5,828 results
Search Results
202. A Systematic Review of Self-Reported Stress Questionnaires in People on the Autism Spectrum
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Anoushka Thoen, Kris Evers, Jean Steyaert, Kaat Alaerts, and Tine Van Damme
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Review Paper ,education.field_of_study ,Cognitive Neuroscience ,Population ,Bias assessment ,Stress ,medicine.disease ,Checklist ,Behavioral Neuroscience ,Psychiatry and Mental health ,Developmental Neuroscience ,Autism spectrum disorder ,Stress (linguistics) ,Systematic review ,medicine ,Autism ,Stress measures ,Self report ,Psychology ,education ,Self-report ,Clinical psychology - Abstract
Background The goal of this systematic review was to provide an overview of self-report measures of stress in populations on the autism spectrum. In addition, information regarding psychometric properties was discussed as well. Methods Four databases were systematically searched following the PRISMA guidelines and using strict eligibility criteria. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the COSMIN checklist. Results Eight questionnaires were previously used in populations on the autism spectrum, reported over 31 studies. Discussion Future research should focus more on examining psychometric properties of these self-report measures in this population as current evidence is scarce. In addition, it is important to consider which concept of stress one aims to measure as not all questionnaires cover the same aspects of stress. Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40489-021-00293-4.
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- 2021
203. Computer-Aided Screening of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Eye-Tracking Study Using Data Visualization and Deep Learning
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Jérôme Bosche, Federica Cilia, Gilles Dequen, Mahmoud Elbattah, Jean-Luc Guérin, Barbara Le Driant, Romuald Carette, Luc Vandromme, Centre de Recherche en Psychologie : Cognition, Psychisme et Organisations - UR UPJV 7273 (CRP-CPO), Université de Picardie Jules Verne (UPJV), Modélisation, Information et Systèmes - UR UPJV 4290 (MIS), CHirurgie, IMagerie et REgénération tissulaire de l’extrémité céphalique - Caractérisation morphologique et fonctionnelle - UR UPJV 7516 (CHIMERE), and This article was supported by the research quality bonus of the University of Picardie Jules Verne at Amiens.
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genetic structures ,Computer science ,diagnosis ,[SHS.PSY]Humanities and Social Sciences/Psychology ,Health Informatics ,Human Factors and Ergonomics ,autism spectrum disorder ,Machine learning ,computer.software_genre ,Convolutional neural network ,eye tracking ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Data visualization ,medicine ,data visualization ,0501 psychology and cognitive sciences ,Set (psychology) ,ASS ,Original Paper ,business.industry ,Deep learning ,screening ,05 social sciences ,Eye movement ,deep learning ,medicine.disease ,artificial intelligence ,ML ,Visualization ,machine learning ,AI ,adolescent ,[SCCO.PSYC]Cognitive science/Psychology ,Eye tracking ,Autism ,Artificial intelligence ,business ,computer ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery ,050104 developmental & child psychology - Abstract
Background The early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is highly desirable but remains a challenging task, which requires a set of cognitive tests and hours of clinical examinations. In addition, variations of such symptoms exist, which can make the identification of ASD even more difficult. Although diagnosis tests are largely developed by experts, they are still subject to human bias. In this respect, computer-assisted technologies can play a key role in supporting the screening process. Objective This paper follows on the path of using eye tracking as an integrated part of screening assessment in ASD based on the characteristic elements of the eye gaze. This study adds to the mounting efforts in using eye tracking technology to support the process of ASD screening Methods The proposed approach basically aims to integrate eye tracking with visualization and machine learning. A group of 59 school-aged participants took part in the study. The participants were invited to watch a set of age-appropriate photographs and videos related to social cognition. Initially, eye-tracking scanpaths were transformed into a visual representation as a set of images. Subsequently, a convolutional neural network was trained to perform the image classification task. Results The experimental results demonstrated that the visual representation could simplify the diagnostic task and also attained high accuracy. Specifically, the convolutional neural network model could achieve a promising classification accuracy. This largely suggests that visualizations could successfully encode the information of gaze motion and its underlying dynamics. Further, we explored possible correlations between the autism severity and the dynamics of eye movement based on the maximal information coefficient. The findings primarily show that the combination of eye tracking, visualization, and machine learning have strong potential in developing an objective tool to assist in the screening of ASD. Conclusions Broadly speaking, the approach we propose could be transferable to screening for other disorders, particularly neurodevelopmental disorders.
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- 2021
204. Knowledge Atlas of the Co-Occurrence of Epilepsy and Autism: A Bibliometric Analysis and Visualization Using VOSviewer and CiteSpace.
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Wang, Yangyang, Huo, Xianhao, Li, Wenchao, Xiao, Lifei, Li, Mei, Wang, Chaofan, Sun, Yangyang, and Sun, Tao
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BIBLIOMETRICS ,EPILEPSY ,AUTISM ,INTELLECTUAL disabilities ,VISUALIZATION - Abstract
aimed to analyze research on epilepsy in autism and autism in epilepsy using VOSviewer and CiteSpace to identify research hotspots and future directions. Methods: We searched the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) for relevant studies about epilepsy in autism and autism in epilepsy published from inception to 31 May 2022. VOSviewer and CiteSpace were used to analyze the authors, institutions, countries, publishing journals, reference co-citation patterns, keyword co-occurrence, keyword clustering, keywords with citation bursts, and other aspects to construct a knowledge atlas. Results: A total of 473 publications related to epilepsy/autism were retrieved. The number of publications about epilepsy/ASD has generally increased over time, with some fluctuations. The USA (202 papers) and University of California-Los Angeles (15 papers) were the leading country and institution, respectively, in this field. Frye, Richard E. was the most published author (9 papers). Notably, collaboration between institutions, countries, and authors does not appear to be active. Hot topics and research frontiers include intellectual disability and exploring the mechanism of epilepsy/ASD from a genetics perspective. Conclusion: This analysis identified the most influential publications, authors, journals, institutions, and countries in the field of epilepsy/ASD research. Using co-occurrence and evolution analyses, the status of the field was identified and future trends were predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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205. Using Two Formats of a Social Story to Increase the Verbal Initiations and On-Topic Responses of Two Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
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Anthony, Nicole and Bobzien, Jonna
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TREATMENT of autism ,DISCUSSION ,BEHAVIOR therapy ,TREATMENT effectiveness ,VERBAL behavior ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,SOCIAL skills ,SOCIAL skills education ,ADOLESCENCE - Abstract
This research used an alternating treatment design to investigate the relative effectiveness of participant specific social stories delivered using two distinct formats (i.e., technology-based, paper/book), on increasing the frequency of initiations and responses of two adolescents with ASD. Visual analysis of baseline, intervention, maintenance, and generalization data results indicated the intervention increased the frequency of initiations and on-topic responses regardless of delivery format; however, calculation of Percentage of Nonoverlapping Pairs and TAU-U for both formats indicated variable levels of effectiveness for each condition, with ranges of 43–86% and 0.02381–0.76190 respectively. Finally, despite varied results, both participants preferred the technology-based social story format and parents of both participants agreed the social story intervention increased communicative skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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206. Ideal models of good inpatient care for adults with intellectual disability: Lessons from England.
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Burrows, Lisa, Page, Georgia, Plugaru, Elena, Kent, Bridie, Odiyoor, Mahesh, Jaydeokar, Sujeet, Williams, Jonathan, Elliot, Kevin, Laugharne, Richard, and Shankar, Rohit
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TREATMENT of autism ,EVIDENCE-based medicine ,HOSPITAL care ,PEOPLE with disabilities ,PATIENT-professional relations ,INTELLECTUAL disabilities ,PSYCHIATRIC treatment ,DISCHARGE planning ,ADULTS - Abstract
Background: In recent years, a significant proportion of inpatient facilities for people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism has been de-commissioned in England, This has resulted in individuals with intellectual disabilities being sent to distant hospitals far away from their families and carers leading to challenges in follow-up, community care and interventions. The impact of de-institutionalisation, has often caused patient trauma, family distress and subsequent discharge difficulties. Not every individual with intellectual disabilities and/or autism requires inpatient care but inpatient care when needed has to be local, adequate and appropriate. Aims: To evaluate current evidence of utility of inpatient models for people with intellectual disabilities and outline best clinical practice. Method: PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science were searched with key search terms. The search was conducted by the information specialist and identified abstracts screened further for inclusion criteria, methodological issues, and other appropriate characteristics. Twenty-three papers were included in the rapid review. Papers shortlisted had the inclusion criteria applied against the full text version independently by two reviewers. Disagreements regarding eligibility of studies was resolved by discussion and consensus within the project team. Key data related to in-patient models of care was extracted from the included papers, which included year of study, design, study objectives, target population, method/s tested, outcomes reported, country of study/studies, and results. Data extraction was performed by two reviewers and reviewed by the project team. Results: From the review of services for people with intellectual disabilities, we came across four broad models/frameworks/approaches. Evidence on what worked for inpatient service provision tended to be based on models developed and implemented locally. Conclusions: We make recommendations for the best clinical practice and standards. Both clinical service providers and policymakers need to be aware of specific needs of individuals with intellectual disability and/or autism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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207. The impact of COVID-19 on anxiety and worries for families of individuals with special education needs and disabilities in the UK
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Andrea Christiane Samson, J. van Herwegen, Olympia Palikara, Sinéad M. Rhodes, Mary Hanley, Deborah M. Riby, Daniel Dukes, and V Sideropoulos
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Worries ,030506 rehabilitation ,2019-20 coronavirus outbreak ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ,Autism Spectrum Disorder ,media_common.quotation_subject ,LC ,BF ,Anxiety ,Special education ,03 medical and health sciences ,Typically developing ,Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) ,Developmental and Educational Psychology ,medicine ,Humans ,0501 psychology and cognitive sciences ,Child ,media_common ,Original Paper ,Daughter ,Wellbeing ,Predictors ,SARS-CoV-2 ,Public health ,05 social sciences ,COVID-19 ,medicine.disease ,United Kingdom ,Education, Special ,Communicable Disease Control ,Autism ,medicine.symptom ,0305 other medical science ,Psychology ,RA ,050104 developmental & child psychology ,Clinical psychology - Abstract
COVID-19 has affected people across the world. The current study examined anxiety and worries during the first UK national lockdown in March 2020. Parents (n = 402) reported on their own anxiety and worries as well as that of their son/daughter with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and typically developing (TD) child (n = 186) at three time points. Although both groups showed increased anxiety across the three time points, levels of anxiety in the SEND group, but not the TD siblings, were predicted by awareness about COVID-19. In addition, worries differed between the groups showing that COVID-19 impacts the wellbeing of those with SEND differently to that of their TD siblings. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10803-021-05168-5.
