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Li Y, Xie T, Snieder H, Hartman CA. Associations between autistic and comorbid somatic problems of gastrointestinal disorders, food allergy, pain, and fatigue in adults. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024:13623613241254619. [PMID: 38813776 DOI: 10.1177/13623613241254619] [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: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT What is already known about the topic?Autistic children frequently often have accompanying physical health problems. However, this has been much less studied in autistic men and women during adulthood.What does this article add?This is one of the first studies to investigate the associations between autistic and somatic problems in adults from the general population. Using a continuous measure of autistic symptom scores and a categorical definition of autism (referred to below as probable autism) which considered symptom severity, childhood age of onset, and functional impairment, we found that autistic problems and irritable bowel syndrome, food allergy, pain, and fatigue were associated in adults. Sex differences were present for pain and fatigue, for which the associations with autistic symptom scores were somewhat stronger in females than males. Regarding age differences, the associations with fatigue and having food allergy were more pronounced in younger adults. Conversely, older individuals had a higher risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome or experiencing pain if they met the criteria for probable autism.Implications for practice, research, or policyThere is a need for providing routine programs of screening, assessment, and treatment of autism-related somatic problems and developing evidence-based interventions for autistic individuals. These could be tailored to the needs of specific autistic populations. For example, autistic females could be given extra attention about the potential presence of pain and fatigue, younger adults about the potential presence of food allergy and fatigue, and older adults concerning the potential presence of irritable bowel syndrome and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Li
- Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Tian Xie
- Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Harold Snieder
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Catharina A Hartman
- Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Pellicano E, Hall G, Ying Cai R. Autistic adults' experiences of financial wellbeing: Part II. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:1090-1106. [PMID: 37795595 PMCID: PMC11067415 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231191594] [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: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Money matters in people's lives. It helps to meet people's basic needs (food, clothes, shelter) and live the lives they want to. When people talk about 'financial wellbeing', they mean how much you feel in control over day-to-day finances and how much freedom you have to make choices to enjoy life. We don't know what autistic people think about these things. That's why we did our study. We spoke to 21 autistic adults (24-69 years) about how they felt about their financial situation. We deliberately spoke to people who had told us previously they felt 'financially well' or 'financially unwell' so we could hear a range of opinions. Autistic people told us financial wellbeing meant having enough money to pay for their basics needs, to have a safety net for unexpected bills and not having to worry about money now or in the future. But many felt that good financial wellbeing was not possible for them. They often did not have a stable income to cover day-to-day expenses. This limited the choices they could make. Despite these challenges, autistic people told us they worked hard to budget and save money when they could - because feeling financial insecure was just too stressful, especially when they could not rely on family or friends for support. It made them feel mentally unwell. Our study shows there are many factors that influence autistic people's financial wellbeing. We need more research to help us understand how autistic people can be supported to achieve financial security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Pellicano
- University College London, UK
- Macquarie University, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Australia
| | - Gabrielle Hall
- Macquarie University, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Australia
| | - Ru Ying Cai
- Macquarie University, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Australia
- Aspect Australia, Australia
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Aymerich C, Pacho M, Catalan A, Yousaf N, Pérez-Rodríguez V, Hollocks MJ, Parellada M, Krebs G, Clark B, Salazar de Pablo G. Prevalence and Correlates of the Concurrence of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Brain Sci 2024; 14:379. [PMID: 38672028 PMCID: PMC11048346 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14040379] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are two common and impairing neurodevelopmental conditions with partial symptomatic overlap. The aim of this study is to systematically and meta-analytically examine the following: (i) the prevalence of an OCD diagnosis among young people with ASD, (ii) the prevalence of an ASD diagnosis among young people with OCD, and (iii) the clinical and therapeutic implications of such comorbidity. METHOD A multistep literature search was performed from database inception until 17 November 2023. This PRISMA/MOOSE-compliant systematic review, registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023480543), identified studies reporting on the prevalence, sociodemographic, psychopathologic, prognostic, and therapeutic correlates of OCD and ASD concurrence in children and adolescents. A quantitative meta-analysis with random effects was conducted to analyse the pooled prevalence of OCD among samples with a mean age of < 18 years old with ASD and the prevalence of ASD among individuals under 18 with OCD. Sensitivity analyses were performed to investigate the effect of diagnostic criteria and different continents. Meta-regression analyses were conducted to examine the effect of gender, age, IQ, and OCD severity scores. A narrative review of the clinical and therapeutical implications of the comorbidity was provided. RESULTS 42 studies were selected for the systematic review (SR), and 31 of them were also included in one of the meta-analyses. The pooled prevalence of OCD among ASD youth samples (n = 8916, mean age = 10.6 ± 1.6; 16.4% female) was 11.6% (95% confidence intervals [CI] = 6.9%; 18.8%), and the pooled prevalence of ASD among OCD children and adolescent samples (n = 6209, mean age = 14.1 ± 1.4; 45.7% female) was 9.5% (95% CI = 6.0%; 14.7%). Meta-regressions found a statistically higher prevalence of ASD among samples with a lower prevalence of females (β = -4.7; 95%CI = -8.6; -0.8). Children with both OCD and ASD present higher rates of functional impairment, psychopathology, and other comorbidities, compared to youth with either of the disorders alone. CONCLUSIONS OCD and ASD are highly concurrent conditions in youth, with symptomatic, prognostic, severity, and therapeutic implications. Future research should focus on conducting longitudinal cohort studies prospectively to determine development trajectories, along with randomized controlled trials to assess the efficacy of specific therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Aymerich
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
- Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Basque Country University, Basurto University Hospital, OSI Bilbao-Basurto, Centro de Investigación en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Malein Pacho
- Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Basque Country University, Basurto University Hospital, OSI Bilbao-Basurto, Centro de Investigación en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Ana Catalan
- Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Basque Country University, Basurto University Hospital, OSI Bilbao-Basurto, Centro de Investigación en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Noorulain Yousaf
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Violeta Pérez-Rodríguez
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Matthew J. Hollocks
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
- Service for Complex Autism & Associated Neurodevelopmental Disorders, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Mara Parellada
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Centro de Investigación en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Georgina Krebs
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- National & Specialist OCD, BDD and Related Disorder Clinic, South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Bruce Clark
- National & Specialist OCD, BDD and Related Disorder Clinic, South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Gonzalo Salazar de Pablo
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Centro de Investigación en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), 28007 Madrid, Spain
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Fletcher-Watson S. What's in a name? The costs and benefits of a formal autism diagnosis. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:257-262. [PMID: 37997793 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231213300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
