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Fontanals J, McCleery JP, Schatz P. Neurocognitive Concussion Test Performance for Student Athletes on the Autism Spectrum. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2024; 39:618-625. [PMID: 38364297 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acae004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine baseline neurocognitive functioning among adolescent athletes on the autism spectrum based on self-reported level of academic performance. METHOD Participants in this cross-sectional, observational study were 6,441 adolescent athletes with a self-reported diagnosis of autism who completed pre-season neurocognitive testing using Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT); 4,742 reported a co-occurring learning disorder (LD), and 6,612 individuals without autism or LD were included as a control group. The majority (57%) self-reported Average Academic Performance, 39% Above Average, and 4% Below Average performance. RESULTS Athletes with self-reported autism (with or without LD; 12.2%) were 2.74x (95% CI: 2.17-2.82) more likely to fall below cutoffs for ImPACT Embedded Invalidity Indicators (EVIs), with a significant interaction between self-reported Diagnosis and Academic Performance; individuals with co-occurring autism and LD who reported Below Average Academic Performance had the greatest likelihood of scoring below cutoffs (22%), followed by ASD without LD (14.8%) and Controls (14.6%) with Below Average Academic Performance. Analyses of variance (ANOVAs) revealed main effects of Diagnosis and Academic Performance on neurocognitive performance, with interactions on all ImPACT Composite Scores except Processing Speed. CONCLUSION Athletes with self-reported ASD are more likely to fall below ImPACT EVIs and score worse on ImPACT, with greater likelihood/worse performance related to level of academic functioning. Academic performance should be considered when interpreting neurocognitive testing data, to best index neuropsychological functioning associated with concussion in this population. The current findings highlight the importance of individual participant baseline neuropsychological testing for individuals on the autism spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Fontanals
- Department of Psychology, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joseph P McCleery
- Department of Psychology, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Philip Schatz
- Department of Psychology, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Szechy KA, Turk PD, O'Donnell LA. Autism and Employment Challenges: The Double Empathy Problem and Perceptions of an Autistic Employee in the Workplace. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2024; 6:205-217. [PMID: 39139509 PMCID: PMC11317796 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2023.0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Background High unemployment rates are found among autistic adults. Difficulties with social functioning in non-autistic workplaces can be significant barriers to employment success. Autistic social functioning challenges in non-autistic spaces have traditionally been attributed to assumed impairments in Theory of Mind (ToM). Alternatively, the Double Empathy Problem (DEP) posits that autistic social challenges arise not from assumed impairments within the autistic person but instead from mutual misunderstandings in the autistic/non-autistic social interaction. The purpose of this study was to compare the ToM impairments explanation of autistic social functioning with the DEP, within the context of autistic employee social functioning in a non-autistic workplace. Methods This study compared autistic and non-autistic participants' ability to accurately interpret the behaviors of an autistic employee at work. A sample of 254 participants (173 non-autistic and 81 autistic) read a vignette about a hypothetical autistic employee having difficulty coping in the workplace. Participants answered open-ended questions regarding their interpretation of the employee's behavior and emotional state. Results A significantly greater proportion of autistic participants (50.7%) accurately interpreted the behavior of the employee compared with non-autistic participants (31.2%) (χ 2 = 8.65, p = 0.003). Autistic participants with the highest behavior interpretation scores had significantly higher mean self-reported autism traits scores (M = 26.8) compared with autistic participants who scored lowest on behavior interpretation (M = 19.3, p < 0.001). The opposite relationship was found for non-autistic participants. Conclusions Results from this study contribute to evidence supporting the DEP, shifting the paradigm of autistic social functioning away from a deficit model and toward addressing mutual misunderstandings in the autistic/non-autistic social interaction. The pattern of findings between neurotype groups by behavior interpretation abilities on an autism traits measure points to mutual misunderstandings as a clash of neurologically different social cultures. Addressing the DEP in the workplace would contribute to removing barriers to successful employment for autistic adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A. Szechy
- Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, School of Social Work, University of Windsor, Windsor, Canada
| | - Pamela D. Turk
- State of Michigan, Department of Health and Human Services, Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Lisa A. O'Donnell