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- 2022
208. Faculty of Education Researchers Reveal New Findings on Autism (Inclusive Strategies for Children with Autism: Behavioural Strategies).
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AUTISM in children ,AUTISM ,RESEARCH personnel ,DEVELOPMENTAL disabilities ,REPORTERS & reporting ,CHILDREN with developmental disabilities ,AUTISTIC children - Abstract
A recent report from the Faculty of Education provides a comprehensive review of evidence-based behavioral strategies for including children with autism in general education environments. The authors emphasize the importance of creating an inclusive learning environment and implementing behavioral research-based strategies to support the effective inclusion of children with autism. The review includes strategies such as behavioral assessment and approaches, direct instruction, formative assessment and feedback, and school-wide positive behavior support. This paper is part of a series of papers reviewing inclusive strategies for children with autism. For more information, readers can access the full article through the provided link. [Extracted from the article]
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- 2024
209. Neurobiological Concomitants of Autism as Informers of Clinical Practice: a Status Review
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Bitsika, Vicki and Sharpley, Christopher F.
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- 2024
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210. Are lay abstracts published in Autism readable enough for the general public? A short report.
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Yi, Lan and Yang, Xiaohu
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ABSTRACTING ,PUBLISHING ,RESEARCH ,READABILITY (Literary style) ,ENGLISH language ,SERIAL publications ,COMPARATIVE studies ,AUTISM ,COMMUNICATION ,RESEARCH funding ,AUTHORSHIP - Abstract
Lay abstracts are brief descriptions or summaries of research that are targeted at a general audience. They are held as an important means for the research community to provide greater transparency to the general public and to increase visibility of the pertinent research. This study aims to examine the extent to which lay abstracts published in the journal Autism are comprehensible to a lay audience in terms of readability measures. Results showed that lay abstracts published in Autism were more readable than their corresponding abstracts but were less readable than plain English texts (e.g. news reports). To our knowledge, this is probably the first comparative study on the readability of lay abstracts. Possible explanations for and implications of these findings were offered. Research papers are sometimes hard to follow. Lay abstracts give a short account of research papers. However, it is unclear whether lay abstracts are readable to the lay people. This study examined the readability of 570 abstracts and lay abstracts published between 2020 and 2022 in the journal Autism. We found that that lay abstracts are easier to read than abstracts but are harder to read than news reports. The findings suggest that lay abstracts, on average, are hard to read for the lay people. We propose that the journal and its authors may invite reviewers from outside the research community to test whether a lay abstract is readable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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211. Investigating the role of graphic pressure and temporal measures in influencing graphic skills of individuals with autism using a digital platform.
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Verma, Pragya, Khandelwal, Kumar Bhanu, Sharma, Prachi, and Lahiri, Uttama
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An ability to create good graphic output requires effective transitive movements related to the use of a tool, e.g., a pen. There is evidence that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and neurotypicals show differences in graphic skill. Such differences can be due to anomalies in one's transitive movements. One needs to quantify such differences through indices e.g., those related to pen-tip pressure and temporal aspects. To study such indices, researchers are shifting their focus to use of digital medium, e.g., pressure tablets from the pen-and-paper based settings for which acquiring these indices might be a challenge. Though pressure tablets have been used by various research groups for graphic execution by individuals with ASD, none have explored these indices for a spiral drawing task that needs precision of performance and is more difficult than drawing of simple shapes. In our present work, we have designed a digitized dot-guided spiral (DDoS) drawing platform offering clockwise spiral drawing task. We chose the clockwise spiral since individuals with ASD may demonstrate torque i.e., a tendency to draw shapes in the clockwise direction. Results of our study with 20 individuals with ASD and 17 typically developing individuals using DDoS platform indicated that for a clockwise spiral drawing, the pen-tip pressure and temporal indices were differentiated among the two participant groups. The indices offered by DDoS platform can provide information to the caregivers and therapists while assisting in identifying deficits and designing individualized intervention, that can benefit the children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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212. Positive family connections: co-producing a virtual group programme for family carers of children with learning disabilities or who are autistic.
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Griffin, Joanna, Austin, Debbie, Lynham, John, Hafidh, Rasha, Boxill, Natasha, Sutherland, Daniel, Flynn, Samantha, and Hastings, Richard P.
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CHILDREN with disabilities ,HUMAN services programs ,RESEARCH funding ,AUTISM ,FAMILY relations ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,CAREGIVERS ,THEMATIC analysis ,TELECONFERENCING ,LEARNING disabilities ,CHILDREN - Abstract
Purpose: This paper aims to outline the process of developing a new co-produced virtual group support programme called Positive Family Connections (PFC) aimed at family carers of children with a learning disability, or who are autistic, aged between 8 and 13 years. Design/methodology/approach: Development process: family carers were recruited to develop PFC prior to a feasibility randomised controlled trial being conducted (not reported in this paper). The programme was positively oriented and family systems-focused. PFC was developed by family carers, along with the research team, and designed to be delivered by family carer facilitators. The development process included several meetings to design the format and content of the programme. An initial pilot was then delivered and further amendments made to the programme in response to the pilot participants' feedback. Findings: The programme: the co-produced PFC programme involved attending six weekly sessions on Zoom; each 2-h session focused on different themes (e.g. communication and activities). Research limitations/implications: Reflections on the co-production process: key ingredients of co-production included ensuring clarity on roles, positive communication and understanding of the family carers' situation and utilising the varied skills family carers can bring to research and practise. Originality/value: This is the first family systems-focused programme that the authors know of, that has been co-produced with family carers and solely delivered virtually by trained family carer facilitators from the outset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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213. Artificial intelligence-based approaches for improving the diagnosis, triage, and prioritization of autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review of current trends and open issues.
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Joudar, Shahad Sabbar, Albahri, A. S., Hamid, Rula A., Zahid, Idrees A., Alqaysi, M. E., Albahri, O. S., and Alamoodi, A. H.
