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Carpita B, Nardi B, Bonelli C, Pascariello L, Massimetti G, Cremone IM, Pini S, Palego L, Betti L, Giannaccini G, Dell’Osso L. Platelet Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Is There a Specific Association with Autism Spectrum Psychopathology? Biomedicines 2024; 12:1529. [PMID: 39062102 PMCID: PMC11274613 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071529] [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: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
To date, although several studies have investigated the circulating levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), only a few authors have addressed their evaluation in adults. Furthermore, an important limitation of these studies lies in the fact that circulating BDNF is stored in platelets and released into the circulation when needed. To the best of our knowledge, a very limited number of studies have related peripheral BDNF values to platelet counts, and yet no study has evaluated intra-platelet BDNF levels in adults with ASD. In this framework, the aim of the present work is to pave the way in this field and evaluate platelet BNDF levels in adult ASD patients, as well as their correlation with autistic symptoms and related psychopathological dimensions. We recruited 22 ASD and 22 healthy controls, evaluated with the Adult autism subthreshold spectrum (AdAS Spectrum), the Social Anxiety Spectrum-self report (SHY-SR), the Trauma and loss spectrum-self report (TALS-SR), the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS), and the Mood Spectrum-self report for suicidality. Intra-platelet BDNF levels were also assessed. The results highlighted lower BDNF levels in the ASD group; moreover, AdAS Spectrum and WSAS total score as well as AdAS Spectrum Restricted interest and rumination, WSAS Private leisure activities, TALS-SR Arousal, and SHY-SR Childhood domains were significant negative predictors of platelet BDNF levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Carpita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.B.); (L.P.); (G.M.); (I.M.C.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Benedetta Nardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.B.); (L.P.); (G.M.); (I.M.C.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Chiara Bonelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.B.); (L.P.); (G.M.); (I.M.C.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Lavinia Pascariello
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.B.); (L.P.); (G.M.); (I.M.C.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Gabriele Massimetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.B.); (L.P.); (G.M.); (I.M.C.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Ivan Mirko Cremone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.B.); (L.P.); (G.M.); (I.M.C.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Stefano Pini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.B.); (L.P.); (G.M.); (I.M.C.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Lionella Palego
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (L.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Laura Betti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (L.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Gino Giannaccini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (L.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Liliana Dell’Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.B.); (L.P.); (G.M.); (I.M.C.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
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Yu APL, Zeng W, Lopez K, Magaña S. Reducing Depressive Symptoms Among Latina Mothers of Autistic Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial. AMERICAN JOURNAL ON INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2024; 129:294-307. [PMID: 38917994 DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-129.4.294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
This study examines the intervention effect of a culturally tailored parent education program in reducing depressive symptoms among Latina mothers of autistic children. In this two-site randomized waitlist-control study (n = 109 mother-child dyads), a peer-to-peer mentoring (promotora) model was used to deliver an intervention that was designed to increase mothers' self-efficacy and use of evidence-based strategies. We assessed mothers' depressive symptom (CES-D) scores at three time points and used linear mixed models to determine whether their scores significantly changed from baseline to postintervention (Time 2) and at 4 months postintervention (Time 3). Results show that mothers in the intervention group reported a significant decrease in mean depressive symptom scores at Time 2 and that the effect was maintained at Time 3 with intermediate to medium effect sizes. There were no differences in results across sites. Findings suggest that Parents Taking Action, a culturally tailored intervention led by peer mentors, showed a significant effect both immediately after the intervention and 4 months postintervention in reducing depressive symptoms among Latina mothers of autistic children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Pei-Lung Yu
- Amy Pei-Lung Yu, The University of Texas at Austin, Steve Hicks School of Social Work
| | - Weiwen Zeng
- Weiwen Zeng, Brandeis University, The Lurie Institute for Disability Policy
| | - Kristina Lopez
- Kristina Lopez, Arizona State University, School of Social Work
| | - Sandy Magaña
- Sandy Magaña, The University of Texas at Austin, Steve Hicks School of Social Work
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Lim JM, Barlas J, Kaur D, Ng P. Unmasking the Struggle: A Scoping Review Exploring Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Caregivers of Individuals with Neurodevelopmental, Psychiatric and Neurocognitive Disorders. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024:15248380241241018. [PMID: 38676377 DOI: 10.1177/15248380241241018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The impact of caregiving on caregivers' mental health is typically considered within the caregiver stress and burden literature; however, more recently, research has investigated the experience of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in caregivers. As an emerging area of research, it is timely to conduct a scoping review to map the existing literature in relation to PTSS among adult caregivers of children and adults with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), neurocognitive disorders, and psychiatric disorders. The scoping review was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines and Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage methodology framework. Published and unpublished gray literature between 2005 and 2022 was included in the scoping review. Nine thousand one hundred and twenty-five studies were originally identified for screening and 22 studies were selected for inclusion in the final review. Trauma and PTSS experienced by NDD caregivers were related to news breaking, NDD diagnosis, and behavioral issues, whereas caregivers of individuals with psychosis reported aggression and violence as traumatic events. Studies showed that up to half of caregivers reported PTSS, although no conclusions could be drawn about prevalence rates. A wide variety of tools measuring PTSS were used across the 22 studies. Many symptoms of PTSS were reported by caregivers, and cognitive appraisals were associated with PTSS in caregivers. The findings highlight the importance of recognizing the impact of trauma in caregiver mental health and the potential value of using traumatic stress frameworks with these populations. Research should be expanded to establish prevalence rates and to examine the long-term impact of trauma on caregiving as caregivers and care recipients age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Mei Lim
