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Marquis S, Lunsky Y, McGrail KM, Baumbusch J. Fetal alcohol syndrome and population level health care usage in British Columbia, Canada. Disabil Health J 2024:101684. [PMID: 39153944 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2024.101684] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The literature indicates that youth with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) may experience high rates of both physical and mental health issues compared to youth without FAS. However, there is little population level health data available for youth with FAS, particularly for youth transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare services. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to compare health care usage of youth with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome to youth without any intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD). METHODS This study used a retrospective cohort design and population-level administrative health data to examine five aspects of health care usage by youth with FAS and compare them to youth with no intellectual/developmental disability. The variables were medically required dental care, visits to emergency departments and visits for mental health issues. In addition, the study stratified data by age groups and examined the difference between youth aged 15-19 and youth aged 20-24. RESULTS Youth with FAS had higher adjusted odds of medically required dental care, visits to the emergency department and visits for anxiety/depression, psychotic illnesses and substance use disorders compared to youth with no IDD. The odds of a medically required dental visit, emergency department visit and visit for psychotic illness or substance use disorder were also higher for youth aged 20-24 years compared to youth aged 15-19 years. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that youth with FAS require urgent attention for each of the medically-related variables included in this study. The need for attention to their health care needs may increase as these youth transition from pediatric to adult health care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Marquis
- School of Nursing University of British Columbia, T201-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada.
| | - Yona Lunsky
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, 1025 Queen St West, Toronto, ONT, M6J 1H4, Canada.
| | - Kimberlyn M McGrail
- Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, The University of British Columbia, 201-2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Jennifer Baumbusch
- School of Nursing University of British Columbia, T201-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada.
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Marquis S, Lunsky Y, McGrail KM, Baumbusch J. Population Level Mental Health Diagnoses for Youth with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Compared to Youth without Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2024; 52:1147-1156. [PMID: 38329685 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-024-01174-0] [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: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
There is evidence in the literature that youth with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) experience mental health issues to a greater extent compared to youth without IDD. In addition, transition from pediatric to adult services may be a period of increased anxiety and mental health problems for these youth. This study used a retrospective cohort design using population level administrative health data to compare mental health diagnoses between youth with IDD and youth without IDD; particularly examining the period when youth transition from pediatric health services to adult health services. In addition, this study compared the mental health of youth with various types of IDD (Down syndrome, autism, fetal alcohol syndrome and other rarer diagnoses). Results showed that at the population level youth with IDD have greater odds of anxiety/depression or psychotic illness than youth without IDD. Adjusted odds of anxiety/depression or psychotic illness also varied with age, income level, sex, and type of IDD. Youth with fetal alcohol syndrome had the greatest odds of both anxiety/depression and a psychotic illness. Odds of anxiety/depression increased from age 15-19 years old. Odds of a psychotic illness increased from age 15 to age 24 years old.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Marquis
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada.
| | - Yona Lunsky
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, 1025 Queen St West, Toronto, ON, M6J 1H4, Canada
| | - Kimberlyn M McGrail
- Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, The University of British Columbia, 201-2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Jennifer Baumbusch
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada.