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Villarreal VR, Katusic MZ, Myers SM, Weaver AL, Nocton JJ, Voigt RG. Risk of Autoimmune Disease in Research-Identified Cases of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Longitudinal, Population-Based Birth Cohort Study. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2024; 45:e46-e53. [PMID: 38364086 PMCID: PMC10878713 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000001232] [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] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Determine the risk of autoimmune disease in research-identified cases of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared with referents using a longitudinal, population-based birth cohort. METHODS ASD incident cases were identified from a population-based birth cohort of 31,220 individuals. Inclusive ASD definition based on DSM-IV-TR autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified, was used to determine ASD cases. For each ASD case, 2 age- and sex-matched referents without ASD were identified. Diagnosis codes assigned between birth and December 2017 were electronically obtained. Individuals were classified as having an autoimmune disorder if they had at least 2 diagnosis codes more than 30 days apart. Cox proportional hazards models were fit to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) between ASD status and autoimmune disorder. RESULTS Of 1014 ASD cases, 747 (73.7%) were male. Fifty ASD cases and 59 of the 1:2 matched referents were diagnosed with first autoimmune disorder at the median age of 14 and 17.1 years, respectively. ASD cases had increased risk of autoimmune disease compared with matched referents (HR 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-2.52). The increased risk was statistically significant among male patients (HR 2.01; 95% CI, 1.26-3.21) but not among the smaller number of female subjects (HR 1.38; 95% CI, 0.76-2.50). CONCLUSION This study provides evidence from a longitudinal, population-based birth cohort for co-occurrence of ASD and autoimmune disorders. Thus, children with ASD should be monitored for symptoms of autoimmune disease and appropriate workup initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica R Villarreal
- Division of Pediatric Neurology/Neurodevelopment, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, San Antonio, TX
| | | | - Scott M Myers
- Geisinger Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Lewisburg, PA
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA
| | - Amy L Weaver
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - James J Nocton
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, WI
| | - Robert G Voigt
- Meyer Center for Developmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
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Micai M, Fatta LM, Gila L, Caruso A, Salvitti T, Fulceri F, Ciaramella A, D'Amico R, Del Giovane C, Bertelli M, Romano G, Schünemann HJ, Scattoni ML. Prevalence of co-occurring conditions in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 155:105436. [PMID: 37913872 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review estimates the prevalence of co-occurring conditions (CCs) in children and adults with autism. A comprehensive search strategy consulting existing guidelines, diagnostic manuals, experts, carers, and autistic people was developed. PubMed and PsycInfo databases from inception to May 2022 were searched. PROSPERO registration: CRD42019132347. Two blind authors screened and extracted the data. Prevalence estimates for different CCs were summarized by using random effects models. Subgroup analyses were performed for age groups (children/adolescents vs adults) and study designs (population/registry-based vs clinical sample-based). Of 19,932 studies, 340 publications with about 590,000 participants were included and meta-analyzed to estimate the prevalence of 38-point prevalence, 27-lifetime, and 3 without distinction between point and lifetime prevalence. Point prevalence of developmental coordination disorder, sleep-wake problem, gastrointestinal problem, ADHD, anxiety disorder, overweight/obesity, feeding and eating disorder, elimination disorder, disruptive behavior, and somatic symptoms and related disorder were the most frequent CCs. Prevalence differed depending on the age group and study design. Knowing specific CCs linked to autism helps professional investigations and interventions for improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Micai
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Maria Fatta
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Letizia Gila
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Caruso
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Salvitti
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Fulceri
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Ciaramella
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto D'Amico
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena, via del Pozzo, 71, 41124 Modena, Italy; Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Via del Pozzo, 71, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Cinzia Del Giovane
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena, via del Pozzo, 71, 41124 Modena, Italy; Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marco Bertelli
- CREA (Research and Clinical Centre), San Sebastiano Foundation, Misericordia di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanna Romano
- Directorate General of Health Prevention, Ministry of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Holger Jens Schünemann
- Michael G. DeGroote Cochrane Canada and McMaster GRADE Centres, Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Scattoni
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Matrone C, Ferretti G. Semaphorin 3A influences neuronal processes that are altered in patients with autism spectrum disorder: Potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 153:105338. [PMID: 37524141 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105338] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive disorder that most frequently manifests in early childhood and lasts for their entire lifespan. Several behavioural traits characterise the phenotype of patients with ASD, including difficulties in reciprocal social communication as well as compulsive/repetitive stereotyped verbal and non-verbal behaviours. Although multiple hypotheses have been proposed to explain the aetiology of ASD and many resources have been used to improve our understanding of ASD, several aspects remain largely unexplored. Class 3 semaphorins (SEMA3) are secreted proteins involved in the organisation of structural and functional connectivity in the brain that regulate synaptic and dendritic development. Alterations in brain connectivity and aberrant neuronal development have been described in some patients with ASD. Mutations and polymorphisms in SEMA3A and alterations in its receptors and signalling have been associated with some neurological disorders such as schizophrenia and epilepsy, which are comorbidities in ASD, but also with ASD itself. In addition, SEMA3A is a key regulator of the immune response and neuroinflammatory processes, which have been found to be dysregulated in mothers of children who develop ASD and in affected patients. In this review, we highlight neurodevelopmental-related processes in which SEMA3A is involved, which are altered in ASD, and provide a viewpoint emphasising the development of strategies targeting changes in the SEMA3A signal to identify patterns of anomalies distinctive of ASD or to predict the prognosis of affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Matrone
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Ferretti
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Lai MC. Mental health challenges faced by autistic people. Nat Hum Behav 2023; 7:1620-1637. [PMID: 37864080 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-023-01718-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Mental health challenges impede the well-being of autistic people. This Review outlines contributing neurodevelopmental and physical health conditions, rates and developmental trajectories of mental health challenges experienced by autistic people, as well as unique clinical presentations. A framework is proposed to consider four contributing themes to aid personalized formulation: social-contextual determinants, adverse life experiences, autistic cognitive features, and shared genetic and early environmental predispositions. Current evidence-based and clinical-knowledge-informed intervention guidance and ongoing development of support are highlighted for specific mental health areas. Tailored mental health support for autistic people should be neurodivergence-informed, which is fundamentally humanistic and compatible with the prevailing bio-psycho-social frameworks. The personalized formulation should be holistic, considering physical health and transdiagnostic neurodevelopmental factors, intellectual and communication abilities, and contextual-experiential determinants and their interplay with autistic cognition and biology, alongside resilience. Supporting family well-being is integral. Mutual empathic understanding is fundamental to creating societies in which people across neurotypes are all empowered to thrive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Chuan Lai
- Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth & Family Mental Health and Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Underwood JFG, DelPozo-Banos M, Frizzati A, Rai D, John A, Hall J. Neurological and psychiatric disorders among autistic adults: a population healthcare record study. Psychol Med 2023; 53:5663-5673. [PMID: 36189783 PMCID: PMC10482712 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722002884] [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] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Co-occurring psychiatric disorders are common in autism, with previous studies suggesting 54-94% of autistic individuals develop a mental health condition in their lifetime. Most studies have looked at clinically-recruited cohorts, or paediatric cohorts followed into adulthood, with less known about the autistic community at a population level. We therefore studied the prevalence of co-occurring psychiatric and neurological conditions in autistic individuals in a national sample. METHODS This retrospective case-control study utilised the SAIL Databank to examine anonymised whole population electronic health record data from 2001 to 2016 in Wales, UK (N = 3.6 million). We investigated the prevalence of co-occurring psychiatric and selected neurological diagnoses in autistic adults' records during the study period using International Classification of Diseases-10 and Read v2 clinical codes compared to general population controls matched for age, sex and deprivation. RESULTS All psychiatric conditions examined were more common amongst adults with autism after adjusting for age, sex and deprivation. Prevalence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (7.00%), bipolar disorder (2.50%), obsessive-compulsive disorder (3.02%), psychosis (18.30%) and schizophrenia (5.20%) were markedly elevated in those with autism, with corresponding odds ratios 8.24-10.74 times the general population. Depression (25.90%) and anxiety (22.40%) were also more prevalent, with epilepsy 9.21 times more common in autism. CONCLUSIONS We found that a range of psychiatric conditions were more frequently recorded in autistic individuals. We add to understanding of under-reporting and diagnostic overshadowing in autism. With increasing awareness of autism, services should be cognisant of the psychiatric conditions that frequently co-occur in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack F. G. Underwood
