Pub Date : 2022-01-28DOI: 10.1108/aia-08-2021-0037
Nastaran Poorkhorshidi, Sima Zohari Anboohi, J. Mohtashami, H. Alavi Majd
Purpose Autistic children and their family caregivers are impacted widely by the social arrangements, which bring up a variety of problems and make their caregiving duties even more difficult. One of the main troubles family caregivers struggle with is the “Autism stigma” that eventually leads to social exclusion. This study aims to identify shreds of evidence of Autism stigma experienced by family caregivers of autistic children. The study also aims to present some general comparison between the findings in Iran and a few other countries’ available respective data to the “Autism stigma.” Design/methodology/approach This study is an inductive qualitative content analysis. Twelve family caregivers were purposefully selected. Data were gathered exercising semi-structured, in-depth interviews and scrutinized using content analysis method. Findings In the interviews with the participants, a new category called “Autism stigma” was discerned. This category includes three subcategories: “Diagnosis process,” “Lack of awareness” and “Presence in the society.” Originality/value In Iran, Autism is considered a kind of social stigma. It mainly happens due to a lack of public awareness about this psychological disorder. The family caregivers in the community suffer from the stigma of autism, which leads them to distance themselves from society. This paper aims to improve the social awareness in regard to the negative impacts of Autism stigma.
{"title":"“Iranian family caregivers of autistic children: the experience of stigma”","authors":"Nastaran Poorkhorshidi, Sima Zohari Anboohi, J. Mohtashami, H. Alavi Majd","doi":"10.1108/aia-08-2021-0037","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/aia-08-2021-0037","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Autistic children and their family caregivers are impacted widely by the social arrangements, which bring up a variety of problems and make their caregiving duties even more difficult. One of the main troubles family caregivers struggle with is the “Autism stigma” that eventually leads to social exclusion. This study aims to identify shreds of evidence of Autism stigma experienced by family caregivers of autistic children. The study also aims to present some general comparison between the findings in Iran and a few other countries’ available respective data to the “Autism stigma.”\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000This study is an inductive qualitative content analysis. Twelve family caregivers were purposefully selected. Data were gathered exercising semi-structured, in-depth interviews and scrutinized using content analysis method.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000In the interviews with the participants, a new category called “Autism stigma” was discerned. This category includes three subcategories: “Diagnosis process,” “Lack of awareness” and “Presence in the society.”\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000In Iran, Autism is considered a kind of social stigma. It mainly happens due to a lack of public awareness about this psychological disorder. The family caregivers in the community suffer from the stigma of autism, which leads them to distance themselves from society. This paper aims to improve the social awareness in regard to the negative impacts of Autism stigma.\u0000","PeriodicalId":43640,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Autism","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44582818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-12-20DOI: 10.1108/aia-12-2020-0070
A. Robinson, Ennie Yong
Purpose It is often voiced that parents of autistic children are the expert of their child, whereas parenting programmes target them as effective mediators for change. This paper aims to explore this unchallenged heuristic to develop an understanding of both emotional and relational needs of parents through trainers’ experiences of delivering emotion-focused and autism parent training. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study used a constructivist approach of grounded theory to gain an in-depth understanding of trainers’ experiences from their encounters when delivering parent training. Six expert trainers were interviewed, and a two-phased coding of ground theory and an adapted thematic analysis was used. Findings An overarching theme emerged: emotion transformation from painful triggers, to enhanced attunement and relational repair. Four main themes containing 13 subthemes were identified. The interaction of these themes and subthemes are presented in a three-phase process model. Phase 1: uncovering painful emotions from a shared journey contained one theme: parent painful triggers. Phase 2: uncovering interpersonal rupture cycle contained one theme: relational rupture cycle within non-synchrony of attunement. Phase 3: parent–child relational repair contained two themes: repairing attachment bonds and therapist’s prizing stance. Social implications The authors challenge the parent as expert heuristic and propose that not all parents feel expert in neurotypical-neurodivergent intersubjectivity. The authors are curious to see whether trainers/therapists can guide parents through unprocessed emotions and non-synchrony of attunement to promote healing and relational repair, which requires further investigation. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first emotion-transformation process model grounded in humanistic principles of relational acceptance and emotion theory. The authors propose that a focus on process rather than outcome is more likely to result in higher parenting self-efficacy.