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Grant A, Turner S, Shaw SCK, Williams K, Morgan H, Ellis R, Brown A. "I am afraid of being treated badly if I show it": A cross-sectional study of healthcare accessibility and Autism Health Passports among UK Autistic adults. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303873. [PMID: 38809913 PMCID: PMC11135756 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303873] [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] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autistic people are more likely to experience stigma, communication barriers and anxiety during healthcare. Autism Health Passports (AHPs) are a communication tool that aim to provide information about healthcare needs in a standardised way. They are recommended in research and policy to improve healthcare quality. AIM To explore views and experiences of AHPs among Autistic people from the UK who have been pregnant. METHODS We developed an online survey using a combination of open and closed questions focused on healthcare impairments and views and experiences of AHPs. Data were anlaysed using descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and content analysis. FINDINGS Of 193 Autistic respondents (54% diagnosed, 22% undergoing diagnosis and 24% self-identifying), over 80% reported anxiety and masking during healthcare always or most of the time. Some significant differences were identified in healthcare (in)accessibility by diagnostic status. Only 4% of participants knew a lot about AHPs, with 1.5% of participants using one at least half of the time. Almost three quarters of respondents had not previously seen an AHP. Open text responses indicated that the biggest barrier to using an AHP was a belief that health professionals would discriminate against Autistic patients. Additional barriers included staff lack of familiarity with AHPs and respondents expecting a negative response to producing an AHP. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that AHPs are not reducing health inequalities for Autistic adults who have been pregnant. Alternative solutions are needed to reduce health inequalities for Autistic people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee Grant
- School of Health and Social Care, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Turner
- Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg City, Canada
| | - Sebastian C. K. Shaw
- Department of Medical Education, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton and Hove, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn Williams
- Autistic UK CIC, Polegate, United Kingdom
- School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Hayley Morgan
- School of Health and Social Care, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Ellis
- School of Health and Social Care, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Brown
- School of Health and Social Care, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
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Marquis S, Marquis NE, Lunsky Y, McGrail KM, Baumbusch J. Prescriptions for Antipsychotics: Youth with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Compared to Youth without Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06344-z. [PMID: 38678514 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06344-z] [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: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to compare antipsychotic use by youth with intellectual/developmental disabilities to youth without IDD as they transitioned from pediatric to adult health care services. In addition, antipsychotic use was compared between youth with different types of IDD (autism, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Down syndrome and 'other'). METHODS Population level administrative health data was used to compare the dispensing of antipsychotics for youth aged 15 to 24 years with and without IDD, between 2010 and 2019. Because antipsychotics are associated with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, we also examined the dispensing data for metformin. In addition, we examined dispensed antipsychotics between different types of IDD. For both dispensing of antipsychotics and metformin, we used multi-variable logistic regression to derive adjusted odds ratios. RESULTS There were 20,591 youth with IDD and 1,293,791 youth without IDD. Youth with IDD had significantly higher odds of being dispensed an antipsychotic (7.13 (6.82, 7.44)), even when a diagnosis of a psychotic illness was included in the regression. Higher odds were found in all age groups. Youth with IDD also had significantly higher odds of being dispensed metformin (3.739 (3.323, 4.208)) compared to youth without IDD. Youth with autism, FAS and 'other' types of IDD diagnoses all had higher odds of being dispensed an antipsychotic compared to youth with Down syndrome. CONCLUSION Compared to youth without IDD, youth with IDD were more frequently dispensed antipsychotics and metformin. These findings have important implications for the health of youth with IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Marquis
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201-2211, Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada.
| | - N Esmé Marquis
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201-2211, Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada.
| | - Yona Lunsky
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, 1025 Queen St West, Toronto, ONT, M6J 1H4, Canada.
| | - Kimberlyn M McGrail
- Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, The University of British Columbia, 201-2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Jennifer Baumbusch
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201-2211, Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada.
