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Schmidt M, Newbutt N, Lee M, Lu J, Francois MS, Antonenko PD, Glaser N. Toward a strengths-based model for designing virtual reality learning experiences for autistic users. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:1809-1827. [PMID: 37937531 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231208579] [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: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Virtual reality has been studied for its potential in supporting individuals with autism, but existing research often focuses on deficits and lacks consideration of individual preferences and strengths. This article introduces a framework that emphasizes the strengths and abilities of autistic individuals when designing virtual reality interventions. It builds upon an existing taxonomy of educational technology affordances and extends it to align with the unique needs of autistic individuals. The framework provides guidance for incorporating virtual reality technology that supports and amplifies autistic strengths, such as visual perception and response to positive feedback. The framework has implications for practice, research, and policy. For practitioners, it offers a tool for designing virtual reality experiences that cater to the strengths of autistic individuals, enhancing engagement and educational outcomes. Researchers can utilize the framework to guide the development of user-centered virtual reality interventions and expand our understanding of the potential benefits of virtual reality for autistic populations. Policymakers and educators can consider this framework when incorporating virtual reality into educational settings, ensuring that virtual reality technology is used in a way that aligns with the strengths and needs of autistic learners. Overall, the framework promotes a strengths-based approach in utilizing virtual reality technology for individuals with autism, fostering inclusivity and maximizing the benefits of immersive experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jie Lu
- University of Florida, USA
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Engel L, Chiotelis O, Papadopoulos N, Hiscock H, Howlin P, McGillivray J, Bellows ST, Rinehart N, Mihalopoulos C. Sleeping Sound Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Cost-Effectiveness of a Brief Behavioural Sleep Intervention in Primary School-Aged Autistic Children. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06422-2. [PMID: 38833029 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06422-2] [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: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Disordered sleep is common in autistic children. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a brief behavioural sleep intervention, the 'Sleeping Sound intervention', in primary school-aged autistic children in Australia. A cost-effectiveness analysis was undertaken alongside a randomised controlled trial over a 6-month follow-up period from both a societal and healthcare sector perspective. Resources used by participants were collected from a resource-use questionnaire and administrative data; intervention costs were determined from study records. Mean costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were compared between the intervention and treatment as usual (TAU) groups. Uncertainty analysis using bootstrapping and sensitivity analyses were conducted. The sample included 245 children, with 123 participants randomised to the intervention group and 122 to TAU. The mean total costs were higher for the Sleeping Sound intervention with a mean difference of A$745 (95% CI 248; 1242; p = 0.003) from a healthcare sector perspective and A$1310 (95% CI 584; 2035, p < 0.001) from a societal perspective. However, the intervention also resulted in greater QALYs compared with TAU, with a mean difference of 0.038 (95% CI 0.004; 0.072; p = 0.028). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was A$24,419/QALY (95% CI 23,135; 25,703) from a healthcare sector perspective and A$41,922/QALY (95% CI 39,915; 43,928) from a societal perspective; with a probability of being cost-effective of 93.8% and 74.7%, respectively. Findings remained robust in the sensitivity analyses. The Sleeping Sound intervention offers a cost-effective approach in improving sleep in primary school-aged autistic children.Trial registration The trial was registered with the International Trial Registry (ISRCTN14077107).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Engel
- Monash University Health Economics Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Oxana Chiotelis
- Deakin Health Economics, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicole Papadopoulos
- Krongold Clinic, Faculty of Education, Monash University, Notting Hill, VIC, Australia
- School of Educational Psychology & Counselling, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Harriet Hiscock
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Patricia Howlin
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jane McGillivray
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Susannah T Bellows
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicole Rinehart
- Krongold Clinic, Faculty of Education, Monash University, Notting Hill, VIC, Australia
| | - Cathrine Mihalopoulos
- Monash University Health Economics Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Deakin Health Economics, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
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Bury SM, Zulla R, Spoor JR, Flower RL, Nicholas DB, Hedley D. An ecological systems model of employee experience in industry-led autism employment programmes. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:1457-1470. [PMID: 38551173 PMCID: PMC11134994 DOI: 10.1177/13623613241241574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT We asked 33 autistic adults from two industry-led employment programmes about their experiences in the programmes. These are programmes started by companies to recruit and support autistic people in work. We also asked about their workplace supports, relationships and how they thought the programme had impacted their life. Understanding the experiences of people in these industry-led employment programmes is important as the information can help to improve the programmes and participants' experiences. After reviewing the interviews, we found five themes that best described the employee's experience: (1) working involves multiple job tasks that evolve as the employment context changes; (2) relationships in the workplace are diverse and are influenced by the type of work participants do and the work environment; (3) workplace needs change as the autistic employees learn to navigate their work environment; (4) autistic employees develop a professional identity in the workplace as they master work and feel more integrated in the workplace; and (5) recommendations for the development of supportive workplace environments for autistic people. We explored the way that aspects of the two employment programmes (e.g. training) and factors outside the programme changed with time and contributed to the participant's experience. We developed a new model to capture individual and workplace factors that contribute to the experience of autistic people who participate in industry employment programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosslynn Zulla
- University of Calgary, Canada
- University of Alberta, Canada
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Øverland E, Hauge ÅL, Orm S, Øie MG, Skogli EW, Pellicano E, Andersen PN. "I have to charge my social battery": Perspectives from autistic young adults on Quality of Life. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:1369-1381. [PMID: 38629698 DOI: 10.1177/13623613241245578] [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: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT In this study we have asked a group of autistic young adults to describe what is important for their quality of life. The 14 participants (aged 21-29 years) were recruited from a 10-year follow-up study of autistic people. During interviews, our participants described the importance of having relationships with family, friends and pets. Having meaningful activities and being able to immerse themselves in particular interests was also reported to be important for a good quality of life. Interests had also guided their choice of what to study and what to do for work. They also spoke of how communication problems with professionals, bullying and sensory and emotional overload could have a negative impact on quality of life. Future interventions should focus on how professionals can help autistic people to connect to people/animals and meaningful activities, as the participants described this as important for having a good quality of life. These findings may be helpful in enhancing how passions and interests can be seen as opportunities for both academic and work careers for autistic people. Future research and interventions should also look at the communication barriers between autistic people and professionals, and how two-way understanding can be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Øverland
- Innlandet Hospital Trust, Norway
- Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Norway
| | | | - Stian Orm
- Innlandet Hospital Trust, Norway
- Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Norway
| | | | - Erik Winther Skogli
- Innlandet Hospital Trust, Norway
- Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Norway
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Turnage DM, Radecki M. Person-Centered Language: Respecting Language Preferences in Health Care. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 2024; 62:3-4. [PMID: 38838339 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20240506-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Melissa Radecki
- Nursing Systems Department, College of Nursing, Academic Health Sciences Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
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Love AMA, Cai RY, Stephenson J, Gallagher E, Toland MD, Gibbs V. Adaptation of COMPASS for use in Autism-Specific Schools in Australia: A Cluster Randomized Trial. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06345-y. [PMID: 38822899 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06345-y] [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: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Autistic students are educated in Australia across a variety of contexts and almost all educators use individualized goal-setting as a way of ensuring appropriate accommodations and curriculum modifications. Educators experience similar challenges when developing individualized goals for students, including lack of a standardized process for goal setting, inconsistent support networks, and challenges with data-driven goal-setting. The purpose of our research was to adapt and trial the Collaborative Model for Competence and Success (COMPASS), a research-based intervention aimed at improving the individualized goal-setting process for autistic students. Our primary hypothesis was that autistic students who participate in COMPASS would demonstrate more growth on their individualized outcomes relative to autistic students who receive services as usual (SAU). To answer our primary research question, we applied a single-blind cluster randomized trial. Participants were randomized into one of two groups: (a) a COMPASS intervention group and (b) a SAU group. Results indicate that students whose teachers received the intervention made more progress on their final individualized goals than those who received SAU, replicating previous findings regarding COMPASS in the US. Also, the adaptation of COMPASS for an Australian context showed high rates of satisfaction and fidelity. The success of this intervention in improving the progress that students make on their individualized goals demonstrates the benefits of a standardized intervention that supports teachers and families in this critical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail M A Love
- Autism Spectrum Australia, Aspect Research for Autism Practice, Chatswood, NSW, 2067, Australia.
| | - Ru Ying Cai
- Autism Spectrum Australia, Aspect Research for Autism Practice, Chatswood, NSW, 2067, Australia
| | - Jennifer Stephenson
- School of Education, Faculty of Arts, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Emma Gallagher
- Autism Spectrum Australia, Aspect Research for Autism Practice, Chatswood, NSW, 2067, Australia
| | - Michael D Toland
- University of Toledo, The Herb Innovation Center, Toledo, OH, 43606, USA
| | - Vicki Gibbs
- Autism Spectrum Australia, Aspect Research for Autism Practice, Chatswood, NSW, 2067, Australia
- FMH Translational Research Collective, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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7
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Franco M, Costa AP. Should Parents Only Use One Language with Their Autistic Children? The Relations Between Multilingualism, Children's Social Skills, and Parent-Child Communication. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06347-w. [PMID: 38809475 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06347-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Parents of autistic children are often advised to use only one language to simplify their child's language acquisition. Often this recommendation orients towards the geographically predominant language, which may cause difficulties especially for minority-language families. On the other hand, scientific evidence suggests that multilingualism does not hinder language acquisition and that communicating in exclusively foreign languages may even impede social interaction. Therefore, we investigated how parent language use is linked to the social skills of 68 autistic children and to their parents' ability to feel comfortable, authentic, and free to express themselves. METHODS Data was collected online, using parent-report questionnaires from parents of 25 different nationalities in the European context, assessing children's language, autistic traits (AQ-C), social skills (SRS-2), and parent-child communication. RESULTS Language use was not found to significantly relate to social skills in children. However, parents using their mother tongue, either only their mother tongue or in combination with other languages, reported feeling significantly more comfortable and more authentic than parents using exclusively foreign languages, either one or many. There were no significant differences between monolingual and multilingual families regarding parents' feelings in regard to their language use. CONCLUSIONS Our findings may encourage specialists to consider multilingualism more often and consult with parents whether monolingualism is worth risking the negative outcomes we have found. Especially, since advising parents to raise their child multilingually may facilitate access to therapeutic treatment, childcare, and social interaction in multilingual societies and families and subsequently improve support and orientation for stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maïte Franco
- Institute for Health and Behaviour, Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, Maison des Sciences Humaines, University of Luxembourg, 11 Porte des Sciences, Esch-sur-Alzette, L-4366, Luxembourg.