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Aura Frizzati
- Cedar Healthcare Technology Research Centre, Cardiff & Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, UK
| | - Dheeraj Rai
- Bristol Medical School, Bristol Population Health Science Institute, Bristol, UK
| | - Ann John
- Population Data Science, Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Jeremy Hall
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Dubreucq J, Coutelle R, Lajnef M, Godin O, Amestoy A, Atzori P, Baleyte JM, Bonnot O, Bouvard M, Coulon N, Da Fonseca D, Demily C, Delorme R, Fabrowski M, Givaudan M, Gollier-Briant F, Guenolé F, Humeau E, Leignier S, Lejuste F, Levy C, Rabot J, Schröder CM, Valette M, Leboyer M, Speranza M. Gender differences in psychosocial function and self-reported health status in late-diagnosed autistic adults: results from the FACE-ASD national cohort. Psychol Med 2023; 53:5674-5684. [PMID: 36177672 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722002902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While adult outcome in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is generally measured using socially valued roles, it could also be understood in terms of aspects related to health status - an approach that could inform on potential gender differences. METHODS We investigated gender differences in two aspects of outcome related to health-status, i.e. general functioning and self-perceived health status, and co-occurring health conditions in a large multi-center sample of autistic adults. Three hundred and eighty-three participants were consecutively recruited from the FondaMental Advanced Centers of Expertise for ASD cohort (a French network of seven expert centers) between 2013 and 2020. Evaluation included a medical interview, standardized scales for autism diagnosis, clinical and functional outcomes, self-perceived health status and verbal ability. Psychosocial function was measured using the Global Assessment of Functioning scale. RESULTS While autistic women in this study were more likely than men to have socially valued roles, female gender was associated with poorer physical and mental health (e.g. a 7-fold risk for having three or more co-occurring physical health conditions) and a poorer self-perceived health status. Psychosocial function was negatively associated with depression and impairment in social communication. Half of the sample had multiple co-occurring health conditions but more than 70% reported that their visit at the Expert Center was their first contact with mental health services. CONCLUSIONS To improve objective and subjective aspects of health outcome, gender differences and a wide range of co-occurring health conditions should be taken into account when designing healthcare provision for autistic adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Dubreucq
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- Centre de Neurosciences Cognitive, UMR 5229, CNRS & Université Lyon, Lyon, France
- Centre Expert TSA-SDI, Centre Référent de Réhabilitation Psychosociale et de Remédiation Cognitive (C3R), CH Alpes Isère, Saint-Egrève, France
| | - Romain Coutelle
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- Service de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Centre d'Excellence STRAS&ND, Centre Expert TSA-SDI, FHU NEUROGENΨCS, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR 3212, INSERM U1114, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mohamed Lajnef
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- Univ Paris Est Créteil, INSERM U955, IMRB, Translational Neuro-Psychiatry, F-94010 Créteil, France
| | - Ophélia Godin
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- Univ Paris Est Créteil, INSERM U955, IMRB, Translational Neuro-Psychiatry, F-94010 Créteil, France
| | - Anouck Amestoy
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- CRA Aquitaine, 121 Rue de la Béchade, 33016 Bordeaux cedex; INCIA, UMR 5287, Neuroimaging and Human Cognition Team, Bordeaux, France
| | - Paola Atzori
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- Unité de Psychopathologie de l'enfant et de l'adolescent, Hôpital Salvador, Assistance Public- Hopitaux de Marseille, Université Aix-Marseille II, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Marc Baleyte
- Service de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Hôpital Intercommunal de Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Olivier Bonnot
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, CHU & Universite de Nantes, LPPL EA 4638 Centre Ressource Autisme Pays de la Loire, Nantes, France
| | - Manuel Bouvard
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- CRA Aquitaine, 121 Rue de la Béchade, 33016 Bordeaux cedex; INCIA, UMR 5287, Neuroimaging and Human Cognition Team, Bordeaux, France
| | - Nathalie Coulon
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- Centre Expert TSA-SDI, Centre Référent de Réhabilitation Psychosociale et de Remédiation Cognitive (C3R), CH Alpes Isère, Saint-Egrève, France
| | - David Da Fonseca
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- Unité de Psychopathologie de l'enfant et de l'adolescent, Hôpital Salvador, Assistance Public- Hopitaux de Marseille, Université Aix-Marseille II, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Caroline Demily
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- Centre de Neurosciences Cognitive, UMR 5229, CNRS & Université Lyon, Lyon, France
- Centre d'excellence I-Mind, Centre de référence maladies rares Génopsy, pôle ADIS, Centre hospitalier Le Vinatier, UMR 5229, CNRS & Université Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Richard Delorme
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- Département Médico-Universitaire de Psychiatrie et d'Addictologie (DMU IMPACT), Aur p-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire de Médecine de Précision en Psychiatrie (FHU ADAPT) F-94010, Créteil, France
- Hôpital Robert Debré, Centre d'Excellence InoVAND, Service de Psychiatrie de l'enfant, Centre Expert TSA-SDI Paris, Paris, France
| | - Marine Fabrowski
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- Centre de Neurosciences Cognitive, UMR 5229, CNRS & Université Lyon, Lyon, France
- Centre d'excellence I-Mind, Centre de référence maladies rares Génopsy, pôle ADIS, Centre hospitalier Le Vinatier, UMR 5229, CNRS & Université Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Marion Givaudan
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- Unité de Psychopathologie de l'enfant et de l'adolescent, Hôpital Salvador, Assistance Public- Hopitaux de Marseille, Université Aix-Marseille II, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Fanny Gollier-Briant
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, CHU & Universite de Nantes, LPPL EA 4638 Centre Ressource Autisme Pays de la Loire, Nantes, France
| | - Fabian Guenolé
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- Caen University Hospital - Head of the department of child and adolescent psychiatry, 14 Avenue Clemenceau CS 30001, 14033 Caen Cedex 9, France
| | - Elise Humeau
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- Département Médico-Universitaire de Psychiatrie et d'Addictologie (DMU IMPACT), Aur p-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire de Médecine de Précision en Psychiatrie (FHU ADAPT) F-94010, Créteil, France
- Hôpital Robert Debré, Centre d'Excellence InoVAND, Service de Psychiatrie de l'enfant, Centre Expert TSA-SDI Paris, Paris, France
| | - Sylvain Leignier
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- Centre Expert TSA-SDI, Centre Référent de Réhabilitation Psychosociale et de Remédiation Cognitive (C3R), CH Alpes Isère, Saint-Egrève, France
| | - Florian Lejuste
- Département Médico-Universitaire de Psychiatrie et d'Addictologie (DMU IMPACT), Aur p-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire de Médecine de Précision en Psychiatrie (FHU ADAPT) F-94010, Créteil, France
- Hôpital Robert Debré, Centre d'Excellence InoVAND, Service de Psychiatrie de l'enfant, Centre Expert TSA-SDI Paris, Paris, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Team DevPsy, Versailles, France
| | - Charlotte Levy
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- CRA Aquitaine, 121 Rue de la Béchade, 33016 Bordeaux cedex; INCIA, UMR 5287, Neuroimaging and Human Cognition Team, Bordeaux, France
| | - Juliette Rabot
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- Service de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Centre d'Excellence STRAS&ND, Centre Expert TSA-SDI, FHU NEUROGENΨCS, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR 3212, INSERM U1114, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Carmen M Schröder
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- Service de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Centre d'Excellence STRAS&ND, Centre Expert TSA-SDI, FHU NEUROGENΨCS, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR 3212, INSERM U1114, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marie Valette
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- Service de Psychiatrie Infanto-Juvénile, Centre Hospitalier de Versailles - INSERM U669, UMR-S0669, Université Paris-Sud et Université Paris-Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Marion Leboyer
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- Univ Paris Est Créteil, INSERM U955, IMRB, Translational Neuro-Psychiatry, F-94010 Créteil, France
- Département Médico-Universitaire de Psychiatrie et d'Addictologie (DMU IMPACT), Aur p-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire de Médecine de Précision en Psychiatrie (FHU ADAPT) F-94010, Créteil, France
- Hôpital Robert Debré, Centre d'Excellence InoVAND, Service de Psychiatrie de l'enfant, Centre Expert TSA-SDI Paris, Paris, France
| | - Mario Speranza
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Team DevPsy, Versailles, France
- Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, Versailles, France
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11
