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Gréaux M, Gibson JL, Katsos N. `It's not just linguistically, there's much more going on': The experiences and practices of bilingual paediatric speech and language therapists in the UK. Int J Lang Commun Disord 2024. [PMID: 38520734 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.13027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the high prevalence of bilingualism in the United Kingdom, few speech and language therapists (SLTs) are bilingual themselves. Most SLT research on bilingualism has generated knowledge to inform service delivery for bilingual clients, but few studies have investigated how being a bilingual SLT influences one's professional experiences and practices. Better understanding the unique positionality of bilingual SLTs can yield critical insights to meaningfully address issues of diversity, inclusion and equity in the profession. AIMS To investigate the experiences and practices of bilingual paediatric SLTs in the United Kingdom through the lens of Cultural-Historical Activity Theory-International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (CHAT-ICF), a new theoretical framework developed to conceptualise the activities of professionals working in the field of disability. METHODS In this qualitative study, 19 bilingual paediatric SLTs practising in the United Kingdom were interviewed individually. Participants were recruited through a snowball sampling strategy, and semi-structured interviews conducted online. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and following a hybrid inductive-deductive approach to map the results onto the CHAT-ICF framework. RESULTS Six overarching components of the CHAT-ICF framework hosted the 12 sub-themes identified to capture the experiences and practices of bilingual SLTs: (1) Subject (intersectionality); (2) Tools (language skills, education, clinical resources); (3) Rules (systemic barriers, sense of responsibility); (4) Community (sense of inclusion); (5) Division of labour (parents, colleagues); and (6) Practice (empathy with children, holistic mindset, flexible approaches). The use of the CHAT-ICF theoretical lens revealed two fundamental structural phenomena: (1) the distribution of sub-themes across many components of CHAT-ICF demonstrated that being a bilingual SLT is a multifactorial experience; and (2) the chain reactions between sub-themes illustrated the dynamic nature of bilingual SLTs' experiences which can be harnessed to challenge marginalisation and promote equity in the profession. CONCLUSION & IMPLICATIONS This is the first qualitative study to date to provide in-depth insights into the experiences and practices of bilingual SLTs in the United Kingdom. These insights can be mobilised to inform the meaningful inclusion of bilingual SLTs in workforce planning efforts and service development. Recommendations include using intersectional lenses, providing cultural and anti-racism awareness training to SLTs, developing more diverse clinical resources and flexible approaches for bilingual families, valuing bilingualism in recruitment processes and increasing accountability at the leadership level. Research giving voice to bilingual SLTs, and other underrepresented demographics in the SLT workforce, can catalyse action to promote a more diverse and inclusive profession in line with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists' strategic vision 2022-2027. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on the subject Most research on bilingualism in speech and language therapy is focused on issues related to service provision and delivery for bilingual clients with little consideration for bilingual speech and language therapists' (SLTs) unique positionality. A few survey studies have shown that bilingual SLTs report significantly higher competency and greater confidence when working with clients who speak multiple languages, but there are significant gaps in understanding how bilingualism impacts other aspects of their professional experiences. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This is the first study to provide in-depth insights into the experiences and practices of bilingual SLTs in the United Kingdom. We show that being bilingual profoundly impacts many aspects of their professional experiences, including their clinical identity, skillset, sense of inclusion in the workplace, work relationships and clinical approaches. Bilingual SLTs expressed developing trust relationships with bilingual families and adopting flexible approaches to account for their clients' environmental factors, all of which can contribute to more equitable SLT services. This study also makes a novel contribution by proposing and using the Cultural-Historical Activity Theory-International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (CHAT-ICF) framework to conceptualise and investigate SLTs' experiences and practices. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? This study provides evidence-based recommendations to inform progress towards the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists' strategic vision 2022-2027 and the diversification of the profession. Actions to support bilingual SLTs and diversify the profession include shifting a rigid mindset of linguistic and cultural `competence' to self-growth and awareness, developing more diverse clinical resources and flexible approaches for bilingual families, valuing bilingualism in SLT recruitment processes and career progression and increasing accountability and leadership around issues of diversity in the workplace. The novel CHAT-ICF framework has the potential to be used to support therapists' reflexivity in their practice or structure audits of rehabilitation services. Intersectionality theories and transformative processes can catalyse positive change in clinical services and research around bilingualism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Gréaux
- Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jenny L Gibson
- Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Napoleon Katsos
- Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Davies J, Remington A, Buckley C, Crane L, Smalley K. 'It seems like a luxury to be able to offer that': Factors influencing the implementation of annual health checks for autistic people in England. Autism 2024; 28:656-673. [PMID: 37431819 PMCID: PMC10913342 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231182011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Autistic people are more likely to have mental and physical health problems than non-autistic people. Annual health checks could reduce these problems by finding and treating them early. Annual health checks are yearly medical appointments where a primary healthcare provider (such as a doctor or nurse) can check things like a patient's weight and heart rate and ask if they have any worries about their health. In this study, we wanted to understand what might encourage primary healthcare providers to use annual health checks with their autistic patients. First, we spoke to 10 autistic people and 11 primary healthcare providers. Using the findings from these conversations, we created an online survey for primary healthcare providers in England. We used the findings from the interviews and survey to help us understand what would encourage primary healthcare providers to offer annual health checks for autistic people. Our participants said that a lack of time and staff would make it hard to provide health checks. To help, they said other members of staff (such as nurses and healthcare assistants) could do the health checks, rather than doctors. They also said parts of the process could be made automatic to save time (e.g. sending automatic reminders). Knowledge about autism was important too (e.g. knowing about the common conditions autistic people have, and how to best support autistic patients). Participants said training on these topics, produced and delivered with autistic people, could encourage them to use annual health checks with their autistic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Katelyn Smalley
- University College London, UK
- University of Plymouth, UK
- Imperial College London
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Hamilton J, Finch T, Le Couteur A, Mackintosh J, Petrou A, Garland D, Parr JR. The lived experiences of relatives of autistic adults, and their perceptions of their relationships with autistic adults across multiple age-related transitions and demands: A qualitative interview study with reflexive thematic analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0294232. [PMID: 38241348 PMCID: PMC10798545 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a need to better understand autism across the life course, including the lives of both autistic people and supporting relatives. As part of a larger mixed methods cohort study involving autistic adults, carers and relatives this sub-study focused on the experiences of relatives alone to learn more about the lives of people from the wider personal networks. Our research questions were: 1. What are the experiences of family members who care for and/or support autistic adults, 2. How can the viewpoints of relatives add to what we know about transitions and challenges experienced by autistic adults, and 3. What strategies/support have been helpful for adults and relatives? METHODS Relatives of autistic adults were purposively sampled and recruited using the Relatives/Carers cohort from the Adult Autism Spectrum Cohort-UK. 18 participants aged 31-81years who were related to 16 autistic adults aged 18-57years were interviewed for 24-91minutes. Interview transcripts were examined using reflexive thematic analysis. MAIN FINDINGS Two overarching themes were developed, 'Family support goes a long way in caring for autistic adults' and 'When families turn to society for support' with subthemes. Relatives described benefits they had gained and their admiration for autistic adults. They reflected on how they gave support for independence in various contexts of dependence. They also identified the challenges that both autistic adults and families face navigating support systems (for example for healthcare and employment). An important novel outcome was the advocated value of role-models with lived experience who come from outside of the family. RECOMMENDATIONS The findings lead to recommendations for: (i) Strategies to reduce the barriers for support that are faced by autistic individuals and relatives during crisis points; (ii) recognition and support for what enables both relatives and autistic adults to function independently (e.g. funded activities, flexible employment); (iii) future planning conversations to include relatives who can enhance knowledge and help plan for future care or support needs for autistic adults and (iv) opportunities for role models (persons with lived experience, autistic adults and relatives) to inspire others and disseminate knowledge. CONCLUSIONS These findings add valuable insights into the experiences of relatives of autistic adults and challenge the reader to have greater appreciation of the many roles relatives can contribute across time and in a variety of contexts. These perspectives add important information for those working with and planning provision for autistic adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahnese Hamilton
- Research and Development, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Tracy Finch
- Department of Nursing, Midwifery & Health, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Ann Le Couteur
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Joan Mackintosh
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Petrou
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah Garland
- Specialised Training Team, National Autistic Society, North East England, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy R. Parr
