| 1. |
- Afsharnejad, Bahareh, et al.
(author)
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Cross-cultural adaptation to Australia of the KONTAKT© Social Skills Group Training Program for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder : A feasibility study
- 2020
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In: Journal of autism and developmental disorders. - : Springer. - 0162-3257 .- 1573-3432. ; 50, s. 4297-4316
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study investigated the feasibility and cultural validity of KONTAKT©, a manualised social skills group training, in improving the social functioning of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). KONTAKT© was delivered to 17 adolescents (mage = 14.09, SDage = 1.43; 70% male) with ASD over sixteen 90 min sessions. A pre-test post-test design evaluated changes in personally meaningful social goals, symptom severity, quality of life, interpersonal efficacy, social anxiety, loneliness, and facial emotion recognition at pre, post and 3 months follow-up. Focus groups were conducted post intervention. Findings indicate that KONTAKT© may support Australian adolescents with ASD in achieving their personally meaningful social goals. This study resulted in finalisation of KONTAKT© in preparation for evaluation of its efficacy in a randomised controlled trial (Australian New Zealand Clinical Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12617001117303, ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03294668).
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| 2. |
- Afsharnejad, Bahareh, et al.
(author)
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KONTAKT (R) social skills group training for Australian adolescents with autism spectrum disorder : a randomized controlled trial
- 2022
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In: European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. - : Springer. - 1018-8827 .- 1435-165X. ; 31, s. 1695-1713
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- While there is a large body of evidence drawn from randomised controlled trials supporting the efficacy of SSGT in autistic adolescents, the control arms of these studies are almost exclusively treated either as usual or waitlist. Addressing this limitation, 90 verbal autistic adolescents (70% male) aged 12-17 years (M = 13.77, SD = 1.6) with IQ > 70 participated in this pragmatic two-armed randomised controlled trial design study evaluating the efficacy of sixteen 90-min sessions of SSGT KONTAKT (R) (n = 46) in comparison to a manualised interactive group cooking programme (n = 44) of equal dosage controlling for the potentially confounding effects of exposure to a social group context. The primary outcome was the adolescents' progress towards achieving their personally meaningful social goals at follow-up. Secondary outcomes were changes in autistic traits, quality of life, facial emotion recognition skills, social anxiety, and loneliness. Assessments were conducted at baseline, post intervention and 12-week follow-up. The interaction between time point and group allocation was investigated through a random-effects regression model (linear mixed model) to examine changes in the dependent outcomes. While intention-to-treat analysis (N = 90) demonstrated that both SSGT (ES = 1.36, p < .001) and active control (ES = 1.10, p < .001) groups made progress towards their personally meaningful social goals at follow-up, KONTAKT (R) participants demonstrated greater progress in social goal attainment than their peers in the active control group (ES = 0.35, p = .04). Findings suggest that KONTAKT (R) is efficacious in supporting autistic adolescents to achieve their personally meaningful social goals compared to other prosocial group activities.
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| 3. |
- Afsharnejad, Bahareh, et al.
(author)
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The Methodological Quality and Intervention Fidelity of Randomised Controlled Trials Evaluating Social Skills Group Programs in Autistic Adolescents : A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
- 2024
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In: Journal of autism and developmental disorders. - : Springer. - 0162-3257 .- 1573-3432. ; 54, s. 1281-1316
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A systematic review and meta-analysis were utilised to explore the methodological quality, program fidelity, and efficacy of social skills group programs (SSGPs) aiming to support autistic adolescents in navigating their everyday social worlds. The study evaluated the methodological quality and theoretical fidelity of studies, with a random effect meta-analysis conducted to summarise the overall efficacy of SSGP and its effect on social communication and interaction, behavioural/emotional challenges, adaptive functioning, and autism characteristics. Although findings from the 18 identified studies indicated an adjusted medium overall effect with these programs successfully supporting autistic adolescents’ socialisation needs (g = 0. 60, p < 0.001), most studies demonstrated medium to low program fidelity despite their good methodological quality. Given the significant heterogeneity of SSGPs and variations in the design and measurement frameworks of efficacy studies, understanding the generalisability of the findings of this research is unclear.
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| 4. |
- Black, Melissa H., et al.
