| 1. |
- Billstedt, Eva, 1961, et al.
(författare)
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Aspects of quality of life in adults diagnosed with autism in childhood: a population-based study.
- 2011
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Ingår i: Autism. - : SAGE Publications. - 1362-3613 .- 1461-7005. ; 15:1, s. 7-20
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The present study is a long-term prospective follow-up study of a population-based cohort of 120 individuals diagnosed with autism in childhood, followed into late adolescence/early adulthood. Specific aims of the study were to attempt to measure and study social aspects/quality of life in those 108 individuals with autism alive and available for study at the time of follow-up (13-22 years after original diagnosis). A newly constructed scale for rating 'autism-friendly environment'/quality of life was used alongside a structured parent/carer interview assessing current occupation, educational history, services provided, accommodation type, and recreational activities. The majority of the group with autism remained dependent on parents/caregivers for support in education, accommodation and occupational situations. In spite of this, the estimation of the study group's general quality of life was encouragingly positive. Nevertheless, there was an obvious need for improvements in the areas of occupation and recreational activities. Future studies need to look in more depth at the concept of an autism-friendly environment and develop more detailed quality of life assessment tools relevant for people in the autism spectrum.
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| 2. |
- Bolte, S, et al.
(författare)
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Sex differences in cognitive domains and their clinical correlates in higher-functioning autism spectrum disorders
- 2011
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Ingår i: Autism : the international journal of research and practice. - : SAGE Publications. - 1461-7005. ; 15:4, s. 497-511
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Despite the skewed sex ratio, few studies have addressed possible cognitive sex differences in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). This study compared visual attention to detail (ATTD) and selected executive functions (EF) in 35 males and 21 females with higher-functioning ASD and unaffected sibling controls. Females with ASD outperformed males on EF as assessed by the Trail Making Test B-A. Males with ASD showed superior performance for ATTD as measured by the Block Design Test (BD) when compared with females. EF difficulties in males were correlated with more stereotypic behaviours and interests on the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised or the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. The results indicated clinically meaningful cognitive sex differences in ASD, particularly an association between EF and stereotypic behaviours and interests. ATTD as a potential basis for specific cognitive strengths (e.g. scientific/savant skills) might be more pronounced in males with ASD.
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| 3. |
- Haglund, Nils, et al.
(författare)
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Risk factors for autism and Asperger syndrome Perinatal factors and migration
- 2011
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Ingår i: Autism. - : SAGE Publications. - 1362-3613 .- 1461-7005. ; 15:2, s. 163-183
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Using the Swedish Medical Birth Registry (MBR), obstetrical and demographic information was retrieved for 250 children with autism or Asperger syndrome who were born in Malmoe, Sweden, and enrolled at the local Child and Youth Habilitation Center. The reference group consisted of all children born in Malmoe during 1980-2005. Obstetric sub-optimality (prematurity, low Apgar scores, growth restriction, or macrosomia) was positively associated with autism but not with Asperger syndrome. Maternal birth outside the Nordic countries was positively associated with autism (adjusted OR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.6-3.1) and negatively associated with Asperger syndrome (OR: 0.6; 95% CI: 0.3-0.97). The highest risk estimate for autism was found among children to women who were born in sub-Saharan Africa (OR: 7.3), or in East Asia (OR: 3.4).
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