- Research and Development, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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O'Reilly C, Huberty S, van Noordt S, Desjardins J, Wright N, Scorah J, Webb SJ, Elsabbagh M. EEG functional connectivity in infants at elevated familial likelihood for autism spectrum disorder. Mol Autism 2023; 14:37. [PMID: 37805500 PMCID: PMC10559476 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-023-00570-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies have reported that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with atypical structural and functional connectivity. However, we know relatively little about the development of these differences in infancy. METHODS We used a high-density electroencephalogram (EEG) dataset pooled from two independent infant sibling cohorts, to characterize such neurodevelopmental deviations during the first years of life. EEG was recorded at 6 and 12 months of age in infants at typical (N = 92) or elevated likelihood for ASD (N = 90), determined by the presence of an older sibling with ASD. We computed the functional connectivity between cortical sources of EEG during video watching using the corrected imaginary part of phase-locking values. RESULTS Our main analysis found no significant association between functional connectivity and ASD, showing only significant effects for age, sex, age-sex interaction, and site. Given these null results, we performed an exploratory analysis and observed, at 12 months, a negative correlation between functional connectivity and ADOS calibrated severity scores for restrictive and repetitive behaviors (RRB). LIMITATIONS The small sample of ASD participants inherent to sibling studies limits diagnostic group comparisons. Also, results from our secondary exploratory analysis should be considered only as potential relationships to further explore, given their increased vulnerability to false positives. CONCLUSIONS These results are inconclusive concerning an association between EEG functional connectivity and ASD in infancy. Exploratory analyses provided preliminary support for a relationship between RRB and functional connectivity specifically, but these preliminary observations need corroboration on larger samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian O'Reilly
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
- Artificial Intelligence Institute of South Carolina, University of South Carolina, 1112 Greene St, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
- Carolina Autism and Neurodevelopment Research Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
| | - Scott Huberty
- Azrieli Centre for Autism Research, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Stefon van Noordt
- Department of Psychology, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Nicky Wright
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Julie Scorah
- Azrieli Centre for Autism Research, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Mayada Elsabbagh
- Azrieli Centre for Autism Research, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Zarakoviti E, Shafran R, Skuse D, McTague A, Batura N, Palmer T, Dalrymple E, Bennett SD, Reilly C. Factor associated with the occurrence of epilepsy in autism: a systematic review. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:3873-3890. [PMID: 35904650 PMCID: PMC10499929 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05672-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This systematic review aimed to identify factors significantly associated with the occurrence of epilepsy in autistic individuals and to consider the impact of study quality on findings. Electronic databases were systematically searched on October 2nd, 2020 and records retrieved were limited to those published from 2000 onwards. Study quality was categorised as 'good', 'moderate' or 'weak'. Fifty-three studies were included and in studies where the prevalence of epilepsy was reported (n = 257,892), 18,254 (7%) had co-occurring epilepsy. Intellectual disability/cognitive impairment was the most commonly reported risk factor associated with occurrence of epilepsy in autistic individuals. The evidence supporting other, potentially relevant factors was weak and inconsistent and requires further evaluation. Only 9/53 studies were considered 'good' quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Zarakoviti
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH), 30 Guilford Street, WC1N 1EH, London, UK
| | - Roz Shafran
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH), 30 Guilford Street, WC1N 1EH, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street, WC1N 3JH, London, UK
| | - David Skuse
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH), 30 Guilford Street, WC1N 1EH, London, UK
| | - Amy McTague
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH), 30 Guilford Street, WC1N 1EH, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street, WC1N 3JH, London, UK
| | - Neha Batura
- UCL Institute for Global Health (IGH), 30 Guilford Street, WC1N 1EH, London, UK
| | - Tom Palmer
- UCL Institute for Global Health (IGH), 30 Guilford Street, WC1N 1EH, London, UK
| | - Emma Dalrymple
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH), 30 Guilford Street, WC1N 1EH, London, UK
| | - Sophie D Bennett
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH), 30 Guilford Street, WC1N 1EH, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street, WC1N 3JH, London, UK
| | - Colin Reilly
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH), 30 Guilford Street, WC1N 1EH, London, UK.
- Research Department, Young Epilepsy, RH7 6PW, Lingfield, Surrey, UK.
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Rodgers J, Brice S, Welsh P, Ingham B, Wilson C, Evans G, Steele K, Cropper E, Le Couteur A, Freeston M, Parr JR. A Pilot Randomised Control Trial Exploring the Feasibility and Acceptability of Delivering a Personalised Modular Psychological Intervention for Anxiety Experienced by Autistic Adults: Personalised Anxiety Treatment-Autism (PAT-A). J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06112-5. [PMID: 37728782 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06112-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety is commonly experienced by autistic people and impacts on quality of life and social participation. New anxiety interventions are required to effectively meet the needs of autistic people. Personalised Anxiety Treatment-Autism (PAT-A©) is a bespoke, modular approach to treating anxiety in up to 12 sessions. This study explored the feasibility and acceptability of delivering PAT-A© in the UK National Health Service (NHS). A single-blind randomised controlled trial design. Thirty-four autistic adults were recruited via clinical services and randomised to receive either PAT-A© or enhanced treatment as usual (CCSP). Outcome assessments relating to anxiety, quality of life and related constructs were completed at baseline, immediately post intervention; and at 3 and 12 months. Seventy-one percent of the PAT-A© group and 65% of the CCSP met diagnostic threshold for at least three anxiety disorders. Retention was good across both groups, with 82% (N = 14/17) completing the full course of PAT-A© and 71% (N = 12/17) attending both psychoeducational sessions in CCSP. 94% in PAT-A© and 82% in CCSP completed some follow up assessment 3 months post-intervention. Thematic analysis of interview data revealed that many participants valued the personalised approach, developed transferable skills and experienced positive changes to their anxiety. Participants were willing to be recruited and randomised, PAT-A© was feasible to deliver in the NHS and the trial methods and materials were acceptable. Our findings indicate that a fully powered clinical and cost-effectiveness trial of PAT-A© is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqui Rodgers
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Samuel Brice
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Patrick Welsh
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Barry Ingham
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Colin Wilson
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Gemma Evans
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Katie Steele
- School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Emily Cropper
- School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ann Le Couteur
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mark Freeston
- School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jeremy R Parr
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
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Pryke-Hobbes A, Davies J, Heasman B, Livesey A, Walker A, Pellicano E, Remington A. The workplace masking experiences of autistic, non-autistic neurodivergent and neurotypical adults in the UK. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290001. [PMID: 37672533 PMCID: PMC10482295 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Masking entails hiding or concealing one's traits during social interactions. Research suggests that masking is particularly common for autistic people, though many non-autistic people also conceal aspects of their identity. Existing research has identified the key motivations and consequences of masking. No research to date, however, has considered how this might be affected by the social context in which masking is employed. This study compared the masking experiences of 285 autistic, 88 non-autistic neurodivergent and 99 neurotypical adults within a context in which masking is expected to be highly prevalent, namely the workplace. We used reflexive thematic analysis to explore the motivations, consequences, and contextual differences of workplace masking compared to other social contexts. Workplace masking was considered by participants in all three groups to be an adaptive response to a range of socially grounded workplace challenges and was usually employed as a strategy to safeguard against the threat of negative social and employment outcomes. Our non-autistic neurodivergent and autistic participants, however, reported experiencing unique pressures to mask, given the limited understanding of neurodiversity in workplaces and society more broadly. These findings have important implications for the wider masking literature and for workplace practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Pryke-Hobbes
- UCL Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE), University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jade Davies
- UCL Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE), University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Brett Heasman
- School of Education, Language and Psychology, York St John University, York, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Livesey
- UCL Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE), University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Walker
- Neurodiversity Works, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Anna Remington
- UCL Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE), University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Davies J, Heasman B, Livesey A, Walker A, Pellicano E, Remington A. Access to employment: A comparison of autistic, neurodivergent and neurotypical adults' experiences of hiring processes in the United Kingdom. Autism 2023; 27:1746-1763. [PMID: 36597955 PMCID: PMC10375005 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221145377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Autistic people are less likely to have a job than non-autistic people. One reason for this may be that hiring processes (e.g. job applications, interviews) can be challenging for autistic people. To better understand the experiences of hiring processes in the United Kingdom, we asked 225 autistic, 64 neurodivergent (but not autistic) and 64 adults with no reported area of neurodivergence questions about their experiences using an online survey. We found a range of similarities and differences in responses. For example, participants in all three groups were frustrated with the focus on social skills in recruitment and said they wanted more practical methods (e.g. work trials) that help them show their skills and abilities. Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent participants discussed the importance of the environment (e.g. the interview/assessment room) in improving experiences. Participants also discussed how employers can impact whether somebody decides to disclose their diagnosis or needs - or not. Autistic people experienced some barriers to successful recruitment that non-autistic people did not. For example, autistic people felt they had to hide their autistic traits to gain employment and many autistic people were worried about being discriminated against if they disclosed that they were autistic during the hiring process. To make experiences better, our participants said that employers should offer candidates different recruitment methods and give them more information about the hiring process. They also said employers should improve their understanding of autism and other hidden disabilities so they know the challenges that people might face during recruitment.