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ARTIFICIAL intelligence ,AUTISM spectrum disorders ,FUZZY decision making ,MAGNETIC resonance imaging ,MEDICAL triage - Abstract
The artificial intelligence (AI) trend to embrace Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has dramatically transformed the landscape of medical diagnosis. People often exhibit fear and apprehension towards conditions they lack understanding of, and ASD being a complex affliction, poses challenges in comprehending its intricacies. Researchers have harnessed AI applications to improve the precision of disease diagnosis by utilizing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Electroencephalography (EEG), genetic, sociodemographic, and medical data. However, the development of AI systems for early diagnosis and triage in healthcare is still in its nascent stages. In particular, studies have revealed a global increase in the prevalence of ASD, with an estimated 1 in 59 children being diagnosed. However, there is a lack of up-to-date information regarding the current status of ASD. This study aims to provide a systematic review of AI applications in early diagnosis and triage for ASD, supplementing the findings of previous studies and offering a comprehensive overview of the evidence. To achieve this, a rigorous literature search method and selection criteria were employed, resulting in the identification of 46 recent contributions on the applications of AI in ASD from various databases, including ScienceDirect (SD), IEEE Xplore digital library (IEEE), Web of Science (WOS), PubMed, and Scopus. The selected papers were categorized into three main categories: ASD triage levels, clinical diagnosis for ASD, and diagnosis based on telemedicine, with further subcategories under the clinical diagnosis category. Theoretical and practical aspects of AI methods used for ASD diagnosis, as well as the presentation utilizing data analytics, were presented. The paper presents a systematic and comprehensive analysis of previous studies, examining the challenges, motivations, and recommendations, thereby paving the way for potential future research. Additionally, the work provides decisive evidence for the use of AI in ASD healthcare diagnosis and triage, offering nine critical analyses of the current state-of-the-art and addressing relevant research gaps. To the best of our knowledge, this study is innovative in exploring the feasibility of using AI in ASD medical diagnosis and triage. It highlights essential pieces of information, including Explainable AI (XAI), Auto machine learning (AutoML), Internet of Things (IoT)-based AI, robot-assisted therapy-based AI, telemedicine, data fusion techniques, and available ASD datasets with different aspects. The analysis of the revised contributions reveals crucial implications for academics and practitioners. The paper also proposes potential methodological aspects to enhance the triage and prioritization of autistic patients using AI applications in the medical sector, as well as addressing theoretical and practical application aspects and five methodology phases using fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methods in ASD triage and prioritization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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214. The additive effect of CBT elements on the video game 'Mindlight' in decreasing anxiety symptoms of children with autism spectrum disorder
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Lieke A. M. W. Wijnhoven, Patrick Onghena, Roy Otten, Rutger C. M. E. Engels, Daan H. M. Creemers, and Educational and Developmental Psychology
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050103 clinical psychology ,Video game ,Cognitive-behavioral therapy ,Autism Spectrum Disorder ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Social Sciences ,Psychology, Developmental ,Anxiety ,Social Development ,behavioral disciplines and activities ,Anxiety symptoms ,mental disorders ,Developmental and Educational Psychology ,medicine ,Psychology ,Humans ,0501 psychology and cognitive sciences ,Child ,Children ,Original Paper ,Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ,05 social sciences ,Autism spectrum disorders ,medicine.disease ,Anxiety Disorders ,Cognitive behavioral therapy ,Multiple baseline design ,Video Games ,Autism spectrum disorder ,Autism ,medicine.symptom ,Developmental Psychopathology ,050104 developmental & child psychology ,Clinical psychology - Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine the additive effect of elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on the video game Mindlight in decreasing anxiety of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A non-concurrent multiple baseline design with 8 children with ASD in the age of 8-12 was used. CBT did not have the hypothesized additive effect on Mindlight in decreasing anxiety of children with ASD. Instead, multiple participants already experienced a decrease in anxiety during the Mindlight sessions. Yet, several participants did experience a stabilization in anxiety at a low level during the CBT sessions. For now, it can be concluded that CBT does not have an additive effect on Mindlight. ispartof: JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS vol:52 issue:1 pages:150-168 ispartof: location:United States status: published
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- 2022
215. Responsible Agency and the Importance of Moral Audience
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Jefferson, Anneli and Sifferd, Katrina
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- 2023
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216. Access for autistic student-actors: interrogating the role of empathy within actor-training methods.
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Glen, Zoë
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AUTISTIC artists ,ACTING education ,EMPATHY ,DYSLEXIA - Abstract
In this paper I, as an autistic actor-trainer who was once an autistic student-actor, explore some of the access issues faced by autistic student-actors. I look at the practices commonly taught on actor-training programmes, and uncover what exclusionary 'dominant narratives' they hold, and why these create issues for autistic students. This paper focuses specifically on the example of empathy, asking how it is used within the practices of Stanislavski and Meisner, among others. This research moves away from the deficit model of autism. Instead, I look to autistic experience – my own and that of others – to investigate what acknowledging, welcoming, and maximising upon these experiences can contribute to these actor-training practices. The result is an example adaptation, where I reframe actor-training exercises to be more accessible for autistic students and consider what benefits these changes might have for all actors within the space. This paper is timely as it follows on from other research into training actors with dyslexia and dyspraxia, and moves to address the absence of writing on training autistic actors. By positioning itself within the neurodiversity paradigm it questions what contributions autistic experience could make to the field of actor-training, if disabling barriers were removed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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217. Response to McKenzie et al. 2021: Keep It Simple; Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder Without Intellectual Disability Can Process Basic Emotions.
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Icht, Michal, Zukerman, Gil, Ben-Itzchak, Esther, and Ben-David, Boaz M.
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EMPATHY ,AUDIOLOGY ,AUTISM ,EMOTIONS ,INTELLECTUAL disabilities ,ADULTS - Abstract
We recently read the interesting and informative paper entitled "Empathic accuracy and cognitive and affective empathy in young adults with and without autism spectrum disorder" (McKenzie et al. in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 52: 1–15, 2021). This paper expands recent findings from our lab (Ben-David in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 50: 741-756, 2020a; International Journal of Audiology 60: 319–321, 2020b) and a recent theoretical framework (Icht et al. in Autism Research 14: 1948–1964, 2021) that may suggest a new purview for McKenzie et al.'s results. Namely, these papers suggest that young adults with autism spectrum disorder without intellectual disability can successfully recruit their cognitive abilities to distinguish between different simple spoken emotions, but may still face difficulties processing complex, subtle emotions. McKenzie et al. (Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 52: 1–15, 2021) extended these findings to the processing of emotions in video clips, with both visual and auditory information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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218. Autistic cities: critical urbanism and the politics of neurodiversity.
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Vanolo, Alberto
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AUTISTIC children ,CITIES & towns ,NEURODIVERSITY ,PUBLIC spaces ,URBAN studies ,SELF-efficacy - Abstract
Autism and neurodiversity are key topics in current public debate and in the social sciences. A vast multidisciplinary literature has explored spatial dimensions of neurodiversity, particularly by analyzing autistic experiences in private and public spaces and the design of autistic-friendly environments. Building on this literature and by presenting my personal experience as the father of an autistic child, this paper explores connections between critical urban studies and the social and political dimensions of neurodiversity. Focusing on different meanings, positions, and discourses shaping autistic experiences and neurodivergent identities in the capitalist city, the paper draws on the notions of 'queering' and 'cripping' autism. Lastly, the paper presents four tentative propositions about autistic cities, with two goals in mind: imagining more just, liveable and empowering cities, and suggesting that critical urban studies can themselves be stimulated by the encounter with neurodiversities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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219. The silent shot: An analysis of the origin, sustenance and implications of the MMR vaccine – autism rumour in the Somali diaspora in Sweden and beyond.
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Herzig van Wees, Sibylle and Dini, Samira
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VACCINATION ,RUBELLA ,CONFIDENCE ,MEASLES ,IMMUNIZATION ,ATTITUDE (Psychology) ,SOCIAL media ,LANGUAGE & languages ,PUBLIC health ,INTERVIEWING ,COMMUNITIES ,QUALITATIVE research ,COMPARATIVE studies ,AUTISM ,RESEARCH funding ,QUALITY of life ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,MMR vaccines ,STATISTICAL sampling ,DATA analysis software ,HEALTH promotion - Abstract
This article traces the origin, sustenance and implications of a persistent rumour that is responsible for low measles mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination uptake in the Somali diaspora in a number of countries across the globe. The rumour stipulates that the MMR vaccine – the silent shot – causes autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although the association between MMR and ASD is non-causal, and various public health initiatives have promoted health information campaigns, the rumour continues to circulate in the Somali diaspora in many countries, including Sweden. This paper shows that there are valid reasons for this. The findings from this paper draw on a systematic scoping review and qualitative interview data from Sweden. The results show that the Somali community experiences higher than average rates of ASD compared to the general population. Moreover, ASD does not exist in the Somali language or their home country, is considered a Western disease that only affects Somali children in the diaspora, and is a highly stigmatised disease. Also, the Somali diaspora has had negative experiences with ASD diagnosis and care. The rumour has been sustained by the absence of an answer to their ASD fear and through active diaspora networks on social media. The network that surrounds the rumour has arguably further helped to create an epistemic community for a community whose concerns have been silenced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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220. Free Papers Compiled.
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ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY ,CONFERENCES & conventions ,SLEEP ,AUTISM ,CHILD psychopathology ,WAKEFULNESS - Published
- 2022
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221. Free Papers Compiled.
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CONFERENCES & conventions ,AUTISM ,EMOTIONS ,BEHAVIOR modification ,CHILD development deviations ,CHILDREN - Published
- 2022
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222. COVID-19 pandemic impact on psychotropic prescribing for adults with intellectual disability: an observational study in English specialist community services
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Danial Naqvi, Bhathika Perera, Sarah Mitchell, Rory Sheehan, and Rohit Shankar
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Psychiatry and Mental health ,Prescribing ,psychotropic medications ,Intellectual Disability ,Papers ,COVID-19 pandemic ,autism - Abstract
BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a disproportionate impact on people with intellectual disability (PwID). PwID are at higher risk of mental illness and receive psychotropic prescribing ‘off licence' also, to manage distress behaviour. The lockdown and reduction of multidisciplinary face-to-face appointments had an impact on care delivery, the recourse possibly being psychotropic prescribing. It is imperative to comprehend the influence the pandemic had on psychotropic prescribing patterns to enable future planning.AimsThe aim was to understand the impact of the pandemic by comparing psychotropic prescribing patterns during the England lockdown with the prescribing patterns before lockdown in specialist urban and rural psychiatric services for PwID.MethodData was collected from Cornwall (rural) and London (urban) intellectual disability services in England as a service evaluation project to rationalise psychotropic prescribing. PwID in both services open across January 2020 to January 2021 were included. Baseline patient demographics including age, gender, ethnicity, intellectual disability level and neurodevelopmental and psychological comorbidities were collected. Baseline psychotropic prescribing and subsequent % change for each psychotropic group for the two services was compared using Pearson's chi-square and z-statistic (two tailed) with significance taken at P < 0.05.ResultsThe two centres London (n = 113) and Cornwall (n = 97) were largely comparable but for baseline differences in terms of presence of severe mental illness (37 v. 86, P < 0.001), challenging behaviour (44 v. 57, P < 0.05) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (37 v. 3, P < 0.001). There was an overall increase in psychotropic prescribing during lockdown in urban as compared with rural settings (11% v. 2%).ConclusionsThe pandemic caused an increase in psychotropic prescribing associated with lockdown severity and urban settings. Team structures could have played a role.