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Hosozawa M, Cable N, Ikehara S, Aochi Y, Tanigawa K, Baba S, Hirokawa K, Kimura T, Sobue T, Iso H. Maternal Autistic Traits and Adverse Birth Outcomes. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2352809. [PMID: 38261317 PMCID: PMC10807295 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.52809] [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: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Women with a high level of autistic traits in the general population may experience larger health disparities during pregnancy, particularly women diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which in turn may be associated with increased risk of adverse birth outcomes. Objective To investigate the association between maternal autistic traits and the risk of adverse birth outcomes in the general population. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study included mothers of singletons from a nationwide, multicenter prospective birth cohort, the Japan Environmental Children's Study. Expecting mothers were recruited between January 2011 and March 2014. Data were analyzed between June 2021 and November 2023. Exposures Autistic traits were self-reported during the second and third trimesters using the short form of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient Japanese version (AQ-J10) (score range, 0-10; clinical range, ≥7). Main Outcomes and Measures Data on preterm birth (<37 weeks' gestation) and neonates born small for gestational age (SGA) were transcribed from medical records. Additional analysis of gestational age groups (very preterm birth, <32 weeks' gestation; moderate-to-late preterm birth, 32-36 weeks' gestation) was also performed. Results Among 87 687 women (mean [SD] age, 31.2 [5.0] years) included in the study, 2350 (2.7%) had AQ-J10 scores within the clinical range yet only 18 (0.02%) were diagnosed with ASD. A higher AQ-J10 score was associated with an increased risk of all birth outcomes, including preterm births (relative risk [RR] per 1-SD increase, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.03-1.09), moderate-to-late preterm births (RR per 1-SD increase, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08), very preterm births (RR per 1-SD increase, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.06-1.26), and child born SGA (RR per 1-SD increase, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.06) after adjusting for maternal and pregnancy-related factors. The risks of all outcomes increased with higher AQ-J10 scores; compared with women below the clinical range, women within the clinical range had greater risk of preterm births (RR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.07-1.26), moderate-to-late preterm births (RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03-1.22), very preterm births (RR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.18-1.89), and a child born SGA (RR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04-1.19). Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study, higher level of maternal autistic traits was associated with increased risk of adverse birth outcomes, particularly very preterm birth. Acknowledging the risks and providing tailored and timely antenatal care support to women with a high level of autistic traits in the general population, particularly women with autistic traits within the clinical range, regardless of formal diagnosis, is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Hosozawa
- Institute for Global Health Policy Research, Bureau of International Health Cooperation, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noriko Cable
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Satoyo Ikehara
- Environmental Medicine and Population Sciences, Department of Social Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuri Aochi
- Environmental Medicine and Population Sciences, Department of Social Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kanami Tanigawa
- Osaka Maternal and Child Health Information Center, Osaka Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Sachiko Baba
- Osaka Maternal and Child Health Information Center, Osaka Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kumi Hirokawa
- Faculty of Societal Safety Sciences, Kansai University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tadashi Kimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomotaka Sobue
- Environmental Medicine and Population Sciences, Department of Social Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Iso
- Institute for Global Health Policy Research, Bureau of International Health Cooperation, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Public Health, Department of Social Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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Sunday OG, Elsie AO. Impact of pubertal timing and socioeconomic status on adult height and body proportions in Igbo ethnicity. Am J Hum Biol 2023; 35:e23934. [PMID: 37278346 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Age at menarche is a marker of pubertal timing that may influence adult height and body proportions. Previous studies have shown that socioeconomic status can affect age at menarche and growth patterns in different populations. This study aims to examine the associations between age at menarche, socioeconomic status, height, and leg length in a sample of Igbo ethnicity. METHODS The study used data from questionnaires and anthropometric measurements of 300 female students aged 18-25 years. Study tested the hypotheses that earlier menarche is associated with shorter stature and shorter leg length, and that these associations are modified by socioeconomic status using nonparametric analysis. RESULTS Mean age at menarche was fluctuating around 12.84 ± 1.40 and 13.59 ± 1.41 years with school girls and grew 3.0 cm taller per year birth cohort. The study also found that girls with earlier menarche were shorter adult height (162.51 ± 6.00) compared with girls who have menarche at a later age. The linear regression coefficients (bs) ranged from 0.37-0.49 in later year birth cohort and 0.37-0.44 in early year birth cohort for height. The effect of age at menarche on leg length was similar to the relation between age at menarche and birth cohort height. CONCLUSION The study will contribute to the understanding of how pubertal timing and socioeconomic status interact to shape adult health outcomes in a transitioning population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obaje Godwin Sunday
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Ada Obi Elsie
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