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Zhan XL, Pan N, Karatela S, Shi L, Wang X, Liu ZY, Jing J, Li XH, Cai L, Lin LZ. Infant feeding practices and autism spectrum disorder in US children aged 2-5 years: the national survey of children's health (NSCH) 2016-2020. Int Breastfeed J 2023; 18:41. [PMID: 37568201 PMCID: PMC10422796 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-023-00580-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between infant feeding practices and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children aged 2-5 years in the United States (US). METHODS Data from the 2016-2020 National Survey of Children's Health, a nationally representative cross-sectional survey, were utilized for this study. Questionnaires were administered to parents of children aged 2-5 years to gather information on ASD diagnosis, infant feeding practices, and demographic factors (e.g., child sex, ethnic group, and maternal age at birth). Logistic regression with sample weights was employed to assess the association between infant feeding practices and ASD, while controlling for demographic variables. Polynomial regression models were used to examine trends in exclusive breastfeeding and ever breastfeeding rates among children with and without ASD. RESULTS A total of 35,050 children aged 2-5 years were analyzed, including 616 diagnosed with ASD, after excluding participants with missing information on breastfeeding and ASD diagnosis. Of these children with ASD, 76.6% (n = 472) had a breastfeeding history, with 67.5% (n = 416) engaged in partial breastfeeding and 9.1% (n = 56) exclusively breastfed. Adjusted odds ratios for each additional month of breastfeeding compared to never being breastfed were 0.98 (95% CI, 0.96-1.01). The adjusted odds ratios for breastfeeding durations of > 0-6 months, > 6-12 months, > 12-24 months, and > 24 months were 0.81 (95% CI, 0.50-1.31), 0.65 (95% CI, 0.36-1.18), 0.81 (95% CI, 0.44-1.49), and 0.48 (95% CI, 0.23-1.01), respectively. Compared to children who were never breastfed, the adjusted odds ratio for children who were ever breastfed was 0.74 (95% CI, 0.47-1.18). Among children with ASD, the proportion of ever breastfeeding declined from 82.0% in 2017 to 64.3% in 2020, while exclusive breastfeeding decreased from 12.0% in 2016 to 4.2% in 2020. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Although no significant association was found between infant feeding practices and ASD among US children aged 2-5 years, the rates of breastfeeding, particularly exclusive breastfeeding, were suboptimal among children with ASD. This highlights the need for specific policies and practices to promote and support breastfeeding among parents of children with ASD or those at high risk of having a child with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ling Zhan
- Research Center of Children and Adolescent Psychological and Behavioral Development, Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ning Pan
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, South China Normal University, 510631, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shamshad Karatela
- Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
- Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM), James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Lei Shi
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, South China Normal University, 510631, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhao-Yan Liu
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Jing
- Research Center of Children and Adolescent Psychological and Behavioral Development, Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiu-Hong Li
- Research Center of Children and Adolescent Psychological and Behavioral Development, Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Cai
- Research Center of Children and Adolescent Psychological and Behavioral Development, Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Zi Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Yuexiu District, 510080, Guangzhou, China.
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12
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Baribeau DA, Arneja J, Wang X, Howe J, McLaughlin JR, Tu K, Guan J, Iaboni A, Kelley E, Ayub M, Nicolson R, Georgiades S, Scherer SW, Bronskill SE, Anagnostou E, Brooks JD. Linkage of whole genome sequencing and administrative health data in autism: A proof of concept study. Autism Res 2023; 16:1600-1608. [PMID: 37526168 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2999] [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: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Whether genetic testing in autism can help understand longitudinal health outcomes and health service needs is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine whether carrying an autism-associated rare genetic variant is associated with differences in health system utilization by autistic children and youth. This retrospective cohort study examined 415 autistic children/youth who underwent genome sequencing and data collection through a translational neuroscience program (Province of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Disorders Network). Participant data were linked to provincial health administrative databases to identify historical health service utilization, health care costs, and complex chronic medical conditions during a 3-year period. Health administrative data were compared between participants with and without a rare genetic variant in at least 1 of 74 genes associated with autism. Participants with a rare variant impacting an autism-associated gene (n = 83, 20%) were less likely to have received psychiatric care (at least one psychiatrist visit: 19.3% vs. 34.3%, p = 0.01; outpatient mental health visit: 66% vs. 77%, p = 0.04). Health care costs were similar between groups (median: $5589 vs. $4938, p = 0.4) and genetic status was not associated with odds of being a high-cost participant (top 20%) in this cohort. There were no differences in the proportion with complex chronic medical conditions between those with and without an autism-associated genetic variant. Our study highlights the feasibility and potential value of genomic and health system data linkage to understand health service needs, disparities, and health trajectories in individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle A Baribeau
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- SickKids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jasleen Arneja
- Department of Epidemiology Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Jennifer Howe
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John R McLaughlin
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karen Tu
- North York General Hospital and Toronto Western Family Health Team, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Alana Iaboni
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Kelley
- Department of Psychiatry, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Muhammad Ayub
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University College London, London, UK
| | - Robert Nicolson
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stelios Georgiades
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen W Scherer
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics and McLaughlin Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan E Bronskill
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Women's College Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program & Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer D Brooks
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Liu S, Larsson H, Kuja-Halkola R, Lichtenstein P, Butwicka A, Taylor MJ. Age-related physical health of older autistic adults in Sweden: a longitudinal, retrospective, population-based cohort study. THE LANCET. HEALTHY LONGEVITY 2023; 4:e307-e315. [PMID: 37295448 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-7568(23)00067-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research of health outcomes in older autistic adults (≥45 years) is concerningly scarce, and little is known about whether intellectual disability and sex affect the health outcomes of this population. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between autism and physical health conditions in older adults and to examine these associations by intellectual disability and sex. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal, retrospective, population-based cohort study of the Swedish population born between Jan 1, 1932, and Dec 31, 1967, using linked data from the nationwide Total Population Register and the National Patient Register. We excluded individuals who died or emigrated before the age of 45 years, or with any chromosomal abnormalities. Follow-up started at age 45 years for all individuals, and ended at emigration, death, or Dec 31, 2013 (the latest date of available follow-up), whichever was soonest. Diagnoses of autism, intellectual disability, 39 age-related physical conditions, and five types of injury (outcomes) were obtained from the National Patient Register. For each outcome, we calculated 25-year cumulative incidence and used Cox models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs). All analyses were repeated separately by intellectual disability and sex. FINDINGS Of 4 200 887 older adults (2 063 718 women [49·1%] and 2 137 169 men [50·9%]) in the study cohort, 5291 (0·1%) had a diagnosis of autism recorded in the National Patient Register. Older autistic adults (median follow-up 8·4 years [IQR 4·2-14·6]) had higher cumulative incidence and HRs of various physical conditions and injuries than their non-autistic counterparts (median follow-up 16·4 years [8·2-24·4]). In autistic individuals, the highest cumulative incidence was observed for bodily injuries (50·0% [95% CI 47·6-52·4]). Conditions that autistic adults were at higher risk of than were non-autistic adults included heart failure (HR 1·89 [95% CI 1·61-2·22]), cystitis (2·03 [1·66-2·49]), glucose dysregulation (2·96 [2·04-4·29]), iron deficiency anaemia (3·12 [2·65-3·68]), poisoning (4·63 [4·13-5·18]), and self-harm (7·08 [6·24-8·03]). These increased risks mainly persisted regardless of intellectual disability or sex. INTERPRETATION Our data indicate that older autistic adults are at substantially increased risk of age-related physical conditions and injuries compared with non-autistic adults. These findings highlight the need for collaborative efforts from researchers, health services, and policy makers to provide older autistic individuals with the necessary support to attain healthy longevity and a high quality of life. FUNDING Swedish Research Council, Servier Affaires Medicales. TRANSLATION For the Swedish translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengxin Liu
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.