| | - Andreia P Costa
- Institute for Health and Behaviour, Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, Maison des Sciences Humaines, University of Luxembourg, 11 Porte des Sciences, Esch-sur-Alzette, L-4366, Luxembourg
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8
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Taylor JL, Sullivan V, Bishop SL, Zheng S, Adams RE. Associations between Social Experiences and Psychological Health for Autistic Youth with Low IQ. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06378-3. [PMID: 38703252 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06378-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Social experiences are consistently associated with psychological health among autistic individuals. However, most extant studies on this topic exclude individuals with autism who have lower IQ or are otherwise unable to self-report. The current study addresses this gap by examining associations of negative peer experiences and social participation with psychological health among autistic youth with low IQ. METHODS An online survey was collected from 268 parents of autistic adolescents and adults ages 15-25. Negative peer experiences included measures of peer victimization and being ignored. Social participation was assessed by the amount of participation and parents' perceptions of whether their youth felt the amount of participation was meeting their needs. Psychological health was assessed by parents' report of their youth's psychological quality of life, as well as whether they felt their son/daughter was currently depressed. RESULTS Results suggested low rates of social participation in this sample, with relatively high rates of being ignored. Regression analysis found that lower rates of peer victimization and more activities in which parents perceived that the amount of time was meeting their youth's needs was associated with higher psychological quality of life and lower likelihood that parents felt their son/daughter was depressed. CONCLUSION Though youth with autism and low IQ are often excluded from interventions aimed at improving social experiences, these findings suggest that promoting positive social experiences and ameliorating negative ones might be an avenue to improving psychological health in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Lounds Taylor
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, PMB 40 - 230 Appleton Pl, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA.
| | - Virginia Sullivan
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, PMB 40 - 230 Appleton Pl, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA
| | | | | | - Ryan E Adams
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, USA
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Key AP, Thompson EC, Benítez-Barrera C, Feldman JI, Woynaroski T, Picou E, Tharpe AM. Electrophysiological Measures of Listening-in-Noise With and Without Remote Microphone System Use in Autistic and Non-Autistic Youth. Ear Hear 2024; 45:710-720. [PMID: 38273435 PMCID: PMC11014766 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study examined the neural mechanisms by which remote microphone (RM) systems might lead to improved behavioral performance on listening-in-noise tasks in autistic and non-autistic youth. DESIGN Cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) were recorded in autistic (n = 25) and non-autistic (n = 22) youth who were matched at the group level on chronological age ( M = 14.21 ± 3.39 years) and biological sex. Potentials were recorded during an active syllable identification task completed in quiet and in multi-talker babble noise with and without the use of an RM system. The effects of noise and RM system use on speech-sound-evoked P1-N1-P2 responses and the associations between the cortical responses and behavioral performance on syllable identification were examined. RESULTS No group differences were observed for behavioral or CAEP measures of speech processing in quiet or in noise. In the combined sample, syllable identification in noise was less accurate and slower than in the quiet condition. The addition of the RM system to the noise condition restored accuracy, but not the response speed, to the levels observed in quiet. The CAEP analyses noted amplitude reductions and latency delays in the noise compared with the quiet condition. The RM system use increased the N1 amplitude as well as reduced and delayed the P2 response relative to the quiet and noise conditions. Exploratory brain-behavior correlations revealed that larger N1 amplitudes in the RM condition were associated with greater behavioral accuracy of syllable identification. Reduced N1 amplitude and accelerated P2 response were associated with shorter syllable identification response times when listening with the RM system. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that although listening-in-noise with an RM system might remain effortful, the improved signal to noise ratio facilitates attention to the sensory features of the stimuli and increases speech sound identification accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra P. Key
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Emily C. Thompson
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | | | - Jacob I. Feldman
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Tiffany Woynaroski
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Erin Picou
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Anne Marie Tharpe
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
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Holyfield C, MacNeil S, Caldwell N, O'Neill Zimmerman T, Lorah E, Dragut E, Vucetic S. Leveraging Communication Partner Speech to Automate Augmented Input for Children on the Autism Spectrum Who Are Minimally Verbal: Prototype Development and Preliminary Efficacy Investigation. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2024; 33:1174-1192. [PMID: 38290536 DOI: 10.1044/2023_ajslp-23-00224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology innovation is urgently needed to improve outcomes for children on the autism spectrum who are minimally verbal. One potential technology innovation is applying artificial intelligence (AI) to automate strategies such as augmented input to increase language learning opportunities while mitigating communication partner time and learning barriers. Innovation in AAC research and design methodology is also needed to empirically explore this and other applications of AI to AAC. The purpose of this report was to describe (a) the development of an AAC prototype using a design methodology new to AAC research and (b) a preliminary investigation of the efficacy of this potential new AAC capability. METHOD The prototype was developed using a Wizard-of-Oz prototyping approach that allows for initial exploration of a new technology capability without the time and effort required for full-scale development. The preliminary investigation with three children on the autism spectrum who were minimally verbal used an adapted alternating treatment design to compare the effects of a Wizard-of-Oz prototype that provided automated augmented input (i.e., pairing color photos with speech) to a standard topic display (i.e., a grid display with line drawings) on visual attention, linguistic participation, and (for one participant) word learning during a circle activity. RESULTS Preliminary investigation results were variable, but overall participants increased visual attention and linguistic participation when using the prototype. CONCLUSIONS Wizard-of-Oz prototyping could be a valuable approach to spur much needed innovation in AAC. Further research into efficacy, reliability, validity, and attitudes is required to more comprehensively evaluate the use of AI to automate augmented input in AAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Holyfield
- Department of Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
| | - Stephen MacNeil
- Department of Computer and Information Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Nicolette Caldwell
- Department of Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
| | - Tara O'Neill Zimmerman
- Department of Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
| | - Elizabeth Lorah
- Department of Curriculum and Instruction, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
| | - Eduard Dragut
- Department of Computer and Information Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Slobodan Vucetic
- Department of Computer and Information Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
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Bosman R, Thijs J. Language Preferences in the Dutch Autism Community: A Social Psychological Approach. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:1727-1739. [PMID: 36757544 PMCID: PMC11136701 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05903-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
This research examined the preference for identity-first language (IFL) versus person-first language (PFL) among 215 respondents (Mage = 30.24 years, SD = 9.92) from the Dutch autism community. We found that a stronger identification with the autism community and a later age of diagnosis predicted a stronger IFL preference and a weaker PFL preference. Both effects were mediated by the perceived consequences (justice to identity, prejudice reduction) of PFL. Participants' own explanations were in line with these statistical analyses but also provided nuance to the IFL-PFL debate. Our results are consistent with the Social Identity Approach (Reicher et al., 2010) and Identity Uncertainty Theory (Hogg, 2007) and demonstrate the value of a social psychological approach to study disability language preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renate Bosman
- Utrecht University, Padualaan 14 2, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Jochem Thijs
- Utrecht University, Padualaan 14 2, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Paynter J, O'Leary K, Westerveld M. Pre-school Skills and School-Age Reading Comprehension in Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Preliminary Investigation. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:1834-1848. [PMID: 36932272 PMCID: PMC11136769 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05949-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
We explored reading comprehension development in children on the spectrum from pre-school to the first (YOS1) and third year of schooling (YOS3). Children were first assessed on meaning-related skills in pre-school. Forty-one children completed follow-up assessments of reading comprehension, reading accuracy, and listening comprehension in YOS1. Nineteen returned for assessments of reading accuracy, reading comprehension, and listening comprehension in YOS3. Children showed poorer reading comprehension than reading accuracy at both timepoints. Reading comprehension, reading accuracy, and listening comprehension were significantly concurrently correlated. Pre-school receptive vocabulary was a significant predictor of YOS3 reading comprehension. Results from this preliminary investigation highlight the potential for early identification of children on the spectrum at risk for reading comprehension difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Paynter
- Griffith Institute for Educational Research, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Kate O'Leary
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Marleen Westerveld
- Griffith Institute for Educational Research, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
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Modirrousta A, Harris YR. Parental strategies to promote theory of mind development in autistic children of color. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1347504. [PMID: 38699568 PMCID: PMC11064013 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1347504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by an impaired ability to take other people's perspectives, which is known as theory of mind. However, little is known about how theory of mind exhibits itself in autistic children of color and how parents foster their child's developmental skills in communities of color. Methods Two interviews were created to assess how parents appraise their child's developmental skills and help their child grow: a perspective-teaching interview and a general developmental skills interview. Four families participated in the study; three children were African American or mixed, while one had an Asian mother. Parents were asked how their child exhibited various developmental skills and how they helped their child with those milestones. Results Parents pointed at similar delays in theory of mind and other developmental skills, such as turn-taking and reading faces. They also provided similar strategies to teach those abilities, such as modeling and reinforcements. Several insights and common themes were found regarding autistic behaviors their children expressed and how those affected their parenting experiences. Discussion These findings allow for a better understanding of parents' experiences raising autistic children of color; future research could expand on their stories and create interventions tailored to these underrepresented communities.
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Zajic MC, Gudknecht J. Person- and identity-first language in autism research: A systematic analysis of abstracts from 11 autism journals. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024:13623613241241202. [PMID: 38570904 DOI: 10.1177/13623613241241202] [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: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT There are many ways to refer to an individual who is on the autism spectrum. A recommended approach has been to use person-first language (PFL), such as "person with autism." A different approach is to use identity-first language (IFL), such as "autistic person." Recent studies focused on different groups of people (e.g. autistic self-advocates, parents, and practitioners) show that some groups prefer PFL (practitioners) while others prefer IFL (autistic self-advocates). However, less is known about how researchers use PFL and IFL in academic writing (e.g. studies published in scientific journals) involving autistic research participants. Our study examined 12,962 journal abstracts (short summaries of scientific articles) from 11 academic journals that publish autism research findings. We wanted to know (a) about the use of PFL and IFL across abstracts, and (b) how PFL and IFL use has changed annually over time. We examined data for all journals individually and grouped together. Our findings showed that journal abstracts generally use PFL (65%) with some using either IFL (16%) or both PFL and IFL (20%). However, journals varied, with some showing a clear majority for PFL and a couple for IFL. Examining trends over time across journals showed that while PFL appeared to be the majority for most journals, IFL has steadily increased in the recent few years. Our study helps us understand how autism researchers write about autistic individuals and offers implications for helping researchers intentionally make choices about the language used in their autism research studies.
