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Bal VH, Mournet AM, Glascock T, Shinall J, Gunin G, Jadav N, Zhang H, Brennan E, Istvan E, Kleiman EM. The emotional support plan: Feasibility trials of a brief, telehealth-based mobile intervention to support coping for autistic adults. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:932-944. [PMID: 37497873 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231186035] [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] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Autistic adults may have difficulty coping during stressful periods, which could make them more vulnerable to depression and anxiety. We designed the emotional support plan (ESP) to help autistic people find ways to cope in stressful situations. Thirty-six autistic adults created an ESP and answered questions about their opinions of the ESP. Most autistic adults found the ESP to have a positive impact on them and many would recommend the ESP to another person. Feedback from autistic adults suggested ways that we might test the ESP in future studies. Overall, autistic adults in this study found the ESP to be useful and a worthwhile intervention to study more in the future. While more research is clearly needed, we hope that the brief nature of the ESP will make it helpful for autistic people who are trying to handle negative feelings during stressful life events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Nikita Jadav
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA
| | - Henry Zhang
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Emily Istvan
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA
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Accardo AL, Pontes NMH, Pontes MCF. Heightened Anxiety and Depression Among Autistic Adolescents with ADHD: Findings From the National Survey of Children's Health 2016-2019. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:563-576. [PMID: 36327018 PMCID: PMC9630808 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05803-9] [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] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Data from the National Survey of Children's Health 2016-2019 was used to examine the co-occurrence of autism and ADHD and the impact on anxiety and depression among adolescents age 12-17. Rates of anxiety and depression were up to ten-fold the prevalence of adolescents not diagnosed with autism or ADHD. Over half of autistic females (57%) and nearly half of autistic males (49%) are also diagnosed with ADHD. Autistic females with ADHD had the highest co-occurrence of anxiety at 72% followed by autistic males with ADHD at 69%. The prevalence of depression was highest among autistic adolescents with ADHD yet was consistent across genders (male/female) at 38-39%. Adolescents diagnosed with autism and/or ADHD are at heightened risk for anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L. Accardo
- College of Education, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028 USA
| | - Nancy M. H. Pontes
- School of Nursing, Rutgers University, 530 Federal Street, Camden, NJ 08102 USA
| | - Manuel C. F. Pontes
- Rowan University, Rohrer College of Business, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028 USA
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Mournet AM, Gunin G, Shinall J, Brennan E, Jadav N, Istvan E, Kleiman EM, Bal VH. The impact of measurement on clinical trials: Comparison of preliminary outcomes of a brief mobile intervention for autistic adults using multiple measurement approaches. Autism Res 2024; 17:432-442. [PMID: 38321822 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3095] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Initial studies of the emotional safety plan (ESP), a new, brief telehealth and mobile intervention to support autistic adults to cope with periods of distress, have reported feasibility and acceptability (Bal et al., 2023, Autism, 1-13). Herein we report the preliminary clinical outcomes of thirty-six autistic adults who developed a personalized ESP, with a specific interest in comparing "outcomes" demonstrated by different instruments and assessment frequencies in order to inform outcome measurement in future clinical trials. Comparison of pre-intervention baseline to post-monitoring outcome (pre-post) anxiety symptoms (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7]) and depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]) revealed medium effect sizes for reduction in symptoms, though, low effect sizes were observed for pre-post Adult Self-report Anxiety and Depressive Problems scales and the Emotion Dysregulation Inventory Reactivity and Dysphoria scales. Weekly assessments showed an initial decrease in GAD-7 anxiety symptoms but no effect on weekly PHQ-9 depressive ratings. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data suggested that, when participants reported feeling sad or agitated and used the ESP, reduced negative feelings and increased positive states were reported in subsequent EMA. Perhaps not surprisingly, preliminary outcomes of these feasibility trials differed depending on measure chosen. Implications for the design of clinical trials are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle M Mournet
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Gabrielle Gunin
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jacqueline Shinall
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Emily Brennan
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Nikita Jadav
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Emily Istvan
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Evan M Kleiman
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Vanessa H Bal
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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Oredipe T, Kofner B, Riccio A, Cage E, Vincent J, Kapp SK, Dwyer P, Gillespie-Lynch K. Does learning you are autistic at a younger age lead to better adult outcomes? A participatory exploration of the perspectives of autistic university students. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:200-212. [PMID: 35404160 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221086700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT People learn they are autistic at different ages. We wanted to know if telling kids they are autistic earlier helps them feel better about their lives when they grow up. We are a team of autistic and non-autistic students and professors. Seventy-eight autistic university students did our online survey. They shared how they found out they were autistic and how they felt about being autistic. They also shared how they feel about their lives now. Around the same number of students learned they were autistic from doctors and parents. Students who learned they were autistic when they were younger felt happier about their lives than people who learned they were autistic when they were older. Students who learned they were autistic when they were older felt happier about being autistic when they first found out than people who did not have to wait as long. Our study shows that it is probably best to tell people they are autistic as soon as possible. The students who did our study did not think it was a good idea to wait until children are adults to tell them they are autistic. They said that parents should tell their children they are autistic in ways that help them understand and feel good about who they are.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomisin Oredipe