{"title":"Emotion transformation: a grounded theory for uncovering painful triggers and repairing relational connection for parents of autistic children","authors":"A. Robinson, Ennie Yong","doi":"10.1108/aia-12-2020-0070","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/aia-12-2020-0070","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000It is often voiced that parents of autistic children are the expert of their child, whereas parenting programmes target them as effective mediators for change. This paper aims to explore this unchallenged heuristic to develop an understanding of both emotional and relational needs of parents through trainers’ experiences of delivering emotion-focused and autism parent training.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000This qualitative study used a constructivist approach of grounded theory to gain an in-depth understanding of trainers’ experiences from their encounters when delivering parent training. Six expert trainers were interviewed, and a two-phased coding of ground theory and an adapted thematic analysis was used.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000An overarching theme emerged: emotion transformation from painful triggers, to enhanced attunement and relational repair. Four main themes containing 13 subthemes were identified. The interaction of these themes and subthemes are presented in a three-phase process model. Phase 1: uncovering painful emotions from a shared journey contained one theme: parent painful triggers. Phase 2: uncovering interpersonal rupture cycle contained one theme: relational rupture cycle within non-synchrony of attunement. Phase 3: parent–child relational repair contained two themes: repairing attachment bonds and therapist’s prizing stance.\u0000\u0000\u0000Social implications\u0000The authors challenge the parent as expert heuristic and propose that not all parents feel expert in neurotypical-neurodivergent intersubjectivity. The authors are curious to see whether trainers/therapists can guide parents through unprocessed emotions and non-synchrony of attunement to promote healing and relational repair, which requires further investigation.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first emotion-transformation process model grounded in humanistic principles of relational acceptance and emotion theory. The authors propose that a focus on process rather than outcome is more likely to result in higher parenting self-efficacy.\u0000","PeriodicalId":43640,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Autism","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2021-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41598861","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-11-29DOI: 10.1108/aia-07-2020-0045
L. akrami, M. Malekpour, S. Faramarzi, A. Abedi
Purpose Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by repetitive and characteristic patterns of behavior and difficulties with social communication and interaction. Puberty is an important period for teenagers with ASD. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of educational program on increasing social skills (SS) and sexual knowledge (SK) in adolescent boys with high-functioning autism (HFA) disorder. Design/methodology/approach This study was conducted using a single-subject design. Participants were three boys diagnosed with HFA disorder, selected using purposive sampling. The social skills improvement system scale and the sexual knowledge questionnaire were used to measure SS and SK. The training program consisted of 49 sessions. Findings Results showed that, given the comparison of scores before and after the intervention, the training program was effective in improving SS and SK. Originality/value With regard to the importance of puberty, training programs for parents and adolescents play an effective role in increasing SS and SK of adolescents with HFA disorder.
{"title":"Effect of training program on sexual knowledge and social skills of adolescents with high-functioning autism in puberty","authors":"L. akrami, M. Malekpour, S. Faramarzi, A. Abedi","doi":"10.1108/aia-07-2020-0045","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/aia-07-2020-0045","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by repetitive and characteristic patterns of behavior and difficulties with social communication and interaction. Puberty is an important period for teenagers with ASD. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of educational program on increasing social skills (SS) and sexual knowledge (SK) in adolescent boys with high-functioning autism (HFA) disorder.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000This study was conducted using a single-subject design. Participants were three boys diagnosed with HFA disorder, selected using purposive sampling. The social skills improvement system scale and the sexual knowledge questionnaire were used to measure SS and SK. The training program consisted of 49 sessions.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Results showed that, given the comparison of scores before and after the intervention, the training program was effective in improving SS and SK.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000With regard to the importance of puberty, training programs for parents and adolescents play an effective role in increasing SS and SK of adolescents with HFA disorder.\u0000","PeriodicalId":43640,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Autism","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2021-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42447171","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-11-23DOI: 10.1108/aia-03-2021-0016
Celal Perihan, Mack D. Burke, Lisa Bowman-Perrott, Joel O. Bocanegra
Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the quality of current studies that assess and treat anxiety symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). More specifically the study aimed to answer the following questions: What are the qualities of the current studies using cognitive behavioral therapies (CBTs) to treat anxiety symptoms in children with ASD? Did studies make necessary modifications and adaptations to CBTs according to the evidence-based strategies and implement these versions of CBTs with precise fidelity? Were the selected measurements appropriate for assessing the anxiety symptoms in children with ASD? Design/methodology/approach A systematic review protocol was developed from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (Moher et al., 2009). A rubric was adapted based on the CEC (Council for Exceptional Children; Cook, 2014) group comparison studies standards and the Evaluative Method for Determining EBP in Autism (Reichow et al., 2007). The 3-point Likert Scale (Chard et al., 2009) was adapted to score each study based on the rubric. Findings CBT is a first-line treatment with significant mixed results. Current studies use adapted versions of existing CBTs for children with ASD without reporting empirical evidence to these adaptations and changes. Reporting of the implementation fidelity is still an issue in the treatment of anxiety. Anxiety measurements that were designed for typically developing children failure to detect unusual anxiety symptoms in children with ASD. Research limitations/implications The first limitation of this study was including a variety of studies across CBT programs and types of anxiety symptoms. Types of anxiety and CBT treatments may require separate analyses with specific indicators. Due to the limited studies, reviews could not be analyzed across types of CBT programs. The second limitation was the types of studies. Most of the studies were pilot studies. Pilot studies might use various instruments and CBTs components for making selections to produce the best effects and results. The final limitation was the lack of examination of the data analysis process. Originality/value These findings are important because due to the variety of changes or adaptation to CBTs, inappropriate implementations and failure to detect unusual anxiety symptoms of children with ASD may cause significant differences in treatment responses and outcomes. The study demonstrated that the majority of the studies used adapted versions of existing CBTs without reporting empirical evidence for these adaptations and changes. The findings have shown that reporting of the implementation fidelity is still an issue. Moreover, the majority of studies had used anxiety measurements that were designed for typically developing children, not for children with ASD.
目的本研究的目的是调查目前评估和治疗自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）儿童焦虑症状的研究的质量。更具体地说，这项研究旨在回答以下问题：目前使用认知行为疗法（CBT）治疗ASD儿童焦虑症状的研究有哪些质量？研究是否根据循证策略对CBT进行了必要的修改和调整，并以精确的保真度实施了这些版本的CBT？所选择的测量是否适合评估ASD儿童的焦虑症状？设计/方法/方法根据系统评价和荟萃分析的首选报告项目制定了系统评价方案（Moher等人，2009）。根据CEC（特殊儿童委员会；Cook，2014）小组比较研究标准和确定自闭症EBP的评估方法（Reichow et al.，2007），对该准则进行了调整。三分Likert量表（Chard等人，2009）适用于根据评分标准对每项研究进行评分。FindingsCBT是一线治疗，结果喜忧参半。目前的研究使用现有ASD儿童CBT的改编版本，但没有报告这些改编和变化的经验证据。报告实施保真度仍然是治疗焦虑症的一个问题。为典型发展中的儿童设计的焦虑测量未能检测到ASD儿童的异常焦虑症状。研究局限性/含义本研究的第一个局限性是包括CBT项目和焦虑症状类型的各种研究。焦虑和CBT治疗的类型可能需要使用特定指标进行单独分析。由于研究有限，无法对不同类型的CBT项目进行审查分析。第二个限制是研究的类型。大多数研究都是试点研究。试点研究可能会使用各种仪器和CBT组件进行选择，以产生最佳效果和结果。最后的限制是缺乏对数据分析过程的审查。原创性/价值这些发现很重要，因为由于对CBT的各种变化或适应，不适当的实施和未能检测到ASD儿童的异常焦虑症状可能会导致治疗反应和结果的显著差异。该研究表明，大多数研究使用了现有CBT的改编版本，而没有报告这些改编和变化的经验证据。调查结果表明，报告实施保真度仍然是一个问题。此外，大多数研究都使用了针对典型发育中儿童的焦虑测量，而不是针对自闭症谱系障碍儿童。
{"title":"Assessment and treatment of anxiety in children and adolescents with ASD: a systematic review","authors":"Celal Perihan, Mack D. Burke, Lisa Bowman-Perrott, Joel O. Bocanegra","doi":"10.1108/aia-03-2021-0016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/aia-03-2021-0016","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The purpose of this study was to investigate the quality of current studies that assess and treat anxiety symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). More specifically the study aimed to answer the following questions: What are the qualities of the current studies using cognitive behavioral therapies (CBTs) to treat anxiety symptoms in children with ASD? Did studies make necessary modifications and adaptations to CBTs according to the evidence-based strategies and implement these versions of CBTs with precise fidelity? Were the selected measurements appropriate for assessing the anxiety symptoms in children with ASD?\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000A systematic review protocol was developed from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (Moher et al., 2009). A rubric was adapted based on the CEC (Council for Exceptional Children; Cook, 2014) group comparison studies standards and the Evaluative Method for Determining EBP in Autism (Reichow et al., 2007). The 3-point Likert Scale (Chard et al., 2009) was adapted to score each study based on the rubric.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000CBT is a first-line treatment with significant mixed results. Current studies use adapted versions of existing CBTs for children with ASD without reporting empirical evidence to these adaptations and changes. Reporting of the implementation fidelity is still an issue in the treatment of anxiety. Anxiety measurements that were designed for typically developing children failure to detect unusual anxiety symptoms in children with ASD.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000The first limitation of this study was including a variety of studies across CBT programs and types of anxiety symptoms. Types of anxiety and CBT treatments may require separate analyses with specific indicators. Due to the limited studies, reviews could not be analyzed across types of CBT programs. The second limitation was the types of studies. Most of the studies were pilot studies. Pilot studies might use various instruments and CBTs components for making selections to produce the best effects and results. The final limitation was the lack of examination of the data analysis process.