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Tovin MM, Núñez-Gaunaurd A. Implementation of Peer-Assisted Physical Activity Via Telehealth for Adults on the Autism Spectrum: A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study. Phys Ther 2024; 104:pzae005. [PMID: 38236176 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzae005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adults on the autism spectrum are at risk for physical inactivity, obesity, and related health conditions. Physical activity provides physical, social, and mental health benefits across the lifespan. Previous research examined feasibility and effectiveness of physical activity intervention in autistic children, but very few studies target autistic adults. This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of Physical Activity Connections via Telehealth, implemented during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown as an alternative to in-person programming for autistic adults aged 18 to 32. METHODS The 10-week intervention utilized telehealth and remote technologies to deliver a theoretically grounded program to improve physical activity. Strategies included peer-guidance, coaching, individualized wellness goals, customized exercise programs, and wearable activity trackers. Feasibility and acceptability were examined using a mixed-methods design including observational and survey data collection, as well as participant interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. RESULTS Findings support feasibility and acceptability of telehealth to promote physical activity among autistic adults who have cognitive capacity and ability to utilize remote technology, with applicability beyond pandemic-imposed challenges. CONCLUSION Telehealth delivery of physical activity interventions is a viable alternative to in-person programs and may enable autistic adults to overcome barriers to physical activity participation and access. IMPACT As the rate of autism continues to rise globally, rehabilitation professionals will play a significant role in promoting health and wellness for autistic individuals across the lifespan. Findings promote informed practice based on the health needs of this growing segment of society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Tovin
- Department of Physical Therapy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
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16
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van der Putten WJ, Mol AJJ, Radhoe TA, Torenvliet C, Agelink van Rentergem JA, Groenman AP, Geurts HM. The relationship between camouflaging and mental health: Are there differences among subgroups in autistic adults? AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:908-919. [PMID: 37497845 PMCID: PMC10981194 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231185402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT When autistic people use strategies to hide their autistic characteristics, we call this camouflaging. Autistic adults suggested that camouflaging can result in mental health difficulties. That is, people who report to camouflage also report mental health difficulties. However, since there are many differences between autistic people, this relationship may also differ between subgroups. Therefore, in this study we investigated whether camouflaging and mental health difficulties are related and whether this relationship is equal for all autistic adults. For this study, 352 autistic adults aged 30-84 years filled in the Dutch Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire to measure camouflaging and the Symptom Checklist-90 Revised to measure mental health difficulties. We found that camouflaging was moderately related to mental health difficulties. This means that people who report more camouflaging also report more mental health difficulties. When we looked closer, we found that this relationship was strong for only a small subgroup of autistic adults. In most other autistic adults, there was a small or no relationship between camouflaging and mental health difficulties. Therefore, it is important that clinicians are aware of camouflaging and its possible relationship with mental health difficulties, but that they do not generalize the negative consequences to everyone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wikke J van der Putten
- Leo Kannerhuis (Youz/Parnassia Group), The Netherlands
- University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Audrey JJ Mol
- Leo Kannerhuis (Youz/Parnassia Group), The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | - Hilde M Geurts
- Leo Kannerhuis (Youz/Parnassia Group), The Netherlands
- University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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17
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Schumann S, Zohny H. Does attitude importance moderate the effects of person-first language? A registered report. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300879. [PMID: 38547221 PMCID: PMC10977733 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated that exposure to outgroup descriptions that use person-first, as compared to identity-first, language can attenuate negative stereotypes or prejudice and enhance support for policies that seek to advance outgroup rights. However, those benefits of person-first language may not apply to all social groups equally. The present study examines a boundary condition of the effects of person-first language. Specifically, we postulate that person-first language reduces the stigmatization of outgroups to a lesser degree if individuals hold more important negative attitudes towards the respective communities. We will test this hypothesis in a two-factorial 2 (target group) x 2 (descriptor) online experiment that includes a control group and for which we will recruit a general-population sample (N = 681). Stereotyping, dehumanization, as well as negative affect and behavioral intentions towards two outgroups will be compared: people with a physical disability/the physically disabled (i.e., negative attitudes are expected to be less important) and people who have committed a violent crime/violent criminals (i.e., negative attitudes are expected to be more important). Our findings will bear implications for understanding when language use could influence public opinion of different social groups. Additionally, the research can inform the development of more effective communication policies to promote inclusion and reduce stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy Schumann
- Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hazem Zohny
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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18
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Laubscher E, Pope L, Light J. "You Just Want to Be Able to Communicate With Your Child": Parents' Perspectives on Communication and AAC Use for Beginning Communicators on the Autism Spectrum. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2024; 33:716-735. [PMID: 38147490 PMCID: PMC11186330 DOI: 10.1044/2023_ajslp-23-00254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE For young children on the autism spectrum who are beginning communicators, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can support language development and participation in meaningful interactions. AAC is more likely to be effective when services align with the needs and priorities of the child's family. To better understand family perspectives, this study investigated the communication and AAC experiences of parents of young beginning communicators on the autism spectrum. METHOD The study used a phenomenological qualitative design. Eight caregivers of seven children on the autism spectrum participated in semistructured interviews, and thematic analysis was used to identify themes within the data. RESULTS Five main themes and 15 subthemes emerged from the data. Parents situated communication and AAC experiences within the context of complex, busy lives. They discussed the value of communication and benefits of AAC, but described numerous challenges related to obtaining, learning, and implementing AAC that evolved over time as needs and skills changed. Parents discussed their children's individuality and the need for AAC systems and services to fit the unique needs of their child and their family. They also emphasized ways in which communication outcomes were affected by factors external to the child and the family, including factors related to professional services and the U.S. health care and educational systems. CONCLUSIONS The results affirm the need to consider the family and the broader social system when providing AAC services to young children on the autism spectrum. Provision of family-centered services is critical to successful AAC. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24881562.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lauramarie Pope
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The Pennsylvania State University
| | - Janice Light
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The Pennsylvania State University
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19
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Hladik L, St John BM, Korbel A, Nelson N, Umana M, Kant S, Ausderau KK. "Giving Me the Self-Confidence to Tackle It": Mothers' Experiences Participating In The Engaged Eaters Program, A Caregiver-Mediated Feeding Intervention. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06250-4. [PMID: 38400894 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06250-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to understand caregivers' experience of participating in a caregiver-mediated in-home feeding intervention, the Engaged Eaters Program, for their young autistic child. This qualitative study utilized a thematic approach to analyze post-intervention semi-structured interviews with thirteen mothers of autistic children between the ages of 2 to 7 years after they participated in the intervention. Interview questions focused on the child and family experience, what worked well, what could be improved, and how the intervention integrated into family routines. Four major themes were identified: In-Home Intervention, Parent Skill and Knowledge, Increased Social Participation, and Parent Responsibilities and Challenges. Sub-themes provided descriptions of learning practical tools to support their child, increasing self-efficacy, and impacts on family life. Mothers described an increase in tangible skills that were easily practiced in the home environment that improved their confidence and self-efficacy in feeding their children. They also described how participation did require more work and time commitment for them beyond their regular responsibilities. The caregiver experience is essential to understand for intervention effectiveness while simultaneously addressing child, caregiver, and family needs. By focusing on the mothers' experiences, individualized needs, and self-efficacy, we were able to better understand how integrating an intervention into the family context and daily routines may be beneficial for the whole family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libby Hladik
- Department of Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Brittany M St John
- Department of Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Allie Korbel
- Department of Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Nicole Nelson
- Department of Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Molly Umana
- Department of Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Shannon Kant
- Department of Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Karla K Ausderau
- Department of Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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20
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Vu H, Bowden N, Gibb S, Audas R, Dacombe J, McLay L, Sporle A, Stace H, Taylor B, Thabrew H, Theodore R, Tupou J, Schluter PJ. Mortality risk among Autistic children and young people: A nationwide birth cohort study. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024:13623613231224015. [PMID: 38311609 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231224015] [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: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Existing literature indicates that Autistic people have shorter life expectancy, but little is known about the mortality risk among Autistic children and young people (0-24 years). We used a 15-year nationwide birth cohort study to estimate the mortality risk among Autistic children and young people in Aotearoa/New Zealand. The study included 895,707 children and 11,919 (1.4%) were Autistic. We found that autism was associated with a significantly higher mortality risk compared to the non-Autistic population. In addition, we found that this risk was significantly higher among females compared to males and for those with a co-occurring intellectual disability. Increased efforts are required to better meet the health needs of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hien Vu
- University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Nicholas Bowden
- University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- National Science Challenge, New Zealand
| | - Sheree Gibb
- National Science Challenge, New Zealand
- University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Richard Audas
- Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | | | | | - Andrew Sporle
- INZight Analytics Ltd., New Zealand
- University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Barry Taylor
- University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- National Science Challenge, New Zealand
| | - Hiran Thabrew
- National Science Challenge, New Zealand
- University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Philip J Schluter
- National Science Challenge, New Zealand
- University of Canterbury, New Zealand
- University of Queensland, Australia
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21
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St John BM, Ausderau KK. The characterization of feeding challenges in autistic children. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024:13623613241227518. [PMID: 38305224 DOI: 10.1177/13623613241227518] [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: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Feeding challenges are common for autistic children. Currently, research and intervention for feeding challenges focuses on single factors (e.g. behavior or sensory). Research is needed to understand the complexity of feeding challenges. This study provides a comprehensive description of feeding challenges. Furthermore, this study identifies what factors predict the severity and type of feeding challenges experienced by autistic children. Using the Survey for Characterization of Feeding Challenges in Autistic Children-United States, 427 caregivers of autistic children provided information about their child's feeding challenges. Children were between the ages of 2 and 12 with an average age of 8.42 years. Children in the study had a wide variety of feeding difficulties including challenges in early childhood, sensory challenges, difficulty with family mealtime, and variable self-help skills. On average children's feeding challenges were present prior to their autism diagnosis. We found that children who had early feeding challenges had more severe feeding challenges in later childhood. Also, specific early feeding challenges predicted the types of feeding challenges children would have later in childhood. For example, children who had difficulty transitioning to table foods and who continued to restrict their diet over time were more likely to have sensory-based feeding challenges. Results from this study show how feeding challenges present in a wide variety of ways for autistic children. The findings also highlight the importance of screening for feeding challenges in early childhood and collaborating with families to understand individualized feeding challenge experiences. These results could be used to inform evaluation and intervention for feeding.