(author)
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Multi-informant International Perspectives on the Facilitators and Barriers to Employment for Autistic Adults
- 2020
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In: Autism Research. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1939-3792 .- 1939-3806. ; 13:7, s. 1195-1214
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Employment rates for autistic individuals are poor, even compared to those from other disability groups. Internationally, there remains limited understanding of the factors influencing employment across the stages of preparing for, gaining, and maintaining employment. This is the third in a series of studies conducted as part of an International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) policy brief intended to improve employment outcomes for autistic individuals. A multi-informant international survey with five key stakeholder groups, including autistic individuals, their families, employers, service providers, and researchers, was undertaken in Australia, Sweden, and the United States to understand the facilitators and barriers to employment for autistic adults. A total of 687 individuals participated, including autistic individuals (n = 246), family members (n = 233), employers (n = 35), clinicians/service providers (n = 123), and researchers (n = 50). Perceptions of the facilitators and barriers to employment differed significantly across both key stakeholder groups and countries, however, ensuring a good job match and focusing on strengths were identified by all groups as important for success. Key barriers to employment included stigma, a lack of understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and communication difficulties. Results suggest that a holistic approach to employment for autistic individuals is required, aimed at facilitating communication between key stakeholders, addressing attitudes and understanding of ASD in the workplace, using strength-based approaches and providing early work experience. LAY SUMMARY: Autistic individuals experience significant difficulty getting and keeping a job. This article presents a survey study involving autistic individuals, their families, employers, service providers and researchers in Australia, Sweden, and the United States to understand their perspectives on the factors that support or act as barriers to employment. While perspectives varied across key stakeholders, strategies such as using a holistic approach, targeting workplace attitudes and understanding, focusing on strengths, and providing early work experience are important for success.
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| 5. |
- Black, Melissa H., et al.
(author)
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Preventing suicide in post-secondary students : a scoping review of suicide prevention programs
- 2023
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In: European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1018-8827 .- 1435-165X. ; 32:5, s. 735-771
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Suicide among students enrolled in post-secondary education, including university or college, is a major public health concern. Previous research has examined the effectiveness of suicide prevention programs for this population. However, the effective elements of these interventions remain unknown. This study reviewed the literature on suicide prevention programs for post-secondary students, exploring and identifying those elements likely contributing to their effectiveness. A scoping review process was undertaken exploring suicide prevention programs for post-secondary students. Methodological quality of the articles was assessed, and content analysis was used to explore the programs and their effective elements. Twenty seven articles were included in this review, covering a variety of approaches. Gatekeeper training programs were the most common type of suicide prevention program. Programs for post-secondary students may be effective in improving student rates of engagement with mental health services and were associated with greater knowledge, and help-seeking attitudes and behaviors, and gatekeeper-related outcomes. While evidence was found supporting the effectiveness of some interventions such as gatekeeper programs to influence suicide-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour, further and more rigorous research surrounding suicide prevention programs for post-secondary students is required, with a particular emphasis on student outcomes.
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| 6. |
- Black, Melissa H., et al.
(author)
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The use of wearable technology to measure and support abilities, disabilities and functional skills in autistic youth: a scoping review
- 2020
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology. - : EXELEY INC. - 2245-8875. ; 8, s. 48-69
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Wearable technology (WT) to measure and support social and non-social functioning in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been a growing interest of researchers over the past decade. There is however limited understanding of the WTs currently available for autistic individuals, and how they measure functioning in this population. Objective: This scoping review explored the use of WTs for measuring and supporting abilities, disabilities and functional skills in autistic youth. Method: Four electronic databases were searched to identify literature investigating the use of WT in autistic youth, resulting in a total of 33 studies being reviewed. Descriptive and content analysis was conducted, with studies subsequently mapped to the ASD International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core-sets and the ICF Child and Youth Version (ICF-CY). Results: Studies were predominately pilot studies for novel devices. WTs measured a range of physiological and behavioural functions to objectively measure stereotypical motor movements, social function, communication, and emotion regulation in autistic youth in the context of a range of environments and activities. Conclusions: While this review raises promising prospects for the use of WTs for autistic youth, the current evidence is limited and requires further investigation.
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| 7. |
- D’Arcy, Emily, et al.
(author)
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Get it right, make it easy, see it all : Viewpoints of autistic individuals and parents of autistic individuals about the autism diagnostic process in Australia
- 2021
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In: Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders. - : Elsevier. - 1750-9467 .- 1878-0237. ; 85
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The clinical process for being evaluated for an autism diagnosis is often time consuming and stressful for individuals and their caregivers. While experience of and satisfaction with the diagnostic process has been reviewed in the literature, few studies have directly investigated the viewpoints of individuals diagnosed with autism and caregivers of autistic individuals about what is important in the autism diagnostic process.Method: A Q methodological design was employed to capture the subjective viewpoints about the diagnostic process of individuals on the autism spectrum and caregivers of autistic individuals. Thirty-eight participants responded to a set of 66 statements representing different aspects of the autism diagnostic process.Results: The analysis identified three significant viewpoints: Get it Right, Make it Easy, and See it All. Participants reflected upon the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic assessment process, ease of diagnostic processes, and a holistic approach to autism diagnosis for autistic individuals and caregivers of autistic individuals.Conclusions: The findings provide a consumer perspective that encourages reform of the current process for diagnosing autism in Australia, and an insight into what consumers are wanting from diagnostic services. This information is useful for policy-makers and service providers to create a more supportive and client-centred diagnostic process at all levels of service delivery.