- James Cook University, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | - Pamela Ng
- Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
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Ding N, Fu L, Qian L, Sun B, Li C, Gao H, Lei T, Ke X. The correlation between brain structure characteristics and emotion regulation ability in children at high risk of autism spectrum disorder. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024:10.1007/s00787-024-02369-y. [PMID: 38402375 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-024-02369-y] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
As indicated by longitudinal observation, autism has difficulty controlling emotions to a certain extent in early childhood, and most children's emotional and behavioral problems are further aggravated with the growth of age. This study aimed at exploring the correlation between white matter and white matter fiber bundle connectivity characteristics and their emotional regulation ability in children with autism using machine learning methods, which can lay an empirical basis for early clinical intervention of autism. Fifty-five high risk of autism spectrum disorder (HR-ASD) children and 52 typical development (TD) children were selected to complete the skull 3D-T1 structure and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). The emotional regulation ability of the two groups was compared using the still-face paradigm (SFP). The classification and regression models of white matter characteristics and white matter fiber bundle connections of emotion regulation ability in the HR-ASD group were built based on the machine learning method. The volume of the right amygdala (R2 = 0.245) and the volume of the right hippocampus (R2 = 0.197) affected constructive emotion regulation strategies. FA (R2 = 0.32) and MD (R2 = 0.34) had the predictive effect on self-stimulating behaviour. White matter fiber bundle connection predicted constructive regulation strategies (positive edging R2 = 0.333, negative edging R2 = 0.334) and mother-seeking behaviors (positive edging R2 = 0.667, negative edging R2 = 0.363). The emotional regulation ability of HR-ASD children is significantly correlated with the connections of multiple white matter fiber bundles, which is a potential neuro-biomarker of emotional regulation ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Ding
- Child Mental Health Research Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Qingdao Women and Children' s Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266011, China
| | - Linyan Fu
- Child Mental Health Research Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Lu Qian
- Child Mental Health Research Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Bei Sun
- Child Mental Health Research Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Chunyan Li
- Child Mental Health Research Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Huiyun Gao
- Child Mental Health Research Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Tianyu Lei
- Child Mental Health Research Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ke
- Child Mental Health Research Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
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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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Li H, Dodd-Butera T, Beaman ML, Burtea R. Immediate Caregiving Environment of Young Children with Autism: Findings from the U.S. National Survey of Children's Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 21:12. [PMID: 38276800 PMCID: PMC10815337 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disability that negatively affects children's learning, motor behavior, social communication, and interaction. It was estimated that, in 2020, 1 in 36 children aged 8 years in the United States had ASD. Caring for children with ASD might exert significant psychological and emotional distress on parents. Receiving parental emotional support and fostering positive parent-child interactions at home have been identified as beneficial for the immediate caregiving environment for children with ASD. The current secondary analysis of the 2019-2020 National Survey of Children's Health examined parent-child interactions and accessible sources of emotional support for parents caring for 3-5-year-old children diagnosed with ASD (N = 243). Children with the following characteristics had higher odds of having ASD: male gender; having no private insurance or uninsured; and having less than excellent general health. Among parents, higher odds of caring for children with ASD were associated with accessing emotional support from various sources, especially from healthcare professionals and peers, and spending more time telling stories and/or singing to their children. Given these significant health disparities, educational interventions and strategies are needed to foster a positive home caregiving environment for young children with ASD, including equitable access to parent resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Li
- Department of Doctoral Studies, Institute of Health Research, School of Nursing, Azusa Pacific University, 606 E Huntington Dr., Room 235, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA
| | - Teresa Dodd-Butera
- Departments of Public Health and Doctoral Studies, Institute of Health Research, School of Nursing, Azusa Pacific University, San Diego, CA 92108, USA;
| | - Margaret L. Beaman
- Department of Nursing, California State University, San Bernardino, CA 92407, USA
| | - Rebecca Burtea
- Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics, Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA 91702, USA;
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Asmare RF, Taye FN, Kotecho MG, Mishna F, Regehr C. Towards a "New Mothering" Practice? The Life Experiences of Mothers Raising a Child with Autism in Urban Ethiopia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5333. [PMID: 37047948 PMCID: PMC10094236 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological and developmental disorder that has seen an increase in prevalence over the past two decades, particularly in low and middle-income countries. The purpose of the current paper is to examine the experiences of mothers in Ethiopia raising a child with ASD through employing a qualitative research design involving semi-structured interviews with twenty mothers. The experiences of mothers in this study fell into three thematic areas: (1) grieving and experiencing other emotions arising from the diagnosis of their child; (2) developing, understanding and defining autism; and (3) accepting the diagnosis and developing coping strategies for raising their child. The findings revealed that raising a child with autism introduced a new lifelong experience to mothers' everyday lives, profoundly changing their parenting role and transforming their view of mothering. Recognition of the experience of "new mothering" and mothers' meaning-making process, stress, coping mechanisms and resilience is critical to informing policies, programs, counseling and other therapeutic efforts to assist children with autism and their families for social workers in Ethiopia and those working with the Ethiopian diaspora in other regions of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahel Fentahun Asmare
- School of Social Work, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1176, Ethiopia; (R.F.A.); (F.N.T.); (M.G.K.)
| | - Fasil Nigussie Taye
- School of Social Work, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1176, Ethiopia; (R.F.A.); (F.N.T.); (M.G.K.)
| | - Messay Gebremariam Kotecho
- School of Social Work, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1176, Ethiopia; (R.F.A.); (F.N.T.); (M.G.K.)
