collected concurrently, analyzed independently, and then merged into an overall interpretation. Four parents completed the Pediatric Rehabilitation Intervention Measure of Engagement-Parent version at four points during the 8-week program. They also took part in post-intervention interviews about their engagement-related experiences, including their involvement, interest, and confidence in the parent sessions. RESULTS Parents' engagement experiences were captured in four themes involving the person-intervention fit: the relevance of program content, the usefulness of the content, their behavioral involvement in planning and group discussions, and seeing youth experience success. The themes corroborated the quantitative measurement of engagement and illustrated and elaborated on how program factors influenced engagement. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates the value of including a parent component in a youth friendship-making intervention, and points to the importance of considering relevance, usefulness, behavioral involvement, and success in designing these sessions. The four themes reflect important program factors that may be broadly relevant to the design of group-based interventions for parents of youth with disabilities.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe findings indicate the value of including a parent component in youth interventions.Parents are engaged when they feel programs are relevant and useful, are behaviorally involved, and see youth experience success-these factors should be considered in optimal program design.It is important to optimize parent engagement by personalizing content, such as by providing choices and options to increase relevance and decrease burden.Transparent communication about program content and the benefits experienced by other parents will help new parents be more fully informed about what to expect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian King
- Bloorview Research Institute, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Carolyn McDougall
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Shauna Kingsnorth
- Bloorview Research Institute, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Madhu Pinto
- Bloorview Research Institute, Toronto, Canada.,Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada
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