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22
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Feldman JI, Garla V, Dunham K, Markfeld JE, Bowman SM, Golden AJ, Daly C, Kaiser S, Mailapur N, Raj S, Santapuram P, Suzman E, Augustine AE, Muhumuza A, Cascio CJ, Williams KL, Kirby AV, Keceli-Kaysili B, Woynaroski TG. Longitudinal Relations Between Early Sensory Responsiveness and Later Communication in Infants with Autistic and Non-autistic Siblings. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:594-606. [PMID: 36441431 PMCID: PMC9707174 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05817-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Early differences in sensory responsiveness may contribute to difficulties with communication among autistic children; however, this theory has not been longitudinally assessed in infants at increased familial versus general population-level likelihood for autism (Sibs-autism vs. Sibs-NA) using a comprehensive battery of sensory responsiveness and communication. In a sample of 40 infants (20 Sibs-autism, of whom six were later diagnosed with autism; 20 Sibs-NA), we tested (a) associations between sensory responsiveness at 12-18 months and communication 9 months later and (b) evaluated whether such associations were moderated by sibling group, autism diagnosis, or age. We found negative zero-order correlations between sensory responsiveness (i.e., caregiver reported hyperresponsiveness and hyporesponsiveness; an observational measure of hyperresponsiveness) and later communication. Additionally, caregiver reported sensory seeking was negatively associated with later expressive communication only in Sibs-NA. Limitations include our relatively small sample size of infants diagnosed with autism. Implications for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob I Feldman
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 8310 South Tower, 1215 21St Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
- Frist Center for Autism & Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Varsha Garla
- Neuroscience Undergraduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kacie Dunham
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jennifer E Markfeld
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sarah M Bowman
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 8310 South Tower, 1215 21St Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Alexandra J Golden
- Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Claire Daly
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sophia Kaiser
- Cognitive Studies Undergraduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Nisha Mailapur
- Economics Undergraduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sweeya Raj
- Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Pooja Santapuram
- Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Evan Suzman
- Master's Program in Biomedical Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, University of Texas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ashley E Augustine
- Biological Sciences Undergraduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Aine Muhumuza
- Neuroscience Undergraduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Carissa J Cascio
- Frist Center for Autism & Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kathryn L Williams
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science, Towson University, Towson, MD, USA
| | - Anne V Kirby
- Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Bahar Keceli-Kaysili
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 8310 South Tower, 1215 21St Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Tiffany G Woynaroski
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 8310 South Tower, 1215 21St Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Frist Center for Autism & Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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23
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Dwyer P, Vukusic S, Williams ZJ, Saron CD, Rivera SM. "Neural Noise" in Auditory Responses in Young Autistic and Neurotypical Children. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:642-661. [PMID: 36434480 PMCID: PMC10209352 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05797-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Elevated "neural noise" has been advanced as an explanation of autism and autistic sensory experiences. However, functional neuroimaging measures of neural noise may be vulnerable to contamination by recording noise. This study explored variability of electrophysiological responses to tones of different intensities in 127 autistic and 79 typically-developing children aged 2-5 years old. A rigorous data processing pipeline, including advanced visualizations of different signal sources that were maximally independent across different time lags, was used to identify and eliminate putative recording noise. Inter-trial variability was measured using median absolute deviations (MADs) of EEG amplitudes across trials and inter-trial phase coherence (ITPC). ITPC was elevated in autism in the 50 and 60 dB intensity conditions, suggesting diminished (rather than elevated) neural noise in autism, although reduced ITPC to soft 50 dB sounds was associated with increased loudness discomfort. Autistic and non-autistic participants did not differ in MADs, and indeed, the vast majority of the statistical tests examined in this study yielded no significant effects. These results appear inconsistent with the neural noise account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Dwyer
- Department of Psychology, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA.
| | | | - Zachary J Williams
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Clifford D Saron
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Susan M Rivera
- Department of Psychology, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA
- College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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24
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Petit N, Noveck I, Baltazar M, Prado J. Assessing Theory of Mind in Children: A Tablet-Based Adaptation of a Classic Picture Sequencing Task. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024:10.1007/s10578-023-01648-0. [PMID: 38168718 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-023-01648-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Correctly assessing children's theory of mind (TOM) is essential to clinical practice. Yet, most tasks heavily rely on language, which is an obstacle for several populations. Langdon and Coltheart's (Cognition 71(1):43-71, 1999) Picture Sequencing Task (PST), developed for research purposes, avoids this limitation through a minimally-verbal procedure. We thus developed a tablet adaptation of this task for individual application, engaging children's motivation and allowing response times collection. To assess this tablet-PST, we first tested a large sample of neurotypical children (6-11 years-old, N = 248), whose results confirmed the task's structural and content validity, and permitted the construction of three standardized clinical indices. In a second experiment, we applied those to previously diagnosed autistic children (N = 23), who were expected to show atypical TOM performance. Children's outcomes were consistent with what was hypothesized and confirmed the task's external validity and moderate clinical sensitivity. The tablet-PST thus appears as a suitable tool, providing detailed profiles to inform clinical decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Petit
- Le Vinatier Psychiatrie Universitaire, Lyon Métropole, France.
- Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon (CRNL), Lyon, France.
| | - Ira Noveck
- Laboratoire de Linguistique Formelle (LLF), Paris, France
| | - Matias Baltazar
- Le Vinatier Psychiatrie Universitaire, Lyon Métropole, France
| | - Jérôme Prado
- Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon (CRNL), Lyon, France
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25
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Anderson C, Iampieri A, Franklin L, Daniels A, Diehl K, Law JK. Re-Consenting Pediatric Research Participants as Legal Adulthood Approaches: Lessons from the SPARK Autism Study. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:18-32. [PMID: 36323994 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05774-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
To explore issues surrounding re-consenting youth in longitudinal studies as they reach legal adulthood interviews were conducted with 46 parents plus 13 autistic teens enrolled in the Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge (SPARK) study. Qualitative analysis focused on family sensitivities regarding guardianship decisions, transition concerns, and the re-consenting process. Questions regarding guardianship were difficult for parents unsure of a teen's future status. Mothers were key facilitators of re-consenting for soon-to-be-independent teens. As legal adulthood approached, parents were willing to assist teens with re-consenting but needed support, asking for multiple contacts, transition resources, and explanatory materials from the research team. Most teens were not cognizant of SPARK but willing to continue participation once made aware.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie Anderson
- Department of Health Sciences, Towson University, 8000 York Road - CHP Dean's Office, Towson, MD, 21252, USA.
| | - Alan Iampieri
- Department of Health Sciences, Towson University, 8000 York Road - CHP Dean's Office, Towson, MD, 21252, USA
| | - Leah Franklin
- Department of Health Sciences, Towson University, 8000 York Road - CHP Dean's Office, Towson, MD, 21252, USA
| | - Amy Daniels
- Simons Foundation, 160 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | | | - J Kiely Law
- Simons Foundation, 160 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 10010, USA
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26
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Burnham Riosa P, Randhawa A, Muskat B. Autism Comes to the Pediatric Hospital: Perspectives of Child Life Specialists. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:312-325. [PMID: 36315321 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05776-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The hospital setting may be especially difficult for pediatric patients on the autism spectrum and their families compared to those not on the spectrum. Child life specialists are healthcare professionals specifically trained to support parents and their children and help prepare them for hospital procedures. Because of this specialized skill set, these professionals likely have a wealth of expertise to share relevant to caring for autistic patients. This study aimed to understand 21 child life specialists' experiences working with patients on the spectrum. Our findings highlighted the following themes: Parents are the Experts, Proactive and Individualized Care, Disclosure, and Hospital-Wide Suggestions to Improve Patient Care. We discuss the practice implications of these findings on the healthcare experiences of pediatric patients on the spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanpreet Randhawa
- Department of Applied Disability Studies, Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada
| | - Barbara Muskat
- Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Toronto, Canada
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27
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De Laet H, Nijhof AD, Wiersema JR. Adults with Autism Prefer Person-First Language in Dutch: A Cross-Country Study. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06192-3. [PMID: 38142248 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06192-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
The correct language to refer to someone with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder has received a lot of attention in recent years. Studies in English-speaking countries found a main identity-first language (IFL) preference (e.g. autistic person) opposed to a person-first language preference (PFL) (e.g. person with autism) among adults with autism. However, a recent study conducted in a Dutch-speaking country (the Netherlands) reported a PFL preference (Buijsman et al., 2023). The goal of the current study was to gain insights into language preferences in two Dutch-speaking countries and, in contrast to previous studies, give participants the option to indicate not having a specific language preference. In the current study, we asked 414 Dutch-speaking adults with autism, living either in Belgium or the Netherlands, to fill in an online questionnaire about their language preference. We found that over half of the participants had a PFL preference (54%), followed by having no preference (27%). Only 14% of them had an IFL preference, and 5% proposed another term. Having more years of education was identified as a predictor for having an IFL preference when compared to a PFL preference, while being older predicted having no preference compared to a PFL preference. The majority of Dutch-speaking adults with autism showed a PFL preference, which is in contrast to findings from English-speaking countries, but in accord with a recent study conducted in the Netherlands (Buijsman et al., 2023). Implications of this finding for language use are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah De Laet
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- EXPLORA, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Annabel D Nijhof
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- EXPLORA, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan R Wiersema
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- EXPLORA, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Romero C, Kupis L, Goodman ZT, Dirks B, Baez A, Beaumont AL, Cardona SM, Parlade MV, Alessandri M, Nomi JS, Perry LK, Uddin LQ. Pre-pandemic Executive Function Protects Against Pandemic Anxiety in Children with and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06175-4. [PMID: 38038873 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06175-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated depression, anxiety, and executive function (EF) difficulties in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). EF skills have been positively associated with mental health outcomes. Here, we probed the psychosocial impacts of pandemic responses in children with and without ASD by relating pre-pandemic EF assessments with anxiety and depression symptoms several months into the pandemic. We found that pre-pandemic inhibition and shifting difficulties, measured by the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, predicted higher risk of anxiety symptoms. These findings are critical for promoting community recovery and maximizing clinical preparedness to support children at increased risk for adverse psychosocial outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Romero
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA.
