| 1. |
- Achermann, Sheila, et al.
(författare)
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Motor atypicalities in infancy are associated with general developmental level at 2 years, but not autistic symptoms
- 2020
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Ingår i: Autism. - : SAGE Publications Ltd. - 1362-3613 .- 1461-7005. ; 24:7, s. 1650-1663
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Atypical motor development has frequently been reported in infants at elevated likelihood for autism spectrum disorder. However, no previous study has used detailed motion capture technology to compare infant siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder and infant siblings with no familial history of autism spectrum disorder. We investigated reaching movements during an interceptive action task in 10-month-old infants using kinematic data with high spatiotemporal resolution. The results indicated that several measures were different in infants at elevated likelihood. However, longitudinal analyses revealed that while specific infant motor measures (e.g. number of movement units) were related to broad measures of general developmental level in toddlerhood, the associations with later autism spectrum disorder symptomatology were not significant. These findings confirm that some aspects of motor functioning are atypical in infants at elevated likelihood for autism spectrum disorder, but provide no support for the view that these issues are specifically linked to autism spectrum disorder symptoms, but may rather reflect neurodevelopment more generally.Lay abstractAtypicalities in motor functioning are often observed in later born infant siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder. The goal of our study was to investigate motor functioning in infants with and without familial history of autism spectrum disorder. Specifically, we investigated how infants catch a ball that is rolling toward them following a non-straight path, a task that requires both efficient planning and execution. Their performance was measured using detailed three-dimensional motion capture technology. We found that several early motor functioning measures were different in infants with an older autistic sibling compared to controls. However, these early motor measures were not related to autistic symptoms at the age of 2 years. Instead, we found that some of the early motor measures were related to their subsequent non-social, general development. The findings of our study help us understand motor functioning early in life and how motor functioning is related to other aspects of development.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Arnell, Susann, 1971-, et al.
(författare)
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Parents’ perceptions and concerns about physical activity participation among adolescents with autism spectrum disorder
- 2020
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Ingår i: Autism. - : Sage Publications. - 1362-3613 .- 1461-7005. ; 24:8, s. 2243-2255
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The parents of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder have a vital and proactive role in encouraging healthy physical activity habits, and they possess important knowledge about the adolescents’ needs when it comes to enhancing participation in physical activity. But promoting healthy physical activity habits in adolescents can be difficult. The purpose of this study was thus to describe parents’ perceptions of their adolescent child’s participation in physical activity and to describe the parental role in promoting such participation. Twenty-eight parents of adolescents aged 12–16 years with autism spectrum disorder were interviewed. The interviews were analyzed using an inductive content analysis approach. The parents described how challenging participation in physical activities could be for their adolescents. Despite this, they wanted to see their children participate more in physical activity but found the promotion of physical activity to be an overwhelming task that was difficult to cope with on their own. The results reveal a need for support and collaborative efforts among different actors to give these issues increased priority in order to promote the adolescents’ physical activity participation.
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| 5. |
- Bang, Peter, et al.
(författare)
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Modality-specific associations between sensory differences and autistic traits
- 2023
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Ingår i: Autism. - : SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD. - 1362-3613 .- 1461-7005. ; 27:7, s. 2158-2172
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Sensory processing differences measured by self- or parent-report co-segregate with quantitative autistic traits and have potential endophenotypic properties. It is not known to what extent this reflects generalized sensory dysfunction versus more specific associations involving individual senses or autistic trait domains. We combined Bayesian variable selection with dominance analysis to obtain a more nuanced understanding of modality-specific associations. We recruited two independent samples of adults to complete the Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire and the Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire. For each domain of autistic traits (social interaction, communication, cognitive rigidity), we performed stochastic search variable selection using Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire modality subscales as predictors while controlling for uncertainty in other variables. Dominance analysis was applied to the reduced models to evaluate the relative importance of predictors. Only auditory scores reliably predicted all three autistic traits when other modalities were accounted for. The proprioceptive scale, which included motor and interoceptive deficits, predicted communicative autistic traits more than other trait domains. The tactile scale appeared most specific for social autistic traits. Although the findings must be interpreted in light of the limitations of the questionnaires, the study suggests that auditory differences may be more likely than differences in other senses to be a robust sensory endophenotype relevant to autism. Lay abstract Sensory symptoms are a major source of distress for many autistic people, causing anxiety, stress, and avoidance. Sensory problems are thought to be passed on genetically together with other autistic characteristics, such as social preferences. This means that people who report cognitive rigidity and autistic-like social function are more likely to suffer from sensory issues. We do not know what role the individual senses, such as vision, hearing, smell, or touch, play in this relationship, because sensory processing is generally measured with questionnaires that target general, multisensory issues. This study aimed to investigate the individual importance of the different senses (vision, hearing, touch, smell, taste, balance, and proprioception) in the correlation with autistic traits. To ensure the results were replicable, we repeated the experiment in two large groups of adults. The first group contained 40% autistic participants, whereas the second group resembled the general population. We found that problems with auditory processing were more strongly predictive of general autistic characteristics than were problems with the other senses. Problems with touch were specifically related to differences in social interaction, such as avoiding social settings. We also found a specific relationship between proprioceptive differences and autistic-like communication preferences. The sensory questionnaire had limited reliability, so our results may underestimate the contribution of some senses. With that reservation in mind, we conclude that auditory differences are dominant over other modalities in predicting genetically based autistic traits and may therefore be of special interest for further genetic and neurobiological studies.
