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Klein J, Krahn R, Howe S, Lewis J, McMorris C, Macoun S. A systematic review of social camouflaging in autistic adults and youth: Implications and theory. Dev Psychopathol 2024:1-15. [PMID: 39370528 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579424001159] [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: 10/08/2024]
Abstract
Social camouflaging (SC) is a set of behaviors used by autistic people to assimilate with their social environment. Using SC behaviours may put autistic people at risk for poor mental health outcomes. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, the goal of this systematic review was to investigate the development of SC and inform theory in this area by outlining the predictors, phenotype, and consequences of SC. This review fills a gap in existing literature by integrating quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including all gender identities/age groups of autistic individuals, incorporating a large scope of associated factors with SC, and expanding on theory/implications. Papers were sourced using Medline, PsycInfo, and ERIC. Results indicate that self-protection and desire for social connection motivate SC. Camouflaging behaviors include compensation, masking, and assimilation. Female individuals were found to be more likely to SC. Additionally, this review yielded novel insights including contextual factors of SC, interpersonal relational and identity-related consequences of SC, and possible bidirectional associations between SC and mental health, cognition, and age of diagnosis. Autistic youth and adults have similar SC motivations, outward expression of SC behavior, and experience similar consequences post-camouflaging. Further empirical exploration is needed to investigate the directionality between predictors and consequences of SC, and possible mitigating factors such as social stigma and gender identity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jessi Lewis
- University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
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2
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Reid M, Delgado D, Heinly J, Kiernan B, Shapiro S, Morgan L, Maddox B, Jager-Hyman S. Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in People on the Autism Spectrum. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2024:10.1007/s11920-024-01533-0. [PMID: 39348035 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-024-01533-0] [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: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review synthesizes recent research on suicidal thoughts and behaviors among autistic individuals. We present literature on risk and protective factors, risk assessment, intervention, and crisis services, and recommendations for future research. RECENT FINDINGS Literature on this topic has grown substantially in recent years. Areas of advancement include improved understanding of risk factors (e.g., Interpersonal Theory of Suicide constructs, autistic burnout, mental health conditions, cognitive factors, diagnosis timing, emotion dysregulation), screening, assessment, acute-care services, and suicide-specific psychosocial treatments (e.g., safety planning, dialectical behavior therapy). Gaps include protective factors, impact of intersectional identities, and tailored approaches to screening, assessment, and intervention. Heightened awareness of suicide risk in autistic individuals has led to increased understanding of why autistic individuals think about and attempt suicide and the strategies used to identify and reduce suicide risk. We recommend community-partnered, multi-faceted, and strength-based approaches to inform tailored prevention and intervention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morganne Reid
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Daylin Delgado
- Department of Psychiatry, TEACCH Autism Program, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Carrboro, NC, USA
| | - Julia Heinly
- Department of Psychiatry, TEACCH Autism Program, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Carrboro, NC, USA
| | - Bridgett Kiernan
- Department of Psychiatry, TEACCH Autism Program, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Carrboro, NC, USA
| | - Samantha Shapiro
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, 3rd floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Lisa Morgan
- Lisa Morgan Consulting LLC, Kittery, ME, USA
| | - Brenna Maddox
- Department of Psychiatry, TEACCH Autism Program, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Carrboro, NC, USA
| | - Shari Jager-Hyman
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, 3rd floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Penn Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Costache ME, Gioia F, Vanello N, Greco A, Lefebvre F, Capobianco A, Weibel S, Weiner L. Exploring Emotion Control and Alexithymia in Autistic Adults: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06551-8. [PMID: 39333448 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06551-8] [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: 09/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024]
Abstract
Difficulties in controlling emotions - a proxy for emotion dysregulation (ED)-and difficulties in expressing feelings in words-'absence of emotion labelling' or alexithymia-co-exist in autism and contribute to elevated levels of impulsive and suicidal behaviour. To date, studies linking the two phenomena have relied on retrospective self-reported measures, lacking support for generalizability to real-life situations. The present study investigated in vivo emotion labelling and its impact on emotion control in 29 autistic adults without intellectual disability (ASC) and 28 neurotypical (NT) individuals of similar age, sex, and educational level. Participants were trained in an Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) to label their emotions, the arousal dimension, and their emotion control via smartphone over a one-week period. Findings showed that the ASC group experienced more instances of 'having an emotion that I cannot name' and, when they were able to label their emotions, they reported higher rates of negative and conflicting (simultaneously positive and negative) emotions. In both groups, the absence of emotion labelling, and intense negative emotions were associated with impaired emotion control. However, the association between lack of emotional awareness-'I have no emotion'-and impaired emotion control was only evident in ASC individuals. Our study highlights a nuanced facet of emotional processing in the ASC population. Further research is needed to gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between ED and alexithymia in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mădălina Elena Costache
- Laboratoire de Psychologie des Cognitions, Faculté de Psychologie, University of Strasbourg, 12 Rue Goethe, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Federica Gioia
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nicola Vanello
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alberto Greco
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - François Lefebvre
- Department of Biostatistics, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
| | - Antonio Capobianco
- Ingineering Science, Computer Science and Imagery Laboratory, CNRS, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Sébastien Weibel
- Cognitive Neuropsychology and Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia, University of Strasbourg, INSERM 1114, Strasbourg, France
- UMR-S 1329, Strasbourg Translational Neuroscience & Psychiatry, INSERM, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Department of Psychiatry, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
| | - Luisa Weiner
- Laboratoire de Psychologie des Cognitions, Faculté de Psychologie, University of Strasbourg, 12 Rue Goethe, 67000, Strasbourg, France
- Department of Psychiatry, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
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4
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Bureau R, Riebel M, Weiner L, Coutelle R, Dachez J, Clément C. French Validation of the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q). J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:3549-3558. [PMID: 37349595 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06048-w] [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: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Autistic camouflaging is a collection of strategies used to hide autistic characteristics. It can have serious consequences on autistic people's mental health and needs to be addressed and measured in clinical practice. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the French adaptation of the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire. METHODS 1227 participants (744 autistic, 483 non-autistic) answered the French version of the CAT-Q in an online survey or on paper. Confirmatory factor analysis, measurement invariance testing, internal consistency analysis (McDonald's ω), and convergent validity with the DASS-21 depression subscale were conducted. Test-rest reliability was assessed on a sample of 22 autistic volunteers using intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS A good fit was found for the original three-factor structure as well as a good internal consistency, excellent test-retest reliability and highly significant convergent validity. Measurement invariance testing indicates however that the meaning behind items is different for autistic vs. non-autistic people. CONCLUSION The French version of the CAT-Q can be used in clinical settings to assess camouflaging behaviors and intent to camouflage. Further research is needed to clarify the camouflage construct and whether reported measurement noninvariance are due to cultural differences or a true difference in what camouflaging might mean for non-autistic people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raven Bureau
- Université de Strasbourg, Laboratoire Interuniversitaire en Sciences de l'Education et de la Formation, LISEC UR 2310, Strasbourg, France.
- GIS Autisme et TND, Strasbourg's Teams, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Marie Riebel
- Université de Strasbourg, Laboratoire de Psychologie des Cognitions, LPC UR 4440, Strasbourg, France
| | - Luisa Weiner
- Université de Strasbourg, Laboratoire de Psychologie des Cognitions, LPC UR 4440, Strasbourg, France
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Pôle de Psychiatrie, Santé Mentale et Addictologie, 1 place de l'hôpital, Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Romain Coutelle
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Service de psychiatrie de l'enfant et de l'adolescent, 1 place de l'hôpital, Strasbourg, 67000, France
- Centre d'excellence STRAS&ND, Strasbourg, France
- GIS Autisme et TND, Strasbourg's Teams, Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Céline Clément
- Université de Strasbourg, Laboratoire Interuniversitaire en Sciences de l'Education et de la Formation, LISEC UR 2310, Strasbourg, France
- Centre d'excellence STRAS&ND, Strasbourg, France
- GIS Autisme et TND, Strasbourg's Teams, Strasbourg, France
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van Bentum J, Sijbrandij M, Huibers M, Begeer S. Occurrence and predictors of lifetime suicidality and suicidal ideation in autistic adults. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:2282-2294. [PMID: 38340029 PMCID: PMC11408986 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231225901] [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: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Over the past few years, more and more research is showing that many autistic people are at an increased risk for suicide. In this study, we asked participants from the Netherlands Autism Register, which is longitudinal register including individuals with autism, about their possible experiences with thoughts and feelings about suicide. Specifically, we looked at whether these thoughts and feelings in their lifetime and in the past month were related to various factors (such as their age, gender, and having psychiatric disorder diagnoses). We found that 80% of the participants had experienced thoughts about or even attempted to take their own life at least once throughout their lifetime. Furthermore, in a subgroup of participants, we found that the presence of a psychiatric disorder diagnosis, feelings of loneliness, and a higher number of autistic traits were associated with experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings in their lifetime. For those who experienced these suicidal thoughts in the past month, we found that having (multiple) psychiatric disorder diagnoses and a higher number of autistic traits were related to more severe and frequent thoughts about suicide in the past month. Our findings show that additional factors in autistic individuals should be considered when assessing the suicide risk, and it brings us one step closer to understanding why suicide is more common for autistic people.