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Ward JH, Weir E, Allison C, Baron-Cohen S. Increased rates of chronic physical health conditions across all organ systems in autistic adolescents and adults. Mol Autism 2023; 14:35. [PMID: 37730651 PMCID: PMC10510241 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-023-00565-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The poorer physical health of autistic adults compared to non-autistic adults has been highlighted by several epidemiological studies. However, research has so far been limited to specific geographical areas and has primarily focused on young autistic individuals (aged 35 years and younger). Recent studies indicate a higher rate of mortality in autistic people, as well as poorer quality of self-reported healthcare interactions. This study aims to determine, first, whether autistic people experience greater levels of non-communicable health conditions and second, whether these are explained by differences in demographics (i.e. sex, country of residence, ethnicity, education level), alcohol use, smoking, body mass index (BMI), or family history of medical conditions. METHOD We employed a cross-sectional, convenience-sampling study via an anonymous, online survey of autistic and non-autistic adults (n = 2305, mean age = 41.6, 65.9% female, 49% autistic). The survey asked participants to self-report information about their demographics, autism diagnosis, diet, exercise, sleep, sexual health, substance use, personal medical history, and family medical history (for all first-degree, biological relatives). Binomial logistic regression across four iterative models of increasing complexity was applied to assess rates of physical health conditions. The Benjamini-Hochberg correction was used to account for multiple testing, and only physical health conditions that achieved at least 1% endorsement within the overall sample (n > 22) were included in the analysis to reduce risk of Type I errors. We also used novel network analysis methods to test whether there are increased levels of multimorbidity between autistic and non-autistic people. RESULTS There were significantly elevated rates of non-communicable conditions across all organ systems in autistic people, including gastrointestinal, neurological, endocrine, visual, ear/nose/throat, skin, liver and kidney, and haematological conditions. We confirmed previous findings by showing highly significant differences in rates of neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms (p < 0.0001). In addition, we established in the largest sample to date that Ehler-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) was more likely to occur among autistic females compared to non-autistic females. Finally, we found a higher prevalence of Coeliac's disease among autistic individuals compared to non-autistic individuals after controlling for sex, ethnicity, country of residence, alcohol use, smoking, and BMI, but these results became non-significant after accounting for family history. LIMITATIONS Our study is biased towards females, white individuals, highly educated people, and UK residents, likely due to sampling biases. Our self-report study design may also exclude those who lack access to computers, or those with intellectual disability. Our network analysis is also limited in size. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence of widespread, physical health comorbidity that spans nearly all major organ systems in autistic adults compared to non-autistic adults, using both binary logistic regression and network models. Healthcare professionals must be made aware of the range of co-occurring physical health conditions that may be more common among autistic people. However, our findings also point towards potential avenues requiring further exploration, such as the association of autism with both Coeliac's disease and EDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Ward
- Royal Devon University NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, Devon, UK
- University of Exeter Medical School, Devon, UK
- University of Oxford, Department of Psychiatry, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Elizabeth Weir
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Road, CB2 8AH, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Carrie Allison
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Road, CB2 8AH, Cambridge, UK
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Road, CB2 8AH, Cambridge, UK
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Lai MC, Saunders NR, Huang A, Artani A, Wilton AS, Zaheer J, Ameis SH, Brown HK, Lunsky Y. Self-Harm Events and Suicide Deaths Among Autistic Individuals in Ontario, Canada. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2327415. [PMID: 37552480 PMCID: PMC10410481 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.27415] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Reasons for elevated suicide risks among autistic people are unclear, with insufficient population-based research on sex-specific patterns to inform tailored prevention and intervention. OBJECTIVES To examine sex-stratified rates of self-harm events and suicide death among autistic individuals compared with nonautistic individuals, as well as the associated sociodemographic and clinical risk factors. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This population-based matched-cohort study using linked health administrative databases in Ontario, Canada included all individuals with physician-recorded autism diagnoses from April 1, 1988, to March 31, 2018, each matched on age and sex to 4 nonautistic individuals from the general population. Self-harm events resulting in emergency health care from April 1, 2005, to December 31, 2020, were examined for one cohort, and death by suicide and other causes from April 1, 1993, to December 31, 2018, were examined for another cohort. Statistical analyses were conducted between October 2021 and June 2023. EXPOSURE Physician-recorded autism diagnoses from 1988 to 2018 from health administrative databases. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Autistic and nonautistic individuals who were sex stratified a priori were compared using Andersen-Gill recurrent event models on self-harm events, and cause-specific competing risk models on death by suicide or other causes. Neighborhood-level income and rurality indices, and individual-level broad diagnostic categories of intellectual disabilities, mood and anxiety disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, substance use disorders, and personality disorders were covariates. RESULTS For self-harm events (cohort, 379 630 individuals; median age at maximum follow-up, 20 years [IQR, 15-28 years]; median age of first autism diagnosis claim for autistic individuals, 9 years [IQR, 4-15 years]; 19 800 autistic females, 56 126 autistic males 79 200 nonautistic females, and 224 504 nonautistic males), among both sexes, autism diagnoses had independent associations with self-harm events (females: relative rate, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.61-2.08; males: relative rate, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.28-1.69) after accounting for income, rurality, intellectual