| | - Henrik Larsson
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden; School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Ralf Kuja-Halkola
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Paul Lichtenstein
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Agnieszka Butwicka
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden; Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Stockholm, Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Biostatistics and Translational Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; Department of Child Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mark J Taylor
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
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Sinclair JMA, Aslan B, Agabio R, Anilkumar A, Brosnan M, Day E, Dowling NA, Flood C, Grant JE, Halliday R, Hofvander B, Howes L, Moseley R, Myers B, O'Connor V, Shaya G, Thomas S, Robinson J, Chamberlain SR. Identifying the most important research, policy and practice questions for substance use, problematic alcohol use and behavioural addictions in autism (SABA-A): A priority setting partnership. Compr Psychiatry 2023; 124:152393. [PMID: 37210935 PMCID: PMC7614597 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2023.152393] [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] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autistic people are more likely to report problematic alcohol and other substance use when compared to the general population. Evidence suggests that up to one in three autistic adults may have an alcohol or other substance use disorder (AUD/SUD), although the evidence base for behavioural addictions is less clear. Autistic people may use substances or engage in potentially addictive behaviours as a means of coping with social anxiety, challenging life problems, or camouflaging in social contexts. Despite the prevalence and detrimental effects of AUD, SUD and behavioural addictions in community samples, literature focusing on the intersection between autism and these conditions is scarce, hindering health policy, research, and clinical practice. METHODS We aimed to identify the top 10 priorities to build the evidence for research, policy, and clinical practice at this intersection. A priority-setting partnership was used to address this aim, comprising an international steering committee and stakeholders from various backgrounds, including people with declared lived experience of autism and/or addiction. First, an online survey was used to identify what people considered key questions about Substance use, alcohol use, or behavioural addictions in autistic people (SABA-A). These initial questions were reviewed and amended by stakeholders, and then classified and refined to form the final list of top priorities via an online consensus process. OUTCOMES The top ten priorities were identified: three research, three policy, and four practice questions. Future research suggestions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Betul Aslan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Roberta Agabio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy; Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council, Italy
| | | | - Mark Brosnan
- Centre for Applied Autism Research, University of Bath, UK
| | - Ed Day
- Institute of Mental Health, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Nicki A Dowling
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Jon E Grant
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Björn Hofvander
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Denmark
| | | | - Rachel Moseley
- Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
| | - Bronwyn Myers
- Curtin enAble Institute, Faculty of Health sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research council, South Africa; Division of Addiction Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - Shane Thomas
- Vice Chancellor's Office, Federation University, Australia; Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Australian National University, Australia
| | - Janine Robinson
- Chitra Sethia Autism Centre, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Fulbourn, Cambridge, UK
| | - Samuel R Chamberlain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK; Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK.
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15
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Heyworth M, Brett S, den Houting J, Magiati I, Steward R, Urbanowicz A, Stears M, Pellicano E. "I'm the Family Ringmaster and Juggler": Autistic Parents' Experiences of Parenting During the COVID-19 Pandemic. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2023; 5:24-36. [PMID: 36941857 PMCID: PMC10024268 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2021.0097] [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: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Little is known about autistic parenthood. The literature that exists suggests that autistic parents can find it difficult to manage the everyday demands of parenting and domestic life. While emerging research has also highlighted more positive parenting experiences, greater understanding of autistic parenthood is needed. Objective This study sought to understand autistic parents' parenting experiences during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Thirty-five Australian autistic parents (95% women) of autistic children (aged 4-25 years) took part in semi-structured interviews designed to elicit their experiences of life during lockdown. We used reflexive thematic analysis using an inductive (bottom-up) approach to identify patterned meanings within the data set. Results Autistic parents repeatedly spoke of how the lockdown brought some initial relief from the intensity of their usual lives caring for their children. Nevertheless, most autistic parents felt that the "cumulative stress" of trying to juggle everything during lockdown proved very challenging, which eventually took its toll on parents' mental health. Parents were aware that they needed support but found it difficult to reach out to their usual social supports (including autistic friends) for help, and formal supports were virtually nonexistent. Consequently, they felt "very much forgotten." Nevertheless, they described how their connections with their children grew stronger over lockdown as they focused on nurturing their children's "mental health ahead of everything else." Conclusions Our analysis shows how challenging conventional life can be for autistic parents. Parenting requires grappling with a distinctive set of demands, which are usually partially manageable through the informal supports many autistic parents draw upon. The relative absence of informal supports during the pandemic, however, left them reliant on more formal supports, which were not forthcoming. Research is urgently needed to identify the most effective formal supports for autistic parents, ideally in partnership with autistic parents themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Heyworth
- Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- Reframing Autism, Sydney, Australia
| | - Simon Brett
- Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jacquiline den Houting
- Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, Australia
| | - Iliana Magiati
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | | | | | - Marc Stears
- Sydney Policy Lab, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Pellicano
- Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, Australia
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16
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Abstract
IMPORTANCE Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), characterized by deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted, repetitive behaviors or interests, is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting approximately 2.3% children aged 8 years in the US and approximately 2.2% of adults. This review summarizes evidence on the diagnosis and treatment of ASD. OBSERVATIONS The estimated prevalence of ASD has been increasing in the US, from 1.1% in 2008 to 2.3% in 2018, which is likely associated with changes in diagnostic criteria, improved performance of screening and diagnostic tools, and increased public awareness. No biomarkers specific to the diagnosis of ASD have been identified. Common early signs and symptoms of ASD in a child's first 2 years of life include no response to name when called, no or limited use of gestures in communication, and lack of imaginative play. The criterion standard for the diagnosis of ASD is a comprehensive evaluation with a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and is based on semistructured direct observation of the child's behavior and semistructured caregiver interview focused on the individual's development and behaviors using standardized measures, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition and the Autism Diagnostic Interview. These diagnostic measures have sensitivity of 91% and 80% and specificity of 76% and 72%, respectively. Compared with people without ASD, individuals with ASD have higher rates of depression (20% vs 7%), anxiety (11% vs 5%), sleep difficulties (13% vs 5%), and epilepsy (21% with co-occurring intellectual disability vs 0.8%). Intensive behavioral interventions, such as the Early Start Denver Model, are beneficial in children 5 years or younger for improvement in language, play, and social communication (small to medium effect size based on standardized mean difference). Pharmacotherapy is indicated for co-occurring psychiatric conditions, such as emotion dysregulation or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Risperidone and aripiprazole can improve irritability and aggression (standardized mean difference of 1.1, consistent with a large effect size) compared with placebo. Psychostimulants are effective for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (standardized mean difference of 0.6, consistent with a moderate effect size) compared with placebo. These medications are associated with adverse effects including, most commonly, changes in appetite, weight, and sleep. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE ASD affects approximately 2.3% of children aged 8 years and approximately 2.2% of adults in the US. First-line therapy consists of behavioral interventions, while co-occurring psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety or aggression, may be treated with specific behavioral therapy or medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Hirota