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Rolland T, Cliquet F, Anney RJL, Moreau C, Traut N, Mathieu A, Huguet G, Duan J, Warrier V, Portalier S, Dry L, Leblond CS, Douard E, Amsellem F, Malesys S, Maruani A, Toro R, Børglum AD, Grove J, Baron-Cohen S, Packer A, Chung WK, Jacquemont S, Delorme R, Bourgeron T. Phenotypic effects of genetic variants associated with autism. Nat Med 2023; 29:1671-1680. [PMID: 37365347 PMCID: PMC10353945 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02408-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
While over 100 genes have been associated with autism, little is known about the prevalence of variants affecting them in individuals without a diagnosis of autism. Nor do we fully appreciate the phenotypic diversity beyond the formal autism diagnosis. Based on data from more than 13,000 individuals with autism and 210,000 undiagnosed individuals, we estimated the odds ratios for autism associated to rare loss-of-function (LoF) variants in 185 genes associated with autism, alongside 2,492 genes displaying intolerance to LoF variants. In contrast to autism-centric approaches, we investigated the correlates of these variants in individuals without a diagnosis of autism. We show that these variants are associated with a small but significant decrease in fluid intelligence, qualification level and income and an increase in metrics related to material deprivation. These effects were larger for autism-associated genes than in other LoF-intolerant genes. Using brain imaging data from 21,040 individuals from the UK Biobank, we could not detect significant differences in the overall brain anatomy between LoF carriers and non-carriers. Our results highlight the importance of studying the effect of the genetic variants beyond categorical diagnosis and the need for more research to understand the association between these variants and sociodemographic factors, to best support individuals carrying these variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Rolland
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.
| | - Freddy Cliquet
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Richard J L Anney
- Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Clara Moreau
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Traut
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Center for Research and Interdisciplinarity (CRI), Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Mathieu
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Huguet
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jinjie Duan
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine and the iSEQ Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Varun Warrier
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Swan Portalier
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Louise Dry
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Claire S Leblond
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Elise Douard
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Département de Pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Frédérique Amsellem
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Simon Malesys
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Anna Maruani
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Roberto Toro
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Center for Research and Interdisciplinarity (CRI), Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Anders D Børglum
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine and the iSEQ Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jakob Grove
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine and the iSEQ Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, Aarhus, Denmark
- Bioinformatics Research Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Wendy K Chung
- Simons Foundation, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sébastien Jacquemont
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Département de Pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Richard Delorme
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Bourgeron
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.
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10
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Abstract
Little is known about how autistic people experience pregnancy. We interviewed 24 autistic and 21 non-autistic women during pregnancy to find out about their experiences. Autistic participants had more physical difficulties, such as nausea and pain, during pregnancy than non-autistic participants. They also sometimes felt that healthcare professionals, such as midwives, did not have a good understanding of autism and they did not always feel comfortable telling professionals about their autism diagnosis. Autistic participants told us that they needed professionals to communicate with them clearly and to make changes during appointments such as dimming lights. This research shows that autistic people would benefit from changes to pregnancy appointments and that more training about autism would help maternity care professionals to support autistic people during pregnancy.
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11
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Rossow T, MacLennan K, Tavassoli T. The Predictive Relationship Between Sensory Reactivity and Depressive Symptoms in Young Autistic Children with Few to No Words. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:2384-2394. [PMID: 35338437 PMCID: PMC8956453 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05528-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Depression and sensory reactivity are both common in autism. However, there is little understanding of the predictive relationship between these factors, or the nature of this relationship in autistic children who speak few to no words. This study set out to explore the longitudinal relationship between sensory reactivity and depressive symptoms in 33 young autistic children who speak few to no words. We found positive correlations between depressive symptoms and hyper-reactivity and sensory seeking at both timepoints, and across timepoints. We further found a bidirectional predictive relationship between depressive symptoms and sensory seeking. These results implicate sensory seeking in the development of depressive symptoms in young autistic children who use few to no words. Our findings have important implications for preventative mental health interventions, especially for those with a developmental language delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Rossow
- University of Reading, Harry Pitt Building, Earley Gate, Reading, RG6 6BZ, UK.
| | - Keren MacLennan
- University of Reading, Harry Pitt Building, Earley Gate, Reading, RG6 6BZ, UK
| | - Teresa Tavassoli
- University of Reading, Harry Pitt Building, Earley Gate, Reading, RG6 6BZ, UK
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12
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Baumeister S, Moessnang C, Bast N, Hohmann S, Aggensteiner P, Kaiser A, Tillmann J, Goyard D, Charman T, Ambrosino S, Baron-Cohen S, Beckmann C, Bölte S, Bourgeron T, Rausch A, Crawley D, Dell'Acqua F, Dumas G, Durston S, Ecker C, Floris DL, Frouin V, Hayward H, Holt R, Johnson MH, Jones EJH, Lai MC, Lombardo MV, Mason L, Oakley B, Oldehinkel M, Persico AM, San José Cáceres A, Wolfers T, Loth E, Murphy DGM, Buitelaar JK, Tost H, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Banaschewski T, Brandeis D. Processing of social and monetary rewards in autism spectrum disorders. Br J Psychiatry 2023; 222:100-111. [PMID: 36700346 PMCID: PMC9929925 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2022.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reward processing has been proposed to underpin the atypical social feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, previous neuroimaging studies have yielded inconsistent results regarding the specificity of atypicalities for social reward processing in ASD. AIMS Utilising a large sample, we aimed to assess reward processing in response to reward type (social, monetary) and reward phase (anticipation, delivery) in ASD. METHOD Functional magnetic resonance imaging during social and monetary reward anticipation and delivery was performed in 212 individuals with ASD (7.6-30.6 years of age) and 181 typically developing participants (7.6-30.8 years of age). RESULTS Across social and monetary reward anticipation, whole-brain analyses showed hypoactivation of the right ventral striatum in participants with ASD compared with typically developing participants. Further, region of interest analysis across both reward types yielded ASD-related hypoactivation in both the left and right ventral striatum. Across delivery of social and monetary reward, hyperactivation of the ventral striatum in individuals with ASD did not survive correction for multiple comparisons. Dimensional analyses of autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) scores were not significant. In categorical analyses, post hoc comparisons showed that ASD effects were most pronounced in participants with ASD without co-occurring ADHD. CONCLUSIONS Our results do not support current theories linking atypical social interaction in ASD to specific alterations in social reward processing. Instead, they point towards a generalised hypoactivity of ventral striatum in ASD during anticipation of both social and monetary rewards. We suggest this indicates attenuated reward seeking in ASD independent of social content and that elevated ADHD symptoms may attenuate altered reward seeking in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Baumeister
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Carolin Moessnang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Nico Bast
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany and Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt am Main, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sarah Hohmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Pascal Aggensteiner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anna Kaiser
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Julian Tillmann
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom and Department of Applied Psychology: Health, Development, Enhancement, and Intervention, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Goyard
- Neurospin Centre CEA, Saclay, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Tony Charman
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sara Ambrosino
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Christian Beckmann
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands and Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Sven Bölte
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden and School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
| | - Thomas Bourgeron
- Institut Pasteur, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions Unit, Paris, France
| | - Annika Rausch
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands and Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Daisy Crawley
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Flavio Dell'Acqua
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK and Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Guillaume Dumas
- Institut Pasteur, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions Unit, Paris, France
| | - Sarah Durston