- College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, USA
| | - Bella Kofner
- College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, USA
| | - Ariana Riccio
- The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Kristen Gillespie-Lynch
- College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, USA.,The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, USA
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Al-Beltagi M, Saeed NK, Bediwy AS, Alhawamdeh R, Qaraghuli S. Effects of COVID-19 on children with autism. World J Virol 2022; 11:411-425. [PMID: 36483100 PMCID: PMC9724198 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v11.i6.411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affects all countries and populations worldwide, significantly impacting people with autism with a high risk of morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19. Approximately 25% of children with autism have an asymptomatic or symptomatic immune deficiency or dysfunction. In addition, they frequently have various comorbid conditions that increase the severity of COVID-19. In addition, severe COVID-19 during pregnancy may increase the risk of autism in the offspring. Furthermore, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 could target human nervous system tissues due to its neurotrophic effects. The COVID-19 pandemic intensely impacts many patients and families in the autism community, especially the complex management of autism-associated disorders during the complete lockdown. During the complete lockdown, children with autism had difficulties coping with the change in their routine, lack of access to special education services, limited physical space available, and problems related to food and sleep. Additionally, children with autism or intellectual disabilities are more liable to be abused by others during the pandemic when the standard community supports are no longer functioning to protect them. Early detection and vaccination of children with autism against COVID-19 are highly indicated. They should be prioritized for testing, vaccination, and proper management of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. In this review, we discuss the various effects of COVID-19 on children with autism, the difficulties they face, the increased risk of infection during pregnancy, how to alleviate the impact of COVID-19, and how to correct the inequalities in children with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al-Beltagi
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Alghrabia, Egypt
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center, Arabian Gulf University, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center, Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Group, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Nermin Kamal Saeed
- Department of Medical Microbiology Section, Pathology Department, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Bahrain, Manama 12, Manama, Bahrain
- Department of Microbiology Section, Pathology Department, Irish Royal College of Surgeon, Busiateen 15503, Muharraq, Bahrain
| | - Adel Salah Bediwy
- Department of Chest Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Alghrabia, Egypt
- Department of Pulmonology, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
- Department of Pulmonology, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Group, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Rawan Alhawamdeh
- Research and Development Department, Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Neuropsychologist, Genomics Development and Play Center (Genomisc WLL), 0000, Manama, Bahrain
- Research and Development Department, Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Neuropsychologist, Sensory Middle East (SENSORYME DWC-LLC), 282228 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Samara Qaraghuli
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad 14022, Baghdad, Iraq
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Cage E, McManemy E. Burnt Out and Dropping Out: A Comparison of the Experiences of Autistic and Non-autistic Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychol 2022; 12:792945. [PMID: 35046876 PMCID: PMC8761980 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.792945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autistic students are more likely to drop out of university, while facing both challenges and opportunities within university environments. This study compared the experiences of autistic and non-autistic current United Kingdom students, in terms of thoughts about dropping out, burnout, mental health and coping, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Burnout was of particular interest as this is a relatively unexamined phenomenon for autistic students. Seventy autistic and 315 non-autistic students, completed a mixed methods questionnaire with standardized measures of burnout (personal and academic), mental health (depression, stress, and anxiety), and coping styles (adaptive and maladaptive). We also included qualitative questions about dropping out and COVID-19 experiences. We found autistic participants experienced higher rates of burnout and mental health symptoms and were more likely to have thought about dropping out. Reasons given for thinking about dropping out, for both groups, focused on poor mental well-being, doubts about university, and academic challenges. For autistic participants, further analyses did not identify specific predictors of thinking about dropping out, but for non-autistic participants, this was predicted by maladaptive coping styles and academic burnout. Academic and personal burnout predicted one another for autistic students, and age, maladaptive coping, autistic characteristics, stress, and anxiety additionally predicted burnout for non-autistic students. Similarities in experiences during the pandemic were noted, with both groups experiencing negative social implications, difficulties adjusting to emergency online learning, and poorer psychological well-being. Moving forward from COVID-19, universities must find ways to enhance both academic and social support, to enable equal opportunity within Higher Education for autistic students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eilidh Cage
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
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