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- 2021
223. A Multimodal Messaging App (MAAN) for Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Mixed Methods Evaluation Study
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Dena Al-Thani, Bilikis Banire, and Mohamad Hassan Fadi Hijab
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Original Paper ,Speech recognition ,Medicine (miscellaneous) ,autism ,Health Informatics ,medicine.disease ,Computer Science Applications ,Method evaluation ,Modal ,Autism spectrum disorder ,mobile app ,mental disorders ,assistive technology ,social and communication skills ,medicine ,Preprint ,Psychology - Abstract
Background Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit difficulties in social and communication skills. For more than 30 years, specialists, parents, and caregivers have used techniques, such as applied behavioral analysis, augmentative and alternative communication, and the picture exchange communication system to support the social and communication skills of people with ASD. Even though there are many techniques devised to enhance communication, these techniques are not considered in existing social media apps for people with ASD. Objective This study aimed to investigate the effect of adding accessibility features, such as text-to-speech (TTS), speech-to-text (STT), and communication symbols (CS), to a messaging app (MAAN). We hypothesized that these accessibility features can enhance the social and communication skills of adults with ASD. We also hypothesized that usage of this app can reduce social loneliness in adults with ASD. Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted with 5 experts working in fields related to ASD to help design the app. Seven adults with ASD participated in the study for a period of 10 to 16 weeks. Data logs of participants’ interactions with the app were collected. Additionally, 6 participants’ parents and 1 caregiver were asked to complete a short version of the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (SELSA-S) questionnaire to compare pre-post study results. The Mobile Application Rating Scale: user version questionnaire was also used to evaluate the app’s usability. Following the study, interviews were conducted with participants to discuss their experiences with the app. Results The SELSA-S questionnaire results showed no change in the family subscale; however, the social loneliness subscale showed a difference between prestudy and poststudy. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test indicated that poststudy SELSA-S results were statistically significantly higher than prestudy results (z=−2.047; P=.04). Point-biserial correlation indicated that the SELSA-S rate of change was strongly related to usage of the TTS feature (r=0.708; P=.04) and CS feature (r=−0.917; P=.002), and moderately related to usage of the STT feature (r=0.428; P=.17). Lastly, we adopted grounded theory to analyze the interview data, and the following 5 categories emerged: app support, feature relevance, user interface design, overall feedback, and recommendations. Conclusions This study discusses the potential for improving the communication skills of adults with ASD through special features in mobile messaging apps. The developed app aims to support the inclusion and independent life of adults with ASD. The study results showed the importance of using TTS, STT, and CS features to enhance social and communication skills, as well as reduce social loneliness in adults with ASD.
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- 2021
224. Training Coaches in Community Agencies to Support Parents of Children with Suspected Autism: Outcomes, Facilitators, and Barriers
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Karen Kalynchuk, Paola Colozzo, Pat Mirenda, Veronica Smith, Wendy J. Ungar, and Laurie A. Vismara
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Parents ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Canada ,Autism Spectrum Disorder ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Suspected autism ,education ,Fidelity ,Training (civil) ,Parent coaching ,Intervention (counseling) ,Agency (sociology) ,Developmental and Educational Psychology ,medicine ,Early Intervention, Educational ,Community-based ,Humans ,Autistic Disorder ,media_common ,Medical education ,Original Paper ,Public health ,Coach training ,medicine.disease ,Autism spectrum disorder ,Implementation ,Autism ,Psychology - Abstract
This study evaluated the fidelity and effectiveness of a parent coach training program for toddlers at risk for autism spectrum disorder and identified factors required for successful training implementation under real-world conditions. Training addressed four tiers of clinical competence and was delivered to early intervention providers across 23 partner agencies in a large Canadian province. Results indicated that mean trainee fidelity scores were within the range reported in previous community-based training studies but there was considerable variability across trainees. Implementation facilitators included agency learning climate, leadership support, and trainee readiness for change. Implementation barriers included time/caseload demands and challenges related to technology learning and infrastructure. Results have implications for parent coach training in community settings. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10803-021-05363-4.
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- 2021
225. Social Media and Cyber-Bullying in Autistic Adults
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Paraskevi Triantafyllopoulou, Peter E. Langdon, and Charlotte Clark-Hughes
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Adult ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Cyber bullying ,Autism Spectrum Disorder ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Autism ,BF ,Victimisation ,Cyberbullying ,Cyber-bullying victimisation ,Developmental psychology ,Social media ,Cyber-aggression ,HV ,Developmental and Educational Psychology ,medicine ,Humans ,Autistic Disorder ,Crime Victims ,media_common ,Internet ,Original Paper ,Social network ,business.industry ,Public health ,Bullying ,medicine.disease ,Online community ,Feeling ,ComputingMilieux_COMPUTERSANDSOCIETY ,Psychology ,business ,RC - Abstract
Social media can lead to rejection, cyber-bullying victimisation, and cyber-aggression, and these experiences are not fully understood as experienced by autistic adults. To investigate this, 78 autistic adults completed self-report measures of social media use, cyber-bullying victimisation, cyber-aggression, and self-esteem. High levels of social media use were found to be associated with an increased risk of cyber-victimisation; whereas self-esteem was positively correlated with feelings of belonging to an online community and negatively correlated with feelings of being ignored on social network sites and chat rooms. Future studies are needed to further investigate the experience of cyber-bullying victimisation of autistic adults. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10803-021-05361-6.
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- 2021
226. Sibling adjustment and sibling relationships associated with clusters of needs in children with autism: a novel methodological approach
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Hanna Kovshoff, Louise Rixon, Richard P. Hastings, and Tom Bailey
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Adaptive behavior ,Original Paper ,Autism Spectrum Disorder ,Autism ,Siblings ,medicine.disease ,Sibling relationship ,Developmental psychology ,Adaptive skills ,Cluster analysis ,Sibling adjustment ,Sibling relationships ,Adaptation, Psychological ,Developmental and Educational Psychology ,medicine ,Humans ,Sibling Relations ,Sibling ,Autistic Disorder ,Psychology ,Child ,QA ,RC - Abstract
We tested a novel methodological approach to examine associations between characteristics of autistic children and outcomes for siblings. Cluster analysis was used to define five groups of children with autism (n = 168) based on autism symptoms, adaptive behavior, pro-social behavior, and behavior problems. Primary and secondary parent carers, and siblings themselves, reported on sibling relationship quality and psychological adjustment. Siblings of autistic children with a mild symptom profile, high levels of adaptive skills, but high internalizing and externalizing problems had the highest level of these problems themselves and more conflict in their relationship. Siblings of autistic children with the most complex support needs (adaptive skills deficits, severe autism symptoms) reported lower warmth relationships but not elevated internalizing and externalizing problems.
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- 2021
227. Relationships Between Emotion Regulation, Social Communication and Repetitive Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Agustín Ernesto Martínez-González, Matti Cervin, José A. Piqueras, Universidad de Alicante. Departamento de Psicología Evolutiva y Didáctica, and Grupo de Investigación Integral en el Neurodesarrollo Típico y Atípico (GINTA)
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Coping (psychology) ,Autism Spectrum Disorder ,Emotions ,Structural equation modeling ,Developmental psychology ,Repetitive behavior ,Stereotyped behaviors ,Psicología Evolutiva y de la Educación ,Developmental and Educational Psychology ,medicine ,Humans ,Autism spectrum disorder ,Association (psychology) ,Self-injury ,Original Paper ,Social communication ,Communication ,Emotion regulation ,medicine.disease ,Social relation ,Emotional Regulation ,Autism ,Stereotyped Behavior ,Psychology - Abstract
The relationship between emotion regulation, social interaction and different types of restricted and repetitive behaviors is poorly understood. In the present study, structural equation modeling based on information about 239 individuals with autism was used to examine whether emotion regulation and social communication were associated with self-injury and stereotyped behaviors. Results showed that poor emotion regulation had a unique association with self-injury while difficulties with social communication was uniquely associated with stereotyped behaviors. Emotion regulation and social communication were strongly associated and self-injury and stereotyped behaviors moderately associated. This implies that these types of behaviors are often expressions of broader negative emotional states in autism. Treatments that help improve coping and social communication strategies may benefit individuals with autism. Open Access funding provided thanks to the CRUE-CSIC agreement with Springer Nature.