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Affiliation(s)
- J van Bentum
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - S Begeer
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Graham J, Rodgers J, Cassidy S. Why Are Autistic People More Likely to Experience Suicidal Thoughts? Applying the Integrated Motivational-Volitional Model with Autistic Adults. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2024; 6:272-283. [PMID: 39371353 PMCID: PMC11447394 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2023.0039] [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: 10/08/2024]
Abstract
Background Autistic people are at considerably greater risk of suicidality than non-autistic people, and the reasons behind this are not fully understood. Current suicide theories may be useful to help further our understanding of the mechanisms behind autistic suicidality. We aimed to test the key predictors of suicidal ideation-defeat and entrapment-as described in the integrated motivational-volitional (IMV) model of suicide behavior, in an autistic group. We also looked to extend the IMV model by including autism-related constructs of camouflaging and intolerance of uncertainty (IU). Methods We recruited 374 autistic adults from the community (female 42.5%; 18-63 years of age), who completed a cross-sectional online survey between August 2020 and January 2021. We collected data on lifetime suicidality, depression symptoms, defeat, entrapment, camouflaging, and IU. Results We found that entrapment significantly mediated the relationship between defeat and suicidal ideation. Camouflaging and IU were not found to moderate this pathway but were found to be significantly associated with suicidal ideation. Conclusions We found that entrapment mediates the relationship between defeat and suicidality in autistic adults. This is consistent with the predictions in the motivational phase of the IMV model of suicidal behavior, suggesting that this model is useful for understanding autistic suicidality. We did not find evidence that camouflaging and IU act as moderators within the mediated model. Nevertheless, there is some evidence that camouflaging and IU are worthwhile constructs to be aware of for future work researching autistic suicidality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Graham
- Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqui Rodgers
- Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Cook ML, Tomaszewski B, Lamarche E, Bowman K, Klein CB, Stahl S, Klinger LG. Suicide risk in transition-aged autistic youth: The link among executive function, depression, and autistic traits. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:2311-2321. [PMID: 38340034 PMCID: PMC11403913 DOI: 10.1177/13623613241227983] [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: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Autistic people are more likely to consider suicide than non-autistic people, with transition-aged youth (ages 16-21 years) at potentially the highest risk. Research has also shown that difficulties with executive functioning (e.g., difficulties with organization, sequencing, and decision-making) may heighten suicide risk among non-autistic people, but it is not clear whether this is also true for autistic people. This study explored this question by asking 183 transition-aged autistic youth about their experience with suicidal behavior and examining the relationship between their responses and additional measures of depression, autistic traits, and executive function skills. About one-third of autistic transition-aged youth (33.3%) said that they had experienced thoughts of hurting themselves with the intent to end their lives (i.e., suicidal ideation). Both depression and executive function challenges predicted suicide risk (i.e., participants who experienced depression were more likely to have had suicidal thoughts than those who had not, and participants who had more difficulty with executive function skills were more likely to have had suicidal thoughts than those who had less difficulty). These findings suggest that executive functioning, a common area of difficulty among autistic people, is an important indicator of suicide risk in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal L Cook
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Sara Stahl
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
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8
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McQuaid GA, Sadowski LY, Lee NR, Wallace GL. An Examination of Perceived Stress and Emotion Regulation Challenges as Mediators of Associations Between Camouflaging and Internalizing Symptomatology. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2024; 6:345-361. [PMID: 39371362 PMCID: PMC11447396 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2022.0121] [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: 10/08/2024]
Abstract
Background Camouflaging involves the masking of autism traits, potentially creating an outer impression of "non-autisticness." Although associations of camouflaging with anxiety and depression in autistic adults are widely reported, factors that mediate these associations are unclear. We examined two potential mediators of the association between camouflaging and anxiety/depression: perceived stress and emotion regulation (ER) challenges. Methods Seven hundred eighty-seven autistic adults (18.2-78.2 years) recruited through Simons Powering Autism Research (SPARK) Research Match completed questionnaires, including the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q), and measures of autistic traits, depressive and anxious symptomatology, perceived stress, and ER challenges. Four moderated mediation models were tested. In all models the independent variable was CAT-Q total score, and the moderator variable was sex designated at birth. The dependent variable was depressive or anxious symptomatology, and the mediator variable was perceived stress or ER challenges. Results We found that more camouflaging, increased ER challenges, and higher levels of perceived stress were associated with greater depressive and anxious symptomatology. We also found that perceived stress and ER challenges significantly mediated the associations between camouflaging and both depression and anxiety. In the model with perceived stress and anxiety, sex moderated the mediation, with females showing a stronger mediation. There was no significant moderation in any of the other models. Conclusion We contextualize the findings within the broader literature on camouflaging as a response to stigma and other facets of minority stress. We discuss how the results of this study support the idea that the day-to-day stress of living in a neurotypical world, the cognitively demanding nature of camouflaging, and the constraints that camouflaging place on autistic people's behaviors in social contexts (e.g., contributing to suppressing ER strategies such as stimming), create a cycle that contributes to elevated rates of anxiety and depression in autistic people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goldie A. McQuaid
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Lauren Y. Sadowski
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Nancy Raitano Lee
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gregory L. Wallace
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Hull L, Mandy W, Belcher H, Petrides KV. Validation of the camouflaging autistic traits questionnaire short form (CATQ-SF). Compr Psychiatry 2024; 135:152525. [PMID: 39191097 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2024.152525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Camouflaging of autistic traits involves hiding or compensating for autistic characteristics, often due to stigma or a desire to fit in with others. This behaviour has been associated with mental health issues in autistic individuals. The 2 5-item Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) is the most commonly used self-report measure of camouflaging. In this study, a 9-item short form version was developed for use in clinical and research settings. AIMS To construct and psychometrically validate a brief self-report measure of camouflaging. METHOD The Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire - Short Form (CATQ-SF) was developed and its factor structure and psychometric properties were evaluated in two studies. Study 1 used a large, online sample of autistic and non-autistic adults (N = 832) to evaluate the factor structure, psychometric properties, and measurement invariance of the CATQ-SF. Study 2 used an independent sample of autistic and non-autistic adults (N = 80) to test Study 1's findings. RESULTS In Study 1, evidence for a three-factor structure was observed, with good internal consistency (combined autistic & non-autistic α = 0.84). In addition, the instrument demonstrated measurement invariance, and reliably predicted higher levels of autistic traits. In Study 2, the 3-factor structure was replicated, and good internal consistency was again observed (combined autistic and non-autistic α = 0.89). In both studies, psychometric properties were of similar or higher validity compared to the full-form CAT-Q. CONCLUSIONS The CATQ-SF can be used by clinicians and researchers to measure camouflaging in autistic and non-autistic adults quickly and reliably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hull
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK; Research Department of Clinical, Educational & Health Psychology, University College London, UK.
| | - Will Mandy
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational & Health Psychology, University College London, UK
| | - Hannah Belcher
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - K V Petrides
- London Psychometric Laboratory, University College London, UK
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Atherton G, Hathaway R, Visuri I, Cross L. A critical hit: Dungeons and Dragons as a buff for autistic people. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024:13623613241275260. [PMID: 39166536 DOI: 10.1177/13623613241275260] [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: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) are popular hobbies that may offer specific social benefits for autistic people. This study investigated the ability of TTRPGs to provide a safe space where autistic adults could develop relationships with other autistic adults while engaging in character and world-building. A group of eight autistic adults were split into two groups and taken through a short-form online Dungeons and Dragons campaign over 6 weeks run by one of the researchers. The researcher then led a series of individual semi-structured interviews discussing how participants felt interacting in and out of the TTRPG. Several key themes were identified as important aspects of why autistic people could benefit from such an environment. Analysis showed that while real-life interactions could be challenging, in TTRPG play, they felt they experienced significantly fewer struggles. Results suggested that TTRPGs can provide a safe space environment where autistic adults can engage in productive social interactions with like-minded individuals. It also may allow autistic participants to experience 'bleed' or the ability to take on a new character that changes the way they feel about themselves outside of the game. Future directions for this work are discussed.
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McKenney EE, Richards JK, Day TC, Brunwasser SM, Cucchiara CL, Kofner B, McDonald RG, Gillespie-Lynch K, Lamm J, Kang E, Lerner MD, Gotham KO. Satisfaction with social connectedness is associated with depression and anxiety symptoms in neurodiverse first-semester college students. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:1972-1984. [PMID: 38380636 PMCID: PMC11303119 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231216879] [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: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT How satisfied people feel with their social connections and support is related to mental health outcomes for many different types of people. People may feel less socially connected at some times in their life-like when they start college. Feeling disconnected from others could lead to depression or anxiety. The transition to college may be especially difficult for autistic students as they are more likely to have difficulties adjusting socially. In our study, we asked 263 college students to answer questions about their emotions and social satisfaction twice per week during their first semester of college. We found that students who reported being less satisfied with their social connectedness (either at the beginning or throughout the semester) tended to express more symptoms of depression and anxiety. This relationship between social satisfaction and anxiety was even stronger for people who had a strong desire for social interaction (i.e. were more socially motivated). Students with more autistic traits tended to report more mood concerns, and they also reported being less satisfied with friendships at the beginning of the semester. This information may help to support ongoing efforts to better address mental health in autistic college students by encouraging efforts to improve social satisfaction.