- Department of Social Work and community development, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg P.O. Box 526, South Africa
| | - Faye Mishna
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S, Canada;
| | - Cheryl Regehr
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S, Canada;
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Bispo-Torres AC, Lucena R, Tavares-Rodrigues IC, Barouh JL, Lins-Silva DH, Dorea-Bandeira I, Souza LS, Faria-Guimarães D, Tolentino A, Miranda-Scippa Â, Hermens DF, Sampaio AS, Quarantini LC, Glozier N, Hickie IB, Bandeira ID. Psychopathological symptoms in parents and siblings of people on the autism spectrum: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res 2023; 323:115145. [PMID: 36921507 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Parents and siblings of children on the autism spectrum experience significant distress, and for this reason, it is essential to understand the most prevalent psychopathological symptoms among this population. This work aims to establish the prevalence of psychopathological symptoms in parents and siblings of individuals on the autism spectrum, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) criteria. Searches were carried out using the PubMed/Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, SciELO, and Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) databases. Twenty-three articles were included in this review. Depressive symptoms were the most frequently reported conditions, with a higher prevalence in mothers of children on the autism spectrum. In the meta-analysis, mothers of children on the autism spectrum scored higher by 0.42 standard deviations on the symptom scales (SMD 0.42; CI 0.25-0.59), with low statistical heterogeneity (I2 0%, p = 0.5) when compared with mothers of children with atypical development. The psychopathological symptoms of relatives should be investigated as part of the follow-up procedures for the child on the autism spectrum to facilitate their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rita Lucena
- Departamento de Neurociências e Saúde Mental, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40025010, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40110060, Brazil
| | | | - Judah L Barouh
- Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40025010, Brazil; Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40110060, Brazil
| | - Daniel H Lins-Silva
- Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40025010, Brazil; Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40110060, Brazil
| | - Ingrid Dorea-Bandeira
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40110060, Brazil
| | - Lucca S Souza
- Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40025010, Brazil; Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40110060, Brazil
| | - Daniela Faria-Guimarães
- Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40025010, Brazil; Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40110060, Brazil
| | - Arthur Tolentino
- Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40025010, Brazil
| | - Ângela Miranda-Scippa
- Departamento de Neurociências e Saúde Mental, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40025010, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40110060, Brazil
| | - Daniel F Hermens
- Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast 4575, Australia
| | - Aline S Sampaio
- Departamento de Neurociências e Saúde Mental, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40025010, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40110060, Brazil; Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40110060, Brazil
| | - Lucas C Quarantini
- Departamento de Neurociências e Saúde Mental, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40025010, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40110060, Brazil; Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40110060, Brazil
| | - Nick Glozier
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
| | - Ian B Hickie
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
| | - Igor D Bandeira
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto 94305, United States.
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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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Effects of a Web-Based Parent-Child Physical Activity Program on Mental Health in Parents of Children with ASD. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182412913. [PMID: 34948523 PMCID: PMC8700830 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182412913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Parents of children with ASD experience a higher incidence of mental health difficulties, including stress, depression, and anxiety, than parents of children without ASD. According to studies related to ASD, parent–child physical activity programs are an effective approach to encourage both parents and their children with ASD to exercise together, thus improving the mental health of parents due to this interactive family activity. The purpose of the present study was to explore the effects of this web-based parent–child physical activity program on the mental health of parents of children with ASD. A total of 94 parent–child pairs consented to participate in this study, and 75 parent–child pairs completed the study. Three instruments—DASS-21, PSI-4-SF, and WHOQOL-26—were used to measure mental health, parental stress, and quality of life, respectively. A randomized controlled trial design was implemented to examine the effectiveness of the 10-week web-based parent–child physical activity program on improving the mental health of parents of children with ASD. The results showed that after the 10-week parent–child physical activity program, there were significant differences in overall DASS-21 and PSI-4-SF for the experimental group, compared with control group (p < 0.05), which indicated that the parent–child physical activity program has a positive influence on mental health in parents of children with ASD. One sub-area of WHOQOL-26 between the experimental and control groups across pre-/post-testing intervals also showed greater reductions in the item of psychological health (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the findings demonstrated the efficacy of the web-based parent–child physical activity program for improving mental health in parents of children with ASD.
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Posttraumatic Growth Among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in China and Its Relationship to Family Function and Mental Resilience: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Pediatr Nurs 2021; 57:e59-e67. [PMID: 33153854 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2020.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to examine the posttraumatic growth (PTG) of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the association among family function, mental resilience and PTG. DESIGN AND METHODS This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 205 parents of children with ASD in the clinical department of a university-affiliated hospital in Guangzhou from January to October 2019. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, Family Assessment Device, and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale were employed for data collection. RESULTS The mean PTG score of parents was 59.56±18.46; and 24.63%, 43.84%, and 32.51% of parents exhibited a high level, moderate level and low level, respectively, of PTG. The problem-solving dimension of family function (p = 0.005) and the strength dimension of mental resilience (p ≤0.001) were positively related to PTG. CONCLUSIONS Parents of children with ASD experienced moderate PTG overall. The problem-solving dimension of family function and the strength dimension of mental resilience were significant predictors of PTG. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Interventions to improve family function and the mental resilience of parents with ASD children could contribute to improving the PTG of parents.
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12
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Alshahrani MS, Algashmari H. The moderating effect of financial stress and autism severity on development of depression among parents and caregivers of Autistic children in Taif, Saudi Arabia. J Family Med Prim Care 2021; 10:1227-1233. [PMID: 34041156 PMCID: PMC8140263 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_2203_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common problem in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. However, little research explored the extent of anxiety and depressive disorders in parents of children with ASD. METHOD Descriptive questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey of a sample of parents of children with ASD who attended Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Autistic Centre, Ministry of defense, Taif city. RESULTS The study included (n = 50) parents. The prevalence of mild depression was 30%, whereas the prevalence of moderately severe depression was 68%. Increased ASD severity level was associated with a significant impact on the PHQ-9 total score (level II was 1.293 times level I to have an increased PHQ-9 score, and level III was 1.530 times level I to have an increased PHQ-9 score). Economic status did not significantly alter depressive symptoms. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION ASD diagnosis in Saudi children is associated with high parental depressive prevalence. However, this result could be bidirectional. Stigma, future-related worry, and stress could mediate parental depressive symptoms. Our findings in Saudi parents of children with ASD corroborate the established association between parental depressive symptoms and ASD severity. Our results corroborated previous findings that neither parental gender nor child gender exert any substantial effect on predictability of depressive symptoms among parents of children with ASD. Comprehensive therapeutic packages for children with ASD should include treatment of emotional problems arising out of carer burden among their parents. Screening for parental emotional problems should be routine in autism treatment facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hasaan Algashmari
- Department of Family Medicine, Al-Hada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif City, Saudi Arabia
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13
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A Systematic Review: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for the Parents of Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:124-141. [PMID: 33635420 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-04923-y] [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: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This systematic review investigated the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy for the parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. PsychInfo, CINAHL, PubMed, Science Direct, and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection were searched using the terms "acceptance and commitment", "autism" and "parent". A total of eight articles met the eligibility criteria. One study was a randomized controlled trial, one was quasi-experimental, and the other six were exploratory. Study outcomes concerned ACT processes, mental health, and quality of life. These studies showed that ACT interventions can be helpful for the parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Nevertheless, as this field of research is relatively new, future research would benefit from creating a standard procedure and larger randomized controlled trials .