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- 2021
228. Schematic Driven Pedagogy (SDP): The Potential Impact for Autistic Children.
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Kelly, Kristina, Davis, Susan, and Clement, Jennifer
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AUTISTIC children ,CHILDREN with autism spectrum disorders ,CURRICULUM implementation ,COGNITIVE styles ,SOCIAL skills ,SCHEMAS (Psychology) - Abstract
Discussions surrounding early years' theorist Piaget's philosophy of learning schema styles and their potential impact upon children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder will be highlighted within this position paper. Furthermore, this paper will also focus on the need for a Schematic Driven Pedagogy implementation to connect both additional learning needs and early years pedagogies by exploring relevant literature within this field. The conclusions drawn from the most current literature suggests that a specific schema curriculum implementation designed for individual schemas could potentially provide many benefits for autistic children. Potential benefits explored within this paper include improvement within some social skills through the exploration of play-based situations adapted to individual schemas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
229. Differently different?: A commentary on the emerging social cognitive neuroscience of female autism.
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Rippon, Gina
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AUTISM ,COGNITIVE neuroscience ,NEUROSCIENCES ,SEX (Biology) ,SOCIAL commentary ,BRAIN research ,FEMALES ,GENDER differences (Psychology) - Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, behaviourally identified, which is generally characterised by social communication differences, and restrictive and repetitive patterns of behaviour and interests. It has long been claimed that it is more common in males. This observed preponderance of males in autistic populations has served as a focussing framework in all spheres of autism-related issues, from recognition and diagnosis through to theoretical models and research agendas. One related issue is the near total absence of females in key research areas. For example, this paper reports a review of over 120 brain-imaging studies of social brain processes in autism that reveals that nearly 70% only included male participants or minimal numbers (just one or two) of females. Authors of such studies very rarely report that their cohorts are virtually female-free and discuss their findings as though applicable to all autistic individuals. The absence of females can be linked to exclusionary consequences of autism diagnostic procedures, which have mainly been developed on male-only cohorts. There is clear evidence that disproportionately large numbers of females do not meet diagnostic criteria and are then excluded from ongoing autism research. Another issue is a long-standing assumption that the female autism phenotype is broadly equivalent to that of the male autism phenotype. Thus, models derived from male-based studies could be applicable to females. However, it is now emerging that certain patterns of social behaviour may be very different in females. This includes a specific type of social behaviour called camouflaging or masking, linked to attempts to disguise autistic characteristics. With respect to research in the field of sex/gender cognitive neuroscience, there is emerging evidence of female differences in patterns of connectivity and/or activation in the social brain that are at odds with those reported in previous, male-only studies. Decades of research have excluded or overlooked females on the autistic spectrum, resulting in the construction of inaccurate and misleading cognitive neuroscience models, and missed opportunities to explore the brain bases of this highly complex condition. A note of warning needs to be sounded about inferences drawn from past research, but if future research addresses this problem of male bias, then a deeper understanding of autism as a whole, as well as in previously overlooked females, will start to emerge. Plain Language Summary: Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, behaviourally identified, which is generally characterised by social communication differences, and restrictive and repetitive patterns of behaviour and interests. It has long been claimed that it is more common in males, with oft-quoted ratios of 4M: 1F. This has been reflected in the development of diagnostic criteria for autism and, consequently, of measures of eligibility for autism research programmes, with females being (as is now emerging) disproportionately excluded. As outlined in this review, this issue has been particularly problematic in brain-based studies of autism. Many studies have only tested male autistic participants, or minimal numbers of autistic females. By default, sex differences were not examined. But the impression given by such research reports has commonly been that the findings would be applicable to all autistic individuals. Recent psychological and clinical research has shown that there are a significant number of autistic females who have been missed by traditional diagnostic practices. Their inclusion has increased their eligibility for autism research studies. With respect to brain research, it has become possible to devise studies with matched numbers of autistic females and males, and to replicate studies that have previously only tested males. Newly emerging findings from such studies are demonstrating that the 'robust' autism-related differences previously observed in autistic male-only cohorts do not fully generalise to autistic females. It will be necessary to exercise caution in drawing inferences from previous male-biased studies of the autistic brain. However, the identification and inclusion of previously excluded female autistic participants hopefully offers more accurate insights into this highly complex and heterogeneous condition. Highlights: Several decades of neuroimaging research into autism has been based almost entirely on males; even big data sets show strong evidence of male bias. There is clear evidence that autistic females are being excluded from the research process by failures in diagnostic practices that have been developed on male-biased cohorts. Models of autism which inform research protocols are based on male autism phenotypes; it appears to have been assumed that the substantially fewer females that are diagnosed will present with equivalent, if milder, patterns of autistic differences. Newly emerging findings from social cognitive neuroscience research studies investigating sex/gender differences in autistic behaviour and associated biological correlates are demonstrating that the 'robust' autism-related differences previously observed in autistic male-only cohorts do not fully generalise to autistic females. Autism research programmes should prioritise the exploration of sex/gender effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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230. Kyari: Mothering Autism.
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Hasan, Sadia
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AUTISM , *AUTISM spectrum disorders , *MEDICAL terminology , *BEHAVIOR modification , *CONSCIOUSNESS raising - Abstract
The plan of the paper is to study autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children as complex conditions that affect cognitive, emotional, social, and physical health. Broadly tracing the medical journey of the condition, it addresses the challenges faced by parents as they make sense of, and navigate their way through the appearance of early symptoms, impediments in correct diagnosis, acceptance, and adapt to live with the condition. The paper attempts to understand autism in medical and neurological terms, as well as the challenges faced by children and parents through the case study of Kyari (meaning a flower bed), a lone centre providing accessible autism care in about 150 km around Moradabad (west UP, India), which has been instrumental in raising an awareness of autism and has a reach that is unprecedented in the city in bringing sensitive autism intervention. It further comprehensively studies the symptoms of ASD, and the role of augmentative and alternative communication, behaviour modification, and the work of organisations like the Centre for Autism, CBSE mandate for inclusive education as applied in the case and Indian government policy for autism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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231. Video‐based interventions promoting social behavioural skills for autistic children and young people: An evidence and gap map.
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McConnell, Karen, Keenan, Ciara, Storey, Catherine, and Thurston, Allen
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PATIENT education ,EVIDENCE gaps ,RESEARCH funding ,AUTISM ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,SYSTEMATIC reviews ,MEDLINE ,SOCIAL skills ,MEDICAL databases ,DATA analysis software ,SOCIAL skills education ,VIDEO recording ,PSYCHOLOGY information storage & retrieval systems ,ERIC (Information retrieval system) - Abstract
Background: Video‐based interventions (VBIs) are an approach that can be used to promote social behavioural skills for autistic children and young people. Despite an abundance of literature in this area, previous evidence syntheses are limited by their exclusive search strategies and eligibility criteria. Therefore, there is a lack of comprehensive evidence syntheses to provide insight on whether these interventions work, for whom, and in what circumstances. Evidence and Gap Maps (EGMs) are used to collate vast literature on a broad topic area such as this, highlighting areas for synthesis, and identifying gaps for future research. Objectives: To identify, map and synthesise existing primary research on VBIs promoting social behavioural skills for autistic children and young people, creating a live, searchable and publicly available EGM. Search Methods: Searches were conducted in electronic databases (n = 8), web search engines, and other repositories including published papers and grey literature. The search strategy was developed around two concepts including (1) terms related to autism, and (2) terms related to VBIs. Searches were conducted in May 2021. Selection Criteria: All primary studies evaluating the effectiveness of VBIs in promoting social behaviours for autistic children and young people aged 3–18 were included in the EGM. Data Collection and Analysis: Search results were imported into Eppi‐Reviewer where duplicates of identical studies were removed. Titles and abstracts were then screened by two independent reviewers. Potentially eligible full texts were located and also screened by two reviewers. Data were then extracted on study design, participant characteristics, type of intervention, type of outcome, and country of study, by one of three reviewers. EPPI‐Mapper was used to create the interactive EGM. Main Results: The current EGM contains 438 studies reporting on 394 single subject research designs, 25 randomised controlled trials, 15 non‐randomised group designs, and 8 pretest–posttest designs. Included studies evaluated VBIs in all male (n = 238), mixed gender (n = 172) or all female (n = 17) samples. VBIs employed included video modelling (n = 273), video self‐modelling (n = 82), point‐of‐view modelling (n = 61), video prompting (n = 57), video feedback (n = 12) and computer‐based video instruction (n = 4). The most frequently used models were adults (n = 191) and peers (n = 135). In relation to social outcomes, almost half evaluated social engagement (n = 199) with limited studies looking at safety (n = 9) and community (n = 7) skills. Authors' Conclusions: This EGM provides a valuable resource for policy‐makers, practitioners, researchers, funders and members of the public to access evidence on VBIs promoting social behavioural skills in autistic children and young people. The map has identified areas of sufficient research where evidence can undergo synthesis. In addition, important gaps in the evidence were highlighted and suggest further research is warranted in all female samples and less frequently evaluated types of VBIs and social outcomes. Evidence included in this EGM will be further explored via systematic review and meta‐analysis on control group designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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232. Supplementary Therapy for DNA Methylation in Autism.
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Abugharsa, Jinan M.
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DNA methylation ,AUTISM spectrum disorders ,AUTISM ,GENE expression ,SULFUR metabolism ,VITAMIN E - Abstract
Epigenetics plays a crucial role in various clinical diseases, such as autism, by mediating the impact of environmental variables on genomic regulation. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder influenced by both genetic and environmental factors that affect the developing brain. DNA methylation, histone tail modifications, and noncoding RNA activity can change the function of genes without altering nucleotide sequences. Genes and environment combine to produce the etiology of ASD. One of the main areas of ASD research now being studied is the effects of epigenetic factors on gene expression, such as DNA methylation. Autistic patients exhibit evidence of oxidative stress and impaired methylation, which may reflect the effects of toxic exposure on sulfur metabolism that may lead to cellular damage in the brain and altered expression of epigenetic genes. This review paper summarizes the findings of the supplementary therapy studies of ASD, showing that supplements, including B9, B12, B6, D, E, C, glutathione, omega-3, and choline, are highly effective in modifying methylation in autism, improving many nutrient and metabolic problems, and resulting in significant improvements in symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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233. Is autism a PIN1 deficiency syndrome? A proposed etiological role for glyphosate.