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Christine Ecker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt am Main, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Dorothea L. Floris
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands and Methods of Plasticity Research, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Hannah Hayward
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Rosemary Holt
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark H. Johnson
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK and Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, UK
| | - Emily J. H. Jones
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Meng-Chuan Lai
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Canada and Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taiwan
| | - Michael V. Lombardo
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK and Laboratory for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Italy
| | - Luke Mason
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, UK
| | - Bethany Oakley
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK and Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Marianne Oldehinkel
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, the Netherlands and Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - Antonio M. Persico
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Program at Modena University Hospital, & Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Antonia San José Cáceres
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón and CIBERSAM, Spain
| | - Thomas Wolfers
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands and Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Eva Loth
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK and Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Declan G. M. Murphy
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK and Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jan K. Buitelaar
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands and Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Heike Tost
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Tobias Banaschewski
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Daniel Brandeis
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland and Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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13
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Carter Leno V, Begum-Ali J, Goodwin A, Mason L, Pasco G, Pickles A, Garg S, Green J, Charman T, Johnson MH, Jones EJH. Infant excitation/inhibition balance interacts with executive attention to predict autistic traits in childhood. Mol Autism 2022; 13:46. [PMID: 36482366 PMCID: PMC9733024 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00526-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism is proposed to be characterised by an atypical balance of cortical excitation and inhibition (E/I). However, most studies have examined E/I alterations in older autistic individuals, meaning that findings could in part reflect homeostatic compensation. To assess the directionality of effects, it is necessary to examine alterations in E/I balance early in the lifespan before symptom emergence. Recent explanatory frameworks have argued that it is also necessary to consider how early risk features interact with later developing modifier factors to predict autism outcomes. METHOD We indexed E/I balance in early infancy by extracting the aperiodic exponent of the slope of the electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectrum ('1/f'). To validate our index of E/I balance, we tested for differences in the aperiodic exponent in 10-month-old infants with (n = 22) and without (n = 27) neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a condition thought to be characterised by alterations to cortical inhibition. We then tested for E/I alterations in a larger heterogeneous longitudinal cohort of infants with and without a family history of neurodevelopmental conditions (n = 150) who had been followed to early childhood. We tested the relevance of alterations in E/I balance and our proposed modifier, executive attention, by assessing whether associations between 10-month aperiodic slope and 36-month neurodevelopmental traits were moderated by 24-month executive attention. Analyses adjusted for age at EEG assessment, sex and number of EEG trials. RESULTS Infants with NF1 were characterised by a higher aperiodic exponent, indicative of greater inhibition, supporting our infant measure of E/I. Longitudinal analyses showed a significant interaction between aperiodic slope and executive attention, such that higher aperiodic exponents predicted greater autistic traits in childhood, but only in infants who also had weaker executive functioning abilities. LIMITATIONS The current study relied on parent report of infant executive functioning-type abilities; future work is required to replicate effects with objective measures of cognition. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest alterations in E/I balance are on the developmental pathway to autism outcomes, and that higher executive functioning abilities may buffer the impact of early cortical atypicalities, consistent with proposals that stronger executive functioning abilities may modify the impact of a wide range of risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Carter Leno
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Jannath Begum-Ali
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Amy Goodwin
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Luke Mason
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Greg Pasco
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew Pickles
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Shruti Garg
- Faculty of Biological Medical and Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Jonathan Green
- Faculty of Biological Medical and Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Tony Charman
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mark H Johnson
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emily J H Jones
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
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14
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Jackson E, Galvin J, Warrier V, Baron-Cohen S, Luo S, Dunbar RIM, Proctor H, Lee E, Richards G. Evidence of assortative mating for theory of mind via facial expressions but not language. J Soc Pers Relat 2022; 39:3660-3679. [PMID: 36398165 PMCID: PMC9663490 DOI: 10.1177/02654075221106451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Assortative mating is a phenomenon in which romantic partners typically resemble each other at a level greater than chance. There is converging evidence that social behaviours are subject to assortative mating, though less is known regarding social cognition. Social functioning requires the ability to identify and understand the mental states of others, i.e., theory of mind. The present study recruited a sample of 102 heterosexual couples via an online survey to test if theory of mind as measured using facial expressions (Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test) or language (Stiller-Dunbar Stories Task) is associated with assortative mating. Results provide evidence of assortative mating for theory of mind via facial expressions, though there was no such effect for theory of mind via language. Assortative mating for theory of mind via facial expressions was not moderated by length of relationship nor by partner similarity in age, educational attainment, or religiosity, all variables relevant to social stratification. This suggests assortative mating for theory of mind via facial expressions is better explained by partners being alike at the start of their relationship (initial assortment) rather than becoming similar through sustained social interaction (convergence), and by people seeking out partners that are like themselves (active assortment) rather than simply pairing with those from similar demographic backgrounds (social homogamy).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Jackson
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, UK
| | - John Galvin
- Department of Psychology, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, West Midlands, UK
| | - Varun Warrier
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Shanhong Luo
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC, USA
| | - Robin IM Dunbar
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Hannah Proctor
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, UK
| | - Eva Lee
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, UK
| | - Gareth Richards
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, UK
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
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15
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Davies J, Heasman B, Livesey A, Walker A, Pellicano E, Remington A. Autistic adults’ views and experiences of requesting and receiving workplace adjustments in the UK. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272420. [PMID: 35930548 PMCID: PMC9355205 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This article examines 181 autistic adults’ views toward, and experiences of, requesting and receiving workplace adjustments in the UK. Using an online survey, we collected both qualitative and quantitative data relating to individuals’ experiences. While the majority of participants perceived workplace adjustments to be important, many were not receiving them. Analysis of open-ended text responses highlighted specific challenges that autistic people face in requesting and receiving adjustments. Specifically, participants felt the onus fell on them to (1) identify their need for adjustments; (2) establish the specific adjustments that would be beneficial and (3) request adjustments from their employer. Yet, they reported struggling with this process. Participants also highlighted a range of social and organisational barriers to the successful implementation of workplace adjustments. Unsurprisingly, the lack of successfully implemented adjustments had far-reaching impacts on participants’ wellbeing as well as the choices they made about their future employment. These findings highlight the need for employers to take a more active role in the identification and implementation of workplace adjustments, as well as a need for more understanding and inclusive working environments that truly allow autistic employees to thrive in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Davies
- UCL Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE), University College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Brett Heasman
- School of Education, Language and Psychology, York St John University, York, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Livesey
- UCL Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE), University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Walker
- Neurodiversity Works, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Anna Remington
- UCL Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE), University College London, London, United Kingdom
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16
