| 1. |
- Black, Melissa H., et al.
(författare)
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Multi-informant International Perspectives on the Facilitators and Barriers to Employment for Autistic Adults
- 2020
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Ingår i: Autism Research. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1939-3792 .- 1939-3806. ; 13:7, s. 1195-1214
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)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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| 2. |
- D’Arcy, Emily, et al.
(författare)
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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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Ingår i: Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders. - : Elsevier. - 1750-9467 .- 1878-0237. ; 85
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)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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| 3. |
- Karaba Bäckström, Martin, et al.
(författare)
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Occupational therapy gender imbalance; revisiting a lingering issue
- 2023
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1103-8128 .- 1651-2014. ; 30:7, s. 1113-1121
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Recently, it has been suggested that gender disparity in Occupational Therapy has to do with segregated gendered job norms that position female dominated professions as a 'step down' for many males. Interestingly, this suggestion was not underpinned by experiences of males in the profession.Aims and methods: Thirteen male Occupational Therapists with a variety of backgrounds were invited to this Round Table research, focussing on the broader issue of the existing gender imbalance in Occupational Therapy.Results: Two themes emerged: 'The core values of the profession', and 'Broadening the scope of the profession'; none of them suggesting that male/female imbalance was necessarily the most pressing issue.Conclusions: A gender-unrelated approach to everyday problem-solving was put forward to achieve increased diversity in Occupational Therapists' backgrounds, better reflecting the people they serve. By broadening the scope and the way the profession is presented, and encouraging innovative and more entrepreneurially driven approaches, diversity in the workforce could be further facilitated. These findings are discussed within the context of 'The mutual constitution of cultures and selves' model.Significance: Diversity in the Occupational therapy workforce could be further facilitated with a shift in focus away from the male/female perspective to an intersectional approach.
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| 4. |
- Scott, Melissa, et al.
(författare)
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Process evaluation of an autism-specific workplace tool for employers
- 2022
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1103-8128 .- 1651-2014. ; 29:8, s. 686-698
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)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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| 5. |
- Black, Melissa H., et al.
(författare)
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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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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology. - : EXELEY INC. - 2245-8875. ; 8, s. 48-69
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)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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| 6. |
- Downie, Angela, et al.
(författare)
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Road vehicle transportation of children with physical and behavioral disabilities : A literature review
- 2020
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1103-8128 .- 1651-2014. ; 27:5, s. 309-322
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: A literature review in 2001 found that children with disabilities were frequently transported in unsafe conditions and further research was required to investigate the gap between regulations, standards and actual transportation practices.OBJECTIVES: To synthesize available evidence on the transportation of children with disabilities in road vehicles.METHODS: Four databases were systematically searched: CINAHL; Medline; National Transport Library Catalogue (Sweden); and Transport Research International Documentation.RESULTS: Nineteen studies ranging in methodological quality from poor to excellent were included in the review. The findings are presented under the following six major themes: child safety restraints, wheelchairs, vehicles, travel habits, parental and professional knowledge. The results are mapped onto two groups of children, those with behavioral problems and those with physical disabilities.CONCLUSION: The literature reflected little change across the six major themes since the previous review. Children with disabilities continue to be inappropriately restrained in vehicles, constituting an ongoing road safety problem. There is a strong need to increase parent knowledge, upskill health professionals and provide families with financial assistance to enable them to ensure the safe transportation of children with disabilities to minimize the risk of injury and fatalities on the road, and enhance their participation in the community.
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| 7. |
- Kranz, Courtney, et al.
(författare)
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Kinematic and perceptual responses in heavy lifting and pulling : Are there differences between males and females?
- 2021
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Ingår i: Applied Ergonomics. - : Elsevier. - 0003-6870 .- 1872-9126. ; 90
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study investigated kinematic and perceptual differences between the sexes in a heavy lifting and pulling task. A 20 kg box was lifted from floor to chest height, and a 70 kg mannequin pulled across 20m. The effect of height, mass and average grip strength on kinematics and perceived workload was examined in 42 (19 females, 23 males) healthy individuals. A univariate linear regression analysis found females lifted with greater lumbar extension compared to males (p < 0.001), and adopted more hip (p = 0.006) and knee flexion (p = 0.036) in the pulling task. Females reported a greater perceived workload in both tasks (p < 0.001). After the multivariable analysis, only grip strength remained significant for perceived workload in the lift (p = 0.04), and height for knee flexion in the pull (p = 0.009). This highlights that height and strength are important factors driving kinematics and perceived workload. Clinicians may consider these factors in heavy manual tasks, more so than sex.