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Seneff, Stephanie, Kyriakopoulos, Anthony M., and Nigh, Greg
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Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder, the prevalence of which has increased dramatically in the United States over the past two decades. It is characterized by stereotyped behaviors and impairments in social interaction and communication. In this paper, we present evidence that autism can be viewed as a PIN1 deficiency syndrome. Peptidyl‐prolyl cis/trans isomerase, NIMA‐Interacting 1 (PIN1) is a peptidyl‐prolyl cis/trans isomerase, and it has widespread influences in biological organisms. Broadly speaking, PIN1 deficiency is linked to many neurodegenerative diseases, whereas PIN1 over‐expression is linked to cancer. Death‐associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) strongly inhibits PIN1, and the hormone melatonin inhibits DAPK1. Melatonin deficiency is strongly linked to autism. It has recently been shown that glyphosate exposure to rats inhibits melatonin synthesis as a result of increased glutamate release from glial cells and increased expression of metabotropic glutamate receptors. Glyphosate's inhibition of melatonin leads to a reduction in PIN1 availability in neurons. In this paper, we show that PIN1 deficiency can explain many of the unique morphological features of autism, including increased dendritic spine density, missing or thin corpus callosum, and reduced bone density. We show how PIN1 deficiency disrupts the functioning of powerful high‐level signaling molecules, such as nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NRF2) and p53. Dysregulation of both of these proteins has been linked to autism. Severe depletion of glutathione in the brain resulting from chronic exposure to oxidative stressors and extracellular glutamate leads to oxidation of the cysteine residue in PIN1, inactivating the protein and further contributing to PIN1 deficiency. Impaired autophagy leads to increased sensitivity of neurons to ferroptosis. It is imperative that further research be conducted to experimentally validate whether the mechanisms described here take place in response to chronic glyphosate exposure and whether this ultimately leads to autism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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234. Assistive Technology for Adults on the Autism Spectrum: A Systematic Survey.
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Wang, Manhua and Jeon, Myounghoon
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ASSISTIVE technology , *AUTISTIC children , *ADULTS , *CHILDREN with autism spectrum disorders , *REQUIREMENTS engineering , *AUTISM , *AUTISM in children , *CHILD care - Abstract
While the needs and care for children on the autism spectrum have been widely investigated, the intervention and services available to autistic adults have been overlooked for a long time. This survey paper reviewed 32 articles that described and evaluated assistive technologies that have been developed and evaluated through a complete circle of interactive product design from ideation, prototype, and user evaluation. These assistive technologies aim to improve independence and living quality in autistic adults. We extracted information from the perspective of requirement gathering, technology designing, and effectiveness of evaluation in the design cycle. We found a general lack of requirements-driven design, and the evaluation process was not standardized either. The lack of requirement gathering results in designs purely based on existing literature without targeting actual user needs. Our synthesis of included paper contributes to developing iterative design considerations in assistive technologies for autistic adults. We also suggest that assistive technologies for autistic adults shift some attention from assisting only autistic adults who require at least substantial support to embracing also those who have been living independently but rather have difficulties in social interaction. Assistive technologies for them have the potentials to help them consolidate and enhance their experiences in independent living. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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235. Identifying Autism Gaze Patterns in Five-Second Data Records.
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Lencastre, Pedro, Lotfigolian, Maryam, and Lind, Pedro G.
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AUTISM spectrum disorders ,GAZE ,AUTISM ,VISION disorders ,EYE tracking - Abstract
One of the most challenging problems when diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the need for long sets of data. Collecting data during such long periods is challenging, particularly when dealing with children. This challenge motivates the investigation of possible classifiers of ASD that do not need such long data sets. In this paper, we use eye-tracking data sets covering only 5 s and introduce one metric able to distinguish between ASD and typically developed (TD) gaze patterns based on such short time-series and compare it with two benchmarks, one using the traditional eye-tracking metrics and one state-of-the-art AI classifier. Although the data can only track possible disorders in visual attention and our approach is not a substitute to medical diagnosis, we find that our newly introduced metric can achieve an accuracy of 93 % in classifying eye gaze trajectories from children with ASD surpassing both benchmarks while needing fewer data. The classification accuracy of our method, using a 5 s data series, performs better than the standard metrics in eye-tracking and is at the level of the best AI benchmarks, even when these are trained with longer time series. We also discuss the advantages and limitations of our method in comparison with the state of the art: besides needing a low amount of data, this method is a simple, understandable, and straightforward criterion to apply, which often contrasts with "black box" AI methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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236. The Human Spectrum: A Critique of “Neurodiversity”.
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Maynard, Douglas W.
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This paper represents a sociological approach to autism spectrum disorder that critiques the terms neurodiverse and it obverse, neurotypical, because they promote a cognitive approach that mystifies what is actual and real about human activity in everyday life. It is in dynamic interactional practices rather than putative cognitive states that human diversity is manifest or observable. The empirical part of the paper, following Bleuler, defines and examines “autistic talk” as a turning away from the ordinary social world or commonsense “reality,” and engaging self‐oriented practices and orientations. However, the range of participants who produce such talk is not confined to those on the putative autism spectrum. Rather, that range encompasses the entire human span. If so, then a question is raised about what autism is as a “condition,” which term individualizes social difficulties rather than appreciating that they are always about diverse social actions‐in‐interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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237. A novel approach for ASD recognition based on graph attention networks.
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Canhua Wang, Zhiyong Xiao, Yilu Xu, Qi Zhang, and Jingfang Chen
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MACHINE learning ,AUTISM spectrum disorders ,BRAIN imaging ,DEEP learning ,FUNCTIONAL connectivity ,EARLY diagnosis ,OXYGENATORS - Abstract
Early detection and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can significantly improve the quality of life for affected individuals. Identifying ASD based on brain functional connectivity (FC) poses a challenge due to the high heterogeneity of subjects’ fMRI data in different sites. Meanwhile, deep learning algorithms show efficacy in ASD identification but lack interpretability. In this paper, a novel approach for ASD recognition is proposed based on graph attention networks. Specifically, we treat the region of interest (ROI) of the subjects as node, conduct wavelet decomposition of the BOLD signal in each ROI, extract wavelet features, and utilize them along with the mean and variance of the BOLD signal as node features, and the optimized FC matrix as the adjacency matrix, respectively. We then employ the self-attention mechanism to capture long-range dependencies among features. To enhance interpretability, the node-selection pooling layers are designed to determine the importance of ROI for prediction. The proposed framework are applied to fMRI data of children (younger than 12 years old) from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange datasets. Promising results demonstrate superior performance compared to recent similar studies. The obtained ROI detection results exhibit high correspondence with previous studies and offer good interpretability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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238. Shared and divergent mental health characteristics of ADNP-, CHD8- and DYRK1A-related neurodevelopmental conditions.
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Neuhaus, Emily, Rea, Hannah, Jones, Elizabeth, Benavidez, Hannah, Miles, Conor, Whiting, Alana, Johansson, Margaret, Eayrs, Curtis, Kurtz-Nelson, Evangeline C., Earl, Rachel, Bernier, Raphael A., and Eichler, Evan E.
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MENTAL health ,AUTISM spectrum disorders ,DELAY of gratification ,NEURAL development ,SPECIFIC language impairment in children ,LANGUAGE delay ,SELF-injurious behavior ,INTELLECTUAL disabilities - Abstract
Background: Neurodevelopmental conditions such as intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can stem from a broad array of inherited and de novo genetic differences, with marked physiological and behavioral impacts. We currently know little about the psychiatric phenotypes of rare genetic variants associated with ASD, despite heightened risk of psychiatric concerns in ASD more broadly. Understanding behavioral features of these variants can identify shared versus specific phenotypes across gene groups, facilitate mechanistic models, and provide prognostic insights to inform clinical practice. In this paper, we evaluate behavioral features within three gene groups associated with ID and ASD – ADNP, CHD8, and DYRK1A – with two aims: (1) characterize phenotypes across behavioral domains of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and challenging behavior; and (2) understand whether age and early developmental milestones are associated with later mental health outcomes. Methods: Phenotypic data were obtained for youth with disruptive variants in ADNP, CHD8, or DYRK1A (N = 65, mean age = 8.7 years, 40% female) within a long-running, genetics-first study. Standardized caregiver-report measures of mental health features (anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity, oppositional behavior) and developmental history were extracted and analyzed for effects of gene group, age, and early developmental milestones on mental health features. Results: Patterns of mental health features varied by group, with anxiety most prominent for CHD8, oppositional features overrepresented among ADNP, and attentional and depressive features most prominent for DYRK1A. For the full sample, age was positively associated with anxiety features, such that elevations in anxiety relative to same-age and same-sex peers may worsen with increasing age. Predictive utility of early developmental milestones was limited, with evidence of early language delays predicting greater difficulties across behavioral domains only for the CHD8 group. Conclusions: Despite shared associations with autism and intellectual disability, disruptive variants in ADNP, CHD8, and DYRK1A may yield variable psychiatric phenotypes among children and adolescents. With replication in larger samples over time, efforts such as these may contribute to improved clinical care for affected children and adolescents, allow for earlier identification of emerging mental health difficulties, and promote early intervention to alleviate concerns and improve quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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239. A brief neuro-affirming resource to support school absences for autistic learners: development and program description.
