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Arslan R, Yanık D, Pekşen Akça R. Investigation of Menstrual Hygiene and Self-Care Skills of Adolescent Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Mother Views. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06446-8. [PMID: 38954362 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06446-8] [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: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Puberty a period of transition from childhood to adulthood, poses problems that are difficult to manage for typically developing adolescents, but even more difficult for adolescents with autism. It is vital that girls with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), like their typically developing peers, are able to manage these physiological processes in a healthy way and learn self-care and hygiene behaviours without being dependent on others. Given the contribution of mothers to the menstrual hygiene and self-care skills of adolescent girls, this study aims to explore the views of mothers. METHODS The study is a case study designed in the qualitative research model. The research was carried out with the participation of 10 mothers met the necessary criteria and agreed to take part in the study voluntarily. The data obtained were subjected to descriptive and thematic analysis. Codes, sub-themes and main themes were created. RESULTS The research identifies the themes of self-care and menstrual hygiene, preparations made during menstruation, behavioral problems in adolescents, the person who carries out hygiene and self-care, and situations that tire/strain mothers during menstruation. CONCLUSION At the end of the research, it was concluded that the adolescent girls with ASD are mostly unable to perform their self-care and hygiene adequately, and that the mothers do nothing to prepare their daughters for adolescence. It was also concluded that the most stressful situation for mothers during adolescence is usually the difficulty their daughters have in using sanitary pads, cleaning armpits and genital hair, and bathing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukiye Arslan
- Department of Child Development, Batman University Faculty of Health Sciences, Batman Merkez, Türkiye
| | - Derya Yanık
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Batman University, Batman Merkez, Türkiye.
| | - Raziye Pekşen Akça
- Develi Huseyin Şahin Vocational College Child Care and Youth Services, Kayseri University, Kayseri, Türkiye
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Feller C, Ilen L, Eliez S, Schneider M. Social skills in neurodevelopmental disorders: a study using role-plays to assess adolescents and young adults with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. J Neurodev Disord 2024; 16:11. [PMID: 38500028 PMCID: PMC11064408 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-024-09527-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Social skills are frequently impaired in neurodevelopmental disorders and genetic conditions, including 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Although often assessed with questionnaires, direct assessment provides a more valid estimate of the constructs. Role-plays (i.e., simulates situational settings) therefore appear to be an appropriate indicator of social skills in daily life. METHODS This co-registered study involved 53 individuals with 22q11DS, 34 individuals with ASD, and 64 typically developing (TD) peers aged 12-30 years. All participants were assessed with role-plays as well as parent-reported questionnaires and clinical interviews focusing on social skills, functioning and anxiety. RESULTS Both clinical groups showed impaired social skills compared to TD, but distinct social profiles emerged between the groups. Individuals with 22q11DS displayed higher social appropriateness and clarity of speech but weaker general argumentation and negotiation skills, with the opposite pattern observed in participants with ASD. No association was found between social skills measured by direct observation and caregiver reports. Social anxiety, although higher in clinical groups than in TD, was not associated with role-plays. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the need to train social skills through tailored interventions to target the specific difficulties of each clinical population. It also highlights the importance of combining measures as they do not necessarily provide the same outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Feller
- Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Clinical Psychology Unit for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, 40, Boulevard du Pont-d'Arve, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Laura Ilen
- Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Clinical Psychology Unit for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, 40, Boulevard du Pont-d'Arve, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Eliez
- Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Lab Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maude Schneider
- Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Clinical Psychology Unit for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, 40, Boulevard du Pont-d'Arve, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
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A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Social Skills Training for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:1598-1609. [PMID: 33963965 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05058-w] [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] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis is the first to evaluate the effects of group-based social skills training (SST) on parent-report social responsiveness in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A total of 18 studies were included in the narrative review and among them five randomized-controlled trials (n = 145) were included in the meta-analysis. SST had large positive effects on social responsiveness. The narrative review identified that SST could improve patient's outcomes in adults with ASD. These results should be interpreted with caution due to the moderate quality of the existing evidence, which could have inflated effect sizes. The absence of active comparator control groups makes unclear whether improvements at post-treatment are treatment-specific or are attributable to common factors to all psychotherapies.