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| 6. |
- Bertilsdotter Rosqvist, Hanna, 1976-, et al.
(författare)
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Cutting our own keys : New possibilities of neurodivergent storying in research
- 2023
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Ingår i: Autism. - : Sage Publications. - 1362-3613 .- 1461-7005. ; 27:5, s. 1235-1244
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A lot of people who do research are also neurodivergent (such as being autistic or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), but neurodivergent people do not always feel welcome in research spaces which are often shaped around neurotypical people. Some neurotypical researchers lack confidence in talking to neurodivergent people, and others feel like neurodivergent people might not be able to do good research about other people who are like them without being biased. We think it is important that all researchers are able to work well together, regardless of whether they are neurotypical, autistic, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (or any other neurotype) – in truly ‘neurodiverse’ teams. In this article we talk about how to create better spaces for all researchers, where we feel valued for who we are and take each others’ needs into account. We do this using some approaches from other areas of research and talking about how they relate to our personal experiences of being neurodivergent researchers with our own personal stories. This article adds to a growing work on how we can work with people who are different from us, in more respectful and kind ways.
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| 7. |
- Bertilsdotter Rosqvist, Hanna, 1976-, et al.
(författare)
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Knowing and accepting oneself : Exploring possibilities of self-awareness among working autistic young adults
- 2023
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Ingår i: Autism. - : Sage Publications. - 1362-3613 .- 1461-7005. ; 27:5, s. 1417-1425
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Autistic people have historically been described as incapable of developing a deeper sense of self-awareness, and autistic understandings of self-awareness have been largely disregarded. The aim of this study is to explore the way young autistic adults try to understand their functionality and who they are, or to develop their sense of self-awareness, in work and in private life contexts. In 12 qualitative interviews conducted with four autistic adults without learning difficulties, we identified a rich set of reflections on knowing and accepting oneself. The overarching theme of self-knowledge has three subthemes: learning from previous experiences, learning about oneself by securing the support of others, and understanding and accepting autistic functionality. The strategy of self-knowledge was used by these young adults to help them achieve functional lives in the work and private domains. Our results show that young autistic adults both actively explore and develop their self-awareness. We suggest that it is important for practitioners and employers working with autistic individuals to engage with their journeys of self-awareness as a vital part of understanding and supporting them.
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| 8. |
- Black, MH, et al.
(författare)
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Complex facial emotion recognition and atypical gaze patterns in autistic adults
- 2020
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Ingår i: Autism : the international journal of research and practice. - : SAGE Publications. - 1461-7005. ; 24:1, s. 258-262
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- While altered gaze behaviour during facial emotion recognition has been observed in autistic individuals, there remains marked inconsistency in findings, with the majority of previous research focused towards the processing of basic emotional expressions. There is a need to examine whether atypical gaze during facial emotion recognition extends to more complex emotional expressions, which are experienced as part of everyday social functioning. The eye gaze of 20 autistic and 20 IQ-matched neurotypical adults was examined during a facial emotion recognition task of complex, dynamic emotion displays. Autistic adults fixated longer on the mouth region when viewing complex emotions compared to neurotypical adults, indicating that altered prioritization of visual information may contribute to facial emotion recognition impairment. Results confirm the need for more ecologically valid stimuli for the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying facial emotion recognition difficulty in autistic individuals.
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| 9. |
- Black, MH, et al.