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14
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Uljarević M, Billingham W, Cooper MN, Condron P, Hardan AY. Examining Effectiveness and Predictors of Treatment Response of Pivotal Response Treatment in Autism: An Umbrella Review and a Meta-Analysis. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:766150. [PMID: 35153850 PMCID: PMC8830537 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.766150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study aimed to provide a comprehensive appraisal of the current evidence on the effectiveness of Pivotal Response Training (PRT) for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to explore predictors of treatment response. We conducted a systematic review of the following electronic databases and registers: PsycINFO, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ERIC, Linguistics and Language Behavior Abstracts. Six systematic reviews were identified, two with meta-analytic component. Identified reviews varied widely in terms of their aims, outcomes, and designs which precluded a unified and consistent set of conclusions and recommendations. Ten RCTs were identified. Eight of identified RCTs reported at least one language and communication-related outcome. Statistically significant effects of PRT were identified across a majority of identified RCTs for a range of language and communication skills. However, evidence for positive treatment effects of PRT on outcome measures assessing other domains was less robust and/or specific. Overall, both previous systematic reviews and new meta-analysis of the RCTs suggest that PRT shows promise for improving language and communication. Only four RCTs examined the association between baseline child characteristics and treatment outcomes, however, no consistent pattern emerged. This review has identified several key methodological and design improvements that are needed to enable our field to fully capitalize on the potential of RCT designs and characterize detailed profiles of treatment responders. These findings are essential for informing the development of evidence-based guidelines for clinicians on what works for whom and why.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Uljarević
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,La Trobe University, Bundora, VIC, Australia
| | - Wesley Billingham
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Matthew N Cooper
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Patrick Condron
- University Library, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Antonio Y Hardan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
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15
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Fong HX, Cornish K, Kirk H, Ilias K, Shaikh MF, Golden KJ. Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown in Malaysia: An Examination of the Psychological Well-Being of Parent-Child Dyads and Child Behavior in Families With Children on the Autism Spectrum. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:733905. [PMID: 34721108 PMCID: PMC8555492 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.733905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns have adversely impacted children on the autism spectrum and their families, especially in Malaysia where this population is often marginalized. The current quantitative research aimed to investigate the impact of the Malaysian COVID-19 lockdown on the behavior and psychological distress of children formally diagnosed with an autism spectrum condition (ASC) as well as the psychological distress and well-being of their parents, in comparison with a typically developing (TD) control group. Methods: The children's ages ranged between 5 and 17 years. The sample included 72 ASC parent-child dyads and 62 TD parent-child dyads. The primary caregiver completed an online survey including the following: demographic and diagnostic information; ASC symptoms; children's inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, perceived stress, depression, and anxiety; parents' perceived stress, depression, anxiety, and well-being based on their experience pre- and mid-lockdown (March 18th to June 9th 2020) in Malaysia. Results: Among the ASC group, no significant pre- and mid-lockdown change was found in ASC symptoms (p > 0.05). There were no significant gender differences (boys/girls) in all the child scales. The 2 [diagnosis (ASC, TD)] × 2 [lockdown (pre-lockdown, mid-lockdown)] mixed-model ANOVAs revealed main effects of lockdown on children's attention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, anxiety, and parents' perceived stress, depression, and psychological well-being (p < 0.005). There was a main effect of diagnosis in all child and parent variables, except parents' perceived stress (p >0.005). However, there was no significant interaction effect between diagnosis and lockdown (p >0.005). All child behavior (inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity) and child psychological distress (anxiety, depression, and perceived stress) were significantly correlated in both the ASC and TD groups (p < 0.005). On the other hand, only some of the parent variables were significantly correlated with child variables (p < 0.0045) in the ASC group while none of the parent variables were significantly correlated with the child variables (p > 0.005) in the TD group. Conclusion: The results provide preliminary evidence indicating negative effects of the Malaysian lockdown on both children on the autism spectrum and TD children, as well as their parents. These quantitative results will be triangulated with the qualitative interview data to provide a holistic understanding of the impact of the pandemic, informing translational policy and practice recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xian Fong
- Department of Psychology, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Kim Cornish
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Hannah Kirk
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Kartini Ilias
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Farooq Shaikh
- Neuropharmacology Research Strength, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Karen Jennifer Golden
- Department of Psychology, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia.,Neuropharmacology Research Strength, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
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16
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Mutluer T, Doenyas C, Aslan Genc H. Behavioral Implications of the Covid-19 Process for Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Individuals' Comprehension of and Reactions to the Pandemic Conditions. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:561882. [PMID: 33304279 PMCID: PMC7701051 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.561882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During disasters and pandemics, vulnerable populations such as patients with mental conditions are known to be overly influenced. Yet, not much is known about how the individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions globally with a prevalence of 1%, are affected from health-related disasters, especially the current Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, we conducted an investigation of how individuals with ASD responded to Covid-19 in terms of comprehension and adherence to implemented measures; changes in their behavioral problems; and how their caregivers' anxiety levels relate with these behavioral changes. Our sample consisted of 87 individuals with ASD (15 girls; ages ranged from 3-29, with an average of 13.96 ± 6.1). The majority of our sample had problems understanding what Covid-19 is and the measures it requires. They also had challenges in implementing social distance and hygiene-related regulations of the pandemic. The majority stopped receiving special education during this period. We observed a Covid-19-related clinical presentation that resembled PTSD in individuals with ASD in terms of increased stereotypies, aggression, hypersensitivity, behavioral problems, and sleep and appetite alterations. All subscales of Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) differed significantly between before and after the pandemic conditions. The number of hours the children slept significantly decreased from before to during Covid-19. The anxiety levels of caregivers were high and correlated with the current behavioral problem levels of their children, but not with the level of their behavioral problems before the pandemic. The difference in ABC total score and specifically the lethargy/social withdrawal subscale score predicted parents' anxiety score. Our results suggest that the Covid-19 period inflicts specific challenges to individuals with ASD and their caregivers, underlining the need for targeted, distance special education interventions and other support services for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuba Mutluer
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ceymi Doenyas
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
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17
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Leonardi E, Cerasa A, Famà FI, Carrozza C, Spadaro L, Scifo R, Baieli S, Marino F, Tartarisco G, Vagni D, Pioggia G, Ruta L. Alexithymia Profile in Relation to Negative Affect in Parents of Autistic and Typically Developing Young Children. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10080496. [PMID: 32751299 PMCID: PMC7464393 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10080496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In our study, we explored the construct of alexithymia in parents of children with and without ASD using a multi-method approach based on self-rated and external rater assessment. We also assessed the level of self-report measures of negative affect states such as trait anxiety and depression, and investigated the correlation between the alexithymia construct, trait anxiety, and depression within the broader autism phenotype (BAP). A total sample of 100 parents (25 mothers and 25 fathers in each group) were administered the TAS-20 and the TSIA to measure self-reported and observer-rated alexithymia traits, as well as self-report measures of anxiety and depression. Study results showed that the TSIA but not the TAS-20 was able to detect significant group differences in alexithymia traits among parents of children with and without ASD, with parents of ASD children displaying significantly higher levels of alexithymia. Furthermore, differently from the TAS-20, no significant correlations between the TSIA and measures of anxiety and depression were detected. Taken together, our results suggest the importance of using multi-method approaches to control for potential measurement bias and to detect psychological constructs such as alexithymia in subclinical samples such as parents of children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Leonardi
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy; (E.L.); (A.C.); (F.I.F.); (C.C.); (L.S.); (F.M.); ) (G.T.); (D.V.); (G.P.)