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12
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Loizou S, Pemovska T, Stefanidou T, Foye U, Cooper R, Kular A, Greenburgh A, Baldwin H, Griffiths J, Saunders KRK, Barnett P, Minchin M, Brady G, Ahmed N, Parker J, Chipp B, Olive RR, Jackson R, Timmerman A, Sapiets S, Driskell E, Parsons B, Spain D, Totsika V, Mandy W, Pender R, Clery P, Trevillion K, Lloyd-Evans B, Simpson A, Johnson S. Approaches to improving mental healthcare for autistic people: systematic review. BJPsych Open 2024; 10:e128. [PMID: 39087319 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2024.707] [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] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autistic people have a high likelihood of developing mental health difficulties but a low chance of receiving effective mental healthcare. Therefore, there is a need to identify and examine strategies to improve mental healthcare for autistic people. AIMS To identify strategies that have been implemented to improve access, experiences of care and mental health outcomes for autistic adults, and to examine evidence on their acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness. METHOD A co-produced systematic review was conducted. MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINHAL, medRxiv and PsyArXiv were searched. We included all study designs reporting acceptability or feasibility outcomes and empirical quantitative study designs reporting effectiveness outcomes. Data were synthesised using a narrative approach. RESULTS A total of 30 articles were identified. These included 16 studies of adapted mental health interventions, eight studies of service improvements and six studies of bespoke mental health interventions developed for autistic people. There was no conclusive evidence on effectiveness. However, most bespoke and adapted approaches appeared to be feasible and acceptable. Identified adaptations appeared to be acceptable and feasible, including increasing knowledge and detection of autism, providing environmental adjustments and communication accommodations, accommodating individual differences and modifying the structure and content of interventions. CONCLUSION Many identified strategies are feasible and acceptable, and can be readily implemented in services with the potential to make mental healthcare more suitable for autistic people, but important research gaps remain. Future research should address these and investigate a co-produced package of service improvement measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Loizou
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Mental Health Policy Research Unit, King's College London, UK
| | - Tamara Pemovska
- NIHR Mental Health Policy Research Unit, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK
| | - Theodora Stefanidou
- NIHR Mental Health Policy Research Unit, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK
| | - Una Foye
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Mental Health Policy Research Unit, King's College London, UK
| | - Ruth Cooper
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Mental Health Policy Research Unit, King's College London, UK
| | - Ariana Kular
- NIHR Mental Health Policy Research Unit, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK
| | - Anna Greenburgh
- NIHR Mental Health Policy Research Unit, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK
| | - Helen Baldwin
- NIHR Mental Health Policy Research Unit, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK
| | - Jessica Griffiths
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Mental Health Policy Research Unit, King's College London, UK
| | - Katherine R K Saunders
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Mental Health Policy Research Unit, King's College London, UK
| | - Phoebe Barnett
- NIHR Mental Health Policy Research Unit, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK; Centre for Outcomes Research and Effectiveness, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, UK; and National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health, Royal College of Psychiatrists, London, UK
| | | | - Gráinne Brady
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK
| | - Nafiso Ahmed
- NIHR Mental Health Policy Research Unit, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK
| | - Jennie Parker
- NIHR Mental Health Policy Research Unit Lived Experience Working Group, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK; and School of Health and Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, UK
| | - Beverley Chipp
- NIHR Mental Health Policy Research Unit Lived Experience Working Group, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK
| | - Rachel R Olive
- NIHR Mental Health Policy Research Unit Lived Experience Working Group, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK
| | - Robin Jackson
- Lancaster and Morecambe Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, Morecambe, UK; and University of Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Amanda Timmerman
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Vaso Totsika
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK
| | - Will Mandy
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, UK
| | - Richard Pender
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, UK
| | - Philippa Clery
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK; and Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Kylee Trevillion
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Mental Health Policy Research Unit, King's College London, UK
| | - Brynmor Lloyd-Evans
- NIHR Mental Health Policy Research Unit, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK
| | - Alan Simpson
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Mental Health Policy Research Unit, King's College London, UK
| | - Sonia Johnson
- NIHR Mental Health Policy Research Unit, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK; and Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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13
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Hedley D, Uljarević M, Bury SM, Haschek A, Richdale AL, Trollor JN, Stokes MA. Examination of the Potential Moderating Role of Psychological Wellbeing in the Relationship Between Depression and Thoughts of Self-Harm in Autistic Adolescents and Adults: A Two-Year Longitudinal Study. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06489-x. [PMID: 39078579 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06489-x] [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: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Autistic people have a significantly increased risk of death by suicide relative to the general population. In non-autistic samples, psychological wellbeing has been shown to moderate the relationship between depression and suicidal thoughts and behavior. Thoughts of self-harm may provide a useful indicator of suicidal risk. In this longitudinal study we examined (a) the potential role for psychological wellbeing to moderate the relationship between depressive symptoms and thoughts of self-harm and (b) the contribution of autistic traits to thoughts of self-harm. METHODS Participants were 209 autistic adolescents and adults aged 15 to 80 years (Mage = 34.20, SD = 15.38 years). RESULTS At both baseline and 2-year follow-up, 35% of participants reported recent thoughts of self-harm. Wellbeing was associated with autistic traits (r = - .350 to - 0.404) and depression (r = - .480 to - 0.759). Thoughts of self-harm were positively associated with autistic traits and depression (r = .242 to 0.659), and negatively associated with wellbeing (r = - .287 to - 0.609). Controlling for baseline thoughts of self-harm, depression (β = 0.254, p = .001) and autistic traits (β = 0.162, p = .007) significantly predicted thoughts of self-harm at 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSION Despite a lack of support for the hypothesis that wellbeing would moderate the relationship between depression and thoughts of self-harm, correlational data demonstrated significant associations between wellbeing and both depression and thoughts of self-harm. Future research considering psychological wellbeing as a potential protective factor for self-harm in autistic people is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren Hedley
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | | | - Simon M Bury
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alexandra Haschek
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Amanda L Richdale
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Julian N Trollor
- Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC),, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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14
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MacKenzie KT, Theodat A, Beck KB, Conner CM, Mazefsky CA, Eack SM. Correlates of Quality of Life in Autistic Individuals. RESEARCH IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS 2024; 115:102401. [PMID: 39035708 PMCID: PMC11258895 DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Background Quality of life is an important outcome to autistic individuals. However, the correlates of quality of life in this population are not well known. The purpose of this project was to investigate the extent to which employment, depression, anxiety, and social participation were associated with quality of life in autistic individuals. We also explored potential associations between emotion dysregulation and quality of life. Method Baseline data from two randomized control trials were used for analysis. A total of 125 autistic adolescents and adults aged 16-45 (M = 25.40) participated. Linear regression models were constructed to investigate whether employment, depression, anxiety, and social participation were associated with five domains of quality of life: overall, physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environment. Additional linear regression models explored whether emotion dysregulation was associated with the same quality of life domains. Results Surprisingly, employment was not significantly associated with any quality of life domain. Greater depression severity was significantly associated with poorer quality of life across all domains. Greater social participation was associated with better quality of life, but only for individuals with lower anxiety. More severe dysphoria was associated with poorer overall quality of life and the psychological and physical health domains. Conclusions Results suggest that mental health and emotion dysregulation are important predictors of quality of life for autistic people. They also suggest that anxiety symptoms may attenuate the beneficial effects of social participation. This study provides insight into the unique experiences of autistic individuals and highlights potential unmet need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen T MacKenzie
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- For correspondence: Kristen T. MacKenzie, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3811 O'Hara Street, Webster Hall, Suite 300, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Anabelle Theodat
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kelly B Beck
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Caitlin M Conner
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Carla A Mazefsky
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shaun M Eack
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, Pittsburgh, PA USA
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15
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Huntjens A, van den Bosch LMCW, Sizoo B, Kerkhof A, Smit F, van der Gaag M. The effectiveness and safety of dialectical behavior therapy for suicidal ideation and behavior in autistic adults: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Psychol Med 2024; 54:2707-2718. [PMID: 38606582 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291724000825] [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] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Many autistic people in mental health are suicidal. This study evaluated the effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) v. treatment as usual (TAU) in reducing suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. METHODS At six Dutch mental health centers, 123 outpatients (18-65 years) with DSM-5 diagnosed autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and suicidal behavior were randomly assigned to the DBT intervention group (n = 63) or TAU control group (n = 60). Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-treatment at 6 months and 12-month follow-up. The primary outcomes were severity of suicidal ideation and frequency of suicide attempts. The severity of depression and social anxiety were secondary outcomes. RESULTS At end-of-treatment, DBT significantly reduced both suicidal ideation (z = -2.24; p = 0.025; b = -4.41; s.e. = 197.0) and suicide attempts (z = -3.15; p = 0.002; IRR = 0.046; s.e. = 0.045) compared to TAU, but lost statistical significance at the 12-month follow-up. Depression severity significantly decreased with DBT (z = -1.99; p = 0.046: b = -2.74; s.e. = 1.37) remaining so at 12 months (z = -2.46; p = 0.014; b = -3.37; s.e. = 1.37). No effects were observed on social anxiety. Severe adverse events included two suicides in the TAU condition. CONCLUSIONS DBT is an acceptable, safe, and short-term effective intervention to reduce suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in autistic adults with suicidal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Huntjens
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Public Mental Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Ad Kerkhof
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Public Mental Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Filip Smit
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Public Mental Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mark van der Gaag
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Public Mental Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, Netherlands
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16
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Moore HL, Cassidy S, Rodgers J. Exploring the mediating effect of camouflaging and the moderating effect of autistic identity on the relationship between autistic traits and mental wellbeing. Autism Res 2024; 17:1391-1406. [PMID: 38108621 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Mental health difficulties are prevalent among autistic adults. Camouflaging (behaving differently to fit in) may be a mechanism by which autistic traits and mental health difficulties relate to each other, but little research has considered the role of different facets of camouflaging. Additionally, autistic identity might buffer against camouflaging and mental health difficulties. This research aims to explore the mediating effects of camouflaging behaviours on the relationship between autistic traits and both positive and negative mental wellbeing, as well as how autistic identity might moderate the relationship between autistic traits and camouflaging, and also mental health. Data were available for 627 autistic adults, recruited through volunteer databases and social media. Participants completed measures of autistic traits, anxiety, depression, positive wellbeing, camouflaging behaviours (compensating for difficulties, masking, and assimilating/putting on an act) and autistic identity. Mediation and moderated mediation models were tested, applying 95% bootstrapped CIs (10,000 resamples) and including age, gender and diagnosis as covariates. There were no significant direct effects between autistic traits and mental wellbeing. Assimilation was a significant mediator of all mental wellbeing measures, and compensation was a significant mediator of positive wellbeing only. Autistic identity was not a significant moderator. Assimilation and compensation should be considered when offering psychological interventions to support mental wellbeing of autistic people. Additional research into external drivers of camouflaging (e.g. stigma) and mechanisms by which camouflaging impacts mental wellbeing, such as autonomy, authenticity, skill mastery and community, may identify other areas of support. Concurrently, societal change is necessary to reduce the need to camouflage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Cassidy
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jacqui Rodgers
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
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17
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Schoondermark F, Spek A, Kiep M. Evaluating an Autistic Burnout Measurement in Women. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06438-8. [PMID: 38916695 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06438-8] [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: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
This study evaluated the suitability of an unpublished autistic burnout assessment tool, focusing on autistic women. Distinguishing autistic burnout from conditions like depression or anxiety is crucial for effective interventions, emphasizing the need for nuanced research and refined measures in understanding and addressing autistic burnout. The Dutch version of the AASPIRE Autistic Burnout Measure (AABM-NL) was evaluated within a sample of 45 autistic women from the Autism Expertise Center. Preliminary findings of the AABM-NL scores demonstrated promising evidence of good internal consistency and convergent validity. Positive associations were observed between AABM-NL scores and a Likert scale assessing identification with autistic burnout, as well as with an instrument measuring physical and psychological complaints (SCL-90-R; Symptom Checklist-90-Revised). Specifically, anxiety, somatization, cognitive-performance deficits, and depression were correlated with the severity of autistic burnout. There was no significant difference between work status and the severity of autistic burnout, implying no employment-related connection. The AABM-NL effectively differentiated between women with and without autistic burnout, with 62 points as a suitable cut-off point. However, these results may not be generalized to women requiring daily living support, individuals beyond outpatient psychiatric settings, or those in institutionalized populations. The preliminary findings provide empirical evidence supporting the use of the AABM-NL as a potential tool for assessing autistic burnout in women receiving outpatient psychiatric care. Its implementation may contribute to programs aimed at recognizing and preventing autistic burnout in women. Further research is needed to enhance intervention strategies for mitigating the risk of autistic burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fleur Schoondermark
- Autism Expertise Center, Goyergracht Zuid 39, Eemnes, 3755 MZ, The Netherlands.
| | - Annelies Spek
- Autism Expertise Center, Goyergracht Zuid 39, Eemnes, 3755 MZ, The Netherlands
| | - Michelle Kiep
- Autism Expertise Center, Goyergracht Zuid 39, Eemnes, 3755 MZ, The Netherlands
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18
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Pyszkowska A. It is More Anxiousness than Role-playing: Social Camouflaging Conceptualization Among Adults on the Autism Spectrum Compared to Persons with Social Anxiety Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06416-0. [PMID: 38842668 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06416-0] [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: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Autistic individuals consider social camouflaging, e.g., masking autistic traits or social skills compensation, as exhausting and effortful, often leading to diminished well-being or burnout, as well as adaptive for satisfying social interactions. Developing camouflaging may result in isolation, social avoidance, increased self-stigmatization, and misdiagnosis, including social anxiety disorder. The study's objective was to explore and conceptualize social camouflaging, with a particular focus on social anxiety symptoms, autistic burnout, and public stigma, among autistic individuals, with two comparative samples: with social anxiety disorder (SAD) and dual diagnoses (SAD + ASD). METHODS 254 individuals participated in the study (including 186 females, 148 with ASD diagnosis). CAT-Q, AQ-10, AASPIRE's Autistic Burnout Scale, LSAS-SR, The Perceived Public Stigma Scale were used. RESULTS The findings suggest differences in the interrelation dynamics between the samples studied, with autistic burnout and social anxiety symptoms of essential significance in camouflaging strategies, and autistic traits being of secondary importance. Structural equation models showed that the proposed conceptualization, with camouflaging and autistic burnout as the outcome variables, exhibited acceptable fit, implying that this strategy is costly and may result in exhaustion. CONCLUSION The total score of camouflaging did not differ between the groups studied, suggesting that a tendency to camouflage is rather transdiagnostic, deriving from anxiousness and negative self-perception, not being autistic per se.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pyszkowska
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Grażyńskiego 53, Katowice, 40-007, Poland.