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| 8. |
- Dreaver, Jessica, et al.
(author)
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Success Factors Enabling Employment for Adults on the Autism Spectrum from Employers' Perspective
- 2020
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In: Journal of autism and developmental disorders. - : Springer. - 0162-3257 .- 1573-3432. ; 50:5, s. 1657-1667
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Employment outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are poor and there is limited understanding on how best to support individuals with ASD in the workplace. Stakeholders involved in the employment of adults with ASD, including employers and employment service providers have unique insights into the factors influencing employment for this population. Organisational and individual factors facilitating successful employment for adults with ASD across Australia and Sweden were explored, including the supports and strategies underpinning employment success from an employers' perspective. Three themes including Knowledge and Understanding of ASD, Work Environment and Job Match emerged, suggesting that a holistic approach was key to supporting success, with employer knowledge and understanding of ASD underpinning their ability to facilitate employment.
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| 9. |
- Jones, Matthew, et al.
(author)
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A Practical Framework for Delivering Strength-Based Technology Clubs for Autistic Adolescents
- 2023
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In: Autism In Adulthood. - : Mary Ann Liebert. - 2573-9581 .- 2573-959X. ; 5:4, s. 356-365
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Autistic individuals experience poor vocational outcomes internationally. Transition planning and interventions during adolescence may assist in improving outcomes in adulthood. Strength-based technology clubs show promise in improving outcomes for autistic adolescents by developing skills specific to the Information and Communication Technology industry, and fostering positive traits, such as self-determination. Although strength-based technology clubs have been examined with autistic adolescents, to date, no framework has been proposed to underpin their design and delivery. In this conceptual analysis, we propose a practical framework for delivering strength-based technology clubs for autistic adolescents. The framework builds on work from a previous systematic review of qualitative research and a realist evaluation study of technology clubs for autistic adolescents, combined with theoretical understandings from three health models. The new framework comprised the components of interests, value, autonomy, and requirements, forming the acronym IVAR. Interests refer to strategies drawing on adolescents' areas of interest. Value represents a culture of valuing autistic adolescents as individuals for their unique strengths and skills. Autonomy refers to providing opportunities for adolescents to make decisions, and Requirements refers to aspects of the social and physical environment. Practical recommendations of the framework are discussed, including design and delivery of future strength-based technology clubs, facilitator training, and design activities. The proposed IVAR framework may be useful in guiding the development of strength-based technology clubs. Future research is needed to validate the feasibility and efficacy of the IVAR framework in underpinning the delivery of strength-based technology clubs to autistic adolescents.Community brief Why is this topic important?The shift from adolescence to adulthood can be challenging for young people on the autism spectrum, and opportunities for employment may be limited. Modern approaches to improving employment outcomes for autistic youth highlight the importance of adopting a strength-based framework, such as matching the strengths and interests of autistic young people to future career pathways. The strengths of many autistic individuals are considered beneficial for employment in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. Strength-based technology clubs provide opportunities for autistic young people to develop their technological and social skills, meet role models working in the ICT industry, and help them to find work experience.What was the purpose of this article?The purpose of this article was to develop a new framework for delivering strength-based technology clubs to autistic adolescents. The development of this framework was guided by the authors' earlier work in this area.What do the authors conclude?The authors proposed a new framework for delivering strength-based technology clubs to autistic adolescents. The framework contains four components, creating the acronym IVAR: Interests, Value, Autonomy, and Requirements. The component, Interests, refers to strategies that draw on adolescents' areas of interest, such as changing activities to include adolescents' focused interests. Value represented a culture of valuing autistic adolescents as individuals for their unique strengths and skills. Autonomy refers to providing opportunities for adolescents to make decisions during the program, and Requirements refers to the design of the social and physical environment.What do the authors recommend for future research on this topic?The authors recommend that future research should focus on exploring how practical and appropriate the IVAR framework is in supporting the delivery of strength-based technology clubs for autistic adolescents. The four IVAR components are potentially applicable to other areas of community focus to guide strength-based approaches more generally within autism research.How will this analysis help autistic adults now and in the future?This analysis and discussion will provide researchers, autistic individuals, and the community with practical examples of how service providers can apply IVAR to design and deliver strength-based technology programs for autistic adolescents.