- School of Social Work, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Tan DW, Rabuka M, Haar T, Pellicano E. 'It's a symbolic violence': Autistic people's experiences of discrimination at universities in Australia. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:1344-1356. [PMID: 38148639 PMCID: PMC11134995 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231219744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Autistic students experience many challenges at university. One significant barrier identified in past research was autistic students' experiences of discrimination (i.e. being treat differently) and stigma (being judged differently). Our research team included both autistic and non-autistic researchers who designed a project to help explore autistic students' experiences of stigma and discrimination at Australian universities. We interviewed 21 autistic students who went to a university - some had completed qualifications, and some had not. From our interviews, we identified four themes: (1) 'My disability is something that people just don't have a clue about', (2) 'the system is really stacked against you', (3) the onus is on autistic students, and (4) 'grit and stubbornness'. As a result, we recommended changes in the way courses are written and taught so that autistic people have opportunities that meet their ways of learning. It is also important for university staff to understand the impact of trauma experienced by autistic people and that universities work together with autistic people to design courses and supports that include autistic ways of learning, accessible university processes and identify support needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Weiting Tan
- Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University, Australia
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Australia
| | - Marion Rabuka
- Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University, Australia
| | - Tori Haar
- Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Pellicano
- Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University, Australia
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, UK
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Cabana-Domínguez J, Bosch R, Soler Artigas M, Alemany S, Llonga N, Vilar-Ribó L, Carabí-Gassol P, Arribas L, Macias-Chimborazo V, Español-Martín G, Del Castillo C, Martínez L, Pagerols M, Pagespetit È, Prat R, Puigbó J, Ramos-Quiroga JA, Casas M, Ribasés M. Dissecting the polygenic contribution of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder on school performance by their relationship with educational attainment. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02582-w. [PMID: 38783053 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02582-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are strongly associated with educational attainment (EA), but little is known about their genetic relationship with school performance and whether these links are explained, in part, by the genetic liability of EA. Here, we aim to dissect the polygenic contribution of ADHD and ASD to school performance, early manifestation of psychopathology and other psychiatric disorders and related traits by their relationship with EA. To do so, we tested the association of polygenic scores for EA, ADHD and ASD with school performance, assessed whether the contribution of the genetic liability of ADHD and ASD to school performance is influenced by the genetic liability of EA, and evaluated the role of EA in the genetic overlap between ADHD and ASD with early manifestation of psychopathology and other psychiatric disorders and related traits in a sample of 4,278 school-age children. The genetic liability for ADHD and ASD dissected by their relationship with EA show differences in their association with school performance and early manifestation of psychopathology, partly mediated by ADHD and ASD symptoms. Genetic variation with concordant effects in ASD and EA contributes to better school performance, while the genetic variation with discordant effects in ADHD or ASD and EA is associated with poor school performance and higher rates of emotional and behavioral problems. Our results strongly support the usage of the genetic load for EA to dissect the genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity of ADHD and ASD, which could help to fill the gap of knowledge of mechanisms underlying educational outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Cabana-Domínguez
- Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Bosch
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- SJD MIND Schools Program, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - María Soler Artigas
- Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology, and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Alemany
- Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Natalia Llonga
- Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology, and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Vilar-Ribó
- Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pau Carabí-Gassol
- Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology, and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lorena Arribas
- Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Valeria Macias-Chimborazo
- Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Español-Martín
- Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clara Del Castillo
- SJD MIND Schools Program, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Laura Martínez
- SJD MIND Schools Program, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Mireia Pagerols
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- SJD MIND Schools Program, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- Department of Clinical Foundations, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Èlia Pagespetit
- SJD MIND Schools Program, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de Catalunya (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | - Raquel Prat
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- SJD MIND Schools Program, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Group, Mental Health and Social Innovation Research Group, Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CEES), Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de Catalunya (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | - Julia Puigbó
- SJD MIND Schools Program, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Josep Antoni Ramos-Quiroga
- Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miquel Casas
- SJD MIND Schools Program, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
- Fundació Privada d'Investigació Sant Pau (FISP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Ribasés
- Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology, and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain.