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19
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Mathur SK, Renz E, Tarbox J. Affirming Neurodiversity within Applied Behavior Analysis. Behav Anal Pract 2024; 17:471-485. [PMID: 38966275 PMCID: PMC11219658 DOI: 10.1007/s40617-024-00907-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Criticisms of applied behavior analysis (ABA) from the autistic community continue to intensify and have an appreciable impact on research, practice, and conversation in stakeholder groups. ABA providers aspire to increase quality of life for autistic people; thus, it is imperative for providers to listen with humility and openness to the population we serve. Autistic individuals have unparalleled expertise in their own lives and their own communities. The concerns raised by the autistic community cannot, morally or ethically, be swept aside. There may be a misguided and harmful tendency to devalue concerns due to the speaker's identification as autistic or due to their difference in professional credentials. The concept of neurodiversity can help the ABA field respond to these concerns and collaborate with the largest stakeholders of our services, the autistic clients we serve. This article summarizes some of the key criticisms that autistic advocates raise concerning ABA, discusses the social model of disability and the neurodiversity paradigm, and proposes practical guidance to help the field of ABA integrate neurodiversity and thereby evolve our research and practice. By openly acknowledging the criticisms against ABA and recognizing how we can do better as a field, we believe we can take practical steps towards a profession and a society that more fully embraces inclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ellie Renz
- University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Jonathan Tarbox
- University of Southern California and FirstSteps for Kids, Alhambra, CA USA
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20
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Friedman S, Noble R, Archer S, Gibson J, Hughes C. "It Helps Make the Fuzzy Go Away": Autistic Adults' Perspectives on Nature's Relationship with Well-being Through the Life Course. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2024; 6:192-204. [PMID: 39139514 PMCID: PMC11317802 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2023.0009] [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: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Background While previous work highlights the links between nature and various positive well-being-related outcomes, the experiences of autistic people in nature have received limited empirical research. Our study aimed at gathering autistic adults' perspectives on the relationship between nature and well-being in both childhood and adulthood. Methods We used an online survey to capture the views of 127 autistic adults across the United Kingdom. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we analyzed responses to three questions focused on nature experiences in childhood and adulthood and how the participants felt that nature was (or was not) related to well-being. Guided by self-determination theory, we used both inductive and deductive analysis. Results We developed three main themes to reflect the nature experiences of autistic adults: choosing to escape into nature, supporting relatedness through connecting in (and to) nature, and nature doesn't judge, but other people do. Compared with many other contexts, nature provides a non-judgmental space through which (in both childhood and adulthood) many, but not all, autistic individuals can meet individual needs and experience autonomy, relatedness, and competence. Conclusion This analysis of how autistic adults in the United Kingdom utilize nature to support well-being has implications for how nature can be used in social prescribing as well as in ensuring that existing outdoor spaces, organizations, and activities are supportive of autistic people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Friedman
- Department of Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Centre for Family Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Roan Noble
- Independent Consultant, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Steph Archer
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jenny Gibson
- Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Hughes
- Centre for Family Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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21
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Blank E, Gilbert DL, Wu SW, Larsh T, Elmaghraby R, Liu R, Smith E, Westerkamp G, Liu Y, Horn PS, Greenstein E, Sweeney JA, Erickson CA, Pedapati EV. Accelerated Theta Burst Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Refractory Depression in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06244-2. [PMID: 38744742 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06244-2] [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: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Major depressive disorder (MDD) disproportionately affects those living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is associated with significant impairment and treatment recidivism. METHODS We studied the use of accelerated theta burst stimulation (ATBS) for the treatment of refractory MDD in ASD (3 treatments daily x 10 days). This prospective open-label 12-week trial included 10 subjects with a mean age of 21.5 years, randomized to receive unilateral or bilateral stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. RESULTS One participant dropped out of the study due to intolerability. In both treatment arms, depressive symptoms, scored on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores, diminished substantially. At 12 weeks post-treatment, full remission was sustained in 5 subjects and partial remission in 3 subjects. Treatment with ATBS, regardless of the site of stimulation, was associated with a significant, substantial, and sustained improvement in depressive symptomatology via the primary outcome measure, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Additional secondary measures, including self-report depression scales, fluid cognition, and sleep quality, also showed significant improvement. No serious adverse events occurred during the study. Mild transient headaches were infrequently reported, which are expected side effects of ATBS. CONCLUSION Overall, ATBS treatment was highly effective and well-tolerated in individuals with ASD and co-occurring MDD. The findings support the need for a larger, sham-controlled randomized controlled trial to further evaluate efficacy of ATBS in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Blank
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Donald L Gilbert
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Steve W Wu
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Travis Larsh
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Rana Elmaghraby
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Rui Liu
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Elizabeth Smith
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Child Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Grace Westerkamp
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Yanchen Liu
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Paul S Horn
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Ethan Greenstein
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - John A Sweeney
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Craig A Erickson
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Ernest V Pedapati
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
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Kirby AV, Conner CM, Mazefsky CA. Are autistic females at greater risk of suicide? A call for clarity to advance suicide prevention for the whole community. Autism Res 2024; 17:898-905. [PMID: 38429939 PMCID: PMC11102323 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3120] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Understanding suicide risk is critical for supporting prevention. A growing body of evidence shows autistic people are at greater risk for multiple suicide-related outcomes than non-autistic people. This commentary is in response to an observed pattern of miscommunication in scientific and community spaces about autistic females having higher risk of suicide. However, it is not always clear who they are being compared with in these statements. To address this confusion, we summarize the current population-based evidence on autistic suicide risk, highlighting findings related to sex similarities and differences, which actually indicates comparable rates of suicide death among autistic males and females, and mixed findings related to sex differences in risk of other suicidal behaviors. We call for greater clarity in suicide risk communication moving forward focused on outcomes, measurement, sampling methods, and comparison groups to reflect accurate conclusions about existing evidence. Further research is needed about the full range of suicide-related outcomes for autistic people, including a greater understanding of sex differences as well as potential gender differences to include transgender and nonbinary autistic people. However, studies of sex and gender differences should not overshadow the compelling need for efforts to understand and address the elevated risk of suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and death among autistic people across sex and gender boundaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne V Kirby
- Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Caitlin M Conner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Carla A Mazefsky
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Camus L, Rajendran G, Stewart ME. Social self-efficacy and mental well-being in autistic adults: Exploring the role of social identity. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:1258-1267. [PMID: 37728250 PMCID: PMC11067414 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231195799] [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: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT In the past, research has suggested that autistic people are not able to communicate well with non-autistic people because of autistic people's communication difficulties. However, newer theories question this conclusion. It is now thought that the communication difficulties may be because autistic and non-autistic people both struggle to understand each other. This study explores how these differences in shared understanding relate to autistic people's mental well-being, confidence in social situations and social identities (groups that we belong to and that influence how we see ourselves). We created an online survey taken by 512 autistic adults, which included questions about their confidence being social with people from different groups (such as other autistic people or people they share a hobby with), about the social groups they felt they belong to and about their mental well-being. First, participants reported higher social confidence when interacting with members of a social group they belonged to. Second, being confident during these interactions was linked to higher mental well-being. Finally, the groups participants belonged to did not influence the link between social confidence and mental well-being. These findings are important as they help us better understand autistic people's experiences of social interactions and what contributes to good and poor mental well-being in autistic people. They also help us to think further about how to improve autistic people's well-being.
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Lundin Remnélius K, Bölte S. Camouflaging in Autism: Age Effects and Cross-Cultural Validation of the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q). J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:1749-1764. [PMID: 36757540 PMCID: PMC11136743 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05909-8] [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: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Given that camouflaging has been suggested to contribute to delayed diagnosis and mental health problems among autistic people, validated measures of the construct are needed. This study describes the psychometric evaluation of the Swedish adaptation of the self-reported Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) in autistic (n = 100) and general population (n = 539) samples aged 10 to 83 years. Analyses indicated good-to-excellent internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Construct validity was supported by autistic participants scoring higher than non-autistic, and autistic females scoring higher than autistic males on the measure. Also as expected, camouflaging was associated with theoretically linked traits, including autistic behaviors and depressive symptoms. On the other hand, the factor structure of the original CAT-Q did not provide a good fit in the Swedish data set, and validity issues were found, particularly in children younger than 15 years, warranting further investigation of the construct validity of the scale. Different age trajectories were observed, where camouflaging behaviors decreased during adulthood in non-autistic people but remained at an elevated level among autistic people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Lundin Remnélius
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Gävlegatan 22B, 113 30, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Sven Bölte
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Gävlegatan 22B, 113 30, Stockholm, Sweden
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Curtin Autism Research Group, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Woodhouse E, Hollingdale J, Davies L, Al-Attar Z, Young S, Vinter LP, Agyemang K, Bartlett C, Berryessa C, Chaplin E, Deeley Q, Freckelton I, Gerry F, Gudjonsson G, Maras K, Mattison M, McCarthy J, Mills R, Misch P, Murphy D, Allely C. Identification and support of autistic individuals within the UK Criminal Justice System: a practical approach based upon professional consensus with input from lived experience. BMC Med 2024; 22:157. [PMID: 38609939 PMCID: PMC11015650 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03320-3] [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: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (hereafter referred to as autism) is characterised by difficulties with (i) social communication, social interaction, and (ii) restricted and repetitive interests and behaviours. Estimates of autism prevalence within the criminal justice system (CJS) vary considerably, but there is evidence to suggest that the condition can be missed or misidentified within this population. Autism has implications for an individual's journey through the CJS, from police questioning and engagement in court proceedings through to risk assessment, formulation, therapeutic approaches, engagement with support services, and long-term social and legal outcomes. METHODS This consensus based on professional opinion with input from lived experience aims to provide general principles for consideration by United Kingdom (UK) CJS personnel when working with autistic individuals, focusing on autistic offenders and those suspected of offences. Principles may be transferable to countries beyond the UK. Multidisciplinary professionals and two service users were approached for their input to address the effective identification and support strategies for autistic individuals within the CJS. RESULTS The authors provide a consensus statement including recommendations on the general principles of effective identification, and support strategies for autistic individuals across different levels of the CJS. CONCLUSION Greater attention needs to be given to this population as they navigate the CJS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Woodhouse
- Compass Psychology Services Ltd, London, UK
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Zainab Al-Attar
- University of Oxford, London, UK
- University College London, London, UK
- Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Susan Young
- Psychology Services Limited, London, UK
- University of Reykjavík, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Luke P Vinter
- Department of Criminology, University of Derby, Derby, UK
| | | | | | | | - Eddie Chaplin
- London South Bank University, Institute of Health and Social Care, London, UK
| | - Quinton Deeley
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- National Autism Unit, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ian Freckelton
- Law Faculty and Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Castan Chambers, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Felicity Gerry
- Libertas Chambers, London, UK
- Crockett Chambers, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gisli Gudjonsson
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Jane McCarthy
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard Mills
- AT-Autism, London, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | | | - David Murphy
- Broadmoor Hospital, West London NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Clare Allely
- School of Health and Society, University of Salford, Manchester, UK.