(författare)
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Considerations of the built environment for autistic individuals: A review of the literature
- 2022
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Ingår i: Autism : the international journal of research and practice. - : SAGE Publications. - 1461-7005. ; 26:8, s. 1904-1915
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Until recently, built environments have been designed exclusively to meet the needs of neurotypical populations; however, there is increasing recognition of the need to make built environments more accommodating for neurodiverse populations, including autistic individuals. This scoping review aims to comprehensively explore and synthesise this literature on the internal built environment for autistic individuals providing recommendations for designers, policymakers and clinicians. Five electronic databases were searched, resulting in a total of 28 studies being reviewed. Recommendations are provided for design and construction, lighting, sound, aesthetics, temperature and air quality. While in its early stages, evidence demonstrating the impact that particular qualities of light, colour, sound and spatial planning have on the human sensorium is emerging. In turn, this new knowledge is informing design decisions that are progressing interior environments towards inclusivity. Understanding the positive and negative impacts of decisions made in the design of the built environment has the potential to facilitate the participation and inclusion of autistic individuals. Factors related to the interiors of buildings, including the layout of rooms, colours, smells, noises, temperature, ventilation, colour and clutter, among other things, can change the way we interact with our environment and the people around us. Autistic individuals can have differences in processing sensory information and may find aspects of the built environment (BE) over-whelming and difficult to navigate. We reviewed the existing literature exploring the BE and autism. This study found that it is possible to make changes to the BE to create more inclusive and friendly environments for everyone, including autistic individuals. Findings from this study provide clear recommendations that can be used by interior designers, architects, builders, and clinical practitioners to make a positive difference. Key recommendations include using simple spatial layouts, compartmentalising and zoning spaces into specific activity sections and providing retreat spaces. The thoughtful placement of windows and blinds and the installation of dimmable lights, for example, will allow users to manage or reduce sensory over-stimulation caused by lights. Similarly, we recommend creating soundproofing and sound absorbent materials to reduce background noise and sound levels. We also recommend using neutral or simple colour palettes and restrained use of patterns. Finally, and most importantly, the BE needs to be flexible and adaptable to meet the unique needs of each person. This study provides a starting point for design guidelines and recommendations towards making a difference to the everyday experiences of the interiors of buildings.
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| 10. |
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
- Chan, WT, et al.
(författare)
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Realist evaluation of a transdisciplinary mealtime management service for autistic children
- 2023
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Ingår i: Autism : the international journal of research and practice. - : SAGE Publications. - 1461-7005. ; 27:6, s. 1547-1559
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Autistic children commonly experience mealtime difficulties; however, it is unknown what makes an effective transdisciplinary mealtime service for autistic children. This study used a realist evaluation framework to explore caregivers’ and therapists’ perceptions of the contexts, mechanisms and associated outcomes of a transdisciplinary mealtime management service for autistic children. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six caregivers of autistic children engaged in a transdisciplinary mealtime service and 10 therapists providing the service, with interview data analysed using a realist evaluation approach. Four-context (child factors, family factors, therapist factors and institutional parameters), three-mechanism (transdisciplinary collaboration, child-centred approach and managing caregiver expectations) and two-outcome (impact on the child and impact on the caregiver) themes were identified. Findings highlighted that transdisciplinary collaboration, a child- and family-centred approach and managing caregiver expectations are key mechanisms providing a foundation for the development of evidence-based mealtime services for autistic children. Mealtimes and eating can be difficult for autistic children. A service where different professions work together is required to address the varied and complex mealtime difficulties of autistic children. Little is known about what is needed for such services to be effective. We interviewed six caregivers of autistic children who were engaged in a mealtime service and 10 therapists who are involved in delivering the service to understand their perspectives on the factors that were driving the effectiveness of the mealtime service. We found that different health professionals from different disciplines working together, focusing on adapting intervention to the child and family and managing expectations of the caregiver were important in contributing to outcomes of the mealtime service. The findings of this study can be used to inform the development of more effective interventions and services to support the well-being and development of autistic children.
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| 14. |
- D'Arcy, E, et al.
(författare)
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Content validation of common measures of functioning for young children against the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and Code and Core Sets relevant to neurodevelopmental conditions
- 2022
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Ingår i: Autism : the international journal of research and practice. - : SAGE Publications. - 1461-7005. ; 26:4, s. 928-939
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Content validity describes the extent to which a measure represents, and is relevant to, the construct it aims to assess. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and derived Core/Code Sets (Sets) for autism, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, cerebral palsy and early developmental delay and disability are adequate to establish the content validity of measures aiming to assess functioning in young children with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs). This article aimed to assess the content validity of comprehensive assessments of functioning for young children with NDCs against these standards. Twenty-two common measures of functioning were evaluated for content validity against the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health at a domain level, with 10 measures analysed at the item-level and compared to the Sets relevant to young children with NDCs. Measures covered between 21% and 57% of the combined Set codes and 19% to 63% of codes from specific Sets. Much of this variation was between measures, with some variation due to differences between individual Sets. The percentages reflect that measures heavily focus on activities and participation areas, with environmental factors rarely assessed. These findings are useful for clinicians, policymakers, and researchers in identifying the most appropriate measures for assessing functioning in young children with neurodevelopmental conditions. Young children who have developmental delay, autism, or other neurodevelopmental conditions can have difficulties doing things in different areas of their life. What they can and cannot do is called their level of functioning. There are lots of assessment measures that aim to assess functioning. But, we are not sure if these measures assess all the things we need to know about these children’s functioning. Other research has identified lists of items (codes) that need to be assessed to understand functioning for young children with different neurodevelopmental conditions fully. These lists include body functions (the things a child’s body or brain can do), activities and participation (the activities and tasks a child does) and environmental factors (parts of the environment that can influence functioning). In this study, we looked at the items from these lists assessed by different functioning measures to see how they compared to what should be assessed. The measures that we looked at covered 21%–57% of all the codes and 19%–63% of the codes for lists specific to different conditions. Most of the measures focused on activity and participation codes, and they rarely assessed environmental factors. Knowing which codes and how much of the lists the measures assess can help researchers, clinicians and policymakers to choose measures that are more appropriate for young children with neurodevelopmental conditions.