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MacDonald R, Baker-Ericzén M, Roesch S, Yeh M, Dickson KS, Smith J. The latent structure of the Delis-Kaplan system for autism. Autism Res 2024; 17:728-738. [PMID: 38590022 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
A core feature of autism is deficits in executive functioning (EF), including difficulty with planning, cognitive flexibility, and working memory. Despite a growing need for evidence-based assessments of EF for autism populations, statistical models of many commonly used measures of EF, including the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS), have not been investigated for a sample of autistic participants. The purpose of this study was to address a gap in the literature regarding the latent structure of the D-KEFS in a sample of autistic individuals. The D-KEFS is one of the most widely used clinical assessments of executive function, but its factor structure has not been examined in a sample of autistic participants. Reliability analyses were performed for sample subgroups based on participants' clinical and demographic characteristics, including IQ, autism severity, age, and race/ethnicity. Verbal Fluency (VF) was found to consistently decrease or not affect the overall reliability score. Additionally, one- and two-factor structure models were tested for the D-KEFS with a sample of autistic participants. The one-factor model was not found to be a good fit for the data. However, the two-factor model, with Cognitive Flexibility and Abstraction latent factors, was found to fit the data relatively well. This two-factor model was reexamined excluding the VF observed variable, resulting in a better overall model fit. Communication deficits are a common feature of autism, which explains why the VF task, that requires participants to produce novel words, may not be an adequate measure of executive function for autism populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reilly MacDonald
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- San Diego Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Mary Baker-Ericzén
- San Diego Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Administration, Rehabilitation and Post-Secondary Education, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Interwork Institute, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Scott Roesch
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - May Yeh
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kelsey S Dickson
- Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Child and Family Development, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jasmine Smith
- San Diego Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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Hayden-Evans M, Evans K, Milbourn B, D'Arcy E, Chamberlain A, Afsharnejad B, Whitehouse A, Bölte S, Girdler S. Validating the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets for Autism in a Sample of Australian School-Aged Children on the Spectrum. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06295-5. [PMID: 38400895 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06295-5] [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: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Assessing functioning of children on the autism spectrum is necessary to determine the level of support they require to participate in everyday activities across contexts. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is a comprehensive biopsychosocial framework recommended for classifying health-related functioning in a holistic manner, across the components of body functions, activities and participation, and environmental factors. The ICF Core Sets (ICF-CSs) are sub-sets of relevant codes from the broader framework that provide a basis for developing condition-specific measures. This study combined the ICF-CSs for autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and cerebral palsy (CP) to validate the ICF-CSs for autism in an Australian sample of school-aged children. This cross-sectional study involved caregivers of school-aged children on the spectrum (n = 70) completing an online survey and being visited in their homes by an occupational therapist to complete the proxy-report measure based on the ICF-CSs for autism, ADHD and CP. Absolute and relative frequencies of ratings for each of the codes included in the measure were calculated and reported, along with the number of participants who required clarification to understand the terminology used. Findings indicate that the body functions and activities and participation represented in the ICF-CSs for autism were the most applicable for the sample. However, findings relating to environmental factors were less conclusive. Some codes not currently included in the ICF-CSs for autism may warrant further investigation, and the language used in measures based on the ICF-CSs should be revised to ensure clarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Hayden-Evans
- Curtin Autism Research Group, School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, 6102, Australia.
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, 6009, Australia.
- , Autism CRC, Long Pocket, Brisbane, QLD, 4850, Australia.
| | - Kiah Evans
- Curtin Autism Research Group, School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, 6102, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, 6009, Australia
- , Autism CRC, Long Pocket, Brisbane, QLD, 4850, Australia
- School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, 6009, Australia
| | - Benjamin Milbourn
- Curtin Autism Research Group, School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, 6102, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, 6009, Australia
- , Autism CRC, Long Pocket, Brisbane, QLD, 4850, Australia
| | - Emily D'Arcy
- Curtin Autism Research Group, School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, 6102, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, 6009, Australia
- , Autism CRC, Long Pocket, Brisbane, QLD, 4850, Australia
| | - Angela Chamberlain
- Curtin Autism Research Group, School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, 6102, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, 6009, Australia
- , Autism CRC, Long Pocket, Brisbane, QLD, 4850, Australia
| | - Bahareh Afsharnejad
- Curtin Autism Research Group, School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, 6102, Australia
| | - Andrew Whitehouse
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, 6009, Australia
- , Autism CRC, Long Pocket, Brisbane, QLD, 4850, Australia
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, 6009, Australia
| | - Sven Bölte
- Curtin Autism Research Group, School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, 6102, Australia
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, 104 31, Sweden
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, 104 31, Sweden
| | - Sonya Girdler
- Curtin Autism Research Group, School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, 6102, Australia
- , Autism CRC, Long Pocket, Brisbane, QLD, 4850, Australia
- School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, 6009, Australia
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, 104 31, Sweden
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Low HM, Zainal MS, Pang JC, Ang Y, de Vries M. Self-reported autistic traits and psychosocial outcomes among university students in Malaysia. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:174-186. [PMID: 37128140 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231167501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Most research on autism spectrum conditions is done on young children and not as much on young adults with autism spectrum conditions. Because of this, not much is known about how common autism spectrum conditions are in young adults and how they affect their mental and social health, especially in Southeast Asia. Based on self-reports, 2.8% of the 2732 university students we looked at in Malaysia might have been diagnosed or thought to have an autism spectrum condition. Students who said they had or thought they had autism spectrum conditions had lower self-efficacy, more stress and a lower quality of life than students who said they did not have autism spectrum conditions. The results showed that university students with autism spectrum condition are more likely to have bad psychological and social outcomes than their peers without autism spectrum condition. Also, the link between autistic traits and psychosocial outcomes could depend on the culture.