| | - Antonio Cerasa
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy; (E.L.); (A.C.); (F.I.F.); (C.C.); (L.S.); (F.M.); ) (G.T.); (D.V.); (G.P.)
- S. Anna Institute and Research in Advanced Neurorehabilitation (RAN), 88900 Crotone, Italy
| | - Francesca Isabella Famà
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy; (E.L.); (A.C.); (F.I.F.); (C.C.); (L.S.); (F.M.); ) (G.T.); (D.V.); (G.P.)
| | - Cristina Carrozza
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy; (E.L.); (A.C.); (F.I.F.); (C.C.); (L.S.); (F.M.); ) (G.T.); (D.V.); (G.P.)
| | - Letteria Spadaro
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy; (E.L.); (A.C.); (F.I.F.); (C.C.); (L.S.); (F.M.); ) (G.T.); (D.V.); (G.P.)
| | - Renato Scifo
- Centre for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Child Psychiatry Unit, Provincial Health Service of Catania (ASP CT), 95100 Catania, Italy; (R.S.); (S.B.)
| | - Sabrina Baieli
- Centre for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Child Psychiatry Unit, Provincial Health Service of Catania (ASP CT), 95100 Catania, Italy; (R.S.); (S.B.)
| | - Flavia Marino
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy; (E.L.); (A.C.); (F.I.F.); (C.C.); (L.S.); (F.M.); ) (G.T.); (D.V.); (G.P.)
| | - Gennaro Tartarisco
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy; (E.L.); (A.C.); (F.I.F.); (C.C.); (L.S.); (F.M.); ) (G.T.); (D.V.); (G.P.)
| | - David Vagni
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy; (E.L.); (A.C.); (F.I.F.); (C.C.); (L.S.); (F.M.); ) (G.T.); (D.V.); (G.P.)
| | - Giovanni Pioggia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy; (E.L.); (A.C.); (F.I.F.); (C.C.); (L.S.); (F.M.); ) (G.T.); (D.V.); (G.P.)
| | - Liliana Ruta
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy; (E.L.); (A.C.); (F.I.F.); (C.C.); (L.S.); (F.M.); ) (G.T.); (D.V.); (G.P.)
- Correspondence:
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18
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Cai RY, Uljarević M, Leekam SR. Predicting Mental Health and Psychological Wellbeing in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Roles of Intolerance of Uncertainty and Coping. Autism Res 2020; 13:1797-1801. [PMID: 32618140 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Research has consistently shown that parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are more likely to report chronic stress and symptoms of psychopathology when compared to parents of typically developing children and children with other psychological or physical conditions. Certain individual characteristics might either put parents at risk or allow them to cope more effectively under the strenuous conditions of raising children with neurodevelopmental conditions. Previous research has suggested that higher levels of intolerance of uncertainty and certain coping styles are associated with higher parental levels of anxiety and depression. The aim of this study is to characterize the way in which intolerance of uncertainty and coping (avoidant and problem-focused coping) predict mental health and psychological wellbeing in parents of children with ASD. Only mothers participated in this study. Fifty mothers (Mage = 44.28 years, SDage = 6.58) of children with ASD completed questionnaires assessing anxiety and depression, psychological wellbeing, intolerance of uncertainty, and avoidant and problem-focused coping. The results from this study provide preliminary evidence that higher use of problem-focused coping but not avoidant coping and intolerance of uncertainty predicts psychological wellbeing. Furthermore, our observation of greater intolerance of uncertainty and higher use of avoidant coping predicting anxiety and depression supports previous research. The findings from this study have implications for the development of intervention programs to help improve the mental health and psychological wellbeing of parents. LAY SUMMARY: This research studied the factors that impact the mental health of parents of children on the autism spectrum. We found that mothers, who are not comfortable with uncertainty, use more avoidant coping, and less problem-focused coping have poorer mental health. Identifying these factors is a crucial first step in developing intervention programs to help improve the mental health of parents. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1797-1801. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Ying Cai
- Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice, Autism Spectrum Australia, Flemington, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Educational Studies, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mirko Uljarević
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susan R Leekam
- Wales Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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19
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Hickey EJ, Hartley SL, Papp L. Psychological Well-Being and Parent-Child Relationship Quality in Relation to Child Autism: An Actor-Partner Modeling Approach. FAMILY PROCESS 2020; 59:636-650. [PMID: 30844091 PMCID: PMC6732055 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often report poor psychological well-being, including a high level of parenting stress and depressive symptoms. Little is known about the extent to which poor parent psychological well-being alters the emotional quality of the parent-child relationship in a context of child ASD. This study examined the association between actor (one's own) and partner (one's partner's) level of parenting stress and depressive symptoms and the emotional quality of the parent-child relationship using a Five Minute Speech Sample (FMSS) in 150 families of children with ASD, aged 5-12 years (85.7% male). Mothers and fathers were aged 38.69 (SD = 5.62) and 40.76 (SD = 6.19), respectively; 76% of mothers and 68% of fathers had a college degree. Structural equation modeling, using Analysis of Moment Structures software, was used to test Actor-Partner Interdependence Models. Results indicated that mother's level of parenting stress and depressive symptoms were associated with her own FMSS Warmth and Criticism toward the child with ASD 12 months later in negative and positive directions. Mother's level of parenting stress was also negatively associated with father's FMSS Warmth toward the child with ASD 12 months later. Finally, father's level of parenting stress was positively associated with his FMSS Criticism toward the child with ASD. Overall, findings indicate that the mother-child and father-child relationship are both impacted by parent psychological well-being in families of children with ASD; however, actor effects are stronger for mothers and partner effects were only found for fathers. Implications for interventions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Hickey
- Human Development and Family Studies Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Sigan L Hartley
- Human Development and Family Studies Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Lauren Papp
- Human Development and Family Studies Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
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20
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Pattini E, Carnevali L, Troisi A, Matrella G, Rollo D, Fornari M, Sgoifo A. Psychological characteristics and physiological reactivity to acute stress in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder. Stress Health 2019; 35:421-431. [PMID: 31025526 DOI: 10.1002/smi.2870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Stress related to parenting a child with autism spectrum disorder can differently affect caregiver's physiological reactivity to acute stress. Here, parental stress levels, psychological characteristics, and coping strategies were assessed alongside measures of heart rate, heart rate variability, and cortisol during a psychosocial stress test in mothers of children with ASD (M-ASD, n = 15) and mothers of typically developing children (n = 15). M-ASD reported significantly higher levels of parental stress, anxiety, negative affectivity, social inhibition, and a larger preference for avoidance strategies. M-ASD showed larger heart rate and cortisol responses to the psychosocial stress test. A positive relationship was found between parental stress levels and the magnitude of the cortisol stress response in both groups. The present findings indicate exaggerated physiological reactivity to acute psychosocial stress in M-ASD and prompt further research to explore the role of individual differences in mediating the effects of parental stress on physiological stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Pattini