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Johnston, Lorna, Maciver, Donald, Rutherford, Marion, Gray, Anna, Curnow, Eleanor, and Utley, Izy
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COVID-19 pandemic ,ONLINE education ,TEST validity ,AUTISM ,CREATIVE ability - Abstract
Background: Education should be inclusive, nurturing each individual's potential, talents, and creativity. However, criticisms have emerged regarding support for autistic learners, particularly in addressing disproportionately high absence levels within this group. The demand for accessible, person-centered, neuro-affirming approaches is evident. This paper provides a program description of a structured absence support framework, developed and implemented during and following the Covid-19 pandemic. We detail creation, content, and implementation. Methods: We collaborated with stakeholders, reviewed literature and drew on existing theoretical frameworks to understand absence in autistic learners, and produced draft guidance detailing practical approaches and strategies for supporting their return to school. The final resource was disseminated nationally and made freely available online with a supporting program of work around inclusive practices. Results: The resource is rooted in neuro-affirming perspectives, rejecting rewardbased systems and deficit models of autism. It includes key messages, case studies and a planning framework. It aims to cultivate inclusive practices with an autisminformed lens. The principles promoted include recognizing the child's 24-hour presentation, parental partnership, prioritizing environmental modifications, and providing predictable, desirable and meaningful experiences at school. Feedback to date has been positive in terms of feasibility, face validity, and utility. Conclusion: This novel, freely available resource provides a concise, practical framework for addressing absence in autistic learners by cultivating a more inclusive, equitable, and supportive educational system in which autistic individuals can thrive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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240. Task‐related differences in the gesture production of young autistic children.
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De Froy, Adrienne and Rollins, Pamela Rosenthal
- Abstract
Background Aims Methods and procedures Outcomes and results Conclusions and implications What this paper adds What is already known on the subject What this paper adds to existing knowledge What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? In typically developing (TD) children, gesture emerges around 9 months of age, allowing children to communicate prior to speech. Due to the important role gesture plays in the early communication of autistic and TD children, various tasks have been used to assess gesture ability. However, few data exist on whether and how tasks differentially elicit gesture, particularly for samples of racially and ethnically diverse autistic children.In this study, we explored if task (a naturalistic parent–child interaction [NPCI]; structured assessment of child communication) differentially elicited
rate ortype of gesture production for young autistic children.This secondary analysis included baseline data from 80 racially and ethnically diverse autistic children aged 18–59 months who participated in one of two larger studies. Video recordings of NPCIs and an assessment of child communication with standardised administration procedures were collected at baseline. Child gesture rate (number of gestures produced per 10 min) and type were extracted from these recordings and analysed.The structured assessment elicited more gestures than the NPCI. In terms of gesture type, points, gives, and reaches accounted for 76% of child gestures. Points (which are developmentally more advanced than reaches and gives) were produced at the highest rates within book exploration. Distal points (which are more developmentally advanced than proximal or contact points) were produced at the highest rates when children were tempted to request.Our findings indicate elicitation tasks differentially elicit type and rate of gesture for young autistic children. To assess the gesture production of young autistic children, a structured task designed to elicit child requests will probe the developmental sophistication of the child's gesture repertoire, eliciting both the most gestures and the most developmentally advanced gestures. Because of the importance of gesture in early communication for autistic and typically developing children, various tasks have been used to assess it. However, little is known about whether tasks differentially elicit type or rate of gesture for young autistic children from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Elicitation tasks differentially elicit type and rate of gesture for young autistic children in the early stages of gesture. We recommend a structured task designed to elicit child requests to assess the developmental sophistication of a child's gesture repertoire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2024
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241. Expanding and developing the workforce to serve autistic people and people with intellectual disability.
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Robinson, Janine, Russell, Ailsa, Johnston, Kate, Acker, Louise, Crabtree, Jason, Humphrey, Ayla, Crouch, Emma, and Mandy, Will
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- *
PEOPLE with intellectual disabilities , *AUTISTIC people , *MENTAL health services , *MENTAL health personnel , *LEARNING disabilities , *SERVICE learning - Abstract
This paper considers current workforce issues facing psychological professionals working in NHS services, examining the challenges, and identifying opportunities to better meet the needs of autistic people and people with an intellectual disability (PwID) across the lifespan. The aim of this paper is to identify and publicly articulate the need for a coherent approach to guide the practice of psychological professionals when helping autistic people and/or PwID. It should be noted that the scope of the paper is limited to autism and intellectual disability. In addressing these broad groups and their co-occurring conditions and needs, we anticipate that many principles could be applied to other neurodevelopmental conditions. We also note the significant potential challenges in linking intellectual disability and autistic populations, hence have attempted – in drawing together a working group to write this paper – to ensure representation from a range of psychological professionals including those in policy, leadership, and training roles, those working in specialist or generic mental health services and undertaking clinical research across the lifespan. Objectives: ■ To help define and support clear action so that all sectors welcome and adequately support people with neurodevelopmental differences, including autistic people and/or PwID. ■ To play a role in the development, planning and evaluation of new psychological professions roles such as the Clinical Associates in Psychology (CAPS) and Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs). ■ To reflect on the obstacles to recruiting to autism and learning disability services and to propose approaches to developing a sustainable psychological workforce in these areas. ■ To recognise where good examples of education and training programmes exist to address training, confidence and competence for all psychological professionals working with those who may be autistic and/or have an ID, and consider how to establish a more consistent approach to education, training and CPD across the workforce. ■ To engage in policy discussions around the current gaps, such as the demand for diagnostic assessments and support which significantly outstrips capacity, whilst highlighting unrealised opportunities, through for example, a systematic approach to training. ■ To advocate for the need for the voice of autistic people and PwID and their families/carers which is often absent from the design and offer of help. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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242. The Intersection of Language Impairment and Rehabilitative Language Immersion in Autism: A Comprehensive Analysis.
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Kannan, M. and Meenakshi, S.
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PRAGMATICS ,AUTISM spectrum disorders ,PSYCHOLINGUISTICS ,LANGUAGE acquisition ,AUTISM ,PHILOSOPHY of language ,RESEARCH personnel - Abstract
This paper discusses the literature on language acquisition in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), highlighting rapid changes in the field. Researchers in psycholinguistics are exploring language acquisition theories due to ASD's significant differences across language, social, and cognitive domains. The study highlights areas where knowledge is lacking and explores potential future directions. While pragmatic deficits are commonly associated with ASD, clinicians and researchers should consider phonological, morph syntactic differences and rehabilitation to change the condition of phonological errors, which impact language comprehension and production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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243. Atypical co‐development of the thalamus and cortex in autism: Evidence from age‐related white–gray contrast change.
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Bezgin, Gleb, Lewis, John D., Fonov, Vladimir S., Collins, D. Louis, and Evans, Alan C.
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THALAMUS ,THALAMIC nuclei ,AUTISM spectrum disorders ,GRAY matter (Nerve tissue) ,AUTISM - Abstract
Recent studies have shown that white–gray contrast (WGC) of either cortical or subcortical gray matter provides for accurate predictions of age in typically developing (TD) children, and that, at least for the cortex, it changes differently with age in subjects with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to their TD peers. Our previous study showed different patterns of contrast change between ASD and TD in sensorimotor and association cortices. While that study was confined to the cortex, we hypothesized that subcortical structures, particularly the thalamus, were involved in the observed cortical dichotomy between lower and higher processing. The current paper investigates that hypothesis using the WGC measures from the thalamus in addition to those from the cortex. We compared age‐related WGC changes in the thalamus to those in the cortex. To capture the simultaneity of this change across the two structures, we devised a metric capturing the co‐development of the thalamus and cortex (CoDevTC), proportional to the magnitude of cortical and thalamic age‐related WGC change. We calculated this metric for each of the subjects in a large homogeneous sample taken from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE) (N = 434). We used structural MRI data from the largest high‐quality cross‐sectional sample (NYU) as well as two other large high‐quality sites, GU and OHSU, all three using Siemens 3T scanners. We observed that the co‐development features in ASD and TD exhibit contrasting patterns; specifically, some higher‐order thalamic nuclei, such as the lateral dorsal nucleus, exhibited reduction in codevelopment with most of the cortex in ASD compared to TD. Moreover, this difference in the CoDevTC pattern correlates with a number of behavioral measures across multiple cognitive and physiological domains. The results support previous notions of altered connectivity in autism, but add more specific evidence about the heterogeneity in thalamocortical development that elucidates the mechanisms underlying the clinical features of ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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244. Are children with autism more likely to retain object names when learning from colour photographs or black-and-white cartoons?