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Manuhuwa DM, Snel-de Boer M, Jaarsma D, Fleer J, De Graaf JW. The combined value of executive functions and self-regulated learning to predict differences in study success among higher education students. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1229518. [PMID: 38239465 PMCID: PMC10795759 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1229518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Self-regulated learning (SRL) has traditionally been associated with study success in higher education. In contrast, study success is still rarely associated with executive functions (EF), while it is known from neuropsychological practice that EF can influence overall functioning and performance. However some studies have shown relationships between EF and study success, but this has mainly been investigated in school children and adolescents. EF refer to higher-order cognitive processes to regulate cognition, behavior, and emotion in service of adaptive and goal-directed behaviors. SRL is a dynamic process in which learners activate and maintain cognitions, affects, and behaviors to achieve personal learning goals. This study explores the added value of including EF and SRL to predict study success (i.e., the obtained credits). Methods In this study, we collected data from 315 first-year psychology students of a University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands who completed questionnaires related to both EF (BRIEF) and SRL (MSLQ) two months after the start of the academic year. Credit points were obtained at the end of that first academic year. We used Structural Equation Modeling to test whether EF and SRL together explain more variance in study success than either concept alone. Results EF explains 19.8% of the variance, SRL 22.9%, and in line with our hypothesis, EF and SRL combined explain 39.8% of the variance in obtained credits. Discussion These results indicate that focusing on EF and SRL could lead to a better understanding of how higher education students learn successfully. This might be the objective of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Marcia Manuhuwa
- School of Applied Psychology and (International) Human Resource Management, Program Employability Transition, Section Inclusive Society, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Deventer, Netherlands
| | - Mirjam Snel-de Boer
- School of Applied Psychology and (International) Human Resource Management, Program Employability Transition, Section Inclusive Society, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Deventer, Netherlands
| | - Debbie Jaarsma
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Joke Fleer
- Section Health Psychology, Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Jan Willem De Graaf
- School of Applied Psychology and (International) Human Resource Management, Program Employability Transition, Section Inclusive Society, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Deventer, Netherlands
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Ballantine J, Rocheleau J, Macarios J, Ross G, Artemeva N. "Change Isn't Exactly Easy": Autistic University Students' Lived Learning Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2023; 5:325-334. [PMID: 37663446 PMCID: PMC10468545 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2022.0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic-related isolation measures caused significant unexpected changes in learning experiences for all university students, including autistic students. So far, there has been a lack of information on autistic university students' lived learning experiences caused by the changes in the teaching delivery formats from face-to-face to online during this time. Our study addressed this gap by investigating eight autistic students' reported learning experiences during the rapid changes caused by the pandemic and discussing student-advocated learning supports. Methods The participants in this qualitative study were eight formally or self-diagnosed, English-speaking, autistic undergraduate and graduate university students from a mid-sized Canadian university. Participants took part in semi-structured interviews that focused on their learning experiences and preferences before and during the pandemic, including what supports they found helpful. To analyze and interpret the data, autistic and nonautistic researchers used reflexive thematic analysis and a consultative participatory approach. Results Our findings suggest that individual (i.e., organizational skills; mental health), interactional (i.e., prior experiences interacting with instructors and teaching assistants), and environmental (i.e., sensory environments, class sizes, virtual learning environments) factors, which were interrelated, determined the nature and quality of these autistic students' learning experiences and their academic preferences during the pandemic. We also found that each autistic student reported unique learning experiences and needed individualized supports for their learning. Conclusions Several interrelated factors (individual, interactional, and environmental) affected the nature and quality of autistic university students' experiences during the pandemic. Each student had unique experiences and needed individualized supports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquie Ballantine
- School of Linguistics and Language Studies, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Jess Rocheleau
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Jasmin Macarios
- School of Sociological and Anthropological Studies, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - George Ross
- School of Linguistics and Language Studies, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Natasha Artemeva
- School of Linguistics and Language Studies, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
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10
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Abstract
This study evaluated the association of autistic traits (RAADS-14) with academic and social outcomes among college students using data from an online survey (N = 2,736). In the academic domain, the total trait score and all subscale scores (mentalizing deficits, social anxiety, sensory reactivity) were associated with course failure and academic difficulties independent of an autism diagnosis; the total score and mentalizing deficits also predicted lower grade point average (GPA). In the social domain, the total trait score and subscale scores were associated with lower odds of having a confidant, lower friendship quality, and higher odds of social exclusion. Subgroup analyses revealed that autistic traits had more consistently negative associations with social outcomes for students without an autism diagnosis than for students with a diagnosis. Associations were also more often significant for women than men. These results support the development of programs and services for students with autistic traits regardless of diagnostic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane D McLeod
- Department of Sociology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
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11
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Brekke I, Alecu A, Ugreninov E, Surén P, Evensen M. Educational achievement among children with a disability: do parental resources compensate for disadvantage? SSM Popul Health 2023; 23:101465. [PMID: 37554667 PMCID: PMC10404540 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