- Centro per la Cura, la Diagnosi e lo Studio dei Disturbi della Comunicazione e della Socializzazione, Ausl Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luca Carnevali
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Alfonso Troisi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Matrella
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Dolores Rollo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Sgoifo
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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21
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Ang KQP, Loh PR. Mental Health and Coping in Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Singapore: An Examination of Gender Role in Caring. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 49:2129-2145. [PMID: 30706349 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-03900-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Research has supported the notion that gender plays a significant role in coping and mental health outcome among parents of children with ASD. The current study aims to examine gender role in the relationship between mental health outcome and coping in parents of children with ASD in Singapore. This study involved 97 fathers and 106 mothers of children with ASD completing self-report questionnaires. MANOVA revealed mothers experienced significantly higher stress levels than fathers. Stress was a significant predictor of depression for fathers but not for mothers. Regression analyses found use of active avoidance coping moderated the relationship between stress and depression in both parents. Implications of these findings on intervention are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pek Ru Loh
- National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Nanyang Walk, Singapore, 637616, Singapore
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Schnabel A, Youssef GJ, Hallford DJ, Hartley EJ, McGillivray JA, Stewart M, Forbes D, Austin DW. Psychopathology in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2019; 24:26-40. [DOI: 10.1177/1362361319844636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder appear to experience high levels of psychological distress, yet little is known about the prevalence of psychological disorders in this population. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the proportion of these parents who experience clinically significant psychopathology. Articles reporting proportions of psychological disorders in a sample of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder were located. The initial search returned 25,988 articles. Thirty-one studies with a total sample of 9208 parents were included in the final review. The median meta-analytic proportions were 31% (95% confidence interval = [24%, 38%]) for depressive disorders, 33% (95% confidence interval = [20%, 48%]) for anxiety disorders, 10% (95% confidence interval = [1%, 41%]) for obsessive-compulsive disorder, 4% (95% confidence interval = [0%, 22%]) for personality disorders, 2% (95% confidence interval = [1%, 4%]) for alcohol and substance use disorders and 1% (95% confidence interval = [0%, 5%]) for schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Significant heterogeneity was detected in these categories. Further research is needed to gain more insight into variables that may moderate parental psychopathology. This review and meta-analysis is the first to provide prevalence estimates of psychological disorders in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George J Youssef
- Deakin University, Australia
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Australia
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Goltzer G, Pearlman-Avnion S. Feelings of Parents with Broader Autism Phenotype Towards Their Autistic Child. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-28833-4_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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24
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Ilias K, Cornish K, Kummar AS, Park MSA, Golden KJ. Parenting Stress and Resilience in Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Southeast Asia: A Systematic Review. Front Psychol 2018; 9:280. [PMID: 29686632 PMCID: PMC5900388 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This paper aimed to review the literature on the factors associated with parenting stress and resilience among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the South East Asia (SEA) region. Methods: An extensive search of articles in multiple online databases (PsycNET, ProQuest, PudMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) resulted in 28 papers that met the inclusion criteria (i.e., conducted in the SEA region, specific to ASD only, published in a peer-reviewed journal, full text in English). Studies found were conducted in the following countries: Brunei, n = 1; Indonesia, n = 2; Malaysia, n = 12; Philippines, n = 5; Singapore, n = 5, Thailand, n = 2; and Vietnam, n = 1, but none from Cambodia, East Timor, Laos, and Myanmar were identified. Results: Across the studies, six main factors were found to be associated with parenting stress: social support, severity of autism symptoms, financial difficulty, parents' perception and understanding toward ASD, parents' anxiety and worries about their child's future, and religious beliefs. These six factors could also be categorized as either a source of parenting stress or a coping strategy/resilience mechanism that may attenuate parenting stress. Conclusion: The findings suggest that greater support services in Western countries may underlie the cultural differences observed in the SEA region. Limitations in the current review were identified. The limited number of studies yielded from the search suggests a need for expanded research on ASD and parenting stress, coping, and resilience in the SEA region especially in Cambodia, East Timor, Laos, and Myanmar. The identified stress and resilience factors may serve as sociocultural markers for clinicians, psychologists, and other professionals to consider when supporting parents of children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartini Ilias
- Department of Psychology, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia.,Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus Selangor, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Kim Cornish
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Auretta S Kummar
- Department of Psychology, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Miriam Sang-Ah Park
- Department of Psychology, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia.,School of Social & Health Sciences, Leeds Trinity University, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Karen J Golden
- Department of Psychology, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