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West KM. Treating Pediatric Feeding Disorders and Dysphagia: Evidence-Based Interventions for School-Based Clinicians. Lang Speech Hear Serv Sch 2024; 55:444-457. [PMID: 38198285 DOI: 10.1044/2023_lshss-23-00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Children with pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) and dysphagia are increasingly prevalent in school-based caseloads. This tutorial discusses the current best practices for treating children with PFD and dysphagia as well as considerations for service delivery in educational settings. METHOD The rationale for treating PFD and dysphagia in an educational setting is discussed. A review of various interventions for PFD and dysphagia and a discussion of the available evidence are provided. The principles of experience-dependent neuroplasticity and theory-driven practice are discussed in light of the need for additional empirical research. Practical considerations to enhance evidence-based practice for PFD and dysphagia in educational settings are explored. RESULTS The reader will be able to identify evidence-based interventions for students with PFD and dysphagia and plan for the implementation of these approaches in the school setting. CONCLUSIONS Students with PFD and dysphagia require skilled interventions to support their participation in educationally relevant activities and to promote continued development of feeding and swallowing skills while at school. A discussion of the current evidence for various interventions is provided to promote the utilization of evidence-based interventions in school-based settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M West
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Pennsylvania Western University Edinboro, PA
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27
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Newell V, Townsend E, Richards C, Cassidy S. Measurement properties of tools used to assess self-harm in autistic and general population adults. Clin Psychol Rev 2024; 109:102412. [PMID: 38503029 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Autistic people are at increased risk of experiencing self-harm compared to the general population. However, it is unclear which tools are being used to assess self-harm in autistic people, or whether existing tools need to be adapted for this group. This two-stage systematic review aimed to identify tools used to assess self-harm in autistic and general population adults, evaluate these tools on their measurement properties, and make recommendations for their appropriate use in research and clinical practice. Four databases were systematically searched (PsycINFO, Embase, MEDLINE and Web of Science). Eight frequently used self-harm assessment tools were identified and assessed for risk of bias, criteria for good measurement properties, and quality of evidence using the COSMIN checklist. Of these, two tools had sufficient evidence of internal consistency (ISAS, QNSSI), and one had been frequently used with autistic adults (NSSI-AT). These three tools may have potential for use with autistic adults but require further investigation for content validity and measurement properties in the autistic population. More research and potential adaptations to current self-harm assessment tools are recommended in order to better conceptualise and understand self-harm and its measurement in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Newell
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom.
| | - Ellen Townsend
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Richards
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, 52 Pritchatts Road, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Cassidy
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
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Afsharnejad B, Black MH, Falkmer M, Bölte S, Girdler S. The Methodological Quality and Intervention Fidelity of Randomised Controlled Trials Evaluating Social Skills Group Programs in Autistic Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:1281-1316. [PMID: 36681732 PMCID: PMC10981608 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05893-z] [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: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
A systematic review and meta-analysis were utilised to explore the methodological quality, program fidelity, and efficacy of social skills group programs (SSGPs) aiming to support autistic adolescents in navigating their everyday social worlds. The study evaluated the methodological quality and theoretical fidelity of studies, with a random effect meta-analysis conducted to summarise the overall efficacy of SSGP and its effect on social communication and interaction, behavioural/emotional challenges, adaptive functioning, and autism characteristics. Although findings from the 18 identified studies indicated an adjusted medium overall effect with these programs successfully supporting autistic adolescents' socialisation needs (g = 0. 60, p < 0.001), most studies demonstrated medium to low program fidelity despite their good methodological quality. Given the significant heterogeneity of SSGPs and variations in the design and measurement frameworks of efficacy studies, understanding the generalisability of the findings of this research is unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Afsharnejad
- School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia.
- Curtin Autism Research Group (CARG), Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - Melissa H Black
- School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia
- Curtin Autism Research Group (CARG), Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet & Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marita Falkmer
- School of Education and Communication, CHILD, Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Sven Bölte
- School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia
- Curtin Autism Research Group (CARG), Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet & Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sonya Girdler
- School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia
- Curtin Autism Research Group (CARG), Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet & Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
- School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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29
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Mohamed Z, Russell A, Palmer M, Simonoff E, Hollocks MJ. Co-designing behavioural activation for depression for autistic adolescents: A case series. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 29:608-623. [PMID: 38286623 PMCID: PMC10945993 DOI: 10.1177/13591045241229583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Autistic youth are at high risk of depression, but there are few psychological interventions that have been specifically designed for use with this population. Behavioural activation (BA) is a particularly promising approach for autistic adolescents, having an established evidence-base for the treatment of depression in non-autistic people, and with a strong focus on behavioural, rather than cognitive change, which is a challenge for some autistic people. In this study, we worked with autistic adolescents and clinicians to co-design a BA-informed intervention to be delivered in an online format. We then conducted a pilot case-series with seven autistic adolescents with depression. Our focus was on establishing the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention but clinical outcomes on both self- and parent-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety are also presented. Our results indicate the intervention to be acceptable and feasible for autistic adolescents, with six out of seven participants being retained to the end of the intervention. Qualitative feedback indicated that all participants found the intervention a positive experience and would recommend it to others. Similarly, all participants found the online format acceptable, with 64% preferring this format to face-to-face therapy. Qualitative feedback and suggestions for refinement will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zameer Mohamed
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Ailsa Russell
- Centre for Applied Autism Research, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Melanie Palmer
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Emily Simonoff
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Matthew J Hollocks
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK
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30
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Rybczynski S. Mortality and Autism: Suicide and Elopement. Pediatr Clin North Am 2024; 71:343-351. [PMID: 38423725 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2023.12.006] [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] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Autistic children and youth are at risk for premature mortality. Two preventable causes of that increased risk are elopement and suicide. Pediatricians should educate themselves and caregivers about strategies that could prevent tragic situations involving autistic youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Rybczynski
- East Tennessee Children's Hospital, 2018 Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916, USA; Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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31
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Keating CT, Hickman L, Geelhand P, Takahashi T, Leung J, Monk R, Schuster B, Rybicki A, Girolamo TM, Clin E, Papastamou F, Belenger M, Eigsti IM, Cook JL, Kosaka H, Osu R, Okamoto Y, Sowden-Carvalho S. Cross-cultural variation in experiences of acceptance, camouflaging and mental health difficulties in autism: A registered report. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299824. [PMID: 38507392 PMCID: PMC10954134 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299824] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent findings suggest that stigma and camouflaging contribute to mental health difficulties for autistic individuals, however, this evidence is largely based on UK samples. While studies have shown cross-cultural differences in levels of autism-related stigma, it is unclear whether camouflaging and mental health difficulties vary across cultures. Hence, the current study had two aims: (1) to determine whether significant relationships between autism acceptance, camouflaging, and mental health difficulties replicate in a cross-cultural sample of autistic adults, and (2) to compare these variables across cultures. To fulfil these aims, 306 autistic adults from eight countries (Australia, Belgium, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States) completed a series of online questionnaires. We found that external acceptance and personal acceptance were associated with lower levels of depression but not camouflaging or stress. Higher camouflaging was associated with elevated levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Significant differences were found across countries in external acceptance, personal acceptance, depression, anxiety, and stress, even after controlling for relevant covariates. Levels of camouflaging also differed across countries however this effect became non-significant after controlling for the covariates. These findings have significant implications, identifying priority regions for anti-stigma interventions, and highlighting countries where greater support for mental health difficulties is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor Tom Keating
- Centre for Developmental Science, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Lydia Hickman
- Centre for Developmental Science, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Philippine Geelhand
- ACTE (Autism in Context: Theory and Experiment) at LaDisco (Center for Linguistics Research) and ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Toru Takahashi
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Joan Leung
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ruth Monk
- Autistic Member of the Autism New Zealand Community Advisory Group, New Zealand/School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Bianca Schuster
- Centre for Developmental Science, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Cognition, Emotion and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alicia Rybicki
- Centre for Developmental Science, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa Marie Girolamo
- School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - Elise Clin
- ACTE (Autism in Context: Theory and Experiment) at LaDisco (Center for Linguistics Research) and ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fanny Papastamou
- ACTE (Autism in Context: Theory and Experiment) at LaDisco (Center for Linguistics Research) and ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie Belenger
- ACTE (Autism in Context: Theory and Experiment) at LaDisco (Center for Linguistics Research) and ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Inge-Marie Eigsti
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Louise Cook
- Centre for Developmental Science, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Hirotaka Kosaka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Rieko Osu
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Yuko Okamoto
- Waseda Institute for Advanced Study, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sophie Sowden-Carvalho
- Centre for Developmental Science, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Han GT, Heavner HS, Rains TR, Hoang AH, Stone AL. Chronic Pain in Autistic Youth: Clinical Prevalence and Reflections on Tailoring Evidence-Based Interventions from an Interdisciplinary Treatment Team. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:312. [PMID: 38539347 PMCID: PMC10968925 DOI: 10.3390/children11030312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Though there is growing awareness of the overrepresentation of autistic patients in chronic pain clinics, potential adaptations for the assessment and treatment of chronic pain in this population have not yet been established. To address this gap, a retrospective review of electronic medical records and discussions by an interdisciplinary pain treatment team were summarized to inform potential biopsychosocial factors affecting the presentation, assessment, and treatment of chronic pain in autistic youth. Our sample included a record review of 95 patients receiving treatment in an interdisciplinary outpatient pediatric pain clinic. Results indicated that 9% (n = 9) of the patients presented to the clinic with a prior diagnosis of autism, but an additional 21% (n = 20) were identified as likely meeting criteria for autism based on the clinical assessment of the developmental history, behaviors observed during the clinical encounter(s), and expert clinical judgment, suggesting that the prevalence rate of autism may be closer to 30% in our outpatient pediatric pain clinic. Over half (52%) of the autistic youth presented to the clinic with widespread pain, 60% identified as female, and 6% identified as gender expansive or transgender. Qualitative insights revealed that most of the autistic patients had co-occurring sensory-processing challenges and difficulty in describing their pain, emotions, and somatic experiences and exhibited cognitive inflexibility and social challenges. We summarize our team's clinical reflections on how autism-relevant biopsychosocial vulnerability factors may contribute to the experience of pain in autistic youth and propose treatment targets and adaptations for the assessment and treatment of pain in this population. Finally, we recommend the need for interventions focused on sensorimotor integration, especially for autistic youth, and describe how pain clinics may be particularly helpful for identifying and supporting autistic females, for whom the potential role of autism in pain experiences had not been considered until receiving treatment in our clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria T. Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (A.H.H.); (A.L.S.)
| | - Holly S. Heavner
- Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (H.S.H.); (T.R.R.)
| | - Thomas R. Rains
- Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (H.S.H.); (T.R.R.)
| | - Alan H. Hoang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (A.H.H.); (A.L.S.)
| | - Amanda L. Stone
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (A.H.H.); (A.L.S.)