| | - Lauren Kupis
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Zachary T Goodman
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Bryce Dirks
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Adriana Baez
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Amy L Beaumont
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Sandra M Cardona
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Meaghan V Parlade
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Michael Alessandri
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Jason S Nomi
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Lynn K Perry
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Lucina Q Uddin
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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29
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Lai MC, Amestoy A, Bishop S, Brown HM, Giwa Onaiwu M, Halladay A, Harrop C, Hotez E, Huerta M, Kelly A, Miller D, Nordahl CW, Ratto AB, Saulnier C, Siper PM, Sohl K, Zwaigenbaum L, Goldman S. Improving autism identification and support for individuals assigned female at birth: clinical suggestions and research priorities. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2023; 7:897-908. [PMID: 37973254 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(23)00221-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that the higher prevalence of autism in individuals who are assigned male than assigned female at birth results from both biological factors and identification biases. Autistic individuals who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) and those who are gender diverse experience health disparities and clinical inequity, including late or missed diagnosis and inadequate support. In this Viewpoint, an international panel of clinicians, scientists, and community members with lived experiences of autism reviewed the challenges in identifying autism in individuals who are AFAB and proposed clinical and research directions to promote the health, development, and wellbeing of autistic AFAB individuals. The recognition challenges stem from the interplay between cognitive differences and nuanced or different presentations of autism in some AFAB individuals; expectancy, gender-related, and autism-related biases held by clinicians; and social determinants. We recommend that professional development for clinicians be supported by health-care systems, professional societies, and governing bodies to improve equitable access to assessment and earlier identification of autism in AFAB individuals. Autistic AFAB individuals should receive tailored support in education, identity development, health care, and social and professional sense of belonging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Chuan Lai
- Child and Youth Mental Health Collaborative at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, ON, Canada; Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Anouck Amestoy
- Centre for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Aquitaine Institute for Cognitive and Integrative Neurosciences, Charles Perrens Hospital, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Somer Bishop
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Heather M Brown
- Faculty of Education, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Morénike Giwa Onaiwu
- Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network, Lincoln, NE, USA; Rice University Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality, School of Humanities, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alycia Halladay
- Autism Science Foundation, Scarsdale, NY, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Clare Harrop
- Department of Health Sciences and TEACCH Autism Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Emily Hotez
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marisela Huerta
- Felicity House, New York, NY, USA; Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amy Kelly
- Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, Villanova, PA, USA
| | - Dylan Miller
- Auxiliary Enterprises, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Christine Wu Nordahl
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and MIND Institute, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Allison B Ratto
- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Division of Neuropsychology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Celine Saulnier
- Neurodevelopmental Assessment and Consulting Services, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Paige M Siper
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kristin Sohl
- ECHO Autism Communities, Department of Child Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | | | - Sylvie Goldman
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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30
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Love AM, Cai RY, Edwards C, Gibbs V. Exploring Identity Importance for Autistic Adults and Associations with Disclosure Experiences: A Brief Report. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2023; 5:450-456. [PMID: 38116054 PMCID: PMC10726175 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2023.0005] [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: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Background A strong autistic identity can help to support mental well-being, reduce anxiety and depression, increase self-esteem, and strengthen a shared community for autistic people. Autistic people are regularly faced with a decision to disclose their autistic identity to others and report a range of experiences after disclosure. The purpose of this brief report was to examine the association between identity and disclosure decisions in a sample of autistic adults to gather preliminary evidence justifying future research. Specifically, we were interested in learning more about how autistic identity is associated with one's approach to disclosure, while also exploring associations with other identities such as ethnic, gender, sexual, and religious identity. Methods Participants (N = 111) completed an online questionnaire about their intersecting identities and their approach to disclosure. The research team that conducted this study was composed of both autistic and nonautistic researchers. Results Results demonstrated that participants who felt their autistic identity and sexual identity were highly important also reported frequent disclosure of being autistic. Religious, gender, and ethnic identity were not associated with one's disclosure decisions or their disclosure outcomes. Conclusion Overall, the results of this study emphasize the link between autistic and sexual identities and autism disclosure, but more research in this space is needed to better support the wider autism community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail M.A. Love
- Autism Spectrum Australia, Aspect Research for Autism Practice, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ru Ying Cai
- Autism Spectrum Australia, Aspect Research for Autism Practice, Sydney, Australia
- Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Chris Edwards
- Autism Spectrum Australia, Aspect Research for Autism Practice, Sydney, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, Australia
| | - Vicki Gibbs
- Autism Spectrum Australia, Aspect Research for Autism Practice, Sydney, Australia
- FMH Translational Research Collective, the Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
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McKenney EE, Cucchiara CL, Gotham KO. Transitioning to college during COVID-19: A brief report on incoming students' self-reports of mental health from 2020 to 2022. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023:1-7. [PMID: 38015180 PMCID: PMC11130076 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2023.2283742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Depression and anxiety have been identified as growing concerns for many populations in the United States, including young adults. We investigated how internalizing symptoms may have changed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic among students transitioning to college.Participants: Participants were incoming undergraduates in Fall 2020, 2021, and 2022 at Northeastern Universities (N = 263).Methods: Participants completed self-reports of mood, repetitive thinking, and social satisfaction within two weeks of beginning their first college semester.Results: Depression and anxiety symptoms appear to differ by year, such that both have increased over time. These results seem to be co-occurring with an increase in repetitive negative thinking - a known predictor of depression and anxiety.Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that mental health concerns in young adults may be worsening despite the resumption of in-person activities post-initial pandemic onset. This highlights the need to monitor and intervene on mental health in students transitioning to college.
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Thompson E, Feldman JI, Valle A, Davis H, Keceli-Kaysili B, Dunham K, Woynaroski T, Tharpe AM, Picou EM. A Comparison of Listening Skills of Autistic and Non-Autistic Youth While Using and Not Using Remote Microphone Systems. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2023; 66:4618-4634. [PMID: 37870877 PMCID: PMC10721240 DOI: 10.1044/2023_jslhr-22-00720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purposes of this study were to compare (a) listening-in-noise (accuracy and effort) and (b) remote microphone (RM) system benefits between autistic and non-autistic youth. DESIGN Groups of autistic and non-autistic youth that were matched on chronological age and biological sex completed listening-in-noise testing when wearing and not wearing an RM system. Listening-in-noise accuracy and listening effort were evaluated simultaneously using a dual-task paradigm for stimuli varying in type (syllables, words, sentences, and passages). Several putative moderators of RM system effects on outcomes of interest were also evaluated. RESULTS Autistic youth outperformed non-autistic youth in some conditions on listening-in-noise accuracy; listening effort between the two groups was not significantly different. RM system use resulted in listening-in-noise accuracy improvements that were nonsignificantly different across groups. Benefits of listening-in-noise accuracy were all large in magnitude. RM system use did not have an effect on listening effort for either group. None of the putative moderators yielded effects of the RM system on listening-in-noise accuracy or effort for non-autistic youth that were significant and interpretable, indicating that RM system benefits did not vary according to any of the participant characteristics assessed. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to expectations, autistic youth did not demonstrate listening-in-noise deficits compared to non-autistic youth. Both autistic and non-autistic youth appear to experience RM system benefits marked by large gains in listening-in-noise performance. Thus, the use of this technology in educational and other noisy settings where speech perception needs enhancement might be beneficial for both groups of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Thompson
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Jacob I. Feldman
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Nashville, TN
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Annalise Valle
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Hilary Davis
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Bahar Keceli-Kaysili
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Kacie Dunham
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Nashville, TN
| | - Tiffany Woynaroski
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Nashville, TN
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Anne Marie Tharpe
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Erin M. Picou
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
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Schröder SS, Danner UN, Spek AA, van Elburg AA. Exploring the intersection of autism spectrum disorder and eating disorders: understanding the unique challenges and treatment considerations for autistic women with eating disorders. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2023; 36:419-426. [PMID: 37781983 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Autistic women struggle with high levels of both autistic eating behaviours and disordered eating behaviours , which might make them particularly vulnerable to develop eating disorders. Research investigating the presence and characteristics of eating disorders in autistic women is however limited, as is research examining the role of autism in the treatment and recovery of an eating disorder in autistic women. RECENT FINDINGS The link between autism and eating disorders has mainly been investigated from the field of eating disorder research, with studies finding an overrepresentation of autism or autistic traits in eating disorders populations. Findings also suggest that autism or autistic traits are associated with a more serious presentation of the eating disorders, including a higher chance of a chronic course of the eating disorders. Most studies however lack comprehensive autism assessments, making it difficult to determine the actual prevalence of autism and its role in women with eating disorders. SUMMARY Autistic women with an eating disorder seem to suffer from more complex eating disorders and seem to not benefit from current treatment modalities. This could be partly related to specific autism characteristics such as sensory sensitivities, which are not being considered by current treatment protocols. Future research needs to shed light on what underlies the eating behaviours of autistic women with an eating disorder, in order to help to adapt current treatment modalities to meet the unique needs of these women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina S Schröder
- Altrecht Eating Disorders Rintveld, Zeist
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht
| | - Unna N Danner
- Altrecht Eating Disorders Rintveld, Zeist
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht
| | - Annelies A Spek
- Autism Expert Center, Goyergracht Zuid 39, Eemnes, The Netherlands
| | - Annemarie A van Elburg
- Altrecht Eating Disorders Rintveld, Zeist
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht
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Kuschner ES, Sivathasan S, McQueen E, Berry RC, Pulver SL, Sharp WG, Klaiman C. Screening for Caregiver-Reported Feeding Concerns in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Tertiary-Care Clinic. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2023; 44:e559-e565. [PMID: 37590189 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000001208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Feeding concerns, primarily food selectivity, are commonly observed in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Prevalence rates suggest that at least half of autistic youth have feeding difficulties. METHODS A retrospective chart review examining records of a large cohort of autistic children (N = 746) referred for ASD evaluation was conducted. Families completed a survey regarding feeding concerns in their children before a diagnostic evaluation. RESULTS Post hoc analyses based on retrospective chart review revealed approximately 30% of caregivers reported significant difficulty feeding their child. Young age, food selectivity, and concerns about weight were associated with increased likelihood of reported feeding difficulties. There was clear overlap between overall feeding difficulties and specific food selectivity; however, 1 in 5 children whose caregivers did not report feeding difficulties endorsed food selectivity. CONCLUSION Findings highlight the need for multipronged approaches to screening to facilitate service prioritization by pediatric providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily S Kuschner