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Bryan H King
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco
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Taylor H, Ingham B, Mason D, Finch T, Wilson C, Scarlett C, Moss S, Buckley C, Urbanowicz A, Raymaker D, Seiboth C, Lees R, Garland D, Osbourne M, Lennox N, Cooper SA, Nicolaidis C, Parr JR. Co-design of an NHS primary care health check for autistic adults. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2022; 27:1079-1091. [PMID: 36409011 PMCID: PMC10115930 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221132921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Autistic people experience more health conditions and earlier mortality. This study investigated views about a primary care health check for autistic adults to inform its design. Fifty-one people participated in consultation groups and interviews, comprising autistic adults (some with co-occurring intellectual disabilities), adults with intellectual disabilities, supporters and health professionals. Participants wanted the health check to cover physical and mental health and social functioning. They emphasised the importance of sharing information about individual needs and associated adjustments before the health check. They highlighted the need to change the way healthcare services communicate with autistic people, such as reducing phone contact and booking appointments online. They wanted individual choice in how the health check was completed, with video call or email offered alongside face-to-face. Participants raised the need for further training of primary care staff on autism, to highlight the diversity of experiences of autistic people and ways in which difficulties, such as pain, may present differently. Clinicians raised questions about the capacity of mental health and social care services to meet the additional needs potentially identified through the health check. This study represents a key step in the development and co-design of a UK primary care health check for autistic people. Lay abstract Autistic people are on average more likely to experience poor health than people who are not autistic. Health checks have been shown to improve access to effective healthcare. This study investigated people’s views about a primary care health check for autistic adults. We held discussion groups and interviewed autistic adults, adults with intellectual disabilities, supporters and health professionals. People wanted the health check to look at a person’s physical and mental health, and how they were doing socially. They thought people should be able to share information about their needs and the reasonable adjustments they would like before the health check. They wanted healthcare services to change the way they communicate with autistic people, such as being able to book appointments online rather than by telephone. They wanted a choice in how the health check was completed, with video call or email offered as well as face-to-face appointments. People thought further training of primary care staff on autism was needed, to increase awareness of the diversity of experiences of autistic people and ways in which difficulties, such as pain, may present differently to non-autistic people. Clinicians raised questions about whether mental health and social care services could meet the additional needs that might be identified through the health check. We used this information to design an NHS primary care health check for autistic people in collaboration with autistic people, supporters and health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barry Ingham
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | | | | | | | - Clare Scarlett
- NHS Newcastle Gateshead Clinical Commissioning Group, UK
- NHS North Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group, UK
| | | | | | - Anna Urbanowicz
- The University of Queensland, Australia
- RMIT University, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jeremy R Parr
- Newcastle University, UK
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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18
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Pellicano E, Fatima U, Hall G, Heyworth M, Lawson W, Lilley R, Mahony J, Stears M. A capabilities approach to understanding and supporting autistic adulthood. NATURE REVIEWS PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 1:624-639. [PMID: 36090460 PMCID: PMC9443657 DOI: 10.1038/s44159-022-00099-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
There is little comprehensive research into autistic adulthood, and even less into the services and supports that are most likely to foster flourishing adult autistic lives. This limited research is partly because autism is largely conceived as a condition of childhood, but this focus of research has also resulted from the orthodox scientific approach to autism, which conceptualizes autistic experience almost entirely as a series of biologically derived functional deficits. Approaching autism in this way severely limits what is known about this neurodevelopmental difference, how research is conducted and the services and supports available. In this Review, we adopt an alternative research strategy: we apply Martha Nussbaum’s capabilities approach, which focuses on ten core elements of a thriving human life, to research on autistic adulthood. In doing so, we identify areas where autistic adults thrive and where they often struggle, and highlight issues to which researchers, clinicians and policymakers should respond. The resulting picture is far more complex than conventional accounts of autism imply. It also reveals the importance of engaging autistic adults directly in the research process to make progress towards genuinely knowing autism and supporting flourishing autistic lives. The focus on functional deficits in conventional autism research constrains understanding of autistic lives. In this Review, Pellicano et al. appraise research on autistic adulthood through a capabilities lens to identify areas where autistic adults thrive, and where more research and services are needed to enhance their quality of life.
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19
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Methodological approaches for assessing certainty of the evidence in umbrella reviews: A scoping review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269009. [PMID: 35675337 PMCID: PMC9176806 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The number of umbrella reviews (URs) that compiled systematic reviews and meta-analysis (SR-MAs) has increased dramatically over recent years. No formal guidance for assessing the certainty of evidence in URs of meta-analyses exists nowadays. URs of non-interventional studies help establish evidence linking exposure to certain health outcomes in a population. This study aims to identify and describe the methodological approaches for assessing the certainty of the evidence in published URs of non-interventions. Methods We searched from 3 databases including PubMed, Embase, and The Cochrane Library from May 2010 to September 2021. We included URs that included SR-MAs of studies with non-interventions. Two independent reviewers screened and extracted data. We compared URs characteristics stratified by publication year, journal ranking, journal impact factor using Chi-square test. Results Ninety-nine URs have been included. Most were SR-MAs of observational studies evaluating association of non-modifiable risk factors with some outcomes. Only half (56.6%) of the included URs assessed the certainty of the evidence. The most frequently used criteria is credibility assessment (80.4%), followed by GRADE approach (14.3%). URs published in journals with higher journal impact factor assessed certainty of evidence than URs published in lower impact group (77.1 versus 37.2% respectively, p < 0.05). However, criteria for credibility assessment used in four of the seven URs that were published in top ranking journals were slightly varied. Conclusions Half of URs of MAs of non-interventional studies have assessed the certainty of the evidence, in which criteria for credibility assessment was the commonly used method. Guidance and standards are required to ensure the methodological rigor and consistency of certainty of evidence assessment for URs.