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Shakeshaft A, Laiou P, Abela E, Stavropoulos I, Richardson MP, Pal DK, Howell A, Hyde A, McQueen A, Duran A, Gaurav A, Collingwood A, Kitching A, Shakeshaft A, Papathanasiou A, Clough A, Gribbin A, Swain A, Needle A, Hall A, Smith A, Macleod A, Chhibda A, Fonferko-Shadrach B, Camara B, Petrova B, Stuart C, Hamilton C, Peacey C, Campbell C, Cotter C, Edwards C, Picton C, Busby C, Quamina C, Waite C, West C, Ng CC, Giavasi C, Backhouse C, Holliday C, Mewies C, Thow C, Egginton D, Dickerson D, Rice D, Mullan D, Daly D, Mcaleer D, Gardella E, Stephen E, Irvine E, Sacre E, Lin F, Castle G, Mackay G, Salim H, Cock H, Collier H, Cockerill H, Navarra H, Mhandu H, Crudgington H, Hayes I, Stavropoulos I, Daglish J, Smith J, Bartholomew J, Cotta J, Ceballos JP, Natarajan J, Crooks J, Quirk J, Bland J, Sidebottom J, Gesche J, Glenton J, Henry J, Davis J, Ball J, Selmer KK, Rhodes K, Holroyd K, Lim KS, O’Brien K, Thrasyvoulou L, Makawa L, Charles L, Richardson L, Nelson L, Walding L, Woodhead L, Ehiorobo L, Hawkins L, Adams L, Connon M, Home M, Baker M, Mencias M, Richardson MP, Sargent M, Syvertsen M, Milner M, Recto M, Chang M, O'Donoghue M, Young M, Ray M, Panjwani N, Ghaus N, Sudarsan N, Said N, Pickrell O, Easton P, Frattaroli P, McAlinden P, Harrison R, Swingler R, Wane R, Ramsay R, Møller RS, McDowall R, Clegg R, Uka S, White S, Truscott S, Francis S, Tittensor S, Sharman SJ, Chung SK, Patel S, Ellawela S, Begum S, Kempson S, Raj S, Bayley S, Warriner S, Kilroy S, MacFarlane S, Brown T, Samakomva T, Nortcliffe T, Calder V, Collins V, Parker V, Richmond V, Stern W, Haslam Z, Šobíšková Z, Agrawal A, Whiting A, Pratico A, Desurkar A, Saraswatula A, MacDonald B, Fong CY, Beier CP, Andrade D, Pauldhas D, Greenberg DA, Deekollu D, Pal DK, Jayachandran D, Lozsadi D, Galizia E, Scott F, Rubboli G, Angus-Leppan H, Talvik I, Takon I, Zarubova J, Koht J, Aram J, Lanyon K, Irwin K, Hamandi K, Yeung L, Strug LJ, Rees M, Reuber M, Kirkpatrick M, Taylor M, Maguire M, Koutroumanidis M, Khan M, Moran N, Striano P, Bala P, Bharat R, Pandey R, Mohanraj R, Thomas R, Belderbos R, Slaght SJ, Delamont S, Sastry S, Mariguddi S, Kumar S, Kumar S, Majeed T, Jegathasan U, Whitehouse W. Heterogeneity of resting-state EEG features in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and controls. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac180. [PMID: 35873918 PMCID: PMC9301584 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal EEG features are a hallmark of epilepsy, and abnormal frequency and network features are apparent in EEGs from people with idiopathic generalized epilepsy in both ictal and interictal states. Here, we characterize differences in the resting-state EEG of individuals with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and assess factors influencing the heterogeneity of EEG features. We collected EEG data from 147 participants with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy through the Biology of Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy study. Ninety-five control EEGs were acquired from two independent studies [Chowdhury et al. (2014) and EU-AIMS Longitudinal European Autism Project]. We extracted frequency and functional network-based features from 10 to 20 s epochs of resting-state EEG, including relative power spectral density, peak alpha frequency, network topology measures and brain network ictogenicity: a computational measure of the propensity of networks to generate seizure dynamics. We tested for differences between epilepsy and control EEGs using univariate, multivariable and receiver operating curve analysis. In addition, we explored the heterogeneity of EEG features within and between cohorts by testing for associations with potentially influential factors such as age, sex, epoch length and time, as well as testing for associations with clinical phenotypes including anti-seizure medication, and seizure characteristics in the epilepsy cohort. P-values were corrected for multiple comparisons. Univariate analysis showed significant differences in power spectral density in delta (2-5 Hz) (P = 0.0007, hedges' g = 0.55) and low-alpha (6-9 Hz) (P = 2.9 × 10-8, g = 0.80) frequency bands, peak alpha frequency (P = 0.000007, g = 0.66), functional network mean degree (P = 0.0006, g = 0.48) and brain network ictogenicity (P = 0.00006, g = 0.56) between epilepsy and controls. Since age (P = 0.009) and epoch length (P = 1.7 × 10-8) differed between the two groups and were potential confounders, we controlled for these covariates in multivariable analysis where disparities in EEG features between epilepsy and controls remained. Receiver operating curve analysis showed low-alpha power spectral density was optimal at distinguishing epilepsy from controls, with an area under the curve of 0.72. Lower average normalized clustering coefficient and shorter average normalized path length were associated with poorer seizure control in epilepsy patients. To conclude, individuals with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy have increased power of neural oscillatory activity at low-alpha frequencies, and increased brain network ictogenicity compared with controls, supporting evidence from studies in other epilepsies with considerable external validity. In addition, the impact of confounders on different frequency-based and network-based EEG features observed in this study highlights the need for careful consideration and control of these factors in future EEG research in idiopathic generalized epilepsy particularly for their use as biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Shakeshaft
- Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK,MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Petroula Laiou
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Eugenio Abela
- Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | | | - Mark P Richardson
- Correspondence may also be addressed to: Professor Mark P Richardson Maurice Wohl Clinical Neurosciences Institute Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience King’s College London, 5 Cutcombe Road, London SE5 9RX, UK E-mail:
| | - Deb K Pal
- Correspondence to: Professor Deb K Pal Maurice Wohl Clinical Neurosciences Institute Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience King’s College London 5 Cutcombe Road, London SE5 9RX, UK E-mail:
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Finch TL, Mackintosh J, Petrou A, McConachie H, Le Couteur A, Garland D, Parr JR. "We couldn't think in the box if we tried. We can't even find the damn box": A qualitative study of the lived experiences of autistic adults and relatives of autistic adults. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264932. [PMID: 35286347 PMCID: PMC8920184 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autistic children grow to become autistic adults, and autism is increasingly diagnosed in adulthood and later life. This qualitative study aimed to understand experiences of autism throughout adulthood. A national cohort study of autistic adults and relatives of autistic adults (ASC-UK), enabled purposive recruitment of a diverse sample. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 autistic adults (aged 20-71 years), mostly diagnosed in adulthood, and 16 relatives (aged 31-81 years) of autistic adults diagnosed across both childhood and adulthood (including some with learning disability). Interview topics included health, relationships, education, employment, quality of life and everyday experiences. Thematic analysis of the accounts of the autistic adults identified six key themes relating to their experiences: (1) diagnosis as validating yet limiting; (2) supportive and non-supportive social agents; (3) the "invisibility" of the needs of autistic adults; (4) health in the context of autism; (5) staying 'outside' the circle; and (6) multiple lives with autism. Data from relatives about autistic adult experiences gave additional perspectives on these themes. Experiences reported in other studies-of 'difference' from others, challenges of social engagement, and learning to 'conform' to society's expectations-were evident and relevant to male and female autistic adults, across all age groups, and unrelated to stage of life when diagnosed. Some expressed disappointment with their lives, but others were proud of their achievements. Education and employment, whilst challenging for many, were also rewarding for some. Health care and social services were often experienced as inaccessible, inappropriate, or lacking understanding of the individual's needs. We conclude that greater public understanding of autism as experienced in adulthood is needed. Key priorities are improving the availability of 'appropriate' health and social care services for autistic adults and families, and providing practical support to enable enhanced participation in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy L. Finch
- Department of Nursing, Midwifery & Health, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Joan Mackintosh
- Newcastle University, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Petrou
- Newcastle University, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Helen McConachie
- Newcastle University, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Ann Le Couteur
- Newcastle University, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jeremy R. Parr
- Newcastle University, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Cumbria, Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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18
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Babb C, Brede J, Jones CRG, Elliott M, Zanker C, Tchanturia K, Serpell L, Mandy W, Fox JRE. 'It's not that they don't want to access the support . . . it's the impact of the autism': The experience of eating disorder services from the perspective of autistic women, parents and healthcare professionals. Autism 2021; 25:1409-1421. [PMID: 33588579 PMCID: PMC8264634 DOI: 10.1177/1362361321991257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT This study explores autistic women's experiences of eating disorder services. About 20%-30% of people with anorexia nervosa are also autistic, and current treatments seem not to work as well for them. We interviewed 15 autistic women with experience of anorexia nervosa, 12 parents of autistic women with anorexia nervosa, and 11 healthcare professionals working in eating disorder services. We asked autistic women and parents about their experiences of eating disorder services, and we asked healthcare professionals about their experiences treating autistic women with anorexia nervosa. Participants' views were represented by three overall themes: misunderstanding autism and autistic traits, one treatment does not fit all, and improving accessibility and engagement within services. We found that autistic women face many barriers when in treatment for anorexia nervosa, often because of a lack of autism understanding within eating disorder services. Future research should look at developing anorexia nervosa treatments that can specifically help autistic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lucy Serpell
- University College London, UK
- Eating Disorder Service, North East London NHS Foundation Trust, Essex, UK
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19