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Flygare, Oskar, et al.
(författare)
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Adapted cognitive behavior therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder with co-occurring autism spectrum disorder : A clinical effectiveness study
- 2020
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Ingår i: Autism. - : SAGE Publications. - 1362-3613 .- 1461-7005. ; 24:1, s. 190-199
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder and autism spectrum disorder commonly co-occur. Adapted cognitive behavior therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults with autism spectrum disorder has not previously been evaluated outside the United Kingdom. In this study, 19 adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder and autism spectrum disorder were treated using an adapted cognitive behavior therapy protocol that consisted of 20 sessions focused on exposure with response prevention. The primary outcome was the clinician-rated Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale. Participants were assessed up to 3 months after treatment. There were significant reductions on the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale at post-treatment (d = 1.5), and improvements were sustained at follow-up (d = 1.2). Self-rated obsessive-compulsive disorder and depressive symptoms showed statistically significant reductions. Improvements in general functioning and quality of life were statistically non-significant. Three participants (16%) were responders at post-treatment and four (21%) were in remission from obsessive-compulsive disorder. At follow-up, three participants (16%) were responders and one (5%) was in full remission. Adapted cognitive behavior therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults with co-occurring autism spectrum disorder is associated with reductions in obsessive-compulsive symptoms and depressive symptoms. However, outcomes are modest; few patients were completely symptom free, and treatment engagement was low with few completed exposures and low adherence to homework assignments. We identify and discuss the need for further treatment refinement for this vulnerable group.
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| 18. |
- Hellquist, A, et al.
(författare)
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Access, utilization, and awareness for clinical genetic testing in autism spectrum disorder in Sweden: A survey study
- 2022
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Ingår i: Autism : the international journal of research and practice. - : SAGE Publications. - 1461-7005. ; 26:7, s. 1795-1804
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Clinical genetic testing is recommended for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. There are only a few reports of how these recommendations are followed and especially missing for European countries. We aimed to analyze the rate of access, utilization, and awareness of clinical genetic testing among autistic individuals in Sweden through online surveys targeting parents with at least one autistic child and autistic adolescents (from 15 years) and adults. In total, 868 parents of autistic children and 213 autistic adolescents or adults completed the survey. Only 9.1% ( n = 79) of parents and 2.8% ( n = 6) of autistic adolescents/adults reported having received a referral for clinical genetic testing after autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. The autistic children offered a referral were younger at diagnosis ( p < 0.001) and more likely to have an additional neurodevelopmental diagnosis ( p < 0.01), including intellectual disability ( p < 0.001) or a language disorder ( p < 0.001). Genetic counseling was provided to less than half of the families that were referred for clinical genetic testing. Finally, we report that both respondent groups preferred to be informed by written text and an expert in genetics about clinical genetic testing. This study highlights a lack of awareness and access to clinical genetic testing after autism spectrum disorder diagnosis in Sweden and demonstrates the need for additional studies on how clinical guidelines for genetic testing are followed in different countries. Several medical professional societies recommend clinical genetic testing for autistic individuals as many genetic conditions are linked to autism. However, it is unclear to what extent autistic individuals and parents of autistic children are offered clinical genetic testing. We conducted a community-based survey to estimate the access, utilization, and awareness for clinical genetic testing in Sweden. In total, 868 parents of autistic children and 213 autistic adolescents or adults participated as respondents. The referral rate for clinical genetic testing after autism spectrum disorder diagnosis was low, with only 9.1% for the autistic children as reported by their parents and 2.8% for autistic adolescents/adults. The autistic children who got referrals were more likely to have intellectual disability and language disorder. We also report that awareness of the clinical genetic testing possibility was low in both respondent groups. We also highlight preferred communication means and needs for information before clinical genetic testing. Our results show that utilization and access are low in Sweden, and more studies should be conducted to report these rates in different countries to analyze the effects of clinical genetic testing on healthcare for autistic individuals. Our results highlight the most important information for the families and how the information should be communicated prior to clinical genetic testing.
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| 19. |
- Lundin, Karl, et al.
(författare)
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Functional gender differences in autism : An international, multidisciplinary expert survey using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health model.