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000These findings are important because due to the variety of changes or adaptation to CBTs, inappropriate implementations and failure to detect unusual anxiety symptoms of children with ASD may cause significant differences in treatment responses and outcomes. The study demonstrated that the majority of the studies used adapted versions of existing CBTs without reporting empirical evidence for these adaptations and changes. The findings have shown that reporting of the implementation fidelity is still an issue. Moreover, the majority of studies had used anxiety measurements that were designed for typically developing children, not for children with ASD.\u0000","PeriodicalId":43640,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Autism","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2021-11-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44659783","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-11-15DOI: 10.1108/aia-06-2021-0026
Bettina Riese, R. Mukherjee
Purpose COVID-19 has been challenging for many in the UK. This is no different to many with autism spectrum disorder. Based on the experiences and issues raised by a small group of autistic women in an ongoing support group, consideration if this holds true for the wider adult autistic community across further lockdowns and restrictions to public life was explored. Design/methodology/approach An online questionnaire was created based on the issues raised. Participants indicated the degree to which they agreed or disagreed with each statement. Findings Autistic adults experienced an increase in anxiety and poor mental health, which in turn has exacerbated autistic features, such as rigidity. The data indicates that autistic adults can adapt to change provided there is support in maintaining routines. Research limitations/implications The research is limited due to the small number of participants (N = 120), as well as national variations in service provision. Practical implications Our data raises wider questions about the nature of support for autistic adults without cognitive impairments during times of crises and how services can respond and may even be shaped in the future to provide support that is cost-effective and relevant to autistic adults. Social implications To ensure that services have an awareness of how crises impact on autistic adults and how relatively simple changes may avert poor mental health. Originality/value That the creation of local support networks, and the ability to access these, is a key feature of autism-specific support.
{"title":"The experiences of autistic adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK and implications for autism services development","authors":"Bettina Riese, R. Mukherjee","doi":"10.1108/aia-06-2021-0026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/aia-06-2021-0026","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose\u0000COVID-19 has been challenging for many in the UK. This is no different to many with autism spectrum disorder. Based on the experiences and issues raised by a small group of autistic women in an ongoing support group, consideration if this holds true for the wider adult autistic community across further lockdowns and restrictions to public life was explored.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000An online questionnaire was created based on the issues raised. Participants indicated the degree to which they agreed or disagreed with each statement.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Autistic adults experienced an increase in anxiety and poor mental health, which in turn has exacerbated autistic features, such as rigidity. The data indicates that autistic adults can adapt to change provided there is support in maintaining routines.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000The research is limited due to the small number of participants (N = 120), as well as national variations in service provision.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000Our data raises wider questions about the nature of support for autistic adults without cognitive impairments during times of crises and how services can respond and may even be shaped in the future to provide support that is cost-effective and relevant to autistic adults.\u0000\u0000\u0000Social implications \u0000To ensure that services have an awareness of how crises impact on autistic adults and how relatively simple changes may avert poor mental health.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000That the creation of local support networks, and the ability to access these, is a key feature of autism-specific support.","PeriodicalId":43640,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Autism","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2021-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41306741","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-11-03DOI: 10.1108/aia-09-2020-0056
E. Proskurnina, G. Portnova, M. Ivanova, S. Sokolova
