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Purpose: Daily mood can be influenced by a range of experiences. Identifying everyday life experiences that make autistic adults happy and unhappy holds potential to foster positive mood and tackle mental health problems amongst this group. Methods: A total of 293 autistic adults between the ages of 18 to 35 years old (mean age of 26.51 years old (SD = 4.62); 43.3% female gender, 4.8% nonbinary) provided open-text responses regarding everyday sources of happiness and unhappiness. Using an iterative process of inductive coding, 14 happy themes and 22 unhappy themes of mood-changing life experiences were identified based on self-report qualitative data. Results: Common themes across the happy and unhappy domain involved social partners, social interactions, and engagement in recreational and employment activities, with additional distinct themes specific to happy or unhappy mood. Top themes identified in the happy domain emphasizes encouraging quality relationships and positive interactions with others and cultivating supportive work/societal environments to build a sense of achievement and value. Meanwhile, emotional tolls accompanied negative relationships and interactions, underscoring the necessity to provide autistic adults with conflict resolution and coping skills to increase feelings of happiness. Conclusion: Overall, the wide range of sources of happy and unhappy everyday experiences highlights the importance of considering personal preferences in engagement with others and activities in treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Job instability is high among autistic adults, with employer-initiated terminations a common reason for job loss. The current study used qualitative methods to code reasons that autistic adults identified for their employer-initiated termination. From 315 autistic individuals ages 18–35 who completed an online survey, 93 (29.5%) reported having been terminated from a job. These individuals were asked about the reasons for their termination and responses were coded into thematic categories. Common reasons included work performance, social difficulties, attendance, and mental health challenges. Adults were more likely to attribute terminations to internal causes (related to the individual) than to external causes (environment-related). A good fit between workplace, individual preferences, skills, and abilities is likely key to promoting job continuity for autistic adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on correction "Self‑reported Everyday Sources of Happiness and Unhappiness in Autistic Adults."

Objective: Children in Flint, Michigan, have experienced myriad sociodemographic adversities exacerbated by the Flint water crisis. To help inform child-focused prevention and intervention efforts, we aimed to describe patterns of neurodevelopmental outcomes among preschoolers who experienced the Flint water crisis before age 2 years. Method: Participants were 170 preschoolers who completed a comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment battery, including directly administered measures of cognitive and executive functioning and maternal-report of adaptive skills and behavioral problems. We used latent profile analysis to derive subgroups. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression was conducted to examine the predictors of profile memberships, including child sex and maternal/family-level factors selected from an array of measured exposures using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. Results: Three latent profiles were identified: Profile 1—relative weakness in all domains (50%); Profile 2—normative functioning in all domains (34.1%); and Profile 3—relative strengths in executive function and behavior (15.9%). Profile 1 showed lower scores across cognitive and behavioral domains. Profile 2 demonstrated abilities within the normal range across domains. Profile 3 showed relative strength in executive functioning with few behavior problems, despite lower cognitive performance. Children across all profiles showed adaptive behavior in the adequate range. Child sex and maternal IQ were significant predictors of profile membership. Conclusions: Children in Flint demonstrated diverse patterns of development in the face of sociodemographic and environmental adversities. Comprehensive screening and neurodevelopmental profiling of children in this at-risk population are needed to identify areas of needs and inform appropriate service delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the current study was to test associations between various ASD-related behavior problems and negative peer experiences in adolescents with ASD. Data were obtained from the Bullying and School Experiences of Children with ASD Survey completed by parents in the Interactive Autism Network (IAN). The current study focused on data from 279 parents of 7th–11th graders with ASD who spent at least half of the school day in a general education setting. Logistic regression analyses found that frequent meltdowns, poor hygiene, rigid rule-keeping, and self-injury were associated with negative peer experiences. Surprisingly, repetitive behaviors and verbal tics were associated with a lower likelihood of experiencing verbal victimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current standard cosmological model is based on the normalized Friedmann equation 1 = Ω +Ω +Ω, where Ω is the mass density of dark and baryonic matter, Ω the vacuum energy density, and Ω is the curvature parameter. We show that the Friedmann equation was derived under excessive extrapolations from Einstein's equations, which are not scale invariant and are 'verified' on much smaller scales. We explain why these extrapolations are incorrect, why the unrestricted use of the term 'verified' is questionable, and why dark matter may exist only by definition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We give more than 10 examples based on astronomical observations showing that dark energy acts not only on large scales but also on small scales. In particular, we present several independent arguments that the average Earth-Sun distance increases by about 5 m/yr. Such a large recession speed cannot be explained by the solar wind, tidal forces, plasma outbursts from the Sun, or by the decrease of the Solar mass due to nuclear reactions. We also discuss possible reasons for disagreement with other authors, who propose much smaller values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, 