- 2020
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Ingår i: Autism. - : SAGE Publications. - 1362-3613 .- 1461-7005. ; 25:4, s. 1020-1035
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- LAY ABSTRACT: In this study, we explored if professionals working with autistic people in different regions of the world perceive differences between females and males diagnosed with the condition. A total of 131 professionals responded to a survey that included an open question about gender differences in autism. Of these, 32 responded that they do not perceive gender differences in autism. The information provided by the other 99 experts was analyzed to identify common patterns. Three main differences were found, (1) Matching the clinical conceptualization of autism where professionals described differences in core symptoms of autism, and that autistic females were less similar to the conceptualization of autism. In (2) Co-existing problems, professionals described that autistic males display more apparent problems including hyperactivity, while autistic females were perceived as having more internalizing issues such as anxiety and eating disorders. In the last category, (3) Navigating the social environment, experts perceived autistic females as more socially motivated, and more inclined to camouflage social difficulties, making their challenges less evident. Professionals also perceived differences in the social environment, for example, that autistic girls receive more support from their peers while autistic boys are more often bullied. Our results suggest that professionals working in different parts of the world acknowledge gender differences in autism, but also that there might be some regional differences. Finally, we found that gender differences reported by the international professionals could largely be assessed with a shortened version of the International Classification of Functioning by the World Health Organization, specifically developed for autism.
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| 20. |
- Mari-Bauset, S, et al.
(författare)
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Systematic review of prenatal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals and autism spectrum disorder in offspring
- 2022
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Ingår i: Autism : the international journal of research and practice. - : SAGE Publications. - 1461-7005. ; 26:1, s. 6-32
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Epidemiological studies, which can have inherent methodological limitations, are used to study the relation between endocrine disrupting chemicals and autism spectrum disorder. The objective is to systematically review the treatment of methodological limitations and assess the quality and strength of the findings in the available literature. The quality and strength of the evidence were evaluated using the Navigation Guide Systematic Review Methodology. The overall quality and strength of the available studies were “moderate” and “limited,” respectively. Risk of bias due to the methodological limitations regarding the exclusion of potential confounding factors and the lack of accuracy of exposure assessment methods were the most prevalent and were also considered to arrive at these results. The omnipresence of endocrine disrupting chemicals, their persistence and bioaccumulation, and the biological plausibility of the association between prenatal exposure to these and later development of autism spectrum disorder highlight the need to carry out well-designed epidemiological studies that overcome the methodological limitations observed in the currently available literature in order to be able to inform public policy to prevent exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals. Autism spectrum disorders comprise a complex group with many subtypes of behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental abnormalities in two core areas: deficits in social communication and fixated, restricted, repetitive, or stereotyped behaviors and interests each with potential unique risk factors and characteristics. The underlying mechanisms and the possible causes of autism spectrum disorder remain elusive and while increased prevalence is undoubtable, it is unclear if it is a reflection of diagnostic improvement or emerging risk factors such as endocrine disrupting chemicals. Epidemiological studies, which are used to study the relation between endocrine disrupting chemicals and autism spectrum disorder, can have inherent methodological challenges that limit the quality and strength of their findings. The objective of this work is to systematically review the treatment of these challenges and assess the quality and strength of the findings in the currently available literature. The overall quality and strength were “moderate” and “limited,” respectively. Risk of bias due to the exclusion of potential confounding factors and the lack of accuracy of exposure assessment methods were the most prevalent. The omnipresence of endocrine disrupting chemicals and the biological plausibility of the association between prenatal exposure and later development of autism spectrum disorder highlight the need to carry out well-designed epidemiological studies that overcome the methodological challenges observed in the currently available literature in order to be able to inform public policy to prevent exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals and aid in the establishment of predictor variables to facilitate early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and improve long-term outcomes.
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| 21. |
- Neufeld, Janina, et al.
(författare)
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A co-twin-control study of altered sensory processing in autism
- 2021
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Ingår i: Autism. - : Sage Publications. - 1362-3613 .- 1461-7005. ; 25:5, s. 1422-1432
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Autism spectrum disorder is associated with sensory processing alterations, such as sensory hyper- and hypo-responsiveness. Twin studies are scarce in this field, but they are necessary in order to disentangle the genetic and environmental contributions to this association. Furthermore, it is unclear how different neurodevelopmental/psychiatric conditions contribute to altering sensory processing. We investigated the association between autistic traits/autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and sensory processing alterations in twins (N = 269), using the adult/adolescent sensory profile, which differentiates four sub-domains: Low Registration, Sensation Seeking, Sensory Sensitivity, and Sensation Avoiding. While the associations between autistic traits and Low Registration and Sensation Avoiding persisted within monozygotic (genetically identical) twins, Sensory Sensitivity was only associated with autistic traits within dizygotic twins. In multivariate analyses with different neurodevelopmental/psychiatric diagnoses as predictor variables, autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were the strongest predictors for two adult/adolescent sensory profile sub-domains each. The results suggest that the association between autistic traits and Sensory Sensitivity is influenced by genetics while non-shared environmental factors influence the associations between autistic traits and Low Registration and Sensation Avoiding. They further indicate that altered sensory processing is not specific to autism spectrum disorder, while autism spectrum disorder is a strong predictor of certain sensory processing alterations, even when controlling for other (comorbid) neurodevelopmental/psychiatric conditions.