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Larson SK, Nielsen S, Hemberger K, Klug MG. Addressing Puberty Challenges for Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Survey of Occupational Therapy Practice Trends. Am J Occup Ther 2021; 75:12514. [PMID: 34781357 DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2021.040105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Understanding occupational therapy practice patterns for adolescents who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) provides a baseline to determine areas of need and effective interventions. OBJECTIVE To identify puberty-related challenges addressed and interventions used by occupational therapy practitioners with adolescents ages 8-16 yr with ASD. DESIGN A nonexperimental survey design with a stratified random sample was used. SETTING The Occupational Therapy-Autism and Puberty Survey was distributed in the United States online through the Qualtrics platform (available October 2017-January 2018). PARTICIPANTS Occupational therapists (89%) or occupational therapy assistants with experience with adolescents who have ASD were included. The 71 eligible respondents were primarily White women with an average 16 yr of experience. Outcomes and Measures: Nine key challenges and 11 interventions regarding puberty and ASD were identified. Hypotheses were generated before data collection. RESULTS More practitioners (>47%) addressed emotional regulation and personal hygiene, and fewer (<26%) addressed menstruation, safety, and masturbation. Nearly all practitioners (>92%) reported using social learning approaches and behavioral strategies, and most (>80%) reporting having received education in these interventions. Significant differences were found between reported education and use of behavioral skills training incorporating applied behavioral analysis (p < .001), parent training (p = .002), and technology (p = .003). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Practitioners are neglecting to address puberty-specific challenges with adolescents who have ASD. Opportunities exist to expand the interventions used and challenges addressed by occupational therapy practitioners for adolescents with ASD. What This Article Adds: This article expands occupational therapy literature by giving a baseline understanding of the puberty-related challenges that practitioners are addressing with adolescents who have ASD. This information can assist the profession in developing effective interventions and educational opportunities to allow practitioners to successfully address puberty-specific challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Krause Larson
- Sydney Krause Larson, MOT, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, California Children's Services, Modesto, CA;
| | - Sarah Nielsen
- Sarah Nielsen, PhD, OTR/L, is Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks
| | - Kelsey Hemberger
- Kelsey Hemberger, MOT, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Beyond Boundaries Therapy Services, Fargo, ND
| | - Marilyn G Klug
- Marilyn G. Klug, PhD, is Associate Professor, Population Health Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks
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Skaletski EC, Bradley L, Taylor D, Travers BG, Bishop L. Quality-of-Life Discrepancies Among Autistic Adolescents and Adults: A Rapid Review. Am J Occup Ther 2021; 75:12495. [PMID: 34781339 DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2021.046391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Quality of life (QoL) is a core outcome of occupational therapy, but it is decreased among autistic adolescents and adults. This is the first review of QoL from an occupational therapy standpoint. OBJECTIVE To identify self-reported QoL differences between autistic and nonautistic samples; investigate sex differences in QoL among autistic people; examine consistency in QoL among autistic people across age, intellectual disability (ID), and self- versus proxy-report method; and appraise occupational therapy-related interventions addressing QoL among autistic people. DATA SOURCES Articles published in peer-reviewed journals between 2010 and 2020, located through Academic Search Ultimate, PubMed, and OTseeker, along with the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, British Journal of Occupational Therapy, Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, and Australian Occupational Therapy Journal. Study Selection and Data Collection: Article samples consisted of at least 20% autistic females and used self-reported QoL measures. Qualitative research was excluded, as well as studies with participants younger than age 13 yr. Twenty-seven articles qualified (3 Level 1B, 13 Level 3B, and 11 Level 4). FINDINGS Autistic adolescents and adults demonstrated decreased self-reported QoL compared with nonautistic peers across age and ID presence. One article compared sex differences in QoL among autistic people. Interventions improved QoL among autistic people. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Autistic adolescents and adults demonstrate decreased QoL in comparison with nonautistic peers. Questions remain related to sex differences in QoL among autistic people, an area for future research. Multiple evidence-based approaches to improve QoL in the autistic population are relevant to occupational therapy practice. What This Article Adds: Self-reported QoL among autistic adolescents and adults is clearly lower than among their nonautistic counterparts. This article provides information on multiple interventions related to occupational therapy to improve QoL among autistic people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily C Skaletski
- Emily C. Skaletski, MOT, OTR/L, is PhD Student, Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison;
| | - Laura Bradley
- Laura Bradley, MSEd, is Research Specialist, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Desiree Taylor
- Desiree Taylor, MSOT, is Research Assistant, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Brittany G Travers
- Brittany G. Travers, PhD, is Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, and Investigator, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Lauren Bishop
- Lauren Bishop, PhD, MSW, is Assistant Professor, Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work, and Investigator, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison
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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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Dubreucq M, Dubreucq J. Toward a Gender-Sensitive Approach of Psychiatric Rehabilitation in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Systematic Review of Women Needs in the Domains of Romantic Relationships and Reproductive Health. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:630029. [PMID: 33995144 PMCID: PMC8113637 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.630029] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Later age of diagnosis, better expressive behaviors, increased use of camouflage strategies but also increased psychiatric symptoms, more unmet needs, and a general lower quality of life are characteristics often associated with female gender in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Psychiatric rehabilitation has shown small to moderate effectiveness in improving patients' outcomes in ASD. Few gender differences have been found in the response to psychiatric rehabilitation. This might be related to the predominance of males in research samples, but also to the lack of programs directly addressing women's unmet needs. The objectives of the present paper were: (i) to review the needs for care of autistic women in romantic relationships and reproductive health; (ii) to review the existing psychosocial treatments in these domains; and (iii) to evaluate the strengths and limitations of the current body of evidence to guide future research. A systematic electronic database search (PubMed and PsycINFO), following PRISMA guidelines, was conducted on autistic women's needs for care relating to psychiatric rehabilitation in romantic relationships and reproductive health. Out of 27 articles, 22 reported on romantic relationships and 16 used a quantitative design. Most studies were cross-sectional (n = 21) and conducted in North America or Europe. Eight studies reported on interventions addressing romantic relationships; no published study reported on interventions on reproductive health or parenting. Most interventions did not include gender-sensitive content (i.e., gender variance and gender-related social norms, roles, and expectations). Autistic women and autistic gender-diverse individuals may face unique challenges in the domains of romantic relationships and reproductive health (high levels of stigma, high risk of sexual abuse, increased psychiatric symptoms, and more unmet needs). We discussed the potential implications for improving women's access to psychiatric and psychosocial treatment, for designing gender-sensitive recovery-oriented interventions, and for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Dubreucq
- Centre référent de réhabilitation psychosociale et de Remédiation Cognitive (C3R), Centre Hospitalier Alpes Isère, Grenoble, France.,Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
| | - Julien Dubreucq
- Centre référent de réhabilitation psychosociale et de Remédiation Cognitive (C3R), Centre Hospitalier Alpes Isère, Grenoble, France.,Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France.,Centre de Neurosciences Cognitive, UMR 5229, CNRS & Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Réseau Handicap Psychique, Grenoble, France
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Abstract
The current study, based on a survey of 1799 parents, explored parental perspectives of school absence in relation to approved grades, challenges, demands and obstacles in education for children with autism spectrum disorder. The results revealed a relatively high rate of school absenteeism for reasons other than illness. Girls had higher rates of absenteeism than boys for short durations of absence. Absenteeism was primarily caused by a lack of teacher competence regarding autism and inadequate adaptation of teaching. There were no significant differences between genders in approved grades, but the rate of failure to achieve approved grades was approximately 50%. The most common form of educational support was support from special needs teachers and adapted pedagogy.
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Wolstencroft J, Mandy W, Skuse D. Experiences of social interaction in young women with Turner syndrome: A qualitative study. Child Care Health Dev 2020; 46:46-55. [PMID: 31322282 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Turner Syndrome (TS; 45,X) is a sex chromosome aneuploidy associated with deficits in social interaction, for which clinical care guidelines have recently recommended trialling a social skills training intervention. The present study aimed to gather preliminary evidence to support a training programme for young women. METHODS Semi-structured interviews and psychometric questionnaires about social ability were administered to young women with TS aged 16 to 25 years old (n=17) and their parents (n=20). Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Although young women with TS experienced a "wide range of social competencies," they attributed social challenges to "personal and contextual factors." The magnitude of these challenges to social integration intensified during adolescence. They felt increasingly "out of sync" with their peers. They also considered their social abilities to be better than their parents did; on a scale of autistic traits (rated by parents), half had mild to severe autistic traits. Most expressed interest in taking part in a social skills programme. CONCLUSION Young women with TS are aware they experience difficulties in social communication, and they express interest in improving their social skills. Accordingly, social skills training during adolescence would be welcomed by them and their families. Any intervention should take account of their feelings of social dislocation arising from hearing difficulties together with limited recognition, and slow processing, of social cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Wolstencroft
- The Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - William Mandy
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - David Skuse
- The Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
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Tint A, Hamdani Y, Sawyer A, Desarkar P, Ameis SH, Bardikoff N, Lai MC. Wellness Efforts for Autistic Women. CURRENT DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40474-018-0148-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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McVey AJ, Schiltz H, Haendel A, Dolan BK, Willar KS, Pleiss S, Karst JS, Carson AM, Caiozzo C, Vogt E, Van Hecke AV. Brief Report: Does Gender Matter in Intervention for ASD? Examining the Impact of the PEERS ® Social Skills Intervention on Social Behavior Among Females with ASD. J Autism Dev Disord 2018; 47:2282-2289. [PMID: 28391452 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3121-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A paucity of research has been conducted to examine the effect of social skills intervention on females with ASD. Females with ASD may have more difficulty developing meaningful friendships than males, as the social climate can be more complex (Archer, Coyne, Personality and Social Psychology Review 9(3):212-230, 2005). This study examined whether treatment response among females differed from males. One hundred and seventy-seven adolescents and young adults with ASD (N = 177) participated in this study. When analyzed by group, no significant differences by gender emerged: PEERS® knowledge (TASSK/TYASSK, p = .494), direct interactions (QSQ, p = .762), or social responsiveness (SRS, p = .689; SSIS-RS, p = .482). Thus, females and males with ASD respond similarly to the PEERS® intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana J McVey
- Department of Psychology, Marquette University, PO Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, USA.