96 co-residing mothers of adolescents and adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) participated in an 8-day diary study and reported on their daily experiences. In comparison with a nationally representative sample of mothers of children without disabilities, mothers of adolescent and adult children with ASD spent significantly more time providing childcare and doing chores, and less time in leisure activities. Fatigue, arguments, avoided arguments, and stressful events were also more common among mothers of individuals with ASD. However, mothers of individuals with ASD reported similar levels of positive interactions and volunteerism as the comparison group. Daily experiences were subsequently related to well-being in both groups. These findings highlight the need for family support services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of graft-versus-malignancy reactivity in the effects of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) for myelodysplastic syndromes is as yet not well established. Clinical data are limited and animal models are scarce. Here, we report on the effects of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (alloBMT) and DLI in a novel model of irradiation-induced murine myelodysplastic/myeloproliferation syndrome (MD/MPS). Total body irradiation with 8.5 Gy in SJL/J mice gave rise to a lethal wasting syndrome in 60% of mice, characterized by 1° normocellular bone marrow with dysplastic features in erythroid, myeloid and megakaryocytic cell lineages, 2° lymphosplenomegaly with spleens harboring a prominent extramedullary hematopoiesis with erythroid, myeloid and megakaryocytic lineages exhibiting dysplastic features, and foci of dysplastic hematomyelopoiesis in the liver, 3° peripheral thrombocytopenia and 4° evidence of disseminated infection or leukemic transformation in selected animals. This clinicopathological picture was consistent with a murine form of MD/MPS. Syngeneic or allogeneic (BALB/c) T cell-depleted BMT could not prevent the occurrence of lethal MD/MPS. In contrast, DLI at weeks 2–4 after BMT led to restoration of the dysbalanced hematomyelopoiesis. However, severe DLI-induced acute graft-versus-host disease occurred, precluding a survival advantage. We present evidence of the existence of a post-alloBMT DLI-induced graft-versus-MD/MPS effect in murine irradiation-induced MD/MPS.Leukemia (2009) 23, 340–349; doi:10.1038/leu.2008.298; published online 6 November 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is highly prevalent in fragile X syndrome (FXS), affecting 50–70% of males. Motor impairments are a shared feature across autism and FXS that may help to better characterize autism in FXS. As motor skills provide a critical foundation for various language, cognitive, and social outcomes, they may serve an important mechanistic role for autism in FXS. As such, this study aimed to identify differences in motor trajectories across direct assessment and parent-report measures of fine and gross motor development between FXS with and without autism, and typical development, while controlling for cognitive functioning. Methods: This prospective longitudinal study included 42 children with FXS, 24 of whom also had ASD (FXS + ASD), as well as 40 typically developing children. The Mullen Scales of Early Learning provided a direct measure of fine and gross motor skills, and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales provided a measure of parent-reported fine and gross motor skills. Random slopes and random intercepts multilevel models were tested to determine divergence in developmental motor trajectories between groups when controlling for cognitive level. Results: Model results indicated the children with FXS + ASD diverged from TD children by 9-months on all measures of gross and fine motor skills, even when controlling for cognitive level. Results also indicated an early divergence in motor trajectories of fine and gross motor skills between the FXS + ASD and FXS groups when controlling for cognitive level. This divergence was statistically significant by 18 months, with the FXS + ASD showing decelerated growth in motor skills across direct observation and parent-report measures. Conclusions: This study is the first to examine longitudinal trends in motor development in children with FXS with and without comorbid ASD using both direct assessment and parent-report measures of fine and gross motor. Furthermore, it is among the first to account for nonverbal cognitive delays, a step towards elucidating the isolated role of motor impairments in FXS with and without ASD. Findings underscore the role of motor impairments as a possible signal representing greater underlying genetic liability, or as a potential catalyst or consequence, of co-occurring autism in FXS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Social experiences are consistently associated with psychological health among autistic individuals. However, most extant studies on this topic exclude individuals with autism who have lower IQ or are otherwise unable to self-report. The current study addresses this gap by examining associations of negative peer experiences and social participation with psychological health among autistic youth with low IQ.An online survey was collected from 268 parents of autistic adolescents and adults ages 15–25. Negative peer experiences included measures of peer victimization and being ignored. Social participation was assessed by the amount of participation and parents’ perceptions of whether their youth felt the amount of participation was meeting their needs. Psychological health was assessed by parents’ report of their youth’s psychological quality of life, as well as whether they felt their son/daughter was currently depressed.Results suggested low rates of social participation in this sample, with relatively high rates of being ignored. Regression analysis found that lower rates of peer victimization and more activities in which parents perceived that the amount of time was meeting their youth’s needs was associated with higher psychological quality of life and lower likelihood that parents felt their son/daughter was depressed.Though youth with autism and low IQ are often excluded from interventions aimed at improving social experiences, these findings suggest that promoting positive social experiences and ameliorating negative ones might be an avenue to improving psychological health in this group.Methods: Social experiences are