Purpose An electroencephalography (EEG) examination may cause psychological stress in children with autism that can interfere with the examination results. The objective information on the presence or absence of psycho-emotional stress in patients can help interpret electroencephalograms. This paper aimed to demonstrate the potential of noninvasive objective diagnostics of emotional stress in autistic children undergoing an EEG examination based on analysis of saliva. Design/methodology/approach This study involved 19 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (ICD-10 F84.0); the mean age was seven years. During EEG examination of the children, behavioral parameters were assessed. The activity of cytochrome P450 reductase (CYPOR) in saliva was measured before and after the EEG procedure using lucigenin-enhanced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-stimulated chemiluminescence assay. Findings Significant differences in CYPOR activity were found between the children who were distressed during an EEG examination and the children without behavioral disturbances (Mann–Whitney test, p = 0.002). Thus, the EEG examination resulted in an increase in CYPOR activity in saliva cells, which may prove the stressful effect of this procedure on autistic children. Originality/value The chemiluminescent indices reflecting the activity of microsomal CYPOR in cells presenting in saliva correlate with the absence or presence of psychological stress in children; this phenomenon can be explained by an increased metabolism of the stress hormone, cortisol, by the cytochrome P450 microsomal system. Furthermore, the proposed method is completely safe, noninvasive, rapid (recording time is 20 min), inexpensive and promising for an objective assessment of psycho-emotional stress in autistic children undergoing medical examinations.
{"title":"Chemiluminescence analysis of saliva for the assessment of emotional stress in autistic children undergoing a medical examination","authors":"E. Proskurnina, G. Portnova, M. Ivanova, S. Sokolova","doi":"10.1108/aia-09-2020-0056","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/aia-09-2020-0056","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000An electroencephalography (EEG) examination may cause psychological stress in children with autism that can interfere with the examination results. The objective information on the presence or absence of psycho-emotional stress in patients can help interpret electroencephalograms. This paper aimed to demonstrate the potential of noninvasive objective diagnostics of emotional stress in autistic children undergoing an EEG examination based on analysis of saliva.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000This study involved 19 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (ICD-10 F84.0); the mean age was seven years. During EEG examination of the children, behavioral parameters were assessed. The activity of cytochrome P450 reductase (CYPOR) in saliva was measured before and after the EEG procedure using lucigenin-enhanced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-stimulated chemiluminescence assay.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Significant differences in CYPOR activity were found between the children who were distressed during an EEG examination and the children without behavioral disturbances (Mann–Whitney test, p = 0.002). Thus, the EEG examination resulted in an increase in CYPOR activity in saliva cells, which may prove the stressful effect of this procedure on autistic children.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The chemiluminescent indices reflecting the activity of microsomal CYPOR in cells presenting in saliva correlate with the absence or presence of psychological stress in children; this phenomenon can be explained by an increased metabolism of the stress hormone, cortisol, by the cytochrome P450 microsomal system. Furthermore, the proposed method is completely safe, noninvasive, rapid (recording time is 20 min), inexpensive and promising for an objective assessment of psycho-emotional stress in autistic children undergoing medical examinations.\u0000","PeriodicalId":43640,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Autism","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2021-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47862965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-10-25DOI: 10.1108/aia-08-2021-0035
V. Hatton, Ming Xuan Lee
Purpose Autism spectrum condition (ASC) is a lifelong developmental condition. According to research, it is recommended that those diagnosed with ASC should be offered post-diagnosis support to explore their diagnosis (Punshow, Skirrow and Murphy, 2009). The ASC Diagnostic Assessment Service at Gloucestershire Health Care (GHC) NHS Foundation Trust offers an assessment service to adults (18+) located within Gloucestershire. All those who receive a diagnosis are then invited to a 7-week post-diagnostic group facilitated by the multidisciplinary team. This service evaluation aimed to evaluate the aforementioned group so that it can be improved upon and thus provide a better service for future clients. Design/methodology/approach In total, 14 participants (6 males, 8 females) were interviewed for the purpose of this evaluation following their attendance at these groups. Findings The interview transcripts then underwent thematic analysis with four themes identified; “Autistic Community”, “Experience of Being Part of an Online Group”, “Opportunity for Consolidation”, and “Design Considerations and Improvements”. Further sub-themes were also identified. Overall, the service evaluation identified that the group provided a platform for sharing experiences and gaining a sense of belonging. It also highlighted that individuals have different preferences for whether groups should be facilitated online or face-to-face, and also different preferences for the duration of sessions. Further analysis also revealed the suggestion that the final session, for family and friends, should be optional so that those without a support network, do not need to attend as this caused unease in some. Further findings were also identified. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, existing articles have only focused on the evaluation of the availability of post-diagnostic provision and autistic individuals’ general impression of it rather than an in-depth evaluation of a specific type of support.