disabilities, and psychiatric diagnoses. For suicide death (cohort, 334 690 individuals; median age at maximum follow-up, 19 years [IQR, 14-27 years]; median age of first autism diagnosis claim for autistic individuals, 10 years [IQR, 5-16 years]; 17 982 autistic females, 48 956 autistic males, 71 928 nonautistic females, 195 824 nonautistic males), there was a significantly higher crude hazard ratio among autistic females (1.98; 95% CI, 1.11-3.56) and a nonsignificantly higher crude hazard ratio among autistic males (1.34; 95% CI, 0.99-1.82); the increased risks were associated with psychiatric diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This cohort study suggests that autistic individuals experienced increased risks of self-harm events and suicide death. Psychiatric diagnoses were significantly associated with the increased risks among both sexes, especially for suicide death, and in partially sex-unique ways. Autism-tailored and autism-informed clinical and social support to reduce suicide risks should consider multifactorial mechanisms, with a particular focus on the prevention and timely treatment of psychiatric illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Chuan Lai
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Natasha R. Saunders
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Ontario, Canada
- Leong Centre for Healthy Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Juveria Zaheer
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephanie H. Ameis
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hilary K. Brown
- ICES, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yona Lunsky
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Ontario, Canada
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Marquis S, Lunsky Y, McGrail KM, Baumbusch J. Population-level use of gynecological health services by female youth with intellectual/developmental disabilities in British Columbia Canada. Disabil Health J 2023:101478. [PMID: 37142456 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2023.101478] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence that female youth with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) experience poorer gynecological care compared to female youth without disabilities. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to obtain baseline data on visits to a health care provider for a gynecological issue for females with IDD and compare that information to the experiences of female youth without IDD. METHODS This study is a retrospective cohort study using population-level administrative health data from 2010 to 2019 for females aged 15-24 years, with and without IDD. RESULTS 6452 female youth with IDD and 637,627 female youth without IDD were identified in the data. Over the ten-year period, 53.77% of youth with IDD and 53.68% of youth without IDD had a visit to a physician for a gynecological issue. However, as females with IDD aged, the number of people seeing a physician for a gynecological issue decreased. In the group aged 20-24 years, 15.25% of females with IDD and 24.47% of females without IDD (p < 0.0001) had a Pap test done at any time; 25.94% of females with IDD had a visit for contraception management and 28.38% of females (p < 0.0001) without IDD had a visit for contraception management. Gynecological care also varied by type of IDD. CONCLUSIONS Females with IDD had a similar number of visits for a gynecological issue as female youth without IDD. However, the reasons for visits and the age at which visits occurred differed between youth with and without IDD. As females with IDD transition into adulthood, gynecological care must be maintained and improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Marquis
- School of Nursing University of British Columbia, T201-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada.
| | - Yona Lunsky
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, 1025 Queen St West, Toronto, ONT, M6J 1H4, Canada.
| | - Kimberlyn M McGrail
- Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, The University of British Columbia, 201-2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Jennifer Baumbusch
- School of Nursing University of British Columbia, T201-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada.
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Amestoy A, Baudrillard C, Briot K, Pizano A, Bouvard M, Lai MC. Steroid hormone pathways, vitamin D and autism: a systematic review. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2023; 130:207-241. [PMID: 36752873 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-022-02582-6] [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: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
The origins of the male preponderance in autism incidence remain unclear. The idea that perinatal factors associated with sex differentiation (e.g., steroid hormone pathways) may increase the possibility of the emergence of autism is complementary to the hypothesis that female individuals are intrinsically less likely to develop autism. Empirical evidence for the mechanistic roles of in utero steroid hormones in autism etiology is accumulating but inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review using rigorous criteria for the measurements of steroids and vitamin D exposure, to summarize the potential contributing roles of prenatal and early postnatal steroids and vitamin D alterations to the emergence of autism. We searched PubMed, PsychInfo, Scopus, and included 22 studies for qualitative synthesis. Among them, six studies examined the association of autism diagnoses in offspring and levels of steroids and precursor steroid hormones in the fetal environment, eight studies examined the associations between autism and maternal and fetal blood vitamin D levels during pregnancy and at birth, and eight studies examined the associations between offspring autism diagnoses and maternal hyperandrogenemia diagnosed before pregnancy. We identified promising and complex results regarding the relations between steroid metabolism and autism. The interpretation of findings was limited by the mostly observational study designs, insufficient investigation of the effects of offspring sex, confounders and their cumulative effects on the development of the child, and unclear impact of the timing of steroids exposure and their effects on fetal neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouck Amestoy
- Aquitaine Institute for Cognitive and Integrative Neuroscience, UMR 5287, University of Bordeaux, CNRS, INCIA, Bordeaux, France.