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Shalini Sivathasan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Emma McQueen
- Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Rashelle C Berry
- Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
| | - Stormi L Pulver
- Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - William G Sharp
- Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Cheryl Klaiman
- Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
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Dwyer P, Williams ZJ, Vukusic S, Saron CD, Rivera SM. Habituation of auditory responses in young autistic and neurotypical children. Autism Res 2023; 16:1903-1923. [PMID: 37688470 PMCID: PMC10651062 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3022] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Prior studies suggest that habituation of sensory responses is reduced in autism and that diminished habituation could be related to atypical autistic sensory experiences, for example, by causing brain responses to aversive stimuli to remain strong over time instead of being suppressed. While many prior studies exploring habituation in autism have repeatedly presented identical stimuli, other studies suggest group differences can still be observed in habituation to intermittent stimuli. The present study explored habituation of electrophysiological responses to auditory complex tones of varying intensities (50-80 dB SPL), presented passively in an interleaved manner, in a well-characterized sample of 127 autistic (MDQ = 65.41, SD = 20.54) and 79 typically developing (MDQ = 106.02, SD = 11.50) children between 2 and 5 years old. Habituation was quantified as changes in the amplitudes of single-trial responses to tones of each intensity over the course of the experiment. Habituation of the auditory N2 response was substantially reduced in autistic participants as compared to typically developing controls, although diagnostic groups did not clearly differ in habituation of the P1 response. Interestingly, the P1 habituated less to loud 80 dB sounds than softer sounds, whereas the N2 habituated less to soft 50 dB sounds than louder sounds. No associations were found between electrophysiological habituation and cognitive ability or participants' caregiver-reported sound tolerance (Sensory Profile Hyperacusis Index). The results present study results extend prior research suggesting habituation of certain sensory responses is reduced in autism; however, they also suggest that habituation differences observed using this study's paradigm might not be a primary driver of autistic participants' real-world sound intolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Dwyer
- Department of Psychology, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Zachary J. Williams
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of
Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Hearing & Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University
Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN,
USA
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University,
Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center,
Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Svjetlana Vukusic
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of General Practice, Melbourne Medical School, the
University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Clifford D. Saron
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Susan M. Rivera
- Department of Psychology, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
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Schweiberger K, Harris KW, Kavanaugh-McHugh A, Soudi A, Arnold RM, Merlin JS, Kasparian NA, Chang JC. "I Just Want You to Hear That Term": Characterizing Language Used in Fetal Cardiology Consultations. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:394. [PMID: 37754823 PMCID: PMC10531623 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10090394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The way clinicians communicate with parents during pregnancy about congenital heart disease (CHD) can significantly influence parental understanding of and psychological response to the diagnosis. A necessary first step to improving communication used in fetal cardiology consultations is to understand and describe the language currently used, which this paper aims to do. Nineteen initial fetal cardiology consultations with parents were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded by two independent coders. A codebook was inductively developed and applied to all transcripts. The finalized coding was used to characterize fetal cardiologists' language. We identified four discourse styles employed in fetal cardiology consultations: small talk, medical, plain, and person-centered. Plain language was used to define and emphasize the meaning of medical language. Person-centered language was used to emphasize the baby as a whole person. Each consultation included all four discourse styles, with plain and medical used most frequently. Person-centered was used less frequently and mostly occurred near the end of the encounters; whether this is the ideal balance of discourse styles is unknown. Clinicians also used person-centered language (as opposed to disease-centered language), which is recommended by medical societies. Future studies should investigate the ideal balance of discourse styles and the effects of clinician discourse styles on family outcomes, including parents' decision-making, psychological adjustment, and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Schweiberger
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
| | - Kelly W. Harris
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
| | - Ann Kavanaugh-McHugh
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA;
| | - Abdesalam Soudi
- Department of Linguistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA;
| | - Robert M. Arnold
- Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Department of General Internal Medicine, Palliative Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (R.M.A.); (J.S.M.)
| | - Jessica S. Merlin
- Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Department of General Internal Medicine, Palliative Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (R.M.A.); (J.S.M.)
| | - Nadine A. Kasparian
- The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Division of Behavioral Medicine & Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Judy C. Chang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
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Tan DW. Early-Career Autism Researchers Are Shifting Their Research Directions: Tragedy or Opportunity? AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2023; 5:218-224. [PMID: 37663448 PMCID: PMC10468548 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2023.0021] [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: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Early-career researchers (ECRs) are among the most creative, talented, and energetic researchers, and they play an important role in knowledge production and pushing scientific boundaries. Recent debates have implied that many early-career autism researchers are compelled to shift their areas of focus within autism research as a consequence of their work being scrutinized by the autistic and autism communities. In this Perspective, I draw on my own experience as an early-career autism researcher having recently pivoted my research focus to become more aligned with community priorities. I reflect on whether these putative shifts in research direction are, indeed, a tragedy, as has previously been suggested, or, in fact, an opportunity for autism researchers. I argue that pivoting in research is a demonstration of science adapting to the ever-evolving needs in society and changes in our understanding of neurodiversity, neurodivergence, and research methods. While disagreements between the autistic, autism, and research communities may well feel uncomfortable, these tensions also present an opportunity for us-as non-autistic autism researchers-to reflect and to act toward building trust with the community. I recommend three areas for reflections: the purpose of our research, our position of power, and the epistemic limits of our academic expertise. I end by encouraging ECRs to consider taking actions, however small, to lead the charge in improving practices in autism research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Weiting Tan
- Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia
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38
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Simcoe SM, Gilmour J, Garnett MS, Attwood T, Donovan C, Kelly AB. Are there gender-based variations in the presentation of Autism amongst female and male children? J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:3627-3635. [PMID: 35829944 PMCID: PMC10465371 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05552-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The Questionnaire for Autism Spectrum Conditions (Q-ASC; Attwood, Garnett & Rynkiewicz, 2011) is one of the few screening instruments that includes items designed to assess female-specific ASD-Level 1 traits. This study examined the ability of a modified version of the Q-ASC (Q-ASC-M; Ormond et al., 2018) to differentiate children with and without ASD-Level 1. Participants included 111 parents of autistic children and 212 parents of neurotypical children (5-12 years). Results suggested that the gendered behaviour, sensory sensitivity, compliant behaviours, imagination, and imitation subscales differentiated autistic females from neurotypical females. Compared to autistic males, autistic females had higher scores on gendered behaviour, sensory sensitivity, social masking, and imitation. Results are discussed in relation to early detection of autistic female children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Mae Simcoe
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, Brisbane, Australia
| | - John Gilmour
- Institute of Social Science Research, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Tony Attwood
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, Brisbane, Australia
- Attwood and Garnett Events, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Caroline Donovan
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Adrian B Kelly
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Child Health and Well-being, Mental Health and Resilience Theme, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Child Adversity, Brisbane, Australia
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Gibbs V, Hudson J, Pellicano E. The Extent and Nature of Autistic People's Violence Experiences During Adulthood: A Cross-sectional Study of Victimisation. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:3509-3524. [PMID: 35821545 PMCID: PMC10465381 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05647-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the extent and nature of violence experiences reported by autistic adults. Autistic (n = 118) and non-autistic (n = 110) adults completed a questionnaire about their experiences of sexual harassment, stalking and harassment, sexual violence and physical violence since the age of 15. Autistic adults reported higher rates of all violence types, multiple forms of violence and repeated instances of the same type of violence. Typical gender differences in the patterns of violence (more physical violence reported by men and more sexual violence reported by women) were apparent in the non-autistic but not the autistic group. Findings add to the limited research in this area and highlight the need to identify risk and protective factors. Policy and practice implications are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Gibbs
- Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
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Geelhand P, Papastamou F, Belenger M, Clin E, Hickman L, Keating CT, Sowden S. Autism-Related Language Preferences of French-Speaking Autistic Adults: An Online Survey. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2023; 5:275-288. [PMID: 37711584 PMCID: PMC10499185 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2022.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Background In recent years, there have been increasing discussions surrounding the appropriate terminology to talk about autism. Initially, this debate revolved around the use of person-first language (e.g., person with autism) versus identity-first language (IFL; e.g., autistic person) but has recently expanded to other autism-related terms (e.g., deficits). However, to date, studies investigating autism-related language preferences have been limited to English-speaking countries, and little is known about preferences in other languages. This study addresses this gap by investigating the language preferences of French-speaking autistic adults. Methods Five hundred and forty-one French-speaking autistic adults (formal diagnosis and self-identified) completed an online survey where they selected terms they preferred to use to talk about: (1) the nomenclature of autism; (2) an autistic person; (3) someone's autistic identity; (4) autism more broadly; (5) the abilities of autistic people; and (6) people without a diagnosis of autism. Participants also revealed more about their language preferences via an open-text response. Results The most preferred terms were "Autisme," "Personne autiste," "Autiste," "Est Autiste," "Différence neurologique/cérébrale," "Différences," "Difficultés," "Personne neurotypique," "Neurotypique," and "Personne non-autiste." To better understand these preferences, participants' open comments were analyzed, revealing further support for IFL and the social model of disability, and a preference for simple, precise, and validated terms. Conclusions These results are consistent with autism terminology preferences in English-speaking countries and provide additional insight into the reasons underlying these preferences. Such work has implications for informing the language of researchers, clinicians, and other professionals in the field, as well as the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippine Geelhand
- ACTE at LaDisco and ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fanny Papastamou
- ACTE at LaDisco and ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Center for Research in Cognition & Neurosciences (CRCN), Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie Belenger
- ACTE at LaDisco and ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elise Clin
- ACTE at LaDisco and ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lydia Hickman
- Centre for Developmental Science, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Connor T. Keating
- Centre for Developmental Science, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Sowden
- Centre for Developmental Science, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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41