{"title":"An evaluation of the online post-diagnostic groups facilitated by the autism spectrum condition service at Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS","authors":"V. Hatton, Ming Xuan Lee","doi":"10.1108/aia-08-2021-0035","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/aia-08-2021-0035","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Autism spectrum condition (ASC) is a lifelong developmental condition. According to research, it is recommended that those diagnosed with ASC should be offered post-diagnosis support to explore their diagnosis (Punshow, Skirrow and Murphy, 2009). The ASC Diagnostic Assessment Service at Gloucestershire Health Care (GHC) NHS Foundation Trust offers an assessment service to adults (18+) located within Gloucestershire. All those who receive a diagnosis are then invited to a 7-week post-diagnostic group facilitated by the multidisciplinary team. This service evaluation aimed to evaluate the aforementioned group so that it can be improved upon and thus provide a better service for future clients.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000In total, 14 participants (6 males, 8 females) were interviewed for the purpose of this evaluation following their attendance at these groups.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The interview transcripts then underwent thematic analysis with four themes identified; “Autistic Community”, “Experience of Being Part of an Online Group”, “Opportunity for Consolidation”, and “Design Considerations and Improvements”. Further sub-themes were also identified. Overall, the service evaluation identified that the group provided a platform for sharing experiences and gaining a sense of belonging. It also highlighted that individuals have different preferences for whether groups should be facilitated online or face-to-face, and also different preferences for the duration of sessions. Further analysis also revealed the suggestion that the final session, for family and friends, should be optional so that those without a support network, do not need to attend as this caused unease in some. Further findings were also identified.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000To the authors’ knowledge, existing articles have only focused on the evaluation of the availability of post-diagnostic provision and autistic individuals’ general impression of it rather than an in-depth evaluation of a specific type of support.\u0000","PeriodicalId":43640,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Autism","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2021-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47852735","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-09-27DOI: 10.1108/aia-08-2020-0048
F. Jean, A. Jouni, M. Bouvard, G. Camelot, A. Beggiato, I. Scheid, A. Gaman, C. Bouquet, Myryam Ly-Le Moal, J. Houenou, R. Delorme, M. Leboyer, A. Amestoy
Purpose This study aims to explore the overlap between symptoms of depression, anxiety, irritability and aggressiveness in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), to measure specific and idiosyncratic emotional responses. Design/methodology/approach A total of 42 high functioning adolescents and adults, between 12 and 39 years old, meeting the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders – 5 criteria for ASD were selected from the InFoR Autism cohort. Data were analyzed in an exploratory way using Hill and Smith and K-medoids cluster analysis. Findings The authors found an aggregation of anxiety, depression, aggressive behaviors and irritability. Cluster analysis was maximized for two groups with 17 and 25 participants, respectively. The first group was characterized by high levels of symptoms of irritability, aggressiveness, hyperactivity and intermediate levels of anxiety and depression. In the first group, participants had significantly higher levels of autistic symptoms considering the social responsiveness scale and repetitive behavior scale-revised scales (relatives’ reports) suggesting that a particular group of subjects with a high level of ASD specific symptoms may express anxiety and depression in a specific way based on externalizing behaviors in addition to the common mood and anxiety symptoms. Research limitations/implications Improved understanding of the aggregation of externalized symptoms with symptoms of anxiety and mood disorders in ASD should lead to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms related to emotion dysregulation in ASD. Practical implications Improved knowledge of the symptoms could lead to enhanced detection of psychiatric comorbidities in ASD. Originality/value The study was based on a transdiagnostic approach of psychiatric symptoms in individuals with ASD. Aggregation and clustering analysis was used to explore naive patterns of these psychiatric symptoms.