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Pruitt MM, Rhoden M, Ekas NV. Relationship between the broad autism phenotype, social relationships and mental health for mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2018; 22:171-180. [PMID: 29490487 DOI: 10.1177/1362361316669621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the mechanisms responsible for the association between the broad autism phenotype and depressive symptoms in mothers of a child with autism spectrum disorder. A total of 98 mothers who had a child with autism spectrum disorder between the ages of 2 and 16 years completed assessments of maternal broad autism phenotype, child behavior problems, romantic relationship satisfaction, friend support, family support, and maternal depressive symptoms. Results indicated that only romantic relationship satisfaction was a significant mediator of the relationship between maternal broad autism phenotype social abnormalities and maternal depressive symptoms, where greater broad autism phenotype social abnormalities were associated with lower relationship satisfaction, which in turn was associated with increased depressive symptoms. Child behavior problems were directly related to increased depressive symptoms. Implications regarding maternal mental health outcomes within this population as well as intervention implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Naomi V Ekas
- 1 Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, USA
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26
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Su X, Cai RY, Uljarević M. Predictors of Mental Health in Chinese Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 48:1159-1168. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3364-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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27
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Cohrs AC, Leslie DL. Depression in Parents of Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Claims-Based Analysis. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 47:1416-1422. [PMID: 28214978 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3063-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies showing that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children can have secondary effects on the child's parents are limited by small sample sizes and parent self-report. We examined the odds of depression in parents of children with ASD compared to parents of children without ASD using a large national claims database. Mothers (OR 2.95, 95% CI 2.81-3.09) and fathers (OR 2.41, 95% CI 2.25-2.58) of children with ASD were more likely to have a diagnosis of depression than parents of children without ASD. Odds of depression also increased when there was more than one child with ASD in the family and with child age. Study results reinforce the benefits of support and education for parents of children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin C Cohrs
- Center for Applied Studies in Health Economics (CASHE), Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, 90 Hope Drive, Suite 2200, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA.
| | - Douglas L Leslie
- Center for Applied Studies in Health Economics (CASHE), Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, 90 Hope Drive, Suite 2200, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
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Seymour M, Giallo R, Wood CE. The psychological and physical health of fathers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder compared to fathers of children with long-term disabilities and fathers of children without disabilities. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2017; 69:8-17. [PMID: 28778051 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2017.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The psychological and physical health of fathers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is under-researched. Due to the unique parenting demands, fathers of children with ASD may be at increased risk of experiencing psychological and physical health difficulties compared to fathers of children without disabilities (W/OD) and fathers of children with other long-term disabilities (LTD). What little research there is on fathers of children with ASD is often conducted on small clinical samples, or embeds the experiences of fathers within other groups. AIM The current study aimed to explore the extent to which fathers of children with ASD experience psychological distress and physical health issues (e.g., general health, smoking, chronic pain) compared to fathers of children W/OD and fathers of children with a LTD. METHOD From a large, nationally representative sample of children, 159 fathers of children with ASD were identified, along with 45 fathers of children with a LTD and 6578 fathers of children W/OD. RESULTS The majority of fathers were experiencing good psychological and physical health. Approximately 1 in 6 fathers of children with ASD were experiencing elevated levels of psychological distress and poor global health, and were at significantly greater risk than fathers of children W/OD; although these differences were not found compared to fathers of children with a LTD. CONCLUSIONS Some fathers of children with ASD may require additional support which not only focuses on their psychological wellbeing but also fathers' physical health. The current findings encourage health services to check-in with, or reach-out to fathers as they too may require additional support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Seymour
- Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, PO Box 218, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia; Healthy Mothers Healthy Families, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
| | - Rebecca Giallo
- Healthy Mothers Healthy Families, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
| | - Catherine E Wood
- Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, PO Box 218, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia.
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Hartley SL, Papp LM, Mihaila I, Bussanich PM, Goetz G, Hickey EJ. Couple Conflict in Parents of Children with versus without Autism: Self-Reported and Observed Findings. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES 2017; 26:2152-2165. [PMID: 29097880 PMCID: PMC5661987 DOI: 10.1007/s10826-017-0737-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We compared the couple conflict of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to a comparison group of parents of children without disabilities using self-reported and observational measures. In total, 178 couples who had a child with ASD (aged 5-12 years) and 174 couples who had children without disabilities (aged 5-12 years), recruited from a Midwestern state in the United States, reported on couple conflict in everyday life and engaged in an observed couple conflict interaction. Parents of children with ASD reported more frequent, severe, and unresolved couple problems than the comparison group. Parents who had a child with ASD were observed to have less engaged, balanced, and cooperative couple conflict interactions, but demonstrated more positive affect and sensitivity towards one another, than parents in the comparison group. Group differences had small effect sizes. Findings have implications for marital therapy and relationship education programs.
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Abstract
Research exploring parents' experiences of having offspring with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) currently underrepresents fathers. This study aimed to develop an understanding of the experience of fathers, with a view to facilitating improved support. Eight fathers participated in semi-structured interviews exploring their experiences of fathering children with ASD. Fathers described their experiences as a path towards acceptance, with independence and integration for their offspring being key goals. Fathers saw themselves as advocates fighting obstructive services to access appropriate care. The value placed on formal and informal support varied, although the need for personalised support was emphasised. Enabling fathers to see their experiences as a journey, whilst engaging them on the important topics of independence and integration, may improve their experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Burrell
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jonathan Ives
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Room G.4a, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK.