- Centre Hospitalier Charles-Perrens, Pôle Universitaire de Psychiatrie de L'enfant Et de L'adolescent, Bordeaux Cedex, France.
| | - Claire Baudrillard
- Centre Hospitalier Charles-Perrens, Pôle Universitaire de Psychiatrie de L'enfant Et de L'adolescent, Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - Kellen Briot
- Centre Hospitalier Charles-Perrens, Pôle Universitaire de Psychiatrie de L'enfant Et de L'adolescent, Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - Adrien Pizano
- Centre Hospitalier Charles-Perrens, Pôle Universitaire de Psychiatrie de L'enfant Et de L'adolescent, Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - Manuel Bouvard
- Aquitaine Institute for Cognitive and Integrative Neuroscience, UMR 5287, University of Bordeaux, CNRS, INCIA, Bordeaux, France
- Centre Hospitalier Charles-Perrens, Pôle Universitaire de Psychiatrie de L'enfant Et de L'adolescent, Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - Meng-Chuan Lai
- The Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth & Family Mental Health and Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, 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
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11
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Tint A, Chung H, Lai MC, Balogh R, Lin E, Durbin A, Lunsky Y. Health conditions and service use of autistic women and men: A retrospective population-based case-control study. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023:13623613221144353. [PMID: 36588296 PMCID: PMC10374994 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221144353] [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: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT This study used administrative data from Ontario, Canada to compare the health conditions and service use of autistic women and men with adults with other developmental disabilities and with adults without developmental disabilities. Autistic women and men were more likely to have physical and mental health conditions compared to adults without developmental disabilities. Rates of health conditions were similar or lower among autistic adults compared to adults with other developmental disabilities, except more autistic adults had psychiatric conditions. Autistic women and men used higher rates of psychiatric services compared to all other groups. When comparing autistic women with same aged autistic men, sex differences were found for specific physical (Crohn's disease/colitis, rheumatoid arthritis) and psychiatric conditions (psychotic disorders, non-psychotic disorders), as well differences in service use (emergency department visits, hospitalizations, family doctor and neurologist visits). These results further highlight the high health needs and service use of autistic women and men, as well as adults with other developmental disabilities. It is critical for future research to focus on mental health support for autistic adults and to better understand how to tailor supports to best serve autistic women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami Tint
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada
| | | | - Meng-Chuan Lai
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada.,University of Toronto, Canada.,The Hospital for Sick Children, Canada.,University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.,National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan
| | | | - Elizabeth Lin
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada.,University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Anna Durbin
- ICES, Canada.,University of Toronto, Canada.,Unity Health, Canada
| | - Yona Lunsky
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada.,ICES, Canada.,University of Toronto, Canada
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12
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Rubenstein E, Ehrenthal DB, Nobles J, Mallinson DC, Bishop L, Jenkins MC, Kuo HH, Durkin MS. Fertility rates in women with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Wisconsin Medicaid. Disabil Health J 2022; 15:101321. [PMID: 35430181 PMCID: PMC9308650 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2022.101321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face stigma and inequity surrounding opportunity and care during pregnancy. Little work has quantified fertility rates among women with IDD which prevents proper allocation of care. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to cross-sectionally describe fertility patterns among women with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in 10-years of Medicaid-linked birth records. STUDY DESIGN Our sample was Medicaid-enrolled women with live births in Wisconsin from 2007 to 2016. We identified IDD through prepregnancy Medicaid claims. We calculated general fertility-, age-specific-, and the total fertility-rates and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for women with and without IDD and generated estimates by year and IDD-type. RESULTS General fertility rate in women with IDD was 62.1 births per 1000 women with IDD (95% CI 59.2, 64.9 per 1000 women) and 77.1 per 1000 for women without IDD (95% CI: 76.8, 77.4 per 1000 women). General fertility rate ratio was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.7, 0.9). Total fertility was 1.80 births per woman with IDD and 2.05 births per woman without IDD (rate ratio: 0.89 95% CI: 0.5, 1.5). Peak fertility occurred later for autistic women (30-34 years), compared with women with other IDD (20-24 years). CONCLUSION In Wisconsin Medicaid, general fertility rate of women with IDD was lower than women without IDD: the difference was attenuated when accounting for differing age distributions. Results highlight the disparities women with IDD face and the importance of allocating pregnancy care within Medicaid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Rubenstein
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, University of Wisconsin Madison, USA.