| | - Hillary Schiltz
- Department of Psychology, Marquette University, PO Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, USA
| | - Angela Haendel
- Department of Psychology, Marquette University, PO Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, USA
| | - Bridget K Dolan
- Department of Psychology, Marquette University, PO Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, USA
| | - Kirsten S Willar
- Department of Psychology, Marquette University, PO Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, USA.,Children's Hospital Colorado, 13123 E 16th Ave., Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Sheryl Pleiss
- Department of Psychology, Marquette University, PO Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, USA.,University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Karst
- Department of Psychology, Marquette University, PO Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, USA.,Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Audrey M Carson
- Department of Psychology, Marquette University, PO Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, USA.,Texas Children's Hospital, 6621 Fannin St, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Christina Caiozzo
- Department of Psychology, Marquette University, PO Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, USA
| | - Elisabeth Vogt
- Department of Psychology, Marquette University, PO Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, USA
| | - Amy Vaughan Van Hecke
- Department of Psychology, Marquette University, PO Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, USA
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Jamison TR, Schuttler JO. Examining social competence, self-perception, quality of life, and internalizing and externalizing symptoms in adolescent females with and without autism spectrum disorder: a quantitative design including between-groups and correlational analyses. Mol Autism 2015; 6:53. [PMID: 26388982 PMCID: PMC4574517 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-015-0044-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescent females with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are an understudied population, yet are also quite vulnerable, due to the increased complexities of social interaction and increased risk for internalizing symptoms in adolescence. Most research literature currently focuses on males with ASD, limiting our understanding of social experiences for females with ASD, and thus the potential to better inform supports and intervention to promote social-emotional functioning. This study examined similarities and differences in selected indicators of social-emotional health (social competence, self-perception, quality of life) and problematic behaviors such as externalizing and internalizing symptoms for adolescent females with and without ASD. Methods This study employed a quantitative design utilizing correlational analysis as well as t test comparisons to examine selected indicators of social-emotional health and problematic symptoms using the Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS), Youth Quality of Life Instrument (YQOL), and the Self-Perceptions Profile for Adolescents (SPPA) for adolescent females with ASD in relation to their typically developing peers. Results Significant differences were found between females with and without ASD in terms of their self-ratings of social-emotional health and problematic behaviors. The no-ASD group rated themselves higher across all areas of social-emotional health. Findings also suggest strong relationships between these constructs, especially for females without ASD. Parent reports of autism symptoms and social-emotional health indicated that as symptoms of autism are more severe, so too was the impact on individuals’ social competence. Conclusions Adolescent females with ASD perceive themselves as having lower social competence, self-worth, and quality of life and higher levels of internalizing and externalizing symptoms as compared to their typically developing peers. Parent ratings indicate that higher levels of autism symptoms relate to lower levels of social competence. These findings lend support to the postulate that adolescent females with ASD are more vulnerable than their typically developing counterparts due to the compounded impact of ASD symptoms on social-emotional health and the higher risk for internalizing disorders for adolescent girls. Limitations and implications for further research and intervention are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Rene Jamison
- Center for Child Health and Development, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas, KS 66160 USA
| | - Jessica Oeth Schuttler
- Center for Child Health and Development, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas, KS 66160 USA
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