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Williams ZJ, Schaaf R, Ausderau KK, Baranek GT, Barrett DJ, Cascio CJ, Dumont RL, Eyoh EE, Failla MD, Feldman JI, Foss-Feig JH, Green HL, Green SA, He JL, Kaplan-Kahn EA, Keçeli-Kaysılı B, MacLennan K, Mailloux Z, Marco EJ, Mash LE, McKernan EP, Molholm S, Mostofsky SH, Puts NAJ, Robertson CE, Russo N, Shea N, Sideris J, Sutcliffe JS, Tavassoli T, Wallace MT, Wodka EL, Woynaroski TG. Examining the latent structure and correlates of sensory reactivity in autism: a multi-site integrative data analysis by the autism sensory research consortium. Mol Autism 2023; 14:31. [PMID: 37635263 PMCID: PMC10464466 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-023-00563-4] [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: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differences in responding to sensory stimuli, including sensory hyperreactivity (HYPER), hyporeactivity (HYPO), and sensory seeking (SEEK) have been observed in autistic individuals across sensory modalities, but few studies have examined the structure of these "supra-modal" traits in the autistic population. METHODS Leveraging a combined sample of 3868 autistic youth drawn from 12 distinct data sources (ages 3-18 years and representing the full range of cognitive ability), the current study used modern psychometric and meta-analytic techniques to interrogate the latent structure and correlates of caregiver-reported HYPER, HYPO, and SEEK within and across sensory modalities. Bifactor statistical indices were used to both evaluate the strength of a "general response pattern" factor for each supra-modal construct and determine the added value of "modality-specific response pattern" scores (e.g., Visual HYPER). Bayesian random-effects integrative data analysis models were used to examine the clinical and demographic correlates of all interpretable HYPER, HYPO, and SEEK (sub)constructs. RESULTS All modality-specific HYPER subconstructs could be reliably and validly measured, whereas certain modality-specific HYPO and SEEK subconstructs were psychometrically inadequate when measured using existing items. Bifactor analyses supported the validity of a supra-modal HYPER construct (ωH = .800) but not a supra-modal HYPO construct (ωH = .653), and supra-modal SEEK models suggested a more limited version of the construct that excluded some sensory modalities (ωH = .800; 4/7 modalities). Modality-specific subscales demonstrated significant added value for all response patterns. Meta-analytic correlations varied by construct, although sensory features tended to correlate most with other domains of core autism features and co-occurring psychiatric symptoms (with general HYPER and speech HYPO demonstrating the largest numbers of practically significant correlations). LIMITATIONS Conclusions may not be generalizable beyond the specific pool of items used in the current study, which was limited to caregiver report of observable behaviors and excluded multisensory items that reflect many "real-world" sensory experiences. CONCLUSION Of the three sensory response patterns, only HYPER demonstrated sufficient evidence for valid interpretation at the supra-modal level, whereas supra-modal HYPO/SEEK constructs demonstrated substantial psychometric limitations. For clinicians and researchers seeking to characterize sensory reactivity in autism, modality-specific response pattern scores may represent viable alternatives that overcome many of these limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J Williams
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1215 21st Avenue South, Medical Center East, South Tower, Room 8310, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Roseann Schaaf
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Jefferson Autism Center of Excellence, Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Karla K Ausderau
- Department of Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Grace T Baranek
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - D Jonah Barrett
- Neuroscience Undergraduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Carissa J Cascio
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Rachel L Dumont
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ekomobong E Eyoh
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Jacob I Feldman
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1215 21st Avenue South, Medical Center East, South Tower, Room 8310, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jennifer H Foss-Feig
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Heather L Green
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shulamite A Green
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California - Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jason L He
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth A Kaplan-Kahn
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bahar Keçeli-Kaysılı
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1215 21st Avenue South, Medical Center East, South Tower, Room 8310, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Keren MacLennan
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Zoe Mailloux
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elysa J Marco
- Department of Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Cortica Healthcare, San Rafael, CA, USA
| | - Lisa E Mash
- Division of Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth P McKernan
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sophie Molholm
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Rose F. Kennedy Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Stewart H Mostofsky
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nicolaas A J Puts
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Caroline E Robertson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Natalie Russo
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Nicole Shea
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
- Division of Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Kaleida Health, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - John Sideris
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - James S Sutcliffe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Teresa Tavassoli
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Mark T Wallace
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ericka L Wodka
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tiffany G Woynaroski
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1215 21st Avenue South, Medical Center East, South Tower, Room 8310, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
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Wakim KM, Foxe JJ, Molholm S. Cued motor processing in autism and typical development: A high-density electrical mapping study of response-locked neural activity in children and adolescents. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 58:2766-2786. [PMID: 37340622 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16063] [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: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Motor atypicalities are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and are often evident prior to classical ASD symptoms. Despite evidence of differences in neural processing during imitation in autistic individuals, research on the integrity and spatiotemporal dynamics of basic motor processing is surprisingly sparse. To address this need, we analysed electroencephalography (EEG) data recorded from a large sample of autistic (n = 84) and neurotypical (n = 84) children and adolescents while they performed an audiovisual speeded reaction time (RT) task. Analyses focused on RTs and response-locked motor-related electrical brain responses over frontoparietal scalp regions: the late Bereitschaftspotential, the motor potential and the reafferent potential. Evaluation of behavioural task performance indicated greater RT variability and lower hit rates in autistic participants compared to typically developing age-matched neurotypical participants. Overall, the data revealed clear motor-related neural responses in ASD, but with subtle differences relative to typically developing participants evident over fronto-central and bilateral parietal scalp sites prior to response onset. Group differences were further parsed as a function of age (6-9, 9-12 and 12-15 years), sensory cue preceding the response (auditory, visual and bi-sensory audiovisual) and RT quartile. Group differences in motor-related processing were most prominent in the youngest group of children (age 6-9), with attenuated cortical responses observed for young autistic participants. Future investigations assessing the integrity of such motor processes in younger children, where larger differences may be present, are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn-Mary Wakim
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Departments of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - John J Foxe
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Departments of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, The Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Sophie Molholm
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Departments of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, The Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
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Gilbert M, Gore K, Hawke M, Barbaro J. Development, delivery, and evaluation of a training program for the early identification of autism: Monitoring of Social Attention, Interaction, and Communication. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1201265. [PMID: 37483439 PMCID: PMC10361691 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1201265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Early identification of Autistic children is an important precursor to diagnosis, and access to supports and services. Here we describe the training of the maternal and child health (MCH) workforce in the state of Victoria, Australia in the early identification of infants and toddlers with a high likelihood of autism. Methods In 2019, 1,428 MCH nurses completed early autism training held at venues across the state, with an additional 82 nurses completing online-only training. A training needs analysis enabled the research team to determine the workforce's current skill and knowledge levels, and to identify knowledge gaps, training needs and workplace barriers. The professional development program, known as Monitoring of Social Attention, Interaction, and Communication (MoSAIC), comprised: online pre-workshop modules; a face-to-face instructor-led workshop, which included the use of the Social Attention and Communication-Revised (SACS-R) tool; and online post-workshop modules, which included a recording of a face-to-face workshop with all accompanying resources. This was the first time that the MCH workforce received this training package. Attendees were asked to complete a training satisfaction survey immediately following the face-to-face instructor-led workshop and a follow-up survey regarding their autism knowledge and SACS-R implementation 4-6 weeks after the workshop. Results Over 90% (n = 325) of MCH nurses who completed the training satisfaction survey agreed or strongly agreed with statements that the training was clear and of high quality. Most nurses also reported that the training was well-presented and that they would recommend it to a colleague. In the 6 months following the training, a total of 82,581 SACS-R assessments were conducted by the MCH workforce, reflecting that MCH nurses had successfully integrated SACS-R assessments into their work practice after receiving the early autism identification training. Discussion This study demonstrated that training on the early identification of autism can be successfully designed, customized, and delivered to a large primary healthcare workforce for universal developmental surveillance of autism.
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Lampi AJ, Brewer R, Bird G, Jaswal VK. Non-autistic adults can recognize posed autistic facial expressions: Implications for internal representations of emotion. Autism Res 2023; 16:1321-1334. [PMID: 37172211 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2938] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Autistic people report that their emotional expressions are sometimes misunderstood by non-autistic people. One explanation for these misunderstandings could be that the two neurotypes have different internal representations of emotion: Perhaps they have different expectations about what a facial expression showing a particular emotion looks like. In three well-powered studies with non-autistic college students in the United States (total N = 632), we investigated this possibility. In Study 1, participants recognized most facial expressions posed by autistic individuals more accurately than those posed by non-autistic individuals. Study 2 showed that one reason the autistic expressions were recognized more accurately was because they were better and more intense examples of the intended expressions than the non-autistic expressions. In Study 3, we used a set of expressions created by autistic and non-autistic individuals who could see their faces as they made the expressions, which could allow them to explicitly match the expression they produced with their internal representation of that emotional expression. Here, neither autistic expressions nor non-autistic expressions were consistently recognized more accurately. In short, these findings suggest that differences in internal representations of what emotional expressions look like are unlikely to play a major role in explaining why non-autistic people sometimes misunderstand the emotions autistic people are experiencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Lampi
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Rebecca Brewer
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, UK
| | - Geoffrey Bird
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Brasenose College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Vikram K Jaswal
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Masters EC, Antshel KM, Kates WR, Russo N. Brief Report: Sensory Features Associated with Autism After Controlling for ADHD Symptoms. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06046-y. [PMID: 37393371 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06046-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensory processing differences are reported both in children with ADHD and in children with autism. Given the substantial overlap between autism and ADHD, the current study examined which sensory features were uniquely predictive of autistic traits after controlling for ADHD symptoms, age, IQ, and sex in a sample of children and adolescents with autism aged 6-17 years. METHODS The sample included 61 children and adolescents with autism. The Sensory Profile was used to examine Dunn's quadrant model (seeking, sensitivity, avoiding, registration), ADHD symptoms were measured using hyperactivity and attention problems BASC-2 T-scores, and autistic traits were measured using the AQ. RESULTS After controlling for age, IQ, sex, and ADHD symptoms, Dunn's sensitivity quadrant predicted autistic traits. CONCLUSIONS Findings provide insight into the phenotype of autism and ADHD. Sensory sensitivity may be unique to autism over and above elevated ADHD symptoms that are commonly seen in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen C Masters
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 430 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY, 13244 2340, USA
| | - Kevin M Antshel
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 430 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY, 13244 2340, USA
| | - Wendy R Kates
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, State University of New York at Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Natalie Russo
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 430 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY, 13244 2340, USA.