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| 22. |
- Neufeld, Janina, et al.
(författare)
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The impact of atypical sensory processing on adaptive functioning within and beyond autism : The role of familial factors
- 2021
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Ingår i: Autism. - : Sage Publications. - 1362-3613 .- 1461-7005. ; 25:8, s. 2341-2355
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Atypical sensory processing is prevalent across neurodevelopmental conditions and a key diagnostic criterion of autism spectrum disorder. It may have cascading effects on the development of adaptive functions. However, its unique contribution to adaptive functioning and the genetic/environmental influences on this link are unclear. In a clinically enriched twin sample (n = 289, 60 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder), we investigated the associations between the quadrants of the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile (low registration, sensory sensitivity, sensation seeking, and sensation avoiding) and adaptive functioning. Associations were modeled across the cohort accounting for the effects of clinical diagnosis, IQ, sex and age, and within-twin pairs, additionally implicitly adjusting for familial factors. Furthermore, we explored interaction effects between atypical sensory processing and autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Sensory sensitivity and sensation avoiding were associated with reduced adaptive functioning across individuals, but not within-twin pairs. An interaction effect was found between sensation seeking and autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, showing a negative association between sensation seeking and adaptive functioning only in individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The results suggest that atypical sensory processing is associated with reduced adaptive functioning and that familial factors influence this link. In addition, sensation seeking behaviors might interfere with adaptive functioning specifically in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
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| 23. |
- Nordin, Viviann, et al.
(författare)
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School absenteeism in autistic children and adolescents : A scoping review
- 2023
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Ingår i: Autism. - : Sage Publications. - 1362-3613 .- 1461-7005.
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- School absenteeism is a major societal problem, with a range of potential adverse long-term consequences. This scoping review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the research on school absenteeism in autistic children and adolescents, expose important gaps in the literature, and explore possibilities for future systematic reviews. Five relevant databases were searched systematically from inception to June 2023, yielding a total of 46 eligible reports from 42 separate studies. All studies were conducted in high-income countries, and most were published in the last decade. Three major themes emerged: occurrence, contextual factors, and interventions. The results of large-scale population-based studies clearly suggested that autistic children and adolescents were absent from school more often than their non-autistic peers, which partly was attributable to co-occurring conditions. Bullying also emerged as a potential risk factor. Only a few preliminary studies were available on targeted interventions, emphasizing the need for more robust studies. More research is also needed on the mechanisms leading to and maintaining school absenteeism in this group of learners. Overall, the diversity of research questions, methods, and definitions used in this body of research suggests that systematic reviews with narrow focus on a few key questions may still be premature.
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| 24. |
- Pahnke, Johan, et al.
(författare)
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Acceptance and commitment therapy for autistic adults : a randomized controlled pilot study in a psychiatric outpatient setting
- 2023
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Ingår i: Autism. - : Sage Publications. - 1362-3613 .- 1461-7005. ; 27:5, s. 1461-1476
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Autistic adults are at risk of stress-related psychiatric disorders and reduced life quality due to social, cognitive, and perceptual challenges. Mental health interventions adapted to autistic adults are scarce. Acceptance and commitment therapy has preliminarily indicated health benefits in autistic adults, although it has not been robustly evaluated. Overall, 39 adults (21 males; 21–72 years) with autism spectrum disorder and normal intellectual ability (IQ M = 108.5; SD = 13.5) were randomized to 14 weeks of adapted acceptance and commitment therapy group treatment (NeuroACT) or treatment as usual. The intervention was feasible. Perceived stress and quality of life (primary outcomes), alongside psychological inflexibility, cognitive fusion, cognitive and behavioral avoidance, and autistic mannerism were statistically significantly improved in NeuroACT compared with treatment as usual (d = 0.70–0.90). Clinically significant changes in perceived stress and quality of life were in favor of NeuroACT. Between-group altered depression, anxiety, sleep problems, one quality of life measure, functional impairment, social aspects of autism, and executive difficulties were statistically non-significant. Dropout was slightly higher in NeuroACT. NeuroACT may be a promising treatment for autistic adults with co-existing stress and reduced quality of life. More extensive studies are warranted to evaluate NeuroACT further.
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| 25. |
- Pan, Pei-Yin, et al.