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| 8. |
- Lim, Yi Huey, et al.
(författare)
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Effect of visual information on postural control in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- 2020
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Ingår i: Journal of autism and developmental disorders. - : Springer. - 0162-3257 .- 1573-3432. ; 50, s. 3320-3325
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Visual information is crucial for postural control. Visual processing in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was hypothesized to be less efficient and thus they would display a less stable standing posture than typically developing children. The present study compared the static standing responses and attentional demands of 15 children with ASD and 18 control participants in conditions of eyes open and eyes closed. The results showed that postural responses and attention invested in standing were similar between the participant groups in the two visual conditions. Both groups displayed a more stable posture when their eyes were open in comparison to eyes closed. The finding suggests that normal postural control development could occur in children with ASD.
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| 9. |
- McAuliffe, Tomomi, et al.
(författare)
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In-the-moment experiences of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder: a comparison by household status and region of residence
- 2020
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Ingår i: Disability and Rehabilitation. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0963-8288 .- 1464-5165. ; 44:4, s. 558-572
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose:This study compared thein-the-momentexperiences among mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) by their household status (i.e., single versus coupled) and region of residence(i.e., regional versus major city area).Methods:An experience sampling method was employed to collect data, and a total of 40 mothers usedan iOS device to record activity types andin-the-moment experiences for one week during school term. Mann–WhitneyUtest and multilevel analysis were conducted to compare the experiences of these mothers.Results:The analyses found the following results: 1) mothers spent most time in childcare and least timein self-care activities; 2) coupled mothers were more likely to feel supported; 3) coupled mothers wereless likely to feel supported in domestic tasks; 4) mothers from major city were more likely to feel chal-lenged in self-care activities; and 5) mothers from major city were more likely to feel supported in productivity tasks.Conclusion:Limited but significant differences between single and coupled mothers, as well as mothers from regional and major city areas, were found. Future research direction and service provisions were suggested.
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| 10. |
- Parsons, Dave, et al.
(författare)
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Stress, coping, and quality of life in families with a child with ASD living regionally
- 2020
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Ingår i: Journal of Child and Family Studies. - : Springer. - 1062-1024 .- 1573-2843. ; 29, s. 546-558
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: The present study aimed to explore whether regionality is associated with differing stress levels, coping, QOL and daily routines for parents and families of a child with ASD (aged 2–18 years) in Western Australia using validated outcome measures and compare the stress levels and QOL of this group to population norms.Methods: A sample of 278 families living in Western Australia who have a child or adolescent (2–18 years old) with a clinical diagnosis of ASD participated in a cross-sectional survey. Multivariate logistic regression modelling was conducted to determine key factors associated between regionality and demographic variables, quality of life, coping styles, time use, and stress levels.Results: Parents living in low densely populated areas were more likely to adopt avoidant coping mechanisms, compared to those living in densely populated areas. Fathers with children on the autism spectrum were less likely to be educated above diploma level in regional and remote areas. Stress, QOL or daily routines did not differ by regionality; however, the total sample (i.e., parents from both LDP and DP areas) experienced significantly higher levels of stress and lower QOL when compared to the general population.Conclusions: The findings suggest that despite having higher levels of stress and lower QOL compared to the general population, residing in a geographically LDP area in Western Australia has a small association on preferred coping style preference and has no association on stress levels, QOL or daily routines for parents who have a child with ASD.
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| 11. |
- Rezae, Mortaza, et al.
(författare)
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Public transport planning tool for users on the autism spectrum : from concept to prototype
- 2021
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Ingår i: Disability and Rehabilitation. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1748-3107 .- 1748-3115. ; 16:2, s. 177-187
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: This research explored the challenges of public transport use for individuals on the autism spectrum. It, subsequently, proposed a mobile application solution, coproduced by individuals on the autism spectrum, to facilitate public transport use.Methods: We, first, conducted a review of the literature to highlight the challenges people on the autism spectrum face when utilizing public transport. We, then, designed a list of mobile application functionalities that address the identified problems. To validate these functionalities, 27 young autistic adults and 19 families of autistic individuals were employed. Finally, based on the findings, we designed a mobile application that helps facilitate public transport use for those on the autism spectrum.Results: We found that the most prevalent concerns, in public transport use, amongst autistic individuals and their families are safety and spatial awareness. Specific problems include finding one’s way to the bus stop, boarding the correct service and disembarking at the correct stop. Interestingly, anxiety about unexpected events was also a barrier. Sensory sensitivity, similarly, was found to be an obstacle.Conclusions: This study defined the challenges of public transport use for autistic individuals and proposed a technological solution. The findings can also inform innovators, public transport providers and policymakers to improve public transport accessibility.Implications for rehabilitation:People on the autism spectrum heavily rely on other individuals, namely family and friends, for their transportation needs. This dependence results in immobility for the autistic individuals and significant time and economical sacrifice for the person responsible for the transportation.Public transport, a cheap and widely available form of transportation, has not yet been clearly studied with individuals on the autism spectrum.We clearly define the challenges of using public transport and put forward a trip planner mobile application, coproduced by autistic individuals, that facilitate it.In the long term, this enhanced travel independence can lead to greater education and employment opportunities and an overall improved quality of life.