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Cassidy SA, Bradley L, Cogger-Ward H, Rodgers J. Development and validation of the suicidal behaviours questionnaire - autism spectrum conditions in a community sample of autistic, possibly autistic and non-autistic adults. Mol Autism 2021; 12:46. [PMID: 34154642 PMCID: PMC8218414 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-021-00449-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autistic people and those with high autistic traits are at high risk of experiencing suicidality. Yet, there are no suicidality assessment tools developed or validated for these groups. METHODS A widely used and validated suicidality assessment tool developed for the general population (SBQ-R), was adapted using feedback from autistic adults, to create the Suicidal Behaviours Questionnaire-Autism Spectrum Conditions (SBQ-ASC). The adapted tool was refined through nine interviews, and an online survey with 251 autistic adults, to establish clarity and relevance of the items. Subsequently, 308 autistic, 113 possibly autistic, and 268 non-autistic adults completed the adapted tool online, alongside self-report measures of autistic traits (AQ), camouflaging autistic traits (CAT-Q), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (ASA-A), thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness (INQ-15), lifetime non-suicidal self-injury, and the original version of the suicidality assessment tool (SBQ-R). Analyses explored the appropriateness and measurement properties of the adapted tool between the groups. RESULTS There was evidence in support of content validity, structural validity, internal consistency, convergent and divergent validity, test-retest validity, sensitivity and specificity (for distinguishing those with or without lifetime experience of suicide attempt), and hypothesis testing of the adapted tool (SBQ-ASC) in each group. The structure of the SBQ-ASC was equivalent between autistic and possibly autistic adults, regardless of gender, or use of visual aids to help quantify abstract rating scales. LIMITATIONS The samples involved in the development and validation of the adapted tool were largely female, and largely diagnosed as autistic in adulthood, which limits the generalisability of results to the wider autistic population. The SBQ-ASC has been developed for use in research and is not recommended to assess risk of future suicide attempts and/or self-harm. The SBQ-ASC has been designed with and for autistic and possibly autistic adults, and is not appropriate to compare to non-autistic adults given measurement differences between these groups. CONCLUSIONS The SBQ-ASC is a brief self-report suicidality assessment tool, developed and validated with and for autistic adults, without co-occurring intellectual disability. The SBQ-ASC is appropriate for use in research to identify suicidal thoughts and behaviours in autistic and possibly autistic people, and model associations with risk and protective factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Cassidy
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Louise Bradley
- The International Centre, University of Bedfordshire, Luton, UK
| | - Heather Cogger-Ward
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
- School of Psychology, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
- Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Lincoln, UK
| | - Jacqui Rodgers
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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20
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McKenzie R, Dallos R, Stedmon J, Hancocks H, Vickery PJ, Barton A, Vassallo T, Myhill C, Chynoweth J, Ewings P. SAFE, a new therapeutic intervention for families of children with autism: a randomised controlled feasibility trial. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e038411. [PMID: 33384385 PMCID: PMC7780715 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To establish the feasibility of a definitive randomised controlled trial of Systemic Autism-related Family Enabling (SAFE), an intervention for families of children with autism. DESIGN A randomised, controlled, multicentred feasibility study. SETTING Participants were identified from three National Health Service (NHS) diagnosing centres in Plymouth and Cornwall and a community pathway. PARTICIPANTS 34 families of a child with a diagnosis of autism severity level 1 or 2 between 3 and 16 years. Four families were lost to follow-up. INTERVENTIONS SAFE is a manualised five-session family therapy-based intervention delivered over 16 weeks and designed for families of children with autism. SAFE involves families attending five 3-hour sessions led by systemic practitioners. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The proposed primary outcome measure was the Systemic CORE 15 (SCORE-15). Proposed secondary outcome measures: Patient Health Questionnaire-Somatic Anxiety Depressive Symptoms, the Coding of Attachment-Related Parenting for use with children with Autism, the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL), the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (RFQ) and the Caregiving Helplessness Questionnaire. Outcome measures were collected at baseline and 24 weeks post randomisation. RESULTS All primary caregivers retained in the study completed the SCORE-15 at both time points. 34 of the target of 36 families were recruited and 88% of families were retained. Training for therapists was effective. Feedback revealed willingness to undergo randomisation. There was 100% attendance at appropriate sessions for core family members. The SCORE-15 showed reduction in scores for families receiving SAFE compared with controls suggesting positive change. Qualitative data also revealed that families found the study acceptable and families receiving SAFE experienced positive change. Feedback indicated that the SCORE-15 should be retained as a primary measure in a future trial, but secondary measures should be reduced. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that a larger trial of SAFE is feasible. Findings suggest that SAFE can address current gaps in recommended care, can be confidently delivered by NHS staff and has potential as a beneficial treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS ISCTRN83964946 and IRAS213527.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rudi Dallos
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Jacqui Stedmon
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Helen Hancocks
- Peninsula Clinical Trials Unit, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Andy Barton
- South West Research Design Service, Plymouth, UK
| | - Tara Vassallo
- Institute of Education, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Craig Myhill
- Institute of Education, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Jade Chynoweth
- Medical Statistics, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Paul Ewings
- Research Office, Research Design Service, Taunton, UK
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21
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Brede J, Babb C, Jones C, Elliott M, Zanker C, Tchanturia K, Serpell L, Fox J, Mandy W. "For Me, the Anorexia is Just a Symptom, and the Cause is the Autism": Investigating Restrictive Eating Disorders in Autistic Women. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 50:4280-4296. [PMID: 32274604 PMCID: PMC7677288 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04479-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autistic women are overrepresented among people in treatment for Anorexia Nervosa (AN). The current study aimed to: (1) better understand how AN develops and persists in autistic individuals from the perspective of autistic women, parents and healthcare professionals; (2) derive a theoretical model of restrictive eating difficulties in autism. We conducted 44 semi-structured interviews and used Thematic Analysis to identify patterns of meaning across the data. Themes related to sensory sensitivities, social interaction and relationships, sense of self and identity, difficulties with emotions, thinking styles, and a need for control and predictability. We developed a model of potential autism-specific mechanisms underlying restrictive eating difficulties. This study generated novel insights, which have the potential to inform treatment adaptations following empirical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janina Brede
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Charli Babb
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT UK
| | - Catherine Jones
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT UK
| | - Mair Elliott
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF UK
| | | | | | - Lucy Serpell
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - John Fox
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT UK
| | - Will Mandy
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 6BT UK
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22
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Lodder A, Papadopoulos C, Randhawa G. SOLACE: A Psychosocial Stigma Protection Intervention to Improve the Mental Health of Parents of Autistic Children-A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 50:4477-4491. [PMID: 32323046 PMCID: PMC7677275 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04498-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study presents findings from a feasibility trial, testing an 8-week psychosocial stigma protection intervention (SOLACE) designed to improve the mental health of parents of autistic children. Seventeen parents were stratified then randomly assigned to either SOLACE (n = 9) or control group (n = 8). Retention and adherence rates were excellent with minimal missing data suggesting SOLACE had good acceptability and feasibility. Quantitative analysis revealed that mental health scores had significantly improved for those who took part in SOLACE compared to no significant changes for control group participants. In addition, changes in secondary outcome measures (e.g. stigma, self-esteem and self-compassion) were in favour of SOLACE. Focus group interviews revealed that SOLACE was acceptable to parents. Results suggest that a full randomised controlled trial is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Lodder
- Institute for Health Research, University of Bedfordshire, Putteridge Bury, Hitchin Road, Luton, LU2 8LE UK
| | - Chris Papadopoulos
- Institute for Health Research, University of Bedfordshire, Putteridge Bury, Hitchin Road, Luton, LU2 8LE UK
| | - Gurch Randhawa
- Institute for Health Research, University of Bedfordshire, Putteridge Bury, Hitchin Road, Luton, LU2 8LE UK
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23