(författare)
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Neurological disorders in autism : A systematic review and meta-analysis
- 2020
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Ingår i: Autism. - : SAGE Publications. - 1362-3613 .- 1461-7005. ; 25:3, s. 812-830
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Neurological disorders, such as epilepsy and cerebral palsy, have been reported to occur among individuals with autism beyond chance and may have an impact on daily living across the lifespan. Although there has been research investigating neurological disorders in autism, the findings are not always conclusive. Previous summaries of existing studies have not evaluated the full range of neurological disorders. This study aimed to comprehensively explore the neurological problems appearing in autism to provide updated information that is needed for better healthcare and support in this population. We looked at already published studies focusing on risk or frequency of neurological disorders in autism. Our results suggest that individuals with autism are more likely than the general population to have a range of neurological disorders, including epilepsy, macrocephaly, hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, migraine/headache, and inborn abnormalities of the nervous system. In order to provide individualized healthcare and support of high quality to individuals diagnosed with autism, health care professionals and other support providers need to be attentive to neurological complications. To further improve our understanding about the link between autism and neurological disorders, future research should follow the neurological health of children who are diagnosed with or are at increased likelihood of autism.
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| 26. |
- Rudling, Maja, et al.
(författare)
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Infant responses to direct gaze and associations to autism : A live eye-tracking study
- 2023
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Ingår i: Autism. - : Sage Publications. - 1362-3613 .- 1461-7005.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Being looked at is an important communicative signal, and attenuated responses to such direct gaze have been suggested as an early sign of autism. Using live eye tracking, we examined whether direct gaze elicits different gaze responses in infants at ages 10, 14 and 18 months with and without later autism in real-life interaction. The sample consisted of 169 infants: 35 with elevated likelihood of autism and subsequent diagnosis, 94 without subsequent diagnosis and 40 with typical likelihood of autism. Infants in all groups tended to look more towards the adult’s face shortly after the direct gaze occurred. Neither how much nor how quickly the infants responded to the direct gaze differentiated the without elevated likelihood of autism and subsequent diagnosis and with elevated likelihood of autism and subsequent diagnosis groups. Infants in the typical likelihood group looked more at the face after the direct-gaze event than infants in the two elevated likelihood groups, but this result is tentative. In an exploratory analysis, infants in the elevated likelihood of autism and subsequent diagnosis group looked away quicker from faces with direct gaze than infants in the typical likelihood group, but this measure did not correlate with dimensional autism or differentiate between the two elevated likelihood groups. The current results suggest that attenuated behavioural responses to direct gaze in infancy are neither strong nor specific early markers of autism.Lay abstractWhen other people look directly towards us, we often respond by looking back at them, and such direct-gaze responses are important for establishing eye contact. Atypical eye contact is common in autism, but how and when this aspect of autism develops is not well understood. Here, we studied whether how much and how quickly infants respond to others’ direct gaze is associated with autism in toddlerhood. We did this by measuring direct-gaze responses in a playful social interaction using live eye tracking. The study included 169 infants, of whom 129 had an elevated likelihood of developing autism due to having a first-degree family member with the condition, and 40 with typical likelihood of autism. In the elevated likelihood group, 35 were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at 3 years of age, and 94 were not. The results showed that infants in all three groups tended to increase their looking towards the adult’s face after the adult looked directly at them. However, neither how much nor how quickly the infants responded to direct gaze by looking back at the adult reliably differentiated the infants with or without subsequent autism. While infants in the elevated likelihood of autism and subsequent diagnosis group tended to look away quicker from faces with direct gaze than infants in the typical likelihood group, this measure did not differentiate between the two elevated likelihood groups. We interpret the results as supporting the view that atypical direct-gaze responses are not early markers of autism.
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| 27. |
- Silva, Catarina, et al.
(författare)
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Acting on observed social exclusion and pro-social behaviour in autism spectrum disorder
- 2020
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Ingår i: Autism. - : SAGE Publications. - 1362-3613 .- 1461-7005. ; 24:1, s. 233-245
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Humans are commonly motivated towards cooperation and prosociality. In this study, we examined this motivational predisposition in autistic individuals. Using an adaptation of the Cyberball paradigm, we investigated subsequent pro-social behaviour after witnessing social exclusion. Participants witnessed and played a series of Cyberball games, rated their affective state and valued emotional faces with respect to their approachability. Results showed that participants from both groups were aware of the social exclusion. However, while neurotypically developing participants engaged in pro-social behaviour in reaction to the exclusion, autistic participants showed less alterations, in terms of either behaviour or affective state. The current findings suggest a distinct motivational drive and processing of social reward stimuli in autism, which may result in behavioural responses divergent from typical development when engaging in the social world.
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| 28. |
- Stark, I, et al.