We examined the impact of child disability on Grade Points Average (GPA) using all children aged 15-16 years who completed their lower secondary education and registered with a GPA score in the period from 2016 to 2020 in Norway (n = 247 120). We use registry data that contain information on the child's main diagnosis, such as physical-, neurological- and neurodevelopmental conditions, and the severity of the condition, additional to the child's family characteristics. First, we examined whether the impact of the child's disability on the GPA scores varied by diagnosis and the severity of the child's condition. Second, we examined whether higher parental socioeconomic status (SES) buffers against the negative impact of child disability on GPA scores. Using longitudinal register data with the school fixed-effect model, the results showed that children with neurological and neurodevelopmental disabilities obtained lower GPA scores than their typically developing peers without chronic conditions, however children with asthma and diabetes had comparable GPA scores. These associations were most evident for neurodevelopmental conditions, such as ADHD and autism but also notable for neurological conditions such as epilepsy. In general, a severe condition impacts GPA scores more negatively than a less severe condition. Moreover, our analysis revealed that children of highly educated parents obtained higher GPA scores than children who had parents with short education. This applied to both disabled and typically developing peers, except children with autism and epilepsy, among whom buffering due to the parent's education did not seem to apply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idunn Brekke
- Department of Childhood and Families, Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
| | - Andreea Alecu
- Consumption Research Norway, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Pål Surén
- Department of Child Health and Development, Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
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12
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Austermann Q, Gelbar NW, Reis SM, Madaus JW. The transition to college: lived experiences of academically talented students with autism. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1125904. [PMID: 37476541 PMCID: PMC10354361 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1125904] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The experiences of autistic college students have become an increasing focus of research over the past 10 years. As a part of a larger research project, 40 successful autistic college students were interviewed about their experiences transitioning from high school to college. Participants reported being active participants in selecting colleges, but not receiving robust transition services during high school. They reported wanting additional opportunities in high school to develop executive function skills and to have more social opportunities. Further, they stressed the importance of developing greater independence while in high school.
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13
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Dwyer P, Mineo E, Mifsud K, Lindholm C, Gurba A, Waisman T. Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Postsecondary Campuses: Recommendations for Leaders in Higher Education. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2023; 5:1-14. [PMID: 36941859 PMCID: PMC10024274 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2021.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Dwyer
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Psychology, UC Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Address correspondence to: Patrick Dwyer, MA, PhD Candidate, Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, 267 Cousteau Place, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| | - Erica Mineo
- College of Biological Sciences, UC Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Kristin Mifsud
- Department of Political Science, UC Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | | | - Ava Gurba
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - T.C. Waisman
- Adapt Coaching & Training, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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14
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Conner CM, Elias R, Smith IC, White SW. Emotion Regulation and Executive Function: Associations with Depression and Anxiety in Autism. RESEARCH IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS 2023; 101:102103. [PMID: 36741741 PMCID: PMC9897310 DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2023.102103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Background Adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are prone to experience co-occurring mental health conditions such as mood or anxiety disorders, as well as impairments in emotion regulation and executive functioning. However, little research has examined inter-relationships among these constructs, despite evidence of additional stressors and increased risk of internalizing disorders at this age, relative to non-autistic individuals. If either emotion regulation or executive functioning are shown to have patterns of association with mental health, this can inform mechanism-based intervention. Method Fifty-seven autistic adolescents and adults (16-25 years) with ASD in a transition intervention completed questionnaires and clinician-administered measures at baseline. Analyses assessed whether executive functioning impairment, above and beyond emotion regulation impairment, were associated with depression and anxiety symptoms. Results ASD characteristics, emotion regulation, anxiety, and depression were significantly correlated. ASD characteristics was a significant contributor to depression and emotion regulation impairments were significant contributors to anxiety and depression. Findings indicated that inhibition difficulties did not uniquely contribute to depression or anxiety above emotion regulation impairment. Difficulties in cognitive flexibility were associated with depression above and beyond ASD characteristics, IQ, and emotion regulation, but not associated with anxiety. Conclusions Although preliminary, findings suggest that inflexibility and regulatory impairment should be considered in depression remediation approaches. Improving ER, on the other hand, may have broader transdiagnostic impact across both mood and anxiety symptoms in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca Elias
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Isaac C. Smith
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, West Hartford, CT
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15
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Autism traits and real-world executive functioning in parents of children with disabilities and undergraduates. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-04097-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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16
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this paper is to provide an overview of profiles of adaptive behavior in autism spectrum disorder and highlight the importance of these everyday skills in optimizing self-sufficiency throughout life. RECENT FINDINGS Research has clearly confirmed that adaptive deficits exist in ASD, particularly in social skills. These impairments are highly associated with co-occurring conditions such as executive functioning impairments, psychiatric conditions, and even psychosis. There tends to be a discrepancy between intellectual capacity and adaptive functioning, particularly in autistic individuals without cognitive and language delays, with this gap widening between childhood and adulthood. Although cognition and language skills are associated with good outcome in ASD, they are insufficient in the absence of intact adaptive behavior. There is a critical need to emphasize the importance of adaptive functioning in diagnostic evaluations and treatment/intervention programs to ensure that every autistic individual has the potential for success.