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Calum Hartley and Cheriece K. Carter
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genetic structures ,Autism Spectrum Disorder ,Color ,050105 experimental psychology ,Developmental psychology ,Developmental and Educational Psychology ,medicine ,Humans ,Pictures ,0501 psychology and cognitive sciences ,Autistic Disorder ,Child ,Word learning ,Original Paper ,White (horse) ,05 social sciences ,Fast mapping ,medicine.disease ,Object (philosophy) ,Vocabulary development ,Black or African American ,Comprehension ,Retention ,Autism spectrum disorder ,Case-Control Studies ,Iconicity ,Autism ,Psychology ,050104 developmental & child psychology - Abstract
For the first time, this study investigated whether children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing (TD) children matched on language comprehension (M age equivalent = ~ 44 months) are more likely to retain words when learning from colour photographs than black-and-white cartoons. Participants used mutual exclusivity to fast map novel word-picture relationships and retention was assessed following a 5-min delay. Children with ASD achieved significantly greater retention accuracy when learning from photographs rather than cartoons and, surprisingly, responded more accurately than TD children when learning from photographs. Our results demonstrate that children with ASD benefit from greater iconicity when learning words from pictures, providing a data-grounded rationale for using colour photographs when administering picture-based interventions.
- Published
- 2021
245. Opportunities and Challenges in Developing Technology-Based Social Skills Interventions for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Analysis of Parent Perspectives
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Kemberlee Bonnet, Roxanne N. Rashedi, Nicole Bardett, Pablo Juárez, Zachary Warren, David G. Schlundt, Gautam Biswas, Maithilee Kunda, Amy Kinsman, Rebecca Schulte, and Amy Swanson
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Parents ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Technology ,Original Paper ,Adolescent ,Autism Spectrum Disorder ,Digital content ,Public health ,Autism ,Psychological intervention ,medicine.disease ,behavioral disciplines and activities ,Developmental psychology ,Social Skills ,Qualitative analysis ,Mood ,Social skills ,Autism spectrum disorder ,mental disorders ,Developmental and Educational Psychology ,medicine ,Humans ,Psychology ,Qualitative - Abstract
Interest continues to be high in technology-based interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Understanding the preferences and challenges of technology use among individuals with ASD can inform the design of such interventions. Through 18 interviews with parents, we used an iterative inductive-deductive approach to qualitative analysis and explored uses of technology for social skills development among adolescents with ASD. Our findings include parents’ observations about their adolescent’s preferences in types of technology devices and digital content, as well as both positive and negative effects of technology use on mood and behavior. Parents highlighted several avenues of technological preferences and risks that may inform intervention design, enhance user engagement, and capitalize on users’ strengths while buttressing areas for growth. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10803-021-05315-y.
- Published
- 2021
246. Knowledge and behaviors of nurses working at Inonu University Turgut Ozal Medical Center on childhood vaccine refusal
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E Yigit, Mehmet Aslan, Gülseda Boz, Ayse Gokce, and Ali Özer
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Parents ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ,Universities ,Immunology ,Context (language use) ,Disease ,World health ,Vaccination Refusal ,Surveys and Questionnaires ,medicine ,Immunology and Allergy ,Humans ,Child ,Pharmacology ,Vaccines ,Vaccination ,medicine.disease ,Test (assessment) ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,Family medicine ,Vaccine refusal ,Autism ,Psychology ,Research Paper - Abstract
Among 10 global problems of 2019 determined by the World Health Organization, vaccine refusal was one of the problems mentioned. In this context, health services and health personnel whose main objectives are to keep individuals healthy and to prevent diseases have major responsibilities. This study aims to analyze knowledge and behavior of nurses working at Inonu University Turgut Ozal Medical Center on childhood vaccine refusal. This study, conducted between June and July 2019, is a descriptive cross-sectional study. It was conducted in a hospital located in Malatya in eastern Turkey. At the time of the study, 850 nurses work in this hospital. Sample size was calculated to be 263 at a confidence interval of 95% and strength of 80%. Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used in statistical analyses. In the present study, 31.7% of the participating nurses stated that they had concerns about childhood vaccines. Two-thirds of nurses stated that their knowledge on vaccines was from their education. The level of hesitance in those agreeing to the fact that vaccines caused autism and infertility, those stating that they did not trust vaccine-producing companies, and those stating that catching the disease was a better immunization method than vaccination was significantly higher than those not agreeing to these and those who were indecisive (p
- Published
- 2021
247. Change in Behavior Problems from Childhood Through Adolescence for Children with Fragile X Syndrome
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Kandace Fleming, Leann Smith DaWalt, Nancy C. Brady, Steven F. Warren, and Heather Fielding-Gebhardt
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Original Paper ,Adolescent ,Parenting ,Autism Spectrum Disorder ,Autism ,Mothers ,Anxiety ,medicine.disease ,Relative stability ,Developmental psychology ,Adolescence ,Fragile X syndrome ,Attention Problems ,Fragile X Syndrome ,Behavior problems ,Developmental and Educational Psychology ,medicine ,Humans ,Female ,medicine.symptom ,Psychology ,Child ,Depression (differential diagnoses) - Abstract
In this study, we examined trajectories of specific domains of behavior problems (i.e., attention problems, depression/anxiety, and aggressive behavior) from age 6 to 18 in a sample of 55 children with fragile X syndrome. We also examined autism status and early parenting as predictors of subsequent behavioral trajectories. We found that attention problems and aggressive behavior declined steadily from childhood through adolescence whereas anxious/depressed behavior demonstrated relative stability over the same period. Youth with highly flexible mothers displayed more optional trajectories of improvement in attention problems.
- Published
- 2021
248. The designing an augmented reality application for autism user using perception and response attribute: A conceptual framework.
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Adnan, Nur Hidayah, Ahmad, Ibrahim, and Sarudin, Norziah
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AUGMENTED reality ,AUTISM spectrum disorders ,AUTISTIC children ,AUTISM in children ,AUTISM ,SPECIAL education teachers - Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterized by a lack of social communication skills. According to studies, people with ASD may be unable to notice important nonverbal cues that are normally used to facilitate social connection. Children with autism also have difficulty sustaining their selective attention during learning. The purpose of this paper to develop an Augmented Reality application that suitable for autism children to stay focus in learning. In addition, the study will measure the perceptions and user responses to AR applications This paper proposes a flashcard to assist teachers in guiding ASD students through the process of learning about wudhu. The flashcard, in combination with video, animation, and Augmented Reality, helps children with ASD maintain their focus. The respondents of this study were autism children and special education teachers from Ar Rayyan Quran Academy, Sentul, Kuala Lumpur. The main respondents were te. (10).students with autism syndrome and tw. (2).special need education teachers as a subject matter expert. Respondents were given the application of the AR Wudhu and then underwent pre and post test to see its effectiveness. findings obtained through pre-test and post-test, analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon T test, indicating that after utilizing the built AR Wudhu application, children's understanding of wudhu improved significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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249. Heather Stone Wodis: Girls with Autism Becoming Women: Kingsley, Jessica Publishers, 2018. 200 pp, ISBN-13:9781784509071. $27.95 (paper).
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Alrawkan, Arwa Abdullah
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PATIENTS' attitudes ,AUTISM ,WOMEN'S health - Abstract
This book provides highlights the perspectives and experiences of young girls and women living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It includes valuable insight from their families describing the difficulties they have had seeking help and support. The discussion section raises awareness about the shortage of knowledge in this field and the daily challenges these face. The author also provides advice and recommendations on the issues related to autism in an inspiring approach to social care. This review facilitates the author's perspective and illuminates the situations of women with ASD from various angles. As well, this review highlights the significant points that were examined in the book. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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250. Addressing the autism mental health crisis: the potential of phenomenology in neurodiversity-affirming clinical practices.
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Pantazakos, Themistoklis and Vanaken, Gert-Jan
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NEUROREHABILITATION ,MENTAL health ,AUTISM ,INTERPERSONAL psychotherapy ,PHENOMENOLOGY ,AUTISTIC people ,PHENOMENOLOGICAL psychology - Abstract
The neurodiversity movement has introduced a new era for autism research. Yet, the neurodiversity paradigm and the autism clinic remain largely unconnected. With the present work, we aim to contribute to filling this lacuna by putting forward phenomenology as a foundation for developing neurodiversity-affirming clinical interventions for autism. In the first part of this paper, we highlight that autistic people face a severe mental health crisis. We argue that approaches focused on reducing autistic 'symptoms' are unlikely to solve the problem, as autistic mental health is positively correlated with autism acceptance and perceived quality of support provided, not necessarily with lack of 'symptomatologic severity'. Therefore, the development and dissemination of neurodiversity-affirming clinical interventions is key for addressing the autism mental health crisis. However, therapists and researchers exploring such neurodiversity-affirming practices are faced with two significant challenges. First, they lack concrete methodological principles regarding the incorporation of neurodiversity into clinical work. Second, they need to find ways to acknowledge rightful calls to respect the 'autistic self' within the clinic, while also challenging certain beliefs and behaviors of autistic clients in a manner that is sine qua non for therapy, irrespective of neurotype. In the second part of the paper, we introduce phenomenological psychology as a potential resource for engaging with these challenges in neurodiversity-affirming approaches to psychotherapy. In this vein, we put forward specific directions for adapting cognitive behavioral and interpersonal psychotherapy for autism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
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