1
|
Sari NP, Jansen PW, Blanken LME, Ruigrok ANV, Prinzie P, Tiemeier H, Baron-Cohen S, van IJzendoorn MH, White T. Maternal age, autistic-like traits and mentalizing as predictors of child autistic-like traits in a population-based cohort. Mol Autism 2022; 13:26. [PMID: 35705965 PMCID: PMC9199218 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00507-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many empirical studies suggest that higher maternal age increases the likelihood of having an autistic child. However, little is known about factors that may explain this relationship or if higher maternal age is related to the number of autistic-like traits in offspring. One possibility is that mothers who have a higher number of autistic-like traits, including greater challenges performing mentalizing skills, are delayed in finding a partner. The goal of our study is to assess the relationship between maternal age, mentalizing skills and autistic-like traits as independent predictors of the number of autistic-like traits in offspring. Methods In a population-based study in the Netherlands, information on maternal age was collected during pre- and perinatal enrolment. Maternal mentalizing skills and autistic-like traits were assessed using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test and the Autism Spectrum Quotient, respectively. Autistic-like traits in children were assessed with the Social Responsiveness Scale. A total of 5718 mother/child dyads had complete data (Magechild = 13.5 years; 50.2% girls). Results The relationship between maternal age and autistic-like traits in offspring best fits a U-shaped curve. Furthermore, higher levels of autistic features in mothers are linked to higher levels of autistic-like traits in their children. Lower mentalizing performance in mothers is linked to higher levels of autistic-like traits in their children. Limitations We were able to collect data on both autistic-like traits and the mentalizing skills test in a large population of mothers, but we did not collect these data in a large number of the fathers. Conclusions The relationships between older and younger mothers may have comparable underlying mechanisms, but it is also possible that the tails of the U-shaped curve are influenced by disparate mechanisms. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13229-022-00507-4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Novika Purnama Sari
- Department Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. .,Generation R Study Group, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Pauline W Jansen
- Department Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laura M E Blanken
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Generation R Study Group, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Amber N V Ruigrok
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Peter Prinzie
- Department Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marinus H van IJzendoorn
- Department Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Research Department of Clinical Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, University of London, London, UK
| | - Tonya White
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Attanasio M, Masedu F, Quattrini F, Pino MC, Vagnetti R, Valenti M, Mazza M. Are Autism Spectrum Disorder and Asexuality Connected? ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:2091-2115. [PMID: 34779982 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02177-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Asexuality is a lack of sexual attraction to any gender. There is some evidence to suggest that many self-identified asexuals have a formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder which is characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication, as well as by restricted and repetitive interests and behaviors. Additionally, the literature shows that asexuality and lack of sexual attraction or low sexual interest is overrepresented in people with autism spectrum disorder compared with neurotypical samples. Nevertheless, no studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between autism and asexuality in depth. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to examine whether asexuality and autism spectrum disorder are connected. We conclude that asexuality and autism share various aspects, such as a possible role of prenatal factors, reference to romantic dimensions of sexual attraction and sexual orientation, and non-partner-oriented sexual desire, but future research should explore and clarify this link.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Attanasio
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100, L'Aquila, Località Coppito, Italy.
- Reference Centre for Autism of the Abruzzo Region, Local Health Unit ASL 1, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Francesco Masedu
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100, L'Aquila, Località Coppito, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Quattrini
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100, L'Aquila, Località Coppito, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Pino
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100, L'Aquila, Località Coppito, Italy
| | - Roberto Vagnetti
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100, L'Aquila, Località Coppito, Italy
| | - Marco Valenti
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100, L'Aquila, Località Coppito, Italy
- Reference Centre for Autism of the Abruzzo Region, Local Health Unit ASL 1, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Monica Mazza
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100, L'Aquila, Località Coppito, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Exell R, Hilari K, Behn N. Interventions that support adults with brain injuries, learning disabilities and autistic spectrum disorders in dating or romantic relationships: a systematic review. Disabil Rehabil 2020; 44:2567-2580. [PMID: 33181032 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2020.1845824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the current evidence on dating interventions, their theoretical underpinnings and effectiveness for adult neuro-atypical populations. METHODS A literature search was completed using CINAHL, Communication Source, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, SocINDEX, MEDLINE, Embase, AMED and EMB Reviews (all), for English-language, peer-reviewed studies into interventions for relationships or dating among adults with acquired brain injuries (ABI), learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Demographic data and intervention details were extracted for all included studies. Standard checklists were used for methodological quality and intervention description. Narrative synthesis for studies rating above poor quality. RESULTS A total of 11 studies (13 articles) were eligible, ABI (n = 6), learning disability (n = 4), ASD (n = 1). These comprised five comparison or control group studies, two pre-post studies and four case studies. The methodological quality was varied, but intervention descriptions were generally poor. While all studies reported positive outcomes, firm conclusions on their effectiveness are difficult due to the high number of before-after analyses and variation in content and outcome measures used. CONCLUSIONS More high-quality studies are needed to assess the effectiveness of interventions. Also, greater consensus is needed on the key behaviors for dating and relationships and the measures to assess these.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONIntimate relationships are important to quality of life, but challenging for many people in neuro-atypical populations.There are a small number of researched interventions to support dating or marital relationships among adults with ABI, ASD or learning disabilities.Rehabilitation professionals should ask about dating and relationships and support people if this area is identified as important.Rehabilitation professionals should consider different interventions for dating skills and marital relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roseanne Exell
- School of Health Sciences, City University of London, London, UK
| | - Katerina Hilari
- School of Health Sciences, City University of London, London, UK
| | - Nicholas Behn
- School of Health Sciences, City University of London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|