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Stott J, Wright T, Holmes J, Wilson J, Griffiths-Jones S, Foster D, Wright B. A systematic review of non-coding RNA genes with differential expression profiles associated with autism spectrum disorders. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287131. [PMID: 37319303 PMCID: PMC10270643 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To identify differential expression of shorter non-coding RNA (ncRNA) genes associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). BACKGROUND ncRNA are functional molecules that derive from non-translated DNA sequence. The HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) have approved ncRNA gene classes with alignment to the reference human genome. One subset is microRNA (miRNA), which are highly conserved, short RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by direct post-transcriptional repression of messenger RNA. Several miRNA genes are implicated in the development and regulation of the nervous system. Expression of miRNA genes in ASD cohorts have been examined by multiple research groups. Other shorter classes of ncRNA have been examined less. A comprehensive systematic review examining expression of shorter ncRNA gene classes in ASD is timely to inform the direction of research. METHODS We extracted data from studies examining ncRNA gene expression in ASD compared with non-ASD controls. We included studies on miRNA, piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA), small NF90 (ILF3) associated RNA (snaR), small nuclear RNA (snRNA), small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), vault RNA (vtRNA) and Y RNA. The following electronic databases were searched: Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, ERIC, AMED and CINAHL for papers published from January 2000 to May 2022. Studies were screened by two independent investigators with a third resolving discrepancies. Data was extracted from eligible papers. RESULTS Forty-eight eligible studies were included in our systematic review with the majority examining miRNA gene expression alone. Sixty-four miRNA genes had differential expression in ASD compared to controls as reported in two or more studies, but often in opposing directions. Four miRNA genes had differential expression in the same direction in the same tissue type in at least 3 separate studies. Increased expression was reported in miR-106b-5p, miR-155-5p and miR-146a-5p in blood, post-mortem brain, and across several tissue types, respectively. Decreased expression was reported in miR-328-3p in bloods samples. Seven studies examined differential expression from other classes of ncRNA, including piRNA, snRNA, snoRNA and Y RNA. No individual ncRNA genes were reported in more than one study. Six studies reported differentially expressed snoRNA genes in ASD. A meta-analysis was not possible because of inconsistent methodologies, disparate tissue types examined, and varying forms of data presented. CONCLUSION There is limited but promising evidence associating the expression of certain miRNA genes and ASD, although the studies are of variable methodological quality and the results are largely inconsistent. There is emerging evidence associating differential expression of snoRNA genes in ASD. It is not currently possible to say whether the reports of differential expression in ncRNA may relate to ASD aetiology, a response to shared environmental factors linked to ASD such as sleep and nutrition, other molecular functions, human diversity, or chance findings. To improve our understanding of any potential association, we recommend improved and standardised methodologies and reporting of raw data. Further high-quality research is required to shine a light on possible associations, which may yet yield important information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Stott
- Child Oriented Mental Health Intervention Collaborative (COMIC), University of York in Collaboration with Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, York, United Kingdom
- Tees, Esk & Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, Foss Park Hospital, York, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Wright
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Clinical Genetics Service, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jannah Holmes
- Child Oriented Mental Health Intervention Collaborative (COMIC), University of York in Collaboration with Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, York, United Kingdom
- Hull York Medical School, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Wilson
- Department of Mathematics, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
| | - Sam Griffiths-Jones
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah Foster
- Tees, Esk & Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, Foss Park Hospital, York, United Kingdom
| | - Barry Wright
- Child Oriented Mental Health Intervention Collaborative (COMIC), University of York in Collaboration with Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, York, United Kingdom
- Hull York Medical School, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
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Thompson-Hodgetts S, McKillop A, Couture M, Shire S, Weiss JA, Zwaigenbaum L. Influence of a Brief Autism Education Intervention on Peer Engagement and Inclusion At Mainstream Day Camps: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06024-4. [PMID: 37314666 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06024-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
To explore the benefits of a brief autism education intervention on peer engagement and inclusion of autistic children at day camps. A convergent, parallel, two-arm (intervention/no intervention), non-randomized, mixed-methods design was used. The individualized, peer-directed, 5-10 min intervention included four components: (1) diagnostic label, (2) description and purpose of unique behaviors, (3) favorite activities and interests, and (4) strategies to engage. A timed-interval behavior-coding system was used to evaluate engagement between each autistic camper and their peers based on videos taken at camp (days 1, 2, 5). Interviews with campers and camp staff explored why changes in targeted outcomes may have occurred. Percent intervals in which the autistic campers were jointly engaged with peers improved in the intervention group (n = 10) and did not change in the control group (n = 5). A large between group intervention effect occurred by day 5 (Z = - 1.942, η2 = 0.29). Interviews (5 autistic campers, 34 peers, 18 staff) done on the last day of camp in the intervention group garnered three themes: (1) Changed behavioral attribution, (2) Knowledge facilitates understanding and engagement, and (3) (Mis)perceptions of increased inclusion. A brief educational intervention that includes individualized explanatory information and strengths-based strategies might improve peers' understanding of and social engagement with autistic children in community programs such as camps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy Thompson-Hodgetts
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, 2-64 Corbett Hall University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G4, Canada.
| | - Ashley McKillop
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Mélanie Couture
- École de réadaptation, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Stephanie Shire
- Department of Special Education and Clinical Sciences, College of Education, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
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Schmidt MM, Lee M, Francois MS, Lu J, Huang R, Cheng L, Weng Y. Learning Experience Design of Project PHoENIX: Addressing the Lack of Autistic Representation in Extended Reality Design and Development. JOURNAL OF FORMATIVE DESIGN IN LEARNING 2023; 7:1-19. [PMID: 37360548 PMCID: PMC10195660 DOI: 10.1007/s41686-023-00077-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents Project PHoENIX, which stands for Participatory, Human-centered, Equitable, Neurodiverse, Inclusive, eXtended reality. The project aims to co-produce research with autistic users to create a virtual reality (VR) environment that is highly usable, accessible, and sensitive to the needs and preferences of these individuals. Project PHoENIX utilizes participatory design within a learning experience design (LXD) frame to locate autistic people, their caregivers, and providers centrally in the processes of immersive technology design and development, as well as research design and execution. An overarching literature review on VR and autism and issues of limited design precedent of VR environments with autistic participants is provided, as well as details on the Project PHoENIX design framework, project description, and project design outcomes. Details are provided on how the online VR environment was co-designed and co-developed through collaborative research with autistic stakeholders while being sensitive to their needs and preferences. Research findings and implications are discussed regarding the design process, constraints, principles, and insights. The paper concludes by discussing lessons learned and how this project can provide much-needed design precedent for advancing the field towards a more inclusive, human-centered, and neurodiverse VR research and development paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jie Lu
- University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Rui Huang
- University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Li Cheng
- University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
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Dimachkie Nunnally A, Factor RS, Sturm A, Valluripalli Soorya L, Wainer A, Taylor S, Ponzini M, Abbeduto L, Gulsrud AC. Examining indicators of psychosocial risk and resilience in parents of autistic children. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1102516. [PMID: 37255619 PMCID: PMC10226532 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1102516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Parents of autistic children experience increased levels of caregiver strain and adverse mental health outcomes, even in comparison to parents of children with other neurodevelopmental disabilities. Previous studies have largely attributed these increased levels of mental health concerns to their child behavioral concerns and autism symptomatology, but less attention has been given to other potential child factors, such as child adaptive functioning. Additionally, little is known about potential protective factors, such as parents' emotion regulation (ER) abilities, that may ameliorate the experience of caregiver strain, anxiety, and depression. Objective The current study examined the impact of child characteristics (restricted and repetitive behaviors, adaptive functioning and behavioral concerns) on parent mental health outcomes (caregiver strain, anxiety, depression and wellbeing). Additionally, we explore parents' ER abilities as a moderator of the impact of child characteristic on parents' mental health outcomes. Results Results of linear mixed effect models indicated a significant relationship between parents' ER abilities and all four parent outcomes. Additionally, children's adaptive functioning abilities and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) were significant predictors of caregiving strain. Parents' ER abilities were a significant moderator of the effect of children's repetitive behaviors and adaptive functioning challenges on caregiver strain, such that better ER abilities mitigated the impact of child clinical factors on caregiver strain. Finally, a significant difference was detected for mothers' and fathers' mental health, with mothers reporting higher caregiver strain, and more symptoms of anxiety and depression than did fathers. Conclusion This study leveraged a large sample of autistic children and their biological parents to examine the relationship between children's clinical characteristics and parents' psychological wellbeing. Results indicate that, although parents of autistic children do experience high rates of internalizing mental health concerns that relate to child adaptive functioning and RRBs, parent ER abilities act as a protective factor against parents' adverse mental health outcomes. Further, mothers in our sample reported significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, and caregiver strain, as compared with fathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Dimachkie Nunnally
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Reina S. Factor
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Alexandra Sturm
- Department of Psychological Science, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Latha Valluripalli Soorya
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Allison Wainer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Sandra Taylor
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Matthew Ponzini
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Leonard Abbeduto
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Amanda C. Gulsrud
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Moore L, Larkin F, Foley S. Mental Health Professionals' Experiences of Adapting Mental Health Interventions for Autistic Adults: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06006-6. [PMID: 37179522 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06006-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Autistic adults experience high rates of metal health difficulties and face significant barriers to accessing appropriate mental health care. Empirical research and recent professional guidelines emphasise the importance of modifying standard mental health interventions to best meet the needs of autistic adults. This systematic review explored mental health professionals' experiences of adapting mental health interventions for autistic adults. A systematic search was conducted on CINAHL, PsychINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science in July 2022. The findings from 13 identified studies were synthesised using thematic synthesis. Three major analytical themes were generated, the unique experience of adapting interventions for autistic clients, factors which facilitate successful adaptations, and challenges to adapting interventions. Each theme contained a number of subsequent sub-themes. Professionals view the process of adapting interventions to be a highly individualised process. A range of personal traits, professional experiences, and systemic, service-based issues were identified in facilitating or challenging this individualised process. Further research regarding adaptations with different intervention models and increased supportive resources are required to enable professionals to successfully adapt interventions for autistic adult clients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Moore
- School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Fionnuala Larkin
- School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sarah Foley
- School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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