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17
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Southon C. The relationship between executive function, neurodevelopmental disorder traits, and academic achievement in university students. Front Psychol 2022; 13:958013. [PMID: 36118426 PMCID: PMC9478894 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.958013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Difficulties with executive function have often been identified in individuals with various neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD). Additionally, in childhood and adolescence, executive functioning is an important predictor of academic achievement. However, less research has explored these relationships in adult students, and those with a high level of neurodevelopmental disorder traits but no clinical diagnosis. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess whether ASD, ADHD, and DCD traits can predict academic achievement in university students, and whether traits of these neurodevelopmental conditions moderate the relationship between executive function and academic achievement. Both neurotypical students and those with a clinical diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental disorder were able to participate, with the majority being neurotypical. Participants completed four self-report questionnaires and provided a measure of academic achievement based on their university assignment results. Traits of ASD, ADHD, and DCD alone did not predict achievement, however, traits of ADHD and DCD significantly moderated the relationship between executive function and academic achievement. ASD traits did not significantly moderate this relationship. Implications and suggestions for future research are also discussed.
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18
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Madaus J, Reis S, Gelbar N, Delgado J, Cascio A. Perceptions of Factors that Facilitate and Impede Learning Among Twice-Exceptional College Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2022; 193:107627. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2022.107627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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19
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Davidson D, Morales D. Associations Between Autism Symptomatology, Alexithymia, Trait Emotional Intelligence, and Adjustment to College. Front Psychol 2022; 13:813450. [PMID: 35572317 PMCID: PMC9096698 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.813450] [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: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been asserted that the socio-emotional challenges associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be explained, in part, by the higher rates of alexithymia in individuals with autism. Alexithymia refers to difficulties in identifying one's own emotional states and describing those states to others. Thus, one goal of the present study was to examine levels of alexithymia in relation to ASD symptomatology and trait emotion intelligence (EI). Trait EI is a multifaceted concept that captures emotional competencies and behavioral dispositions A second goal was to assess whether alexithymia, ASD symptomatology and trait EI served as significant predictors of adjustment to college, including academic, social, and personal-emotional adjustment. In addition to keeping with the spectrum nature of autism, our research strategy allowed us to capture those students who may not have received a formal diagnosis of ASD but report symptoms that can be indicative of ASD. This includes women, who are less likely to receive a diagnosis of ASD even when ASD symptomatology is present. The results of the study showed that students reporting higher levels of ASD symptomatology also reported significantly higher levels of alexithymia and lower trait emotional intelligence (trait EI) than those with less or no symptomatology. Alexithymia was also negatively related to trait EI, and both alexithymia and ASD symptomatology were found to be significant predictors of trait EI. However, only trait EI was a significant predictor of adjustment to college and only for social adjustment. These findings suggest that support programs that develop trait EI skills may improve the college experience for students with ASD, regardless of alexithymia or ASD symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Davidson
- Department of Psychology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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20
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Real-World Executive Functioning and Subclinical Autism Traits in Autism Parents, Other Disability Parents, and Non-Clinical Undergraduates. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-02740-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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21
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Dardani C, Riglin L, Leppert B, Sanderson E, Rai D, Howe LD, Davey Smith G, Tilling K, Thapar A, Davies NM, Anderson E, Stergiakouli E. Is genetic liability to ADHD and ASD causally linked to educational attainment? Int J Epidemiol 2022; 50:2011-2023. [PMID: 34999873 PMCID: PMC8743131 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyab107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association patterns of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with educational attainment (EA) are complex; children with ADHD and ASD are at risk of poor academic outcomes, and parental EA has been associated with risk of ADHD/ASD in the offspring. Little is known on the causal links between ADHD, ASD, EA and the potential contribution of cognitive ability. METHODS Using the latest genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary data on ADHD, ASD and EA, we applied two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess the effects of genetic liability to ADHD and ASD on EA. Reverse direction analyses were additionally performed. Multivariable MR was performed to estimate any effects independent of cognitive ability. RESULTS Genetic liability to ADHD had a negative effect on EA, independently of cognitive ability (MVMRIVW: -1.7 months of education per doubling of genetic liability to ADHD; 95% CI: -2.8 to -0.7), whereas genetic liability to ASD a positive effect (MVMRIVW: 30 days per doubling of the genetic liability to ASD; 95% CI: 2 to 53). Reverse direction analyses suggested that genetic liability to higher EA had an effect on lower risk of ADHD, independently of cognitive ability (MVMRIVWOR: 0.33 per SD increase; 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.43) and increased risk of ASD (MRIVWOR: 1.51 per SD increase; 95% CI: 1.29 to 1.77), which was partly explained by cognitive ability (MVMRIVWOR per SD increase: 1.24; 95%CI: 0.96 to 1.60). CONCLUSIONS Genetic liability to ADHD and ASD is likely to affect educational attainment, independently of underlying cognitive ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Dardani