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| 12. |
- Thompson, C., et al.
(författare)
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Experiences of Parents of Specialist Peer Mentored Autistic University Students
- 2021
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Ingår i: Developmental Neurorehabilitation. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1751-8423 .- 1751-8431. ; 24:6, s. 368-378
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Parents continue to support to autistic university students, and consequently, experience considerable stress.Aim: To explore the experiences of parents of specialist peer mentored university students and to examine these using the ICF as a theoretical framework.Method: Thirteen semi-structured interviews were completed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Directive content analysis linked the data to the ICF core set for autism spectrum disorders (ASD).Results: Five interrelated themes emerged: The mentoring relationship is a facilitator, Developing skills for university, Mentoring changes lives, Mentoring is not a substitute for other supports, and University is an emotional rollercoaster. Specialist peer mentoring was linked to Activity and Participation (44%) and Environmental factors (32%) of the ICF core set for ASD.Conclusion: These results add to the specialist peer mentoring evidence-base, and indicate perceived benefits for autistic university students and their parents. An unintended consequence was that parents broadened their participation in activities.
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| 13. |
- Thompson, C., et al.
(författare)
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"I don't want to be a patient" : Peer mentoring partnership fosters communication for autistic university students
- 2020
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1103-8128 .- 1651-2014. ; 27:8, s. 625-640
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Despite recognition of the benefits of post-school education in improving life outcomes for autistic adults their university completion rates remain low.Aim: To explore the experiences of undergraduate autistic university students participating in specialist peer mentoring (SPM) to identify active ingredients in the peer mentoring process and to examine the impact of SPM on social communication.Material and method: A total of 30 (8 female; M age = 22.3; SD = 6.7) undergraduate autistic university students engaged in SPM participated in this study. A quantitative pre-test post-test design examined changes in autistic traits. In parallel, the experiences of participating in SPM were explored through semi-structured interviews.Results: Improvements were noted at post-test on the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 total score p = 0.02), and its Social Communication, (p = 0.03) and Social Motivation (p = 0.03) sub-scales. Four themes emerged from the interviews: Developing Partnership and Understanding, Modelling and Practising Communication, Psychological Support and Grading and Planning Skills.Conclusions: These results indicated that the mentor-mentee partnership was a crucial active ingredient of SPM. This partnership appeared to modify social cognition and motivation for autistic university students through modelling and practising communication.Significance: These results demonstrate that SPM can support participation at university for autistic university students.
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| 14. |
- Thompson, C., et al.
(författare)
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I dont want to be a patient
- 2020
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy. - : TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD. - 1103-8128 .- 1651-2014. ; 27:8, s. 625-640
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Despite recognition of the benefits of post-school education in improving life outcomes for autistic adults their university completion rates remain low. Aim: To explore the experiences of undergraduate autistic university students participating in specialist peer mentoring (SPM) to identify active ingredients in the peer mentoring process and to examine the impact of SPM on social communication. Material and method: A total of 30 (8 female; M age = 22.3; SD = 6.7) undergraduate autistic university students engaged in SPM participated in this study. A quantitative pre-test post-test design examined changes in autistic traits. In parallel, the experiences of participating in SPM were explored through semi-structured interviews. Results: Improvements were noted at post-test on the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 total score p = 0.02), and its Social Communication, (p = 0.03) and Social Motivation (p = 0.03) sub-scales. Four themes emerged from the interviews: Developing Partnership and Understanding, Modelling and Practising Communication, Psychological Support and Grading and Planning Skills. Conclusions: These results indicated that the mentor-mentee partnership was a crucial active ingredient of SPM. This partnership appeared to modify social cognition and motivation for autistic university students through modelling and practising communication.