目的探讨自闭症谱系障碍(ASD)患者抑郁、焦虑、易怒和攻击性症状之间的重叠，以测量其特异性和特质性情绪反应。设计/方法/方法从InFoR自闭症队列中选择42名符合精神障碍诊断和统计手册- 5项ASD标准的高功能青少年和成年人，年龄在12至39岁之间。采用Hill and Smith和K-medoids聚类分析对数据进行探索性分析。研究结果作者发现了焦虑、抑郁、攻击行为和易怒的集合。两组分别有17名和25名参与者，聚类分析得到了最大化。第一组的特点是高水平的易怒、攻击性、多动以及中等水平的焦虑和抑郁。在第一组中，考虑到社会反应量表和重复行为量表-修订量表(亲属报告)，参与者的自闭症症状水平显著较高，这表明特定组具有高水平ASD特异性症状的受试者可能在常见情绪和焦虑症状之外，还以特定的外化行为方式表达焦虑和抑郁。研究局限性/意义对ASD中焦虑和情绪障碍症状的外化症状聚集的更好理解将有助于更好地理解ASD中情绪失调的潜在机制。实际意义提高对症状的认识可以提高对ASD精神合并症的检测。独创性/价值本研究基于对ASD患者精神症状的跨诊断方法。采用聚集和聚类分析探讨这些精神症状的幼稚模式。
{"title":"Overlap of anxiety, depression, irritability and aggressiveness in autism spectrum disorder: an exploratory study using cluster analysis","authors":"F. Jean, A. Jouni, M. Bouvard, G. Camelot, A. Beggiato, I. Scheid, A. Gaman, C. Bouquet, Myryam Ly-Le Moal, J. Houenou, R. Delorme, M. Leboyer, A. Amestoy","doi":"10.1108/aia-08-2020-0048","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/aia-08-2020-0048","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This study aims to explore the overlap between symptoms of depression, anxiety, irritability and aggressiveness in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), to measure specific and idiosyncratic emotional responses.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000A total of 42 high functioning adolescents and adults, between 12 and 39 years old, meeting the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders – 5 criteria for ASD were selected from the InFoR Autism cohort. Data were analyzed in an exploratory way using Hill and Smith and K-medoids cluster analysis.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The authors found an aggregation of anxiety, depression, aggressive behaviors and irritability. Cluster analysis was maximized for two groups with 17 and 25 participants, respectively. The first group was characterized by high levels of symptoms of irritability, aggressiveness, hyperactivity and intermediate levels of anxiety and depression. In the first group, participants had significantly higher levels of autistic symptoms considering the social responsiveness scale and repetitive behavior scale-revised scales (relatives’ reports) suggesting that a particular group of subjects with a high level of ASD specific symptoms may express anxiety and depression in a specific way based on externalizing behaviors in addition to the common mood and anxiety symptoms.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000Improved understanding of the aggregation of externalized symptoms with symptoms of anxiety and mood disorders in ASD should lead to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms related to emotion dysregulation in ASD.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000Improved knowledge of the symptoms could lead to enhanced detection of psychiatric comorbidities in ASD.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The study was based on a transdiagnostic approach of psychiatric symptoms in individuals with ASD. Aggregation and clustering analysis was used to explore naive patterns of these psychiatric symptoms.\u0000","PeriodicalId":43640,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Autism","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2021-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46088026","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-09-16DOI: 10.1108/aia-08-2020-0050
Melody Blessing Ng, Malvina Klag, C. Mazoff, Samantha Sacks, Chantal Czerednikow, Kathryn Borbridge, T. Broda, Jonathan K Y Lai
Purpose There is inadequate health care for patients with developmental disabilities (DD), due to a number of systemic issues. This case study describes the establishment of a medical-dental clinic in Montréal, Québec for adults with DD. The purpose of this paper is to describe the model of interdisciplinary care based on best practices, as an example to encourage a growing community of trained health professionals to serve this population. Design/methodology/approach Interviews with all the clinic staff and leadership were conducted on-site at the clinic, followed by document review and discussions with an embedded researcher in the organization. Findings The clinic was established through a series of events that led to public and government interest to act, the timely emergence of major donors, and bringing together several dedicated individuals and organizations. The core team engaged in consultation with clinics, followed by extensive billing analyses and iterative process mapping as a learning organization. Prior to patient visits, the clinic conducted detailed intake processes to adequately plan for each patient interaction. Desensitization visits were undertaken to improve patient tolerance for examination and treatment. The continual collection of data fed into an evaluation framework to facilitate continuous improvement and articulate a model for replication. Originality/value To the best of the authors knowledge, there is not a clinic of this nature serving this population in Canada. This work can serve to inform the efforts of other care providers looking to create a medical – dental home for this population.