- Centre of Academic Mental Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Lucy Riglin
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Beate Leppert
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Eleanor Sanderson
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Dheeraj Rai
- Centre of Academic Mental Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Laura D Howe
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - George Davey Smith
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Kate Tilling
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Anita Thapar
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Neil M Davies
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Emma Anderson
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Evie Stergiakouli
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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22
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Adams D, Malone S, Simpson K, Tucker M, Rapee RM, Rodgers J, Keen D. Protocol for a longitudinal study investigating the role of anxiety on academic outcomes in children on the autism spectrum. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257223. [PMID: 34529686 PMCID: PMC8445440 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children on the autism spectrum are consistently reported to underachieve compared to ability. In typically developing children, anxiety is a strong predictor of poor school performance. Despite the high prevalence of anxiety disorders among children on the spectrum, the impact of their anxiety on academic achievement is under-researched. The main aim of this project is to determine the moderating role anxiety may have in the development of academic learning behaviours (academic enablers) in children on the spectrum. This project addresses a gap in knowledge about the possible associations between anxiety and academic achievement in children on the spectrum. Understanding these associations opens up the possibility of new intervention pathways to enhance academic outcomes through anxiety reduction/prevention. METHODS This longitudinal study will aim to recruit 64 children on the spectrum aged 4-5 years and their parents. Information will be gathered from children, parents and teachers. Children will be randomly assigned to one of two conditions in order to experimentally manipulate anxiety levels in the sample: experimental (to receive an anxiety reduction/prevention program, N = 32) or control (no intervention/treatment as usual, N = 32). The primary outcome measures are child academic skills and enabling behaviours assessed using the Academic Competence Evaluation Scales and the WIAT-II. Anxiety will be assessed through parent and teacher report. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-experimental manipulation of anxiety, and within the first year of formal schooling. It is hypothesised that anxiety will moderate the relationship between autism characteristics and academic enablers. DISSEMINATION Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed manuscripts and conference presentations. Lay summaries will be provided to all participants and available on the research centre website.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn Adams
- Autism Centre of Excellence, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stephanie Malone
- Autism Centre of Excellence, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kate Simpson
- Autism Centre of Excellence, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Ron M. Rapee
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jacqui Rodgers
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Deb Keen
- Autism Centre of Excellence, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, Queensland, Australia
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23
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Spaniol MM, Mevorach C, Shalev L, Teixeira MCTV, Lowenthal R, de Paula CS. Attention training in children with autism spectrum disorder improves academic performance: A double-blind pilot application of the computerized progressive attentional training program. Autism Res 2021; 14:1769-1776. [PMID: 34227246 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2566] [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] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Atypical attention has been reported in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with studies pointing to an increase in attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder-like symptomatology. Individuals with ASD may also present academic difficulties and it is possible that they face a double-barrier for academic attainment from both core ASD symptomatology and from attention atypicalities, which are directly linked to academic performance. This raises the possibility that academic difficulties in ASD may benefit from cognitive training targeting attention. To test this possibility, we used the computerized progressive attentional training (CPAT) intervention in a double-blind, active control with follow-up intervention study in Brazil. The CPAT is a computerized attention training program that was recently piloted with schoolchildren with ASD in the UK. Twenty-six participants (8-14 years) with ASD in the São Paulo's ASD Reference Unit were assigned to either the CPAT (n = 14) or active control group (n = 12), which were matched at baseline. Two 45-min intervention sessions per week were conducted over a 2-month period. School performance, attention, fluid intelligence, and behavior were assessed