(författare)
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Qualification for upper secondary education in individuals with autism without intellectual disability: Total population study, Stockholm, Sweden
- 2021
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Ingår i: Autism : the international journal of research and practice. - : SAGE Publications. - 1461-7005. ; 25:4, s. 1036-1046
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study used the Stockholm Youth Cohort, a total population cohort ( N = 364,957), to describe patterns and predictors of qualification for upper secondary education, defined by passing graduation grades in core compulsory school subjects in contemporary young individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders without intellectual disability ( n = 6138). At the expected age for graduation, 16 years, 29% (adjusted rate difference 95% confidence interval (28.0–30.0)) fewer autistic than non-autistic individuals were qualified for upper secondary education (57% and 86%, respectively). Comorbid attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder further increased this difference. Within the group of autistic students without intellectual disability, female sex and lower family income were associated with non-qualification for upper secondary education. The proportion of students with autism without intellectual disability who qualified for upper secondary education increased at age 20. These findings underline the need for improved support for students with a diagnosis of autism without intellectual disability in mainstream education. Obtaining a quality education is important for any individual’s chances of leading a healthy and thriving life. Currently, educational policies in many countries underscore the rights of students with autism to be educated in mainstream schools. While there is some knowledge on school outcomes among students with autism from older studies, little is known about rates of qualification for upper secondary education among children with autism in mainstream schools today. This lack of knowledge is problematic since autism is diagnosed more widely, and prior evidence may not be relevant for individuals with autism and their families today. Using Swedish registers, we therefore examined this in a study including all children and young people in Stockholm County in 2001 through 2011. We found that about two thirds of children with autism without intellectual disability qualified for upper secondary education at the expected age, in comparison with about nine in ten among typically developing peers. We also found that girls with autism had further difficulties obtaining such qualification than boys and that those who were additionally diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder were particularly at risk of non-qualification. Finally, students with autism without intellectual disability had a greater chance of completing compulsory education if given an extended period to graduate. These findings underline the need for supportive interventions for children with autism during compulsory school. They may also challenge the inclusive education policy adopted by majority of western countries, at least in the wake of addressing special needs in mainstream schooling.
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| 29. |
- Thorup, Emilia, et al.
(författare)
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What are you looking at? : Gaze following with and without target objects in ASD and typical development
- 2022
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Ingår i: Autism. - : Sage Publications. - 1362-3613 .- 1461-7005. ; 26:7, s. 1668-1680
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) display difficulties with response to joint attention in natural settings but often perform comparably to typically developing (TD) children in experimental studies of gaze following. Previous work comparing infants at elevated likelihood for ASD versus TD infants has manipulated aspects of the gaze cueing stimulus (e.g. eyes only versus head and eyes together), but the role the peripheral object being attended to is not known. In this study of infants at elevated likelihood of ASD (N?=?97) and TD infants (N?=?29), we manipulated whether or not a target object was present in the cued area. Performance was assessed at 10, 14, and 18?months, and diagnostic assessment was conducted at age 3 years. The results showed that although infants with later ASD followed gaze to the same extent as TD infants in all conditions, they displayed faster latencies back to the model?s face when (and only when) a peripheral object was absent. These subtle atypicalities in the gaze behaviors directly after gaze following may implicate a different appreciation of the communicative situation in infants with later ASD, despite their ostensively typical gaze following ability.Lay abstractDuring the first year of life, infants start to align their attention with that of other people. This ability is called joint attention and facilitates social learning and language development. Although children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are known to engage less in joint attention compared to other children, several experimental studies have shown that they follow other?s gaze (a requirement for visual joint attention) to the same extent as other children. In this study, infants? eye movements were measured at age 10, 14, and 18?months while watching another person look in a certain direction. A target object was either present or absent in the direction of the other person?s gaze. Some of the infants were at elevated likelihood of ASD, due to having an older autistic sibling. At age 3?years, infants were assessed for a diagnosis of ASD. Results showed that infants who met diagnostic criteria at 3?years followed gaze to the same extent as other infants. However, they then looked back at the model faster than typically developing infants when no target object was present. When a target object was present, there was no difference between groups. These results may be in line with the view that directly after gaze following, infants with later ASD are less influenced by other people?s gaze when processing the common attentional focus. The study adds to our understanding of both the similarities and differences in looking behaviors between infants who later receive an ASD diagnosis and other infants.
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| 30. |
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| 31. |
- Zakirova-Engstrand, Rano, 1973-, et al.
(författare)
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A scoping review of autism research conducted in Central Asia : Knowledge gaps and research priorities
- 2023
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Ingår i: Autism. - 1362-3613 .- 1461-7005.
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Very little is known about the status of autism research in Central Asia. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine the scope and focus of the peer-reviewed research studies conducted with autistic people and their families in five Central Asian countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The electronic databases of EBSCO Host and Web of Science were used for systematic search of literature. Eleven articles that met eligibility criteria were included in the review and analyzed for topics and research areas outlined in the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee Strategic Plan. Ten of these studies were conducted in Kazakhstan and one in Uzbekistan using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research designs. Five of the seven research areas—Diagnosis, Biology, Risk Factors, Services, and Treatment and Interventions—were represented in these studies, while there were no studies identified in the areas of Lifespan Issues or Infrastructure and Surveillance, highlighting a gap in research. None of the studies reported co-authorship of scientists from Central Asian countries. The review identified knowledge gaps and research needs to guide future research in autism in Central Asia to address the needs of autistic individuals and their families living in this region.
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