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20
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Byrne K, Sterrett K, Elias R, Bal VH, McCauley JB, Lord C. Trajectories of Seizures, Medication Use, and Obesity Status into Early Adulthood in Autistic Individuals and Those with Other Neurodevelopmental Conditions. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2022; 4:110-119. [PMID: 36605975 PMCID: PMC9242707 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2020.0080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Physical and psychiatric health conditions affect the lives of many autistic adults. However, relatively little is known about individual trajectories in autistic individuals' physical and mental health from adolescence to adulthood. Methods This study uses a well-characterized longitudinal sample (n = 253) to investigate rates of seizures, medication use, and obesity, from early adolescence (age 10 years) into adulthood (age 30 years). Within this sample, 196 participants were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), whereas the remaining 57 participants never received an ASD diagnosis, but, rather, were diagnosed with other neurodevelopmental conditions. Data were collected through parent report questionnaires and in-person interviews and assessments. Results Seizure onset continued well into adulthood, with two individuals experiencing their first seizure at the age of 25 years. Seizures and neuropsychiatric medication use were both higher for those with lower intelligence quotient (IQs). In addition, medication use increased over time for these individuals, whereas those with higher IQs saw a reduction in medication use with age. Between the ages of 15 to 30 years, the predicted probability of medication use increased from 82% to 88% for those with lower IQs and decreased from 37% to 13% for those with higher IQs. Collectively, almost 70% of all participants in this study were classified as either overweight or obese. Body mass index (BMI) increased throughout adulthood, especially for those with higher IQs. The steepest increase in BMI over time occurred for those with higher IQs who also took antipsychotic medications. Conclusion Overall, continued risk for developing seizures, high rates of neuropsychiatric medication use, and significant and increasing rates of obesity from adolescence to adulthood underscore the importance of monitoring health issues in autistic individuals and those diagnosed with other neurodevelopmental conditions throughout the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Byrne
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Address correspondence to: Katherine Byrne, BA, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Plaza 68-217, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - Kyle Sterrett
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rebecca Elias
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Vanessa H. Bal
- Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers University–New Brunswick, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - James B. McCauley
- Department of Psychology, St. Mary's College of California, Moraga, California, USA
| | - Catherine Lord
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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21
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Cooper SA, Henderson A, Kinnear D, Mackay D, Fleming M, Smith GS, Hughes-McCormack LA, Rydzewska E, Dunn K, Pell JP, Melville C. Cohort profile: Scotland's record-linkage e-cohorts of people with intellectual disabilities, and autistic people (SCIDA). BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057230. [PMID: 35568493 PMCID: PMC9109103 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate health, mortality and healthcare inequalities experienced by people with intellectual disabilities, and autistic people, and their determinants; an important step towards identifying and implementing solutions to reduce inequalities. This paper describes the cohorts, record-linkages and variables that will be used. PARTICIPANTS Scotland's Census, 2011 was used to identify Scotland's citizens with intellectual disabilities, and autistic citizens, and representative general population samples with neither. Using Scotland's community health index, the Census data (demography, household, employment, long-term conditions) were linked with routinely collected health, death and healthcare data: Scotland's register of deaths, Scottish morbidity data 06 (SMR06: cancer incidence, mortality, treatments), Prescribing Information System (identifying asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; angina/congestive heart failure/hypertension; peptic ulcer/reflux; constipation; diabetes; thyroid disorder; depression; bipolar disorders; anxiety/sleep; psychosis; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; epilepsy; glaucoma), SMR01 (general/acute hospital admissions and causes, ambulatory care sensitive admissions), SMR04 (mental health admissions and causes), Scottish Care Information-Diabetes Collaboration (diabetic care quality, diabetic outcomes), national bowel screening programme and cervical screening. FINDINGS TO DATE Of the whole population, 0.5% had intellectual disabilities, and 0.6% were autistic. Linkage was successful for >92%. The resultant e-cohorts include: (1) 22 538 people with intellectual disabilities (12 837 men and 9701 women), 4509 of whom are children <16 years, (2) 27 741 autistic people (21 390 men and 6351 women), 15 387 of whom are children <16 years and (3) representative general population samples with neither condition. Very good general health was reported for only 3389 (15.0%) people with intellectual disabilities, 10 510 (38.0%) autistic people, compared with 52.4% general population. Mental health conditions were reported for 4755 (21.1%) people with intellectual disabilities, 3998 (14.4%) autistic people, compared with 4.2% general population. FUTURE PLANS Analyses will determine the extent of premature mortality, causes of death, and avoidable deaths, profile of health conditions and cancers, healthcare quality and screening and determinants of mortality and healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally-Ann Cooper
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Angela Henderson
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Deborah Kinnear
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Daniel Mackay
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Michael Fleming
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Gillian S Smith
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Ewelina Rydzewska
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kirsty Dunn
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - J P Pell
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Craig Melville
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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22
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Trudel SM, Winter EL, Fitzmaurice B, Norman G, Bray CR. Integration of physical health and sensory processing assessment for children with autism spectrum disorder in schools. PSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pits.22704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sierra M. Trudel
- Department of School Psychology University of Connecticut Storrs Connecticut USA
| | - Emily L. Winter
- Department of School Psychology University of Connecticut Storrs Connecticut USA
| | - Brenna Fitzmaurice
- Department of School Psychology University of Connecticut Storrs Connecticut USA
| | - Gina Norman
- Department of School Psychology University of Connecticut Storrs Connecticut USA
| | - Clark R. Bray
- Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Connecticut Storrs Connecticut USA
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23
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A Personalized Multidisciplinary Approach to Evaluating and Treating Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12030464. [PMID: 35330464 PMCID: PMC8949394 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12030464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder without a known cure. Current standard-of-care treatments focus on addressing core symptoms directly but have provided limited benefits. In many cases, individuals with ASD have abnormalities in multiple organs, including the brain, immune and gastrointestinal system, and multiple physiological systems including redox and metabolic systems. Additionally, multiple aspects of the environment can adversely affect children with ASD including the sensory environment, psychosocial stress, dietary limitations and exposures to allergens and toxicants. Although it is not clear whether these medical abnormalities and environmental factors are related to the etiology of ASD, there is evidence that many of these factors can modulate ASD symptoms, making them a potential treatment target for improving core and associated ASD-related symptoms and improving functional limitation. Additionally, addressing underlying biological disturbances that drive pathophysiology has the potential to be disease modifying. This article describes a systematic approach using clinical history and biomarkers to personalize medical treatment for children with ASD. This approach is medically comprehensive, making it attractive for a multidisciplinary approach. By concentrating on treatable conditions in ASD, it is possible to improve functional ability and quality of life, thus providing optimal outcomes.