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| 10. |
- Jones, Matthew, et al.
(author)
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Identifying the Essential Components of Strength-based Technology Clubs for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- 2021
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In: Developmental Neurorehabilitation. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1751-8423 .- 1751-8431. ; 24:5, s. 323-336
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Strength-based technology clubs for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have become increasingly popular; however, they remain poorly described in the literature. Before the impact and benefit of strength-based technology clubs can be measured, consistency in their design and delivery must be established. This study aimed to identify the essential components of strength-based technology clubs by exploring context, mechanisms, and outcomes of existing strength-based technology clubs.Method: Twenty-three adolescents with ASD (mean age 12.96 years, SD = 1.86, range = 10–18 years), 25 parents (mean age 46.08 years, SD = 8.27, range = 33–69 years), and 20 facilitators (mean age 27.93 years, SD = 6.55, range = 20–46 years) were purposively sampled from three established strength-based technology clubs. Data were obtained via ethnographic methods, including participant observations, interviews, and focus groups. Data analysis was underpinned by a realist evaluation, which provided the context-mechanism-outcome framework.Results: Data analysis revealed that strength-based technology clubs had four context themes (personal factors of adolescents, personal factors of facilitators, personal factors of parents, institution), three mechanism themes (activity design, strengths and abilities, environment), and three outcome themes (skill building, connection with others, emotion).Conclusion: The results highlighted the importance of understanding the personal context of adolescents, providing an individualized approach, leveraging individual interests, and modifying the environment to suit the individual. The findings contributed to defining a strength-based approach within ASD, and have demonstrated that positive outcomes can be achieved by focusing on strengths rather than deficits. Future ASD services can use the results as a framework for applying a strength-based approach. The efficacy of newly designed strength-based programs can then be tested.
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| 11. |
- Jones, Matthew, et al.
(author)
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The Core Elements of Strength-Based Technology Programs for Youth on the Autism Spectrum : A Systematic Review of Qualitative Evidence
- 2023
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In: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. - : Springer. - 2195-7177 .- 2195-7185. ; 10, s. 441-457
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Strength-based programs that incorporate technology have gained increasing popularity as an approach to improve outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite this, the core elements of strength-based technology programs remain poorly described. This study aimed to identify the core elements of strength-based technology programs for youth with ASD through a systematic review of the literature. Electronic databases were searched for qualitative studies delivering strength-based technology-driven interventions to youth on the spectrum. Ten of the 874 studies identified met the criteria. Qualitative analysis revealed three core elements of strength-based technology programs for this population: mutual respect, demonstrating skills, and interests. The findings underpin the design of future strength-based technology programs for youth with ASD.
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| 12. |
- Lee, Elinda Ai Lim, et al.
(author)
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"We can see a bright future" : Parents' perceptions of the outcomes of participating in a strengths-based program for adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- 2020
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In: Journal of autism and developmental disorders. - : Springer. - 0162-3257 .- 1573-3432. ; 50, s. 3179-3194
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Autistic individuals often possess strengths and abilities. Despite these strengths, employment outcomes for this population remain low. Strengths-based programs, focusing on developing skills in a supportive environment, may enable autistic adolescents to more effectively prepare for the workforce. This study explores the principal components and associated outcomes of a strengths-based program designed to support autistic children and adolescents to develop interests and skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. The baseline results of 52 parents of autistic youth participating in a 3-year longitudinal survey study were explored, with results showing that according to parents the program positively impacted participants' sense of belonging, confidence and self-esteem, health and well-being, social relationships and interactions, and activities and participation.
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| 13. |
- Löthberg, Maria, et al.
(author)
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'If I Don't Have My Support Worker in the Room…' : A Multi-perspective Mixed Methods Study of Remote Daily Living Support for Neurodivergent Young Adults
- 2024
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In: Journal of autism and developmental disorders. - : Springer. - 0162-3257 .- 1573-3432.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PURPOSE: Information technology is increasingly being employed for providing support and interventions in disability and health service contexts. This study aimed to investigate service users' and support workers' perspectives on remote support in daily living for young adults with neurodevelopmental conditions.METHODS: Using a convergent mixed methods approach, we integrated qualitative and quantitative findings from survey responses and focus groups. Young service users (aged 18 to 29) diagnosed with ADHD and/or autism (n = 35) and support workers (n = 64) from four municipalities in Sweden responded to a survey designed to tap into their lived experiences and views. The topic was explored further in focus groups with young service users (n = 7) and support workers (n = 3). Open-ended survey questions were analyzed using qualitative content analyses and complemented with information from the focus groups, while closed survey questions were summarized descriptively. Inferences were merged in a joint display.RESULTS: While participants reported having access to digital devices, service routines for remote contact were not in place. Service users were more hesitant than support workers in endorsing remote support, expressing concerns that this approach would be inferior to in-person support (e.g., owing to miscommunications and insufficient social and emotional contact). Still, both groups expressed that remote contact may at times be a beneficial complement to in-person meetings, increasing accessibility and user choice.CONCLUSION: Service providers planning to implement remote support elements should explore the demand, acceptability, and organizational readiness for this approach. Moving forward, user engagement will be crucial to meet individual preferences, values, and needs.