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| 15. |
- Tran, Thuy, et al.
(författare)
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Do hand therapists have a role in workplace-based education to manage tennis elbow? Beliefs about effective treatments among Australian hand therapists and medical practitioners
- 2020
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Ingår i: Work. - : IOS PRESS. - 1051-9815 .- 1875-9270. ; 66:3, s. 539-549
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET), commonly known as tennis elbow, is a prevalent work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorder. Medical practitioners and hand therapists manage LET with commonly available clinic-based treatments, despite no sound evidence to suggest long-term relief and functional restoration for workers with LET. Workplace-based rehabilitation is effective for injured workers with other health conditions, but no studies have investigated this rehabilitation approach in the management of LET. OBJECTIVES: (i) Identify, compare, and contrast Australian hand therapists and medical practitioners perceptions about the effectiveness of common treatments for LET, and (ii) obtain their views towards a hand therapist delivered workplace-based education approach. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 38 medical practitioners from Western Australia and 104 hand therapists around Australia completed online surveys. Independent t-tests were used to identify between-group differences in responses. RESULTS: Despite some between-group differences regarding the perceived effectiveness of common LET treatments, both groups believed education about LET pathology, activity modification, postures, and workplace recommendations were most effective. Most medical practitioners (81%) and hand therapists (71%) believed workplace-based education delivered by a hand therapist would be beneficial for patients with acute and chronic LET. CONCLUSION: Australian hand therapists and medical practitioners believed educational approaches were the most important component in the management of LET, and supported workplace-based educational interventions provided by hand therapists in the management of LET.
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| 16. |
- Vaz, Sharmila, et al.
(författare)
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Co-occurring intellectual disability and autism : Associations with stress, coping, time use, and quality of life in caregivers
- 2021
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Ingår i: Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders. - : ELSEVIER SCI LTD. - 1750-9467 .- 1878-0237. ; 84
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Having a child on the autism spectrum (AS) is known to impact caregiver quality of life (QoL), time use, and stress. A co-occurring diagnosis of intellectual disability (ID) is common among children on the autism spectrum, with ID itself impacting caregiver outcomes. Method: This study sought to understand how co-occurring ID in children on the autism spectrum may influence caregiver-related outcomes. Secondary analysis of survey data from caregivers of 278 children on the autism spectrum with (n = 62) and without (n = 216) co-occurring ID was conducted, exploring impacts on caregiver QoL, stress, coping, and time-use. Results: Univariate analysis showed that caregivers of children on the autism spectrum with cooccurring ID reported greater levels of stress due to core symptoms and co-occurring physical conditions, and had different time use patterns then caregivers of children on the autism spectrum without co-occurring ID. Multivariate analysis, however, showed that caregivers of children on the autism spectrum with and without co-occurring ID differed only in the time they spent preparing meals, socialising with friends and accessing in-home respite care. Conclusions: The presence of co-occurring ID in children on the autism spectrum had limited impacts on caregiver-related outcomes. Families of children across the entire AS require adequate supports.
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| 17. |
- Zhou, Heng, et al.
(författare)
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Investigating On-Road Lane Maintenance and Speed Regulation in Post-Stroke Driving : A Pilot Case-Control Study
- 2021
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Ingår i: Geriatrics. - : MDPI. - 2308-3417. ; 6:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Stroke can adversely affect the coordination and judgement of drivers due to executive dysfunction, which is relatively common in the post-stroke population but often undetected. Quantitatively examining vehicle control performance in post-stroke driving becomes essential to inspect whether and where post-stroke older drivers are risky. To date, it is unclear as to which indicators, such as lane keeping or speed control, can differentiate the driving performance of post-stroke older drivers from that of normal (neurotypical) older drivers. By employing a case-control design using advanced vehicle movement tracking and analysis technology, this pilot study aimed to compare the variations in driving trajectory, lane keeping and speed control between the two groups of older drivers using spatial and statistical techniques. The results showed that the mean standard deviation of lane deviation (SDLD) in post-stroke participants was higher than that of normal participants in complex driving tasks (U-turn and left turn) but almost the same in simple driving tasks (straight line sections). No statistically significant differences were found in the speed control performance. The findings indicate that, although older drivers can still drive as they need to after a stroke, the decline in cognitive abilities still imposes a higher cognitive workload and more effort for post-stroke older drivers. Future studies can investigate post-stroke adults' driving behaviour at more challenging driving scenarios or design driving intervention programs to improve their executive function in driving.
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