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Somerville M, MacPherson SE, Fletcher-Watson S. The Associations Between Camouflaging, Autistic Traits, and Mental Health in Nonautistic Adults. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2024; 6:106-113. [PMID: 38435324 PMCID: PMC10902276 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2023.0018] [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: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Background Camouflaging is frequently reported in autistic people and entails the disguising of autistic traits in social situations. Camouflaging is associated with poor mental health in autistic people. This study examined the manifestation of camouflaging in a nonautistic sample, examining the relationship between autistic traits, self-reported camouflaging, gender, and mental health. Method In total 110 nonautistic adults completed standardized self-report questionnaires that measured autistic traits, mental health symptoms, and camouflaging behaviors. Hierarchical multiple linear regression models were used to analyze data and examine the unique contributions of autistic traits and camouflaging to mental health. Results Self-reported autistic traits were associated with increased symptoms of poor mental health. However, autistic traits were not associated with mental health symptoms when controlling for self-reported camouflaging, and self-reported camouflaging predicted increased mental health symptoms over and above the effects of autistic traits. Women had poorer mental health than men in our sample, and in women there was a stronger relationship between camouflaging and mental health than in men. Conclusions Camouflaging may contribute to poor mental health outcomes in the general population, just as it does for autistic people, to the extent that camouflaging more clearly relates to mental health profile than self-reported autism traits. This suggests camouflaging is an important construct for understanding mental health in general, and for exploring the complex relationship between autism and autistic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Somerville
- Human Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E. MacPherson
- Human Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sue Fletcher-Watson
- Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Huntjens A, Landlust A, Wissenburg S, van der Gaag M. The Prevalence of Suicidal Behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorder. CRISIS 2024; 45:144-153. [PMID: 37668055 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Background: Suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempts (SA) are common in autistic individuals, but prevalence rates have not yet been estimated with meta-analysis. Aims: This meta-analysis aims to estimate SI and SA prevalence rates in autistic individuals and identify subgroup differences based on sample characteristics and study quality. Methods: A systematic search identified 52 studies with 88,509 autistic participants reporting SI and SA. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated using a random-effects model. Results: Pooled prevalence estimates of lifetime SI and SA were 37.2% [95% CI 25.3-50.8] and 15.3% [95% CI 9.5-23.6], respectively. For 12-month prevalence, this was 25.4% [95% CI 19.0-33.2] and 14.1% [95% CI 7.4-25.2], respectively. Subgroup analyses revealed significant differences based on age (SI), region (SI), data collection (SI), measurement scales used to define autism and suicidality (SA), and representation of the study sample (SI and SA). Heterogeneity measures were high for all outcomes (I2 = 60.3-99.1%). Limitations: The heterogeneity of the included studies may limit the generalizability of our findings. Conclusion: The high rates of suicidal problems in autistic individuals call for a systematic evaluation of suicidality in clinical practice and adequate therapeutic interventions to improve this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Huntjens
- Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University and Amsterdam Public Health Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychosis Research, Parnassia Academy, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Annemiek Landlust
- Autism Team Northern-Netherlands, Jonx, Department of (Youth) Mental Health and Autism, Lentis Psychiatric Institute, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sophie Wissenburg
- Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University and Amsterdam Public Health Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychosis Research, Parnassia Academy, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Mark van der Gaag
- Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University and Amsterdam Public Health Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychosis Research, Parnassia Academy, The Hague, The Netherlands
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35
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Moseley RL, Gregory NJ, Smith P, Allison C, Cassidy S, Baron-Cohen S. Potential Mechanisms Underlying Suicidality in Autistic People with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Testing Hypotheses from the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2024; 6:9-24. [PMID: 38435325 PMCID: PMC10902282 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2022.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Background Autistic people with co-occurring attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) appear to be at heightened risk of suicide. To understand why, we explored two explanatory mechanisms from the interpersonal theory of suicide: first, that co-occurring ADHD might be associated with greater risk through greater thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness and, secondly, that hyperactive/impulsive features might incur additional risk through their association with painful and provocative events, which are suggested to create "capability" for suicide. Methods Autistic adults (n = 314) completed an online survey including measures of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, painful and provocative events, acquired capability for suicide, and ADHD features. Creating an overall index of likely ADHD, we examined associations between likely ADHD, suicide ideation, and lifetime suicide attempts through the parallel mediators of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, anxiety, and depression. In several models, we then examined hyperactive, impulsive, and inattentive features as predictors of exposure to painful and provocative events and subsequent capability for suicide, and examined whether these two variables, sequentially or individually, mediated an association with lifetime suicide attempts. Results Likely ADHD was associated with past-year suicide ideation through greater depression and perceived burdensomeness, which also mediated its association with more suicide attempts. Hyperactive and impulsive features were associated with exposure to painful and provocative events and through this acquired suicide capability. Both features were associated with more numerous suicide attempts through these two mediators sequentially, and through exposure to painful and provocative events alone. Conclusions These data suggest that suicidality in autistic people with ADHD may be partially related to perceived burdensomeness and to acquired suicide capability after exposure to painful and provocative events. However, as we observed a pathway to suicidality associated with painful and provocative events alone, it is likely that there are also other explanatory mechanisms for the influence of traumatic events on suicide risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L. Moseley
- Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Poole, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola J. Gregory
- Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Poole, United Kingdom
| | - Paula Smith
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Carrie Allison
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Cassidy
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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36
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Loo BRY, Teo TJY, Liang MJ, Leong DJ, Tan DW, Zhuang S, Hull L, Livingston LA, Mandy W, Happé F, Magiati I. Exploring autistic adults' psychosocial experiences affecting beginnings, continuity and change in camouflaging over time: A qualitative study in Singapore. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:627-643. [PMID: 37300411 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231180075] [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: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Over their lifetimes, many autistic people learn to camouflage (hide or mask) their autism-related differences to forge relationships, find work and live independently in largely non-autistic societies. Autistic adults have described camouflaging as a 'lifetime of conditioning . . . to act normal' involving 'years of effort', suggesting that camouflaging develops over an autistic person's lifetime and may start early on, in childhood or adolescence. Yet, we know very little about why and how autistic people start to camouflage, or why and how their camouflaging behaviours continue or change over time. We interviewed 11 Singaporean autistic adults (9 male, 2 female, 22-45 years old) who shared their camouflaging experiences. We found that autistic adults' earliest motivations to camouflage were largely related to the desire to fit in and connect with others. They also camouflaged to avoid difficult social experiences (such as being teased or bullied). Autistic adults shared that their camouflaging behaviours became more complex and that, for some, camouflaging became a part of their self-identity over time. Our findings suggest that society should not pathologise autistic differences, but instead accept and include autistic people, to reduce the pressure on autistic people to hide who they truly are.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Diana Weiting Tan
- Macquarie University, Australia
- The University of Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sici Zhuang
- The University of Western Australia, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Iliana Magiati
- National University of Singapore, Singapore
- The University of Western Australia, Australia
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Schuck RK, Dwyer P, Baiden KMP, Williams ZJ, Wang M. Social Validity of Pivotal Response Treatment for Young Autistic Children: Perspectives of Autistic Adults. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:423-441. [PMID: 36427175 PMCID: PMC10821825 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05808-4] [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: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The social validity of autism behavioral intervention has been questioned. Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs) attempt to address some concerns, but it is unclear whether autistic people consider NDBIs socially valid. Social validity of an NDBI, Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), was investigated through autistic adults commenting on videos of autistic children receiving PRT. Qualitative coding of responses generated three themes: respect for individuals; assessment of intervention implementation; and socioemotional considerations. Although video brevity limits the scope of the present study's conclusions, participants highlighted PRT components that appeared socially valid (e.g., reinforcing attempts, following the child's lead) and aspects appearing invalid (e.g., overemphasis on spoken language). Therefore, adjustments appear necessary for PRT to be fully acceptable to the autistic community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel K Schuck
- Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106-9490, USA.