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Parr JR, Brice S, Welsh P, Ingham B, Le Couteur A, Evans G, Monaco A, Freeston M, Rodgers J. Treating anxiety in autistic adults: study protocol for the Personalised Anxiety Treatment-Autism (PAT-A©) pilot randomised controlled feasibility trial. Trials 2020; 21:265. [PMID: 32171316 PMCID: PMC7071661 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-4161-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety is common in autistic adults and significantly limits everyday opportunities and quality of life. Evidence-based psychological therapies offered by mental health services often fail to meet the needs of autistic adults. The development of appropriate treatments for mental health conditions and, in particular, anxiety has been identified as a key priority by the autism community. The Personalised Anxiety Treatment-Autism (PAT-A©) trial aims to address this need by investigating the feasibility and acceptability of delivering an individualised psychological treatment for anxiety experienced by autistic adults. METHODS/DESIGN This is a pilot randomised controlled feasibility trial. Up to 40 autistic adults with clinically diagnosed anxiety will be randomised into one of two groups (either the PAT-A© intervention or Current Clinical Services Plus two emotional literacy skills sessions). Before randomisation, participants will receive a detailed clinical assessment to inform formulation and guide anxiety treatment. As part of the baseline assessment participants will also identify two personally important 'target situations' that cause significant anxiety and impact upon their daily life. Based upon the formulation and identified target situations, participants randomised to the PAT-A© intervention will receive up to 12 individualised, one-to-one therapy sessions. Initial emotional literacy training sessions will be followed by a bespoke, modular, needs-based treatment approach utilising one or more of the following approaches: Mindfulness, Coping with Uncertainty in Everyday Situations (CUES), social anxiety and graded exposure within Virtual Reality Environments. Participants in the control arm will receive two psycho-educational sessions focussing on understanding and describing emotions and be signposted to healthcare provision as required. Data will be collected through quantitative and qualitative methods. DISCUSSION This feasibility pilot trial serves as the first stage in the development and evaluation of a manualised personalised, evidence-based psychological therapy treatment for anxiety in autistic adults. Study outcomes will be used to inform an application for a fully powered multi-site intervention trial of adults and young people. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN, ID: 15881562. Retrospectively registered on 9 August 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy R. Parr
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Samuel Brice
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Patrick Welsh
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Barry Ingham
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ann Le Couteur
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Gemma Evans
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Alexander Monaco
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mark Freeston
- School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jacqui Rodgers
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Rodgers J, Goodwin J, Parr JR, Grahame V, Wright C, Padget J, Garland D, Osborne M, Labus M, Kernohan A, Freeston M. Coping with Uncertainty in Everyday Situations (CUES©) to address intolerance of uncertainty in autistic children: study protocol for an intervention feasibility trial. Trials 2019; 20:385. [PMID: 31248435 PMCID: PMC6598241 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3479-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety is a common diagnosis in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). One key mechanism underlying anxiety is intolerance of uncertainty, which is a tendency to react negatively on an emotional, cognitive, and behavioural level to uncertain situations and events. We developed the first intervention programme specifically targeting intolerance of uncertainty in children with ASD: Coping with Uncertainty in Everyday Situations (CUES). CUES is a parent group intervention providing parents of children with ASD with strategies to increase tolerance to uncertainty for their children in everyday situations. The principal aims of the current study are: 1) evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of delivering CUES to parents who have a child with ASD and anxiety; and 2) inform the design of a fully powered trial. METHOD This is a feasibility and acceptability single-blind pilot randomised controlled trial comparing CUES (intervention) to a brief psychoeducation, emotional literacy, and relaxation programme (enhanced services as usual). Participants will be assessed at baseline and followed-up immediately post-treatment, and at 12 and 26 weeks post-treatment. Parents who have a child with ASD and anxiety (aged 6-16 years) will be invited to take part in the study and written parental informed consent and child assent will be obtained. Participants will be recruited from the National Health Service mental health teams in the UK. Sixty participants will be randomised to either intervention or enhanced services as usual in a 1:1 ratio. DISCUSSION The present study will provide evidence on the acceptability of the CUES intervention to parents and children, and the feasibility of recruitment and delivery to inform the design and sample size for a full-scale randomised controlled trial. Qualitative data will be obtained to understand how feasible CUES is for families, and the experiences of participants regarding their experiences of the intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN, ISRCTN10139240 . Registered on 14 May 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqui Rodgers
- Institute of Neuroscience, Sir James Spence Institute, Newcastle University, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle, NE1 4LP UK
| | - Jane Goodwin
- Institute of Neuroscience, Sir James Spence Institute, Newcastle University, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle, NE1 4LP UK
| | - Jeremy R. Parr
- Institute of Neuroscience, Sir James Spence Institute, Newcastle University, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle, NE1 4LP UK
- Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders Service, Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Walkergate Park Hospital, Walkergate Park, NE6 4QD UK
| | - Victoria Grahame
- Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders Service, Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Walkergate Park Hospital, Walkergate Park, NE6 4QD UK
| | - Catharine Wright
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Albion Rd Resource Centre, North Shields, NE29 0HG UK
| | - John Padget
- Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders Service, Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Walkergate Park Hospital, Walkergate Park, NE6 4QD UK
| | - Deborah Garland
- Sir James Spence Institute, Newcastle University, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle, NE1 4LP UK
| | - Malcolm Osborne
- South Tyneside’s Kids And Young Adults Klub - Special needs support group (KAYAKS), South Shields, NE33 4UG UK
| | - Marie Labus
- Research and Enterprise Services, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, The Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH UK
| | - Ashleigh Kernohan
- Institute of Health & Society Newcastle University Baddiley-Clark Building, Richardson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AX UK
| | - Mark Freeston
- School of Psychology, Newcastle University, 4th Floor Ridley Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU UK
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25
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Yorke I, White P, Weston A, Rafla M, Charman T, Simonoff E. The Association Between Emotional and Behavioral Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Psychological Distress in Their Parents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Autism Dev Disord 2018; 48:3393-3415. [PMID: 29777471 PMCID: PMC6153902 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3605-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
This review (Prospero Registration Number: CRD42017057915) aimed to systematically identify and summarize existing research on the relationship between additional emotional and behavioral problems (EBP) in children with autism, and parenting stress (PS) and mental health problems (MHP) in their parents. Sixty-seven studies met criteria for inclusion in the review, 61 of which were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled correlation coefficients were in the low to moderate range ([Formula: see text]). Some evidence for moderation by measurement characteristics was found. Narrative review of concurrent adjusted associations showed some evidence for shared relationships with other factors, most notably ASD severity and parent perception of own parenting. Longitudinal studies showed mixed evidence for bidirectional predictive relationships between child EBP and parent psychological distress variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Yorke
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
| | - Pippa White
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Amelia Weston
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Monica Rafla
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Tony Charman
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Emily Simonoff
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
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26
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Milosavljevic B, Shephard E, Happé FG, Johnson MH, Charman T. Anxiety and Attentional Bias to Threat in Children at Increased Familial Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2018; 47:3714-3727. [PMID: 28116669 PMCID: PMC5676835 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-016-3012-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety and threat bias were examined in 6-8-year-old children at familial-risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and low-risk (LR, n = 37) controls. The high-risk (HR) group was divided into those who met diagnostic criteria for ASD (HR-ASD, n = 15) and those who did not (HR-non ASD, n = 24). The HR-ASD group had highest levels of parent-reported anxiety. The HR-non ASD group exhibited increased threat bias on a spatial-cueing task, while the HR-ASD group did not. Anxiety symptoms were associated with both threat bias and ASD severity. These findings suggest that the mechanisms underlying anxiety in HR siblings without ASD are similar to those in non-ASD populations. However, among children with ASD, hypersensitivity to threat may not underlie anxiety symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bosiljka Milosavljevic
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF UK
| | - Elizabeth Shephard
- MRC Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF UK
| | - Francesca G. Happé
- MRC Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF UK
| | - Mark H. Johnson
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck College, University of London, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX UK
| | - Tony Charman
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF UK
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Abstract
Accurate measurement of quality of life (QoL) is important for evaluation of autism services and trials of interventions. We undertook psychometric validation of the World Health Organisation measure-WHOQoL-BREF, examined construct validity of the WHO Disabilities module and developed nine additional autism-specific items (ASQoL) from extensive consultation with the autism community. The sample of 309 autistic people was recruited from the Adult Autism Spectrum Cohort-UK. The WHOQoL-BREF had good psychometric properties, including criterion, convergent, divergent and discriminant validity. The WHO Disabilities module showed adequate construct validity and reliability. The ASQoL items form a unitary factor of QoL, with one global item. Future studies can use the WHO measures alongside the ASQoL items to measure QoL of autistic people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen McConachie
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Sir James Spence Institute level 3, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK.