consistently associated with psychological health among autistic individuals. However, most extant studies on this topic exclude individuals with autism who have lower IQ or are otherwise unable to self-report. The current study addresses this gap by examining associations of negative peer experiences and social participation with psychological health among autistic youth with low IQ.An online survey was collected from 268 parents of autistic adolescents and adults ages 15–25. Negative peer experiences included measures of peer victimization and being ignored. Social participation was assessed by the amount of participation and parents’ perceptions of whether their youth felt the amount of participation was meeting their needs. Psychological health was assessed by parents’ report of their youth’s psychological quality of life, as well as whether they felt their son/daughter was currently depressed.Results suggested low rates of social participation in this sample, with relatively high rates of being ignored. Regression analysis found that lower rates of peer victimization and more activities in which parents perceived that the amount of time was meeting their youth’s needs was associated with higher psychological quality of life and lower likelihood that parents felt their son/daughter was depressed.Though youth with autism and low IQ are often excluded from interventions aimed at improving social experiences, these findings suggest that promoting positive social experiences and ameliorating negative ones might be an avenue to improving psychological health in this group.Results: Social experiences are consistently associated with psychological health among autistic individuals. However, most extant studies on this topic exclude individuals with autism who have lower IQ or are otherwise unable to self-report. The current study addresses this gap by examining associations of negative peer experiences and social participation with psychological health among autistic youth with low IQ.An online survey was collected from 268 parents of autistic adolescents and adults ages 15–25. Negative peer experiences included measures of peer victimization and being ignored. Social participation was assessed by the amount of participation and parents’ perceptions of whether their youth felt the amount of participation was meeting their needs. Psychological health was assessed by parents’ report of their youth’s psychological quality of life, as well as whether they felt their son/daughter was currently depressed.Results suggested low rates of social participation in this sample, with relatively high rates of being ignored. Regression analysis found that lower rates of peer victimization and more activities in which parents perceived that the amount of time was meeting their youth’s needs was associated with higher psychological quality of life and lower likelihood that parents felt their son/daughter was depressed.Though youth with autism and low IQ are often excluded from interventions aimed at improving social experiences, these findings suggest that promoting positive social experiences and ameliorating negative ones might be an avenue to improving psychological health in this group.Conclusion: Social experiences are consistently associated with psychological health among autistic individuals. However, most extant studies on this topic exclude individuals with autism who have lower IQ or are otherwise unable to self-report. The current study addresses this gap by examining associations of negative peer experiences and social participation with psychological health among autistic youth with low IQ.An online survey was collected from 268 parents of autistic adolescents and adults ages 15–25. Negative peer experiences included measures of peer victimization and being ignored. Social participation was assessed by the amount of participation and parents’ perceptions of whether their youth felt the amount of participation was meeting their needs. Psychological health was assessed by parents’ report of their youth’s psychological quality of life, as well as whether they felt their son/daughter was currently depressed.Results suggested low rates of social participation in this sample, with relatively high rates of being ignored. Regression analysis found that lower rates of peer victimization and more activities in which parents perceived that the amount of time was meeting their youth’s needs was associated with higher psychological quality of life and lower likelihood that parents felt their son/daughter was depressed.Though youth with autism and low IQ are often excluded from interventions aimed at improving social experiences, these findings suggest that promoting positive social experiences and ameliorating negative ones might be an avenue to improving psychological health in this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detection and monitoring of emotional and behavior problems is a critical part of clinical care for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), as well as a common focus of research. The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) is a well-established caregiver-report instrument that is used for screening and monitoring of emotional and behavior problems in individuals diagnosed with ASD and NDDs. However, it has over 100 items and can be time-consuming to complete. The Brief Problem Monitor Parent Report (BPM-P; Achenbach et al. 2011) includes a subset of the CBCL items and is intended for monitoring emotional and behavior problems. However, its validity has not been examined in ASD or NDD samples. Data from 302 children ages 6–18 years whose caregivers had completed the CBCL were drawn from a clinical research databank. Confirmatory factor analysis of the BPM-P three-factor structure had mixed findings. All BPM-P scales had acceptable internal consistency, and agreement between the BPM-P cutoffs and the corresponding CBCL clinical cutoffs was acceptable for the broad problem scales. The Attention scale demonstrated high sensitivity, but poor specificity. Results provide initial evidence that the BPM-P may be a useful alternative to the CBCL, producing comparable information for broad problems, while requiring much less time from caregivers. BPM-P users may want to consider the Attention scale separately due to poor specificity compared to the CBCL. These results will need to be replicated using larger samples and independent administrations of the BPM-P and the CBCL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]