| | - Patrick Dwyer
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, USA
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, USA
| | - Kaitlynn M P Baiden
- Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106-9490, USA
| | - Zachary J Williams
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, USA
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
| | - Mian Wang
- Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106-9490, USA
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Riebel M, Krasny-Pacini A, Manolov R, Rohmer O, Weiner L. Compassion focused therapy for self-stigma and shame in autism: a single case pre-experimental study. Front Psychiatry 2024; 14:1281428. [PMID: 38260795 PMCID: PMC10800541 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1281428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Exposure to public stigma can lead to the internalization of autism-related stigma (i.e., self-stigma), associated with negative health, occupational and social outcomes. Importantly, self-stigma is linked to shame and social isolation. Although elevated self-stigma has been reported in autistic adults, to the best of our knowledge, interventions designed to target this issue are lacking. Compassion is an effective way to reduce the emotional correlates of self-stigma (i.e., shame) and their impacts on mental health. However, no study has investigated whether compassion focused therapy (CFT) can effectively reduce self-stigma in autistic adults. The present study aims at investigating whether and how self-compassion improvement following CFT may reduce self-stigma and shame in an autistic individual. Methods A single case pre-experimental design (SCED) was used with weekly repeated measures during four phases: (i) pure baseline without any intervention (A), (ii) case conceptualization (A'), (iii) intervention (B) where CFT was delivered, (iv) follow-up without intervention (FU). The participant is a 46-year-old autistic man with high self-stigma and shame. Self-report measures of self-compassion and self-stigma and a daily idiographic measure of shame were used. Results There was a large increase in self-compassion between pure baseline (A) and the intervention phase (A'B) (Tau-U = 0.99), maintained at follow-up. Similarly, there was a moderate decrease of self-stigma (Tau-U = 0.32). In contrast, when we compared the whole baseline phase AA' (i.e., considering the conceptualisation phase as baseline) to the intervention (B), there was no change in self-stigma (Tau-U = -0.09). There was no change in self-stigma between the intervention (B) and follow-up (Tau-U = -0.19). There was a moderate decrease in daily shame reports between the baseline (AA') and the intervention (B) (Tau-U = 0.31) and a moderate decrease between the pure baseline (A) and intervention phase (A'B) (Tau-U = 0.51). Conclusion CFT was feasible for this autistic client and our results show that CFT led to the improvement of self-compassion. Changes on self-stigma measures were moderate. Self-stigma may need more time to change. Because self-stigma is involved in poorer social functioning and mental health in autistic adults, our results are promising and suggesting conducting more large-scale studies on CFT in autistic adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Riebel
- Laboratoire de Psychologie des Cognitions (LPC, UR 4440), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Centre d’Excellence STRAS&ND, Strasbourg, France
| | - Agata Krasny-Pacini
- Institut Universitaire de Réadaptation Clémenceau, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Inserm U1114, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Rumen Manolov
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Odile Rohmer
- Laboratoire de Psychologie des Cognitions (LPC, UR 4440), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Centre d’Excellence STRAS&ND, Strasbourg, France
| | - Luisa Weiner
- Laboratoire de Psychologie des Cognitions (LPC, UR 4440), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Centre d’Excellence STRAS&ND, Strasbourg, France
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Pôle de Psychiatrie, Santé Mentale et Addictologie, Strasbourg, France
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Oshima F, Takahashi T, Tamura M, Guan S, Seto M, Hull L, Mandy W, Tsuchiya K, Shimizu E. The association between social camouflage and mental health among autistic people in Japan and the UK: a cross-cultural study. Mol Autism 2024; 15:1. [PMID: 38178255 PMCID: PMC10768303 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-023-00579-w] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To examine the relationship between social camouflage and mental health in Japanese autistic adults and make an international comparison with a sample from the UK. METHODS This study analysed secondary data of participants with a self-reported diagnosis of autism from Japan (N = 210; 123 men and 87 women) and the UK (N = 305; 181 women, 104, men, and 18 nonbinary). The relationships between the quadratic term of the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire and mental health scales, including depression and anxiety, were assessed. RESULTS The UK sample showed linear relationships, whereas the Japanese sample showed significant nonlinear relationships. The quadratic terms of the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire slightly explained generalised anxiety (β = .168, p = .007), depression (β = .121, p = .045), and well-being (β = - .127, p = .028). However, they did not explain the association between social anxiety and the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire. LIMITATIONS Participants had self-reported diagnoses, and while the autism-spectrum quotient provides a cut-off value for screening, it does not enable confirming diagnoses. Mean scores of the Japanese version of the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire were lower as compared to the original CAT-Q, which implies that the social camouflage strategy types used by autistic people in Japan and the UK could differ. The cross-sectional design limits causal inferences. CONCLUSION In the UK, more social camouflage was associated with poorer mental health scores, whereas too little or too much social camouflage was associated with a low mental health score in Japan. The Japanese population is seemingly less aware of and educated on autistic characteristics and considers 'average' behaviour a good thing. This could influence Japanese autistic people's social camouflage use, differing from that of autistic people in the UK. The differences in the relationship between social camouflage and mental health between Japan and the UK could be associated with national-level divergence regarding the culture of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiyo Oshima
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuouku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University; Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Toru Takahashi
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaki Tamura
- Department of Cognitive Behavioral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Siqing Guan
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuouku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
- Graduate School of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Mikuko Seto
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuouku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Laura Hull
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - William Mandy
- Research Department for Clinical, Educational & Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kenji Tsuchiya
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University; Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Osaka, Japan
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Eiji Shimizu
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuouku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University; Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Osaka, Japan
- Graduate School of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
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Francis S, Tseng A, Rawls E, Conelea C, Grissom N, Kummerfeld E, Ma S, Jacob S. Integrating Causal Discovery and Clinically-Relevant Insights to Explore Directional Relationships between Autistic Features, Sex at Birth, and Cognitive Abilities. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.12.21.23300348. [PMID: 38196591 PMCID: PMC10775686 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.21.23300348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Prevalence in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis has long been strongly male-biased. Yet, consensus has not been reached on mechanisms and clinical features that underlie sex-based discrepancies. Whereas females may be under-diagnosed because of inconsistencies in diagnostic/ascertainment procedures (sex-biased criteria, social camouflaging), diagnosed males may have exhibited more overt behaviors (e.g., hyperactivity, aggression) that prompted clinical evaluation. Applying a novel network-theory-based approach, we extracted data-driven, clinically-relevant insights from a large, well-characterized sample (Simons Simplex Collection) of 2175 autistic males (Ages = 8.9±3.5 years) and 334 autistic females (Ages = 9.2±3.7 years). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and expert clinical review reduced data dimensionality to 15 factors of interest. To offset inherent confounds of an imbalanced sample, we identified a subset of males (N=331) matched to females on key variables (Age, IQ) and applied data-driven CDA using Greedy Fast Causal Inference (GFCI) for three groups (All Females, All Males, and Matched Males). Structural equation modeling (SEM) extracted measures of model fit and effect sizes for causal relationships between sex, age, and, IQ on EFA-selected factors capturing phenotypic representations of autism across sensory, social, and restricted and repetitive behavior domains. Our methodology unveiled sex-specific directional relationships to inform developmental outcomes and targeted interventions.
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Garcha J, Smith AP. Associations between Autistic and ADHD Traits and the Well-Being and Mental Health of University Students. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 12:14. [PMID: 38200920 PMCID: PMC10779221 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010014] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Research on autism and ADHD continues to increase, as does the research on well-being and mental health. There is a growing need to understand what factors impact mental health and well-being, and the question arises as to what factors impact mental health and well-being in autism and ADHD. The existing literature focuses on two different aspects when it comes to the well-being and mental health of autism in students. One aspect focuses on mental health and well-being in diagnosed neurodivergent individuals, and the other aspect focuses on associations between autistic and ADHD traits and mental health and well-being. In order to understand the impact on mental health in autism, an online survey using the Qualtrics platform was given to a sample of 430 university students. The survey used the well-being process questionnaire, the autism spectrum quotient, the ADHD self-report scale, and the strengths and difficulties questionnaire. The results showed significant correlations between anxiety, depression, and autistic and ADHD traits (all correlations > 0.2). These variables were also correlated with the well-being and SDQ outcomes and well-being predictors (all correlations > 0.2). The regression analyses showed significant associations between well-being outcomes and predictor variables and anxiety and depression, whereas the effects of autistic and ADHD traits were restricted to the SDQ outcomes (hyperactivity, conduct, and peer problems). Regression analyses were also conducted to determine whether a variable formed by combining autistic traits, ADHD, anxiety, and depression scores was a significant predictor of well-being and SDQ outcomes. The combined variable was associated with all outcome variables except the prosocial variable. This study provides the basis for further research for understanding the interaction between well-being, mental health, autism, and ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew P. Smith
- Centre for Occupational and Health Psychology, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AS, UK;
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Jenks E, Selman F, Harmens M, Boon S, Tran T, Hobson H, Eagle S, Sedgewick F. Teaching higher education staff to understand and support autistic students: evaluation of a novel training program. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1264895. [PMID: 38188057 PMCID: PMC10770249 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1264895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Autistic students are particularly vulnerable to stressors within a university environment and are more likely to experience poor mental health than their non-autistic peers. Students' experiences of stigma from staff and peers, and the masking behaviors they deploy to minimize it, can also result in worsening mental health. Despite these concerns, there is a lack of tailored support for autistic students at university. The current project assesses a co-created training course for university staff focused on debunking stereotypes, educating about the autistic experience at university, mental health presentation among autistic individuals, and practical strategies to improve interactions with autistic students. Methods The Autism Stigma and Knowledge Questionnaire [ASK-Q] was administered before and after the training, to examine changes in trainees' understanding and acceptance of autism and autistic people. Post-training interviews and surveys were also conducted with trainees, covering the impact the training has had on their perceptions of autism, the strategies they found beneficial, and how they will use the materials in future. Results There were no statistically significant differences between pre- and post-training scores on the ASK-Q, likely due to ceiling effects as pre-training scores were high. Thematic analysis of interviews identified five themes: value of lived experience; developing nuanced, in-depth knowledge of autism; training as acceptable and feasible; links to professional practice; and systemic barriers. Conclusion Although ceiling effects meant there were no changes to participant's knowledge about autism and autistic people statistically, the qualitative data reveals the extensive benefits they gained from taking part in the training programs. Scoring highly on the ASK-Q did not mean that people could not learn important new information and benefit from the course. This more nuanced understanding of autism led to practical changes in their practice. Listening to and learning from autistic people was seen as particularly important, highlighting the value of co-production. Our results also emphasize the need for varied approaches to evaluating training effectiveness, as reliance on quantitative data alone would have missed the subtler, but impactful, changes our participants experienced. This has important implications for professional practice, both within higher education and more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Jenks
- School of Education, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Freya Selman
- School of Education, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Miriam Harmens
- Department of Psychology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Boon
- School of Education, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Trang Tran
- Health and Social Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Hobson
- Department of Psychology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Eagle
- School of Education, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Piening S, van Balkom IDC, Stapert AF, Henning D, Greaves-Lord K, Davids LRCD, Castelein S, Groen Y. Perspectives on Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis, Symptoms, Treatment and Gender Roles: A Qualitative Study of Similarities and Differences between Sexes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:7183. [PMID: 38131734 PMCID: PMC10742825 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20247183] [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] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to compare the experiences of women and men of different age groups with regard to their first autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, and gender roles to inform our understanding in clinical practice of differences as well as similarities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted amongst 22 women (n = 12) and men (n = 10) in three adult age groups regarding their diagnostic process, symptoms, treatment, and gender roles. Participants also filled out questionnaires on gender traits, social support, coping, and quality of life. Framework analysis guidelines were followed to identify subthemes within the three pre-defined key themes of the semi-structured interviews, and quantitative analyses were performed on the questionnaire results. Women often had caregiver roles and were more focused on social and family-oriented life aspects than men. Family and societal expectations may have been different for women from an early age onward and were considered burdensome by some, but not all. Views on ASD diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment were largely individually determined. The questionnaire results mostly showed no significant sex differences. Perceived gender roles differed between participants. In diagnosis and treatment, awareness of general gender differences and gender roles is important, but inter-individual differences and similar experiences in men should not be overlooked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid Piening
- Autism Team Northern-Netherlands, Jonx, Department of (Youth) Mental Health and Autism of Lentis Psychiatric Institute, 9700 AB Groningen, The Netherlands (A.F.S.); (K.G.-L.)
| | - Ingrid D. C. van Balkom
- Autism Team Northern-Netherlands, Jonx, Department of (Youth) Mental Health and Autism of Lentis Psychiatric Institute, 9700 AB Groningen, The Netherlands (A.F.S.); (K.G.-L.)
| | - Anne Fleur Stapert
- Autism Team Northern-Netherlands, Jonx, Department of (Youth) Mental Health and Autism of Lentis Psychiatric Institute, 9700 AB Groningen, The Netherlands (A.F.S.); (K.G.-L.)
| | - Daria Henning
- Outpatient Clinic for the Elderly, Lentis Psychiatric Institute, 9725 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kirstin Greaves-Lord
- Autism Team Northern-Netherlands, Jonx, Department of (Youth) Mental Health and Autism of Lentis Psychiatric Institute, 9700 AB Groningen, The Netherlands (A.F.S.); (K.G.-L.)