before, immediately after and 3 months following the intervention. Significant group by time interactions show improvements in math, reading, writing and attention that were maintained at follow-up for the CPAT (but not the active control) group, while parents of children from both groups tended to report behavioral improvements. We conclude that attention training has the potential to reduce obstacles for academic attainment in ASD. Combined with the previous pilot study, the current results point to the generality of the approach, which leads to similar outcomes in different cultural and social contexts. LAY ABSTRACT: Attention difficulties tend to occur in ASD and are linked to academic performance. In this study, we demonstrate that school performance in math, reading and writing in children with ASD can improve following an intervention that trains basic attention skills (the CPAT intervention). The improvements we report are stable and were maintained 3-months following the intervention. This study, which was conducted in a public-health setting in Brazil, extends previous research in schools in the UK pointing to the cross-cultural and cross-settings efficacy of the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra Muller Spaniol
- Developmental Disorders Program, Mackenzie Presbyterian University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carmel Mevorach
- School of Psychology and the Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Lilach Shalev
- School of Education and the Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
| | | | - Rosane Lowenthal
- Mental Health Department, Santa Casa School of Medical Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Silvestre de Paula
- Developmental Disorders Program, Mackenzie Presbyterian University, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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24
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Lei J, Russell A. Understanding the role of self-determination in shaping university experiences for autistic and typically developing students in the United Kingdom. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2021; 25:1262-1278. [PMID: 33535817 PMCID: PMC8264627 DOI: 10.1177/1362361320984897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Prior research suggests that autistic students in higher education might struggle with developing autonomy, competence and establish relatedness due to their executive functioning and social communication difficulties. We interviewed 18 autistic and 18 typically developing students to explore how students perceived themselves to be in control of their university experience. Both groups provided anecdotal examples that supported similar perceptions of self-determination in shaping the academic, daily living and socialisation aspects of university life. Autistic students reflected on their cognitive strengths such as attention to detail, persistence and ability to tailor their academic studies towards their interest. Varying degrees of sociability were noted, with some autistic students preferring to focus their self-determination efforts on academic success, while others treasured the novel social experiences including peer support and friendship at university. Compared to greater flexibility endorsed by typically developing students, autistic students perceived establishing a routine at university to be a necessity and were self-determined in maintaining stability amid a sea of change. Recognising strengths and self-determination efforts in autistic students can help stakeholders support their personal development towards independent living and self-sufficiency in adulthood and to successfully transition into, through and out of university.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiedi Lei
- Centre for Applied Autism Research, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- King’s College London, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology & Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London, UK
| | - Ailsa Russell
- Centre for Applied Autism Research, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
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25
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Rosello R, Martinez-Raga J, Mira A, Girela B, Cortese S. Developmental outcomes in adolescence of children with autism spectrum disorder without intellectual disability: A systematic review of prospective studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 126:590-603. [PMID: 33872683 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) without intellectual disability (ID) represent approximately two-thirds of the ASD population. Here we focused on prospective research assessing different areas of functioning of children with ASD, without ID, until adolescence. Based on a pre-registered protocol (PROSPERO CRD42020189029), a systematic review of prospective studies (published between 01.01.2010 and 01.01.2020) was conducted. Twenty-eight studies met eligibility criteria. Findings indicated that ASD diagnosis and the Intelligence Quotient were highly stable over time across studies. Executive Functioning, Theory of Mind and Central Coherence processes tended to improve, although deficits remained when compared to typically developed controls. Adaptive difficulties and psychiatric comorbidity were relatively stable over time. We discuss potential implications of the findings for clinicians and educators and suggest recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Rosello
- Division of Psychiatry, Imperial College London, UK.
| | - Jose Martinez-Raga
- Psychiatry Department, University Hospital Doctor Peset of Valencia & University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Alvaro Mira
- Division of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Samuele Cortese
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health (CIMH), School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, UK; Clinical and Experimental Sciences (CNS and Psychiatry), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; Solent NHS Trust, Southampton, UK; Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, New York University Child Study Center, New York City, New York, USA; Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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