| | - Deborah B Ehrenthal
- Department of Population Health Science, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, USA
| | - Jenna Nobles
- Department of Sociology, Center for Demography and Ecology, University of Wisconsin Madison, USA
| | - David C Mallinson
- Department of Population Health Science, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, USA; Population Research Center, University of Texas-Austin, USA
| | - Lauren Bishop
- Sandra Rosenbaum Department of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
| | - Marina C Jenkins
- Department of Population Health Science, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, USA
| | - Hsiang-Hui Kuo
- Department of Population Health Science, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, USA
| | - Maureen S Durkin
- Department of Population Health Science, University of Wisconsin Madison, USA
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Towards equitable diagnoses for autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder across sexes and genders. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2022; 35:90-100. [PMID: 35084380 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Sex/gender-related factors contribute to contextual issues influencing the recognition of autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and modulate how neurodevelopmental characteristics are manifested. This review summarizes the empirical literature to provide directions for improving clinical diagnostic practices. RECENT FINDINGS Timing of autism and/or ADHD diagnosis, particularly in girls/women, is related to the individual's developmental characteristics and co-occurring diagnoses, and expectancy, alongside gender stereotype biases, of referral sources and clinicians. This is further compounded by sex and gender modulations of behavioural presentations. The emerging 'female autism phenotype' concept may serve as a helpful illustration of nuanced autism phenotypes, but should not be viewed as essential features of autism in a particular sex or gender. These nuanced phenotypes that can present across sexes and genders include heightened attention to socially salient stimuli, friendship and social groups, richness in language expression, and more reciprocal behaviours. The nuanced female-predominant ADHD phenotypes are characterized by subtle expressions in hyperactivity-impulsivity (e.g., hyper-verbal behaviours). Optimizing neurodevelopmental diagnoses across sexes and genders also requires an understanding of sex-related and gender-related variations in developmental trajectories, including compensation/masking efforts, and the influences of co-occurring conditions on clinical presentations. SUMMARY Equitable diagnoses across sexes and genders for autism and ADHD require understanding of the nuanced presentations and the Gestalt clinical-developmental profiles, and addressing contextual biases that influence diagnostic practices.
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Varcin KJ, Herniman SE, Lin A, Chen Y, Perry Y, Pugh C, Chisolm K, Whitehouse AJ, Wood SJ. Occurrence of psychosis and bipolar disorder in adults with autism: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 134:104543. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Khan M, Brown HK, Lunsky Y, Welsh K, Havercamp SM, Proulx L, Tarasoff LA. A Socio-Ecological Approach to Understanding the Perinatal Care Experiences of People with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities in Ontario, Canada. Womens Health Issues 2021; 31:550-559. [PMID: 34556400 PMCID: PMC8595790 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accessible and quality care during the perinatal period is critical for optimal maternal and neonatal health. Using the socio-ecological model, the purpose of this study was to explore barriers and facilitators that shape the perinatal care experiences of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD). METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 individuals with IDD in Ontario, Canada, who had given birth within the past 5 years. Interviews focused on care experiences before, during, and after pregnancy. Data were analyzed using a directed content analysis approach, and the socio-ecological model guided analysis. RESULTS Barriers at the societal (e.g., cultural norms of motherhood), policy/institutional (e.g., child protection policies and practices), interpersonal (e.g., inadequate formal and informal support), and intrapersonal levels (e.g., internalized stigma) contributed to participants having negative perinatal care experiences. Conversely, we identified facilitators on the interpersonal level (e.g., positive interactions with perinatal care providers and familial and social service supports) as positively shaping participants' perinatal care experiences. CONCLUSIONS Findings reveal that the perinatal care experiences of people with IDD are shaped by several interrelated factors that largely stem from societal-level barriers, such as dominant (stigmatizing) discourses of disability. To improve the perinatal care experiences of people with IDD, there is a need for interventions at multiple levels. These include the development of policies to support perinatal care for diverse populations and training care providers to enact policies at the institutional and interpersonal levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Momina Khan
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hilary K Brown
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Yona Lunsky
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kate Welsh
- Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Laurie Proulx
- Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lesley A Tarasoff
- Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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