{"title":"The creation of a specializedmedical-dental clinic for adults with developmental disabilities in Montreal, Canada","authors":"Melody Blessing Ng, Malvina Klag, C. Mazoff, Samantha Sacks, Chantal Czerednikow, Kathryn Borbridge, T. Broda, Jonathan K Y Lai","doi":"10.1108/aia-08-2020-0050","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/aia-08-2020-0050","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000There is inadequate health care for patients with developmental disabilities (DD), due to a number of systemic issues. This case study describes the establishment of a medical-dental clinic in Montréal, Québec for adults with DD. The purpose of this paper is to describe the model of interdisciplinary care based on best practices, as an example to encourage a growing community of trained health professionals to serve this population.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Interviews with all the clinic staff and leadership were conducted on-site at the clinic, followed by document review and discussions with an embedded researcher in the organization.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The clinic was established through a series of events that led to public and government interest to act, the timely emergence of major donors, and bringing together several dedicated individuals and organizations. The core team engaged in consultation with clinics, followed by extensive billing analyses and iterative process mapping as a learning organization. Prior to patient visits, the clinic conducted detailed intake processes to adequately plan for each patient interaction. Desensitization visits were undertaken to improve patient tolerance for examination and treatment. The continual collection of data fed into an evaluation framework to facilitate continuous improvement and articulate a model for replication.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000To the best of the authors knowledge, there is not a clinic of this nature serving this population in Canada. This work can serve to inform the efforts of other care providers looking to create a medical – dental home for this population.\u0000","PeriodicalId":43640,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Autism","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2021-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45011015","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-09-02DOI: 10.1108/aia-06-2021-0027
Navid Mirzakhani Araghi, M. Zarei, Shafagh Saei, P. Dibajnia
Purpose To quantitatively measure the subtle and general symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), one of the instruments that have been designed and used is the social responsiveness scale (SRS). The purpose of this study is to translate the second edition of the SRS into Persian and to examine its psychometric properties in school and preschool children with ASD. Design/methodology/approach The present study is a methodological study of the psychometric type; the study population consisted of school and preschool children from 3 to 12 years of age with ASD and an intelligence quotient of approximately 70. In total, 10 professors and occupational therapists with research and clinical experience in the field of children, were selected for the translation and content validation stages by expert sampling. To determine the validity of the instrument, the content validity index (CVI) and the content validity ratio (CVR) were used; in addition, to determine the reliability, the internal consistency determination method with Cronbach’s alpha number report and inter-rater reliability method within-class correlation coefficient report were used. Findings The calculated CVI and CVR of the instrument for all instrument items were 0.82 and 0.86, respectively. The intra-class correlation coefficient performed by different raters was 0.80 and Cronbach’s alpha for all items was 0.93. Originality/value The reliability and validity of the Persian version of the social responsiveness scale-second edition are appropriate and acceptable so that this instrument can be used to assess the social performance skills of 3–12-years-old children with ASD for research and clinical study.
{"title":"Psychometric properties of the Persian version of social responsiveness scale-second edition (SRS-2)","authors":"Navid Mirzakhani Araghi, M. Zarei, Shafagh Saei, P. Dibajnia","doi":"10.1108/aia-06-2021-0027","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/aia-06-2021-0027","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000To quantitatively measure the subtle and general symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), one of the instruments that have been designed and used is the social responsiveness scale (SRS). The purpose of this study is to translate the second edition of the SRS into Persian and to examine its psychometric properties in school and preschool children with ASD.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000The present study is a methodological study of the psychometric type; the study population consisted of school and preschool children from 3 to 12 years of age with ASD and an intelligence quotient of approximately 70. In total, 10 professors and occupational therapists with research and clinical experience in the field of children, were selected for the translation and content validation stages by expert sampling. To determine the validity of the instrument, the content validity index (CVI) and the content validity ratio (CVR) were used; in addition, to determine the reliability, the internal consistency determination method with Cronbach’s alpha number report and inter-rater reliability method within-class correlation coefficient report were used.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The calculated CVI and CVR of the instrument for all instrument items were 0.82 and 0.86, respectively. The intra-class correlation coefficient performed by different raters was 0.80 and Cronbach’s alpha for all items was 0.93.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The reliability and validity of the Persian version of the social responsiveness scale-second edition are appropriate and acceptable so that this instrument can be used to assess the social performance skills of 3–12-years-old children with ASD for research and clinical study.\u0000","PeriodicalId":43640,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Autism","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2021-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42841966","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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