| | - David Mason
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jeremy R Parr
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Deborah Garland
- National Autistic Society Resource Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Jacqui Rodgers
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Hendry A, Jones EJH, Bedford R, Gliga T, Charman T, Johnson MH. Developmental change in look durations predicts later effortful control in toddlers at familial risk for ASD. J Neurodev Disord 2018; 10:3. [PMID: 29378525 PMCID: PMC5789678 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-017-9219-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Difficulties with executive functioning (EF) are common in individuals with a range of developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Interventions that target underlying mechanisms of EF early in development could be broadly beneficial, but require infant markers of such mechanisms in order to be feasible. Prospective studies of infants at high familial risk (HR) for ASD have revealed a surprising tendency for HR toddlers to show longer epochs of attention to faces than low-risk (LR) controls. In typical development, decreases in look durations towards the end of the first year of life are driven by the development of executive attention-a foundational component of EF. Here, we test the hypothesis that prolonged attention to visual stimuli (including faces) in HR toddlers reflects early differences in the development of executive attention. METHODS In a longitudinal prospective study, we used eye-tracking to record HR and LR infants' looking behaviour to social and non-social visual stimuli at ages 9 and 15 months. At age 3 years, we assessed children with a battery of clinical research measures and collected parental report of effortful control (EC)-a temperament trait closely associated with EF and similarly contingent on executive attention. RESULTS Consistent with previous studies, we found an attenuated reduction in peak look durations to faces between 9 and 15 months for the HR group compared with the LR group, and lower EC amongst the HR-ASD group. In line with our hypothesis, change in peak look duration to faces between 9 and 15 months was negatively associated with EC at age 3. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that for HR toddlers, disruption to the early development of executive attention results in an attenuated reduction in looking time to faces. Effects may be more apparent for faces due to early biases to orient towards them; further, attention difficulties may interact with earlier emerging differences in social information processing. Our finding that prolonged attention to faces may be an early indicator of disruption to the executive attention system is of potential value in screening for infants at risk for later EF difficulties and for evaluation of intervention outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Hendry
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Emily J. H. Jones
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London, UK
| | - Rachael Bedford
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Teodora Gliga
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London, UK
| | - Tony Charman
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Mark H. Johnson
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London, UK
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Kolesnik AM, Jones EJH, Garg S, Green J, Charman T, Johnson MH. Early development of infants with neurofibromatosis type 1: a case series. Mol Autism 2017; 8:62. [PMID: 29204259 PMCID: PMC5701449 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-017-0178-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prospective studies of infants at familial risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have yielded insights into the earliest signs of the disorder but represent heterogeneous samples of unclear aetiology. Complementing this approach by studying cohorts of infants with monogenic syndromes associated with high rates of ASD offers the opportunity to elucidate the factors that lead to ASD. Methods We present the first report from a prospective study of ten 10-month-old infants with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a monogenic disorder with high prevalence of ASD or ASD symptomatology. We compared data from infants with NF1 to a large cohort of infants at familial risk for ASD, separated by outcome at age 3 of ASD (n = 34), atypical development (n = 44), or typical development (n = 89), and low-risk controls (n = 75). Domains assessed at 10 months by parent report and examiner observation include cognitive and adaptive function, sensory processing, social engagement, and temperament. Results Infants with NF1 showed striking impairments in motor functioning relative to low-risk infants; this pattern was seen in infants with later ASD from the familial cohort (HR-ASD). Both infants with NF1 and the HR-ASD group showed communication delays relative to low-risk infants. Conclusions Ten-month-old infants with NF1 show a range of developmental difficulties that were particularly striking in motor and communication domains. As with HR-ASD infants, social skills at this age were not notably impaired. This is some of the first information on early neurodevelopment in NF1. Strong inferences are limited by the sample size, but the findings suggest implications for early comparative developmental science and highlight motor functioning as an important domain to inform the development of relevant animal models. The findings have clinical implications in indicating an important focus for early surveillance and remediation in this early diagnosed genetic disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna May Kolesnik
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development and Department of Psychology, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX UK
| | - Emily Jane Harrison Jones
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development and Department of Psychology, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX UK
| | - Shruti Garg
- Neuroscience & Experimental Psychology, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation, Manchester, UK
| | - Jonathan Green
- Neuroscience & Experimental Psychology, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation, Manchester, UK
| | - Tony Charman
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Mark Henry Johnson
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development and Department of Psychology, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX UK
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Williams ME, Hastings R, Charles JM, Evans S, Hutchings J. Parenting for Autism, Language, And Communication Evaluation Study (PALACES): protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e014524. [PMID: 28209607 PMCID: PMC5318566 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Revised: 11/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) often have associated behavioural difficulties that can present a challenge for parents and parenting. There are several effective social learning theory-based parenting programmes for dealing with behavioural difficulties, including the Incredible Years (IY) parent programmes. However, these programmes typically do not specifically target parents of children with ASD. Recently, a new addition to the IY suite of programmes known as the IY Autistic Spectrum and Language Delays (IY-ASLD) parent programme was developed. The main aims of the present study are to examine the feasibility of delivering this programme within child health services and to provide initial evidence for effectiveness and economic costs. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The Parenting for Autism, Language, And Communication Evaluation Study (PALACES) trial is a pragmatic, multicentre, pilot randomised controlled trial comparing the IY-ASLD programme with a wait-list control condition. 72 parents of children with ASD (aged 3-8 years) will be randomly allocated to either the intervention or control condition. Data will be collected prior to randomisation and 6 months postrandomisation for all families. Families in the intervention condition only will also be followed up at 12 and 18 months postrandomisation. This study will provide initial evidence of effectiveness for the newly developed IY-ASLD parenting programme. It will also add to the limited economic evidence for an intervention targeting parents of children with ASD and provide longer term data, an important component for evaluations of parenting programmes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Approval for the study was granted by the Research Ethics Committee at the School of Psychology, Bangor University (reference number: 2016-15768) and the North Wales Research Ethics Committee, UK (reference number: 16/WA/0224). The findings will be disseminated through research conferences and peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN57070414; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard Hastings
- Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal and Research, University of Warwick, Warwick, UK
| | - Joanna Mary Charles
- Centre for Health Economics and Medicines Evaluation, Bangor University, Wales, UK
| | - Sue Evans
- Powys Teaching Health Board, Park Street Clinic, Newtown, Powys, UK
| | - Judy Hutchings
- Centre for Evidence Based Early Intervention, Bangor University, Wales, UK
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31
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Abstract
Clinical initiatives have aimed to reduce the age at ASD diagnosis in the UK. This study investigated whether the median age at diagnosis in childhood has reduced in recent years, and identified the factors associated with earlier diagnosis in the UK. Data on 2134 children with ASD came from two large family databases. Results showed that the age of ASD diagnosis has not decreased. The median age of diagnosis of all ASDs was 55 months. Factors associated with earlier age of diagnosis were autism diagnosis (compared with other ASD), language regression, language delay, lower socioeconomic status, and greater degree of support required. Effective clinical strategies are needed to identify children with characteristics that have in the past delayed ASD diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Brett
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Frances Warnell
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
| | - Helen McConachie
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jeremy R Parr
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK.
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