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24
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Li YA, Chen ZJ, Li XD, Gu MH, Xia N, Gong C, Zhou ZW, Yasin G, Xie HY, Wei XP, Liu YL, Han XH, Lu M, Xu J, Huang XL. Epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders: Global burden of disease 2019 and bibliometric analysis of risk factors. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:972809. [PMID: 36545666 PMCID: PMC9760802 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.972809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the geographical pattern and temporal trend of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) epidemiology from 1990 to 2019, and perform a bibliometric analysis of risk factors for ASD. METHODS In this study, ASD epidemiology was estimated with prevalence, incidence, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) of 204 countries and territories by sex, location, and sociodemographic index (SDI). Age-standardized rate (ASR) and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) were used to quantify ASD temporal trends. Besides, the study performed a bibliometric analysis of ASD risk factors since 1990. Publications published were downloaded from the Web of Science Core Collection database, and were analyzed using CiteSpace. RESULTS Globally, there were estimated 28.3 million ASD prevalent cases (ASR, 369.4 per 100,000 populations), 603,790 incident cases (ASR, 9.3 per 100,000 populations) and 4.3 million DALYs (ASR, 56.3 per 100,000 populations) in 2019. Increases of autism spectrum disorders were noted in prevalent cases (39.3%), incidence (0.1%), and DALYs (38.7%) from 1990 to 2019. Age-standardized rates and EAPC showed stable trend worldwide over time. A total of 3,991 articles were retrieved from Web of Science, of which 3,590 were obtained for analysis after removing duplicate literatures. "Rehabilitation", "Genetics & Heredity", "Nanoscience & Nanotechnology", "Biochemistry & Molecular biology", "Psychology", "Neurosciences", and "Environmental Sciences" were the hotspots and frontier disciplines of ASD risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Disease burden and risk factors of autism spectrum disorders remain global public health challenge since 1990 according to the GBD epidemiological estimates and bibliometric analysis. The findings help policy makers formulate public health policies concerning prevention targeted for risk factors, early diagnosis and life-long healthcare service of ASD. Increasing knowledge concerning the public awareness of risk factors is also warranted to address global ASD problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-An Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Ze-Jian Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Xiao-Dan Li
- Nursing Department, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China
| | - Ming-Hui Gu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Nan Xia
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Chen Gong
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA United States
| | - Zhao-Wen Zhou
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA United States
| | - Gvzalnur Yasin
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Xinjiang Uyghur Medicine, Xinjiang China
| | - Hao-Yu Xie
- Division of Physical Therapy Education, College of Allied Health Professions, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Xiu-Pan Wei
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Ya-Li Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Xiao-Hua Han
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Min Lu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Jiang Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Xiao-Lin Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
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25
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Rydzewska E, Fleming M, Mackay D, Young-Southward G, Blacher J, Ross Bolourian Y, Widaman K, Cooper SA. General health status of youth with autism with and without intellectual disabilities transitioning from special education, and its relationship to personal and family circumstances: longitudinal cohort study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 69:515-523. [PMID: 37346258 PMCID: PMC10281398 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2021.1966600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Transition from school to early adulthood incurs many changes and may be associated with deterioration in general health in youth with autism. We aimed to investigate this. Method: The National Longitudinal Transitions Study-2 is a USA nationally representative sample of youth receiving special education services, aged 13-17 at wave 1, followed-up over 10 years in five data collection waves. We conducted random-effects ordered logistic regressions to determine the odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals of wave, age, sex, ethnicity/race, additional intellectual disabilities, parental/guardian relationship status, and household income being associated with general health status in youth with autism. Results: Across waves, only between 74.3%-69.6% had excellent/very good health (71.7%-58.8% in those with co-occurring intellectual disabilities), but wave was not associated with health status. Associations were with age OR = 1.18 (1.04, 1.33), co-occurring intellectual disabilities OR = 1.56 (1.00, 2.44), and household income OR = 0.61 (0.40, 0.94) at $30,001-$50,000, OR = 0.44 (0.27, 0.72) at $50,001-$70,000, and OR = 0.34 (0.20, 0.56) at $70,001+. Sex, ethnicity/race, and parental/guardian relationship status were not associated with health status. Conclusion: There was little change in general health status longitudinally across the transitional period, but the proportion with excellent/very good health was low at each wave. Transitional planning should consider co-occurring intellectual disabilities, and the wider socioeconomic context in which children/youth with autism are raised. Lack of other longitudinal studies indicates a need for replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Rydzewska
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Michael Fleming
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Daniel Mackay
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Jan Blacher
- Graduate School of Education, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | | | - Keith Widaman
- Graduate School of Education, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Sally-Ann Cooper
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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26
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Glans MR, Thelin N, Humble MB, Elwin M, Bejerot S. The Relationship Between Generalised Joint Hypermobility and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults: A Large, Cross-Sectional, Case Control Comparison. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:803334. [PMID: 35211037 PMCID: PMC8861852 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.803334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and generalised joint hypermobility (GJH) share a number of clinical manifestations including proprioceptive impairment, motor difficulties, sensory hypersensitivity, and autonomic dysfunction. Clinical observations suggest that GJH is overrepresented in ASD. However, there are currently few systematic studies available. Knowledge about comorbidities may unfold common aetiopathological pathways underlying the association and improve the clinical management. The aim of this large, cross-sectional comparative study is to evaluate the relationship between ASD and GJH in adults. Data on joint hypermobility, symptoms associated with both hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), lifetime psychiatric diagnoses, psychiatric rating scales for ASD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and socio-demographics was collected for 199 individuals with ASD and 419 non-ASD community controls. Logistic regression models adjusting for covariates (age, sex, ethnicity) revealed a significant relationship between ASD and GJH and between ASD and symptomatic GJH, with adjusted odds ratios of 3.1 (95% CI: 1.9, 5.2; p < 0.001) and 4.9 (95% CI: 2.6, 9.0; p < 0.001), respectively. However, the high prevalence of comorbid ADHD in the study sample reduces the generalizability of the results among individuals with ASD without comorbid ADHD. Possibly, an additional ADHD phenotype is the primary driver of the association between ASD and GJH. Furthermore, GJH with additional self-reported symptoms, suggestive of HSD/hEDS, showed a stronger association with ASD than did non-specified GJH, indicating that symptomatic GJH plays a greater role in the relationship than non-specified GJH does. Therefore, the current study underscores the need of careful sample subclassifications. ASD with GJH may represent a novel subgroup of ASD in terms of aetiopathology and clinical presentation. Future research should elucidate the aetiological factors behind the association between ASD and GJH and evaluate how the comorbidity of GJH affects ASD outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin R Glans
- School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Nils Thelin
- Division of Psychiatry, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Mats B Humble
- School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Marie Elwin
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Health Care Research Centre, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Susanne Bejerot
- School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Health Care Research Centre, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet (KI), Solna, Sweden
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27
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Horiuchi F, Kawabe K, Oka Y, Nakachi K, Hosokawa R, Ueno SI. The Association between Autistic Traits and Sleep Habits/Problems in Toddlers. Dev Neuropsychol 2020; 45:485-495. [DOI: 10.1080/87565641.2020.1865357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fumie Horiuchi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon City, Ehime, Japan
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Ehime University Hospital, Toon City, Ehime, Japan
| | - Kentaro Kawabe
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon City, Ehime, Japan
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Ehime University Hospital, Toon City, Ehime, Japan
| | - Yasunori Oka
- Center for Sleep Medicine, Ehime University Hospital, Toon City, Ehime, Japan
| | - Kiwamu Nakachi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon City, Ehime, Japan
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Ehime University Hospital, Toon City, Ehime, Japan
| | - Rie Hosokawa
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon City, Ehime, Japan
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Ehime University Hospital, Toon City, Ehime, Japan
| | - Shu-Ichi Ueno
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon City, Ehime, Japan
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