| | - Gemma Unwin
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Ozturk Y, Vivanti G, Uljarevic M, Dissanayake C. Treatment-related changes in children's communication impact on maternal satisfaction and psychological distress. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2016; 56:128-138. [PMID: 27295207 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2016.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents of children with autism have been found to have reduced psychological well-being that has usually been linked to the stress related to managing their child's symptoms. As children's behavior and cognitive functioning are subject to change when suitable early intervention programs are put in place, it is plausible that positive treatment-related changes in the child will have a positive impact on parental distress. AIMS We undertook an individual differences study to investigate whether maternal psychological distress is affected by the outcomes of children receiving intervention. METHODS AND PROCEDURES The participants comprised 43 mothers of preschool children with ASD enrolled in an early intervention program for 12 months. OUTCOME AND RESULTS Child and family factors were linked to maternal psychological distress. However treatment-related changes in children's communication, as assessed on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales II, and parenting satisfaction uniquely contributed to psychological distress above and beyond other factors. A mediation analysis indicated that mothers whose children make treatment gains in communication skills experience lower levels of psychological distress as a consequence of higher levels of parenting satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The findings highlight improvements in everyday adaptive communication skills in children with ASD impact on mothers' satisfaction and distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yagmur Ozturk
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Giacomo Vivanti
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Mirko Uljarevic
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
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32
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Al-Farsi OA, Al-Farsi YM, Al-Sharbati MM, Al-Adawi S. Stress, anxiety, and depression among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder in Oman: a case-control study. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2016; 12:1943-51. [PMID: 27536117 PMCID: PMC4977076 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s107103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies carried out in Euro-American populations have unequivocally indicated that psychological disorders of the CASD (caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder) are marked with high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. This finding has been attributed to the reaction of having to care for a child with neurodevelopmental disorders. While there have been reports on autism spectrum disorder in Arab/Islamic countries such as Oman, there is no study from this region, to our knowledge, reporting the performance of indices of stress, anxiety, and depression among CASD. This study aimed to examine whether there is variation in the performance of indices of stress, depression, and anxiety explored via Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 among CASD, caregivers of children with intellectual disabilities, and caregivers of typically developing children. All indices of stress, depression, and anxiety were higher in CASD compared to other caregivers in the control group. This study corroborates with other studies carried out in other populations that caring for children impacts the mental health status of caregivers. Therefore, there are strong grounds to contemplate the mechanism to help such a vulnerable group of family caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar A Al-Farsi
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Yahya M Al-Farsi
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marwan M Al-Sharbati
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Samir Al-Adawi
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
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Brief Report: Effects of Sensory Sensitivity and Intolerance of Uncertainty on Anxiety in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2015; 46:315-319. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-015-2557-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Falk NH, Norris K, Quinn MG. The factors predicting stress, anxiety and depression in the parents of children with autism. J Autism Dev Disord 2015; 44:3185-203. [PMID: 25022253 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-014-2189-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The factors predicting stress, anxiety and depression in the parents of children with autism remain poorly understood. In this study, a cohort of 250 mothers and 229 fathers of one or more children with autism completed a questionnaire assessing reported parental mental health problems, locus of control, social support, perceived parent-child attachment, as well as autism symptom severity and perceived externalizing behaviours in the child with autism. Variables assessing parental cognitions and socioeconomic support were found to be more significant predictors of parental mental health problems than child-centric variables. A path model, describing the relationship between the dependent and independent variables, was found to be a good fit with the observed data for both mothers and fathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Henry Falk
- School of Psychology, University of Tasmania, Churchill Avenue, Sandy Bay, Hobart, TAS, 7005, Australia,
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Perry A, Levy-Gigi E, Richter-Levin G, Shamay-Tsoory SG. Interpersonal distance and social anxiety in autistic spectrum disorders: A behavioral and ERP study. Soc Neurosci 2015; 10:354-65. [PMID: 25666260 DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2015.1010740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
An inherent feature of social interactions is the use of social space or interpersonal distance-the space between one individual and another. Because social deficits are core symptoms of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), we hypothesized that individuals on this spectrum will exhibit abnormal interpersonal distance preferences. The literature on interpersonal distance in ASD is not conclusive. While some studies show preferences for closer distances among this group, others show preferences for farther distances than controls. A common symptom of ASD that may explain the variance in responses to interpersonal distance in this population is social anxiety (SA), which has been shown to correlate with interpersonal distance preferences. In the current study, we investigated interpersonal distance preferences in a group of individuals with ASD using both behavioral and ERP measures. We found greater variance in interpersonal distance preferences in the ASD group than in the control group. Furthermore, we showed that this variance can be explained by differences in SA level and can be predicted by the N1 amplitude, an early ERP component related to attention and discrimination processes. These results hint at the early sensory and attentional processes that may be affecting higher social behaviors, both in subclinical and in clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat Perry
- a Psychology Department , University of Haifa , Haifa , Israel
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Fairthorne J, Jacoby P, Bourke J, de Klerk N, Leonard H. Onset of maternal psychiatric disorders after the birth of a child with autism spectrum disorder: A retrospective cohort study. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2015; 20:37-44. [PMID: 25653305 DOI: 10.1177/1362361314566048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mothers of a child with autism spectrum disorder have more psychiatric disorders after the birth of their child. This might be because they have more psychiatric disorders before the birth, or the increase could be related to the burden of caring for their child. AIMS We aimed to calculate the incidence of a psychiatric diagnosis in women with no psychiatric history after the birth of their eldest child with autism spectrum disorder compared to women with no child with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability and no psychiatric history. METHODS By linking datasets from Western Australian population-based registries, we calculated the incidence of a psychiatric disorder in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder and compared to mothers of children with no autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability. Negative binomial regression using STATA 13 was used for all analyses. RESULTS Apart from alcohol and substance abuse, mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder had higher incidences of all categories of psychiatric disorders than other mothers. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The increase of psychiatric disorders in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder and no psychiatric history compared to similar mothers with no child with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability might be due to a pre-existing genetic disposition coupled with an environmental trigger provided by the challenges of raising their children with autism spectrum disorder. In addition, the increased burden borne by the mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder might result in a higher incidence of psychiatric disorders in mothers who are not genetically disposed.
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Lau WYP, Gau SSF, Chiu YN, Wu YY. Autistic Traits in Couple Dyads as a Predictor of Anxiety Spectrum Symptoms. J Autism Dev Disord 2014; 44:2949-63. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-014-2151-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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