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| 14. |
- Löthberg, Maria, et al.
(author)
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Support in Daily Living for Young Adults with Neurodevelopmental Conditions in Sweden : A Qualitative Description of Current Practice
- 2023
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In: Journal of autism and developmental disorders. - : Springer Nature. - 0162-3257 .- 1573-3432. ; , s. 1-16
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In Sweden, people living independently and requiring daily living support can access 'housing support', a form of practical, educational, and social support provided by the municipalities. About two-thirds of those receiving this support have neurodevelopmental conditions, primarily autism or ADHD. Many are young adults in the process of adapting to new roles and expectations in different life domains, including education, work, and accommodation. This study aimed to provide a qualitative description of support workers' views on current practice in housing support for young adults (aged 18 to 29) with neurodevelopmental conditions. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 34 housing support workers across 19 Swedish regions. An inductive qualitative content analysis approach was used. The interviews depicted a complex service, subject to organizational aspects (roles, responsibilities, availability, and allocation), the joint effort of key players (young adults, relatives, and support workers), and practical aspects of service provision (finding common ground for the work, and delivery of support). Some elements of the service were poorly designed for the target group. The support workers expressed a need for more knowledge about neurodevelopmental conditions, but also described new insights related to remote delivery of support. The results raise important questions about how housing support should be organized and delivered to strike the right balance between support and autonomy, meet specific needs, and ensure equal services across municipalities. Future research should adopt multiple perspectives and approaches, to help translate best practice and available evidence into a flexible and sustainable service.
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| 15. |
- Scott, Melissa, et al.
(author)
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Process evaluation of an autism-specific workplace tool for employers
- 2022
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1103-8128 .- 1651-2014. ; 29:8, s. 686-698
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Limited studies exist exploring employers’ capacity in hiring and supporting employees on the autism spectrum, and even fewer have considered interventions targeting employers’ skills and knowledge in enhancing employment opportunities. In response to this need, the Integrated Employment Success Tool (IESTTM) was developed and its effectiveness established in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Furthermore, a process evaluation was conducted to determine the usability and implementation of the IESTTM.Aims/objectives: The process evaluation was conducted to determine employers’ perceived usability, implementation, and perceived barriers and facilitators in using the IESTTM.Material and methods: Employers (N = 29) provided their feedback via an online questionnaire. Of these, 11 participants were interviewed, further exploring their experiences. Data were analysed via descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.Results: While employers’ frequency and usage of the IESTTM varied across workplaces, it was predominantly used to increase employers’ knowledge of autism and implement workplace strategies. A major barrier was the paper-based format of the intervention, with more than 60% of employers indicating the need for an online version.Conclusions and significance: The process evaluation was a critical step in understanding why the IESTTM was effective, and how it could be further optimized for prospective employers.
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| 16. |
- Tang, Julia S. Y., et al.
(author)
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Development and feasibility of MindChip™ : A social emotional telehealth intervention for autistic adults
- 2021
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In: Journal of autism and developmental disorders. - : Springer. - 0162-3257 .- 1573-3432. ; 51, s. 1107-1130
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The study aims to develop and pilot a telehealth social emotional program, MindChip™ delivered with a computer based interventions (CBI) (Mind Reading©) for autistic adults. MindChip™ combined four theoretical perspectives and community feedback underpinning the essential mechanisms for targeting the social emotional understanding of autistic adults. A randomised pragmatic pilot trial (N = 25) was conducted to explore the feasibility of MindChip™ (n = 11) and to understand the preliminary efficacy of combining it with CBI compared to CBI only (n = 14). The use of MindChip™ and CBI combined demonstrated partial feasibility, with preliminary efficacy findings revealing increased emotion recognition generalisation outcomes compared to CBI only. Further research is required to improve the engagement and personalisation of the intervention for autistic adults.
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