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Stynke Castelein
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands
- Lentis Research, Lentis Psychiatric Institute, 9725 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne Groen
- Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands
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Jubenville-Wood T, Nicholas DB, Weiss J, Cairns S. Facilitators and barriers in psychotherapy from the perspective of autistic adults: an enhanced critical incident study. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2023; 18:2278858. [PMID: 37979185 PMCID: PMC11000678 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2023.2278858] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE A significant portion of autistic adults experience mental health challenges. Currently, the literature is incomplete when it comes to understanding the needs and preferences of autistic adults who receive therapy. This study elicited the perspectives of autistic adults, focusing on the facilitators, barriers and ways to enhance psychotherapy based on receiving this care for mental health problems. METHODS Using the qualitative, exploratory approach of the Enhanced Critical Incident Technique, eight autistic adults took part in interviews. RESULTS A total of 147 critical incidents were extracted from participant interviews and categories salient to therapeutic practice. The study identified key factors influencing therapy, such as trust and respect, practical approaches, client factors, structure of sessions, knowledge about autism, support for individualized needs, access to mental health services, and involvement of family/advocate. These factors were categorized into eight main areas relevant to therapeutic practice. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this research reveal that psychotherapy with autistic adults is analogous to performing this work with non-autistic adults, in the sense that this work too entails elements of individually tailored treatment and the reliance on common therapeutic factors. There are also differences in this work that necessitate providers having foundational knowledge about autism. Learning directly from autistic adults' insights may help to improve upon the delivery of mental health care for autistic adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David B. Nicholas
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jonathan Weiss
- Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sharon Cairns
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Kim SA, Baczewski L, Pizzano M, Kasari C, Sturm A. Discrimination and Harassment Experiences of Autistic College Students and Their Neurotypical Peers: Risk and Protective Factors. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:4521-4534. [PMID: 36103077 PMCID: PMC10627989 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05729-2] [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: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
This study examines autistic and non-autistic college students' experiences of discrimination and harassment and identifies protective and risk factors. A nationwide survey was used to match autistic students (N = 290) and non-autistic students (N = 290) on co-occurring diagnoses and demographic characteristics. Multiple regression and interaction analysis revealed that faculty support was protective against discrimination and harassment regardless of autism status. Habits of mind was particularly protective for autistic students against harassment. Any student who engaged in school-facilitated events was more likely to experience discrimination and harassment, but the risk was heightened for autistic students. Findings highlight the importance of faculty support in fostering positive interpersonal experiences on campus, and demonstrate the need to address deeper college campus issues with respect to neurodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohyun An Kim
- Center for Dyslexia, Diverse Learners, and Social Justice, University of California Los Angeles, 3005B Moore Hall, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1521, USA.
- Charter College of Education, California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA.
| | - Lauren Baczewski
- Department of Education, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Maria Pizzano
- Department of Education, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Connie Kasari
- Department of Education, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Alexandra Sturm
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
- Department of Psychological Science, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, USA
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Schwartzman JM, Muscatello RA, Corbett BA. Assessing suicidal thoughts and behaviors and nonsuicidal self-injury in autistic and non-autistic early adolescents using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:2310-2323. [PMID: 37050857 PMCID: PMC10567987 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231162154] [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: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Autistic adolescents are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors and nonsuicidal self-injury than non-autistic adolescents, per caregiver- and self-report on single-item questionnaires. Comprehensive, clinician-rated measures of suicide risk have not been used to measure suicidal thoughts and behaviors and nonsuicidal self-injury in autistic youth despite greater parent-child rating discrepancies among autistic youth than their non-autistic peers. The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale is a widely used, clinician-rated measure of suicide risk that has not been tested with autistic youth. In this study, the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale was employed to assess suicidal thoughts and behaviors and nonsuicidal self-injury in a community sample of 239 early adolescents (10:0-13:9 years old), of whom 138 youth were autistic and 101 were not autistic. Multiple analyses examined diagnostic (autistic vs non-autistic) and sex-based (male vs female) differences in suicidal thoughts and behaviors and nonsuicidal self-injury, as well as youth consistency in reporting across self- and clinician-rated measures. Findings show that a greater proportion of autistic youth reported lifetime suicidal thoughts and nonsuicidal self-injury than non-autistic youth; however, there were no sex-based differences. The majority of non-autistic youth were consistent in reporting suicidal thoughts on self- and clinician-rated measures; however, nearly one in five autistic youth disclosed suicidal thoughts on a self-report measure but not to a psychiatrist on the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. Findings suggest that autism diagnostic status, but not sex, confers significant risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors and nonsuicidal self-injury in early adolescents and that the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale may be a useful measure of suicide risk for some autistic youth, but it may not detect all autistic youth experiencing suicidal thoughts.
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Zhuang S, Tan DW, Reddrop S, Dean L, Maybery M, Magiati I. Psychosocial factors associated with camouflaging in autistic people and its relationship with mental health and well-being: A mixed methods systematic review. Clin Psychol Rev 2023; 105:102335. [PMID: 37741059 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2023.102335] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Camouflaging involves hiding one's autistic characteristics in social situations. This mixed methods systematic review synthesized research on psychosocial factors associated with camouflaging and its relationship with mental well-being. Six databases were searched. The 58 included studies (40 qualitative, 13 quantitative, five mixed methods), encompassed 4808 autistic and 1780 non-autistic participants, and predominantly featured White, female, and late-diagnosed autistic adults with likely at least average intellectual and/or verbal abilities. Following a convergent integrated approach, quantitative data were transformed and synthesized with qualitative data for thematic synthesis. We identified three themes on psychosocial correlates of camouflaging: (1) social norms and pressures of a largely non-autistic world, (2) social acceptance and rejection, and (3) self-esteem and identity; and four themes on psychosocial consequences of camouflaging for well-being: (1) a pragmatic way of exerting individual agency and control; (2) overlooked, under-supported, and burnt out; (3) impact on social relationships; and (4) low self-esteem and identity confusion. Camouflaging emerges as primarily a socially motivated response linked to adverse psychosocial outcomes. A whole society approach towards acceptance and support for autistic individuals to express their authentic selves is needed. Future studies examining psychosocial influences on camouflaging should include participants who more broadly represent the autistic population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sici Zhuang
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Diana Weiting Tan
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Australia; Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University, Australia
| | | | - Lydia Dean
- Autistic Consultant, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Murray Maybery
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Australia
| | - Iliana Magiati
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Australia
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Belcher HL, Uglik-Marucha N, Vitoratou S, Ford RM, Morein-Zamir S. Gender bias in autism screening: measurement invariance of different model frameworks of the Autism Spectrum Quotient. BJPsych Open 2023; 9:e173. [PMID: 37781848 PMCID: PMC10594186 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2023.562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Autism Spectrum Quotient is a popular autism screening tool recommended for identifying potential cases of autism. However, many women with autism demonstrate a different presentation of traits to those currently captured by screening measures and assessment methods, such as the Autism Spectrum Quotient. AIMS Different models of the Autism Spectrum Quotient have been proposed in the literature, utilising different items from the original 50-item scale. Within good-fitting models, the current study aimed to explore whether these items assess autistic traits similarly across men and women. METHOD Seventeen Autism Spectrum Quotient models were identified from the literature. Using the responses of a large sample of adults from the UK general population (5246 women, 1830 men), confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate the fit of each model. Measurement invariance with respect to gender, adjusting for age, was explored in the 11 model frameworks that were found to have satisfactory fit to our data. RESULTS It emerged that only two items were gender invariant (non-biased), whereas for the remaining items, the probability of endorsement was influenced by gender. In particular, women had a higher probability of endorsing items relating to social skills and communication. CONCLUSIONS If the items of the Autism Spectrum Quotient indeed reflect autism-related traits, those items should be rephrased to ensure they do not present a gender-related bias. This is vital for ensuring more timely diagnoses and support for all people with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L. Belcher
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Nora Uglik-Marucha
- Psychometrics and Measurement Laboratory, Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Silia Vitoratou
- Psychometrics and Measurement Laboratory, Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Ruth M. Ford
- School of Psychology and Sports Science, Anglia Ruskin University, UK
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Arnold SR, Higgins JM, Weise J, Desai A, Pellicano E, Trollor JN. Confirming the nature of autistic burnout. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:1906-1918. [PMID: 36637293 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221147410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Autistic burnout is something autistic people have been talking about for a while (see #AutBurnout and #AutisticBurnout on social media). Recently, researchers published two different definitions of autistic burnout. We wanted to test these definitions. We wanted to confirm the duration and frequency of autistic burnout. That is, how long and how often do people get autistic burnout? We surveyed 141 autistic adults who had autistic burnout. We used descriptive statistics, content analysis and reflexive thematic analysis to analyse the survey responses. Autistic adults strongly agreed with the definition published by Higgins et al. How long and how often people get autistic burnout was not clear. Participants told us they have both short and long episodes. Participants told us that autistic burnout leads to exhaustion. They needed to withdraw from being with other people. They needed to stay away from autism unfriendly places. Many had been misdiagnosed as having depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder or other conditions. We need increased awareness of autistic burnout. Autistic people need more help. More research is needed, we need to have bigger studies to understand autistic burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julianne M Higgins
- UNSW Sydney, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Australia
| | | | | | - Elizabeth Pellicano
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Australia
- Macquarie University, Australia
| | - Julian N Trollor
- UNSW Sydney, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Australia
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Sáez-Suanes GP, García-Villamisar D, Del Pozo Armentia A. The role of intellectual disability and emotional regulation in the autism-depression relationship. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:1960-1967. [PMID: 36967538 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231161881] [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: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Many people with autism and intellectual disability have significant levels of depressive symptoms. However, this relationship is not clear. For this reason, knowing the factors that are associated with having depression in autism and intellectual disability is important. Emotion regulation is associated with depression in autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. After evaluating a group of people with autism and intellectual disability, we found that people with mild intellectual disability have problems regulating their emotions which lead them to develop depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that interventions designed to prevent or reduce depressive symptoms in people with autism spectrum disorder and mild intellectual disability should include among their goals emotional regulation.
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