Autism spectrum disorder etiology: Lay beliefs and the role of cultural values and social axioms
In this study, 215 undergraduate university students in Macau, a Special Administrative Region of China, completed self-report measures assessing two beliefs concerning autism spectrum disorder etiology: (1) a belief in parental factors and (2) a belief in genetic factors. Potential correlates of lay beliefs were sought in culture-specific values, and more universal social axioms. Participants were significantly more likely to endorse parenting, relative to genetic factors, as etiological. A perceived parental etiology was predicted by values of mind–body holism. Beliefs in a parental etiology were not predicted by v...
Source: Autism - July 4, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: Qi, X., Zaroff, C. M., Bernardo, A. B. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Using qualitative methods to guide scale development for anxiety in youth with autism spectrum disorder
This article describes the application of qualitative research methods in the initial development of a parent-rated instrument of anxiety symptoms in youth with autism spectrum disorder. Overall, 48 parents of 45 children (aged 3–17 years) with autism spectrum disorder and at least mild anxiety participated in one of six focus groups at two sites (three groups per site). Systematic coding of the focus group transcripts identified broad themes reflecting the situations and events that trigger anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorder, the behavioral manifestations of anxiety in children with autism spectrum di...
Source: Autism - July 4, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: Bearss, K., Taylor, C. A., Aman, M. G., Whittemore, R., Lecavalier, L., Miller, J., Pritchett, J., Green, B., Scahill, L. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Examining playground engagement between elementary school children with and without autism spectrum disorder
This study documented the naturally occurring recess engagement and peer interaction behaviors of children with and without autism spectrum disorder in inclusive school settings. Participants included 51 children with autism spectrum disorder and 51 classmates without autism spectrum disorder who served as peer models matched on gender, classroom, grade, age, and ethnicity. Using a timed-interval behavior-coding system, children with autism spectrum disorder spent approximately 30% of their recess time engaged in solitary activities, whereas their classmates only spent approximately 9% of recess unengaged. In addition, chi...
Source: Autism - July 4, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: Locke, J., Shih, W., Kretzmann, M., Kasari, C. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
The relationship between treatment attendance, adherence, and outcome in a caregiver-mediated intervention for low-resourced families of young children with autism spectrum disorder
Rates of participation in intervention research have not been extensively studied within autism spectrum disorder. Such research is important given the benefit of early intervention on long-term prognosis for children with autism spectrum disorder. The goals of this study were to examine how family demographic factors predicted treatment attendance and adherence in a caregiver-mediated randomized controlled trial targeting core deficits of autism spectrum disorder, and whether treatment attendance and adherence predicted outcome. In all, 147 caregiver–child dyads from a low-resourced population were randomized to in-...
Source: Autism - July 4, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: Carr, T., Shih, W., Lawton, K., Lord, C., King, B., Kasari, C. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Lay abstracts
(Source: Autism)
Source: Autism - May 22, 2016 Category: Neurology Tags: Lay abstracts Source Type: research
Gender ratio in a clinical population sample, age of diagnosis and duration of assessment in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder
This article reports on gender ratio, age of diagnosis and the duration of assessment procedures in autism spectrum disorder diagnosis in a national study which included all types of clinical services for children and adults. Findings are reported from a retrospective case note analysis undertaken with a representative sample of 150 Scottish children and adults recently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The study reports key findings that the gender ratio in this consecutively referred cohort is lower than anticipated in some age groups and reduces with increasing age. The gender ratio in children, together with the...
Source: Autism - May 22, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: Rutherford, M., McKenzie, K., Johnson, T., Catchpole, C., OHare, A., McClure, I., Forsyth, K., McCartney, D., Murray, A. Tags: Short Reports Source Type: research
The mental health of individuals referred for assessment of autism spectrum disorder in adulthood: A clinic report
Growing awareness of autism spectrum disorders has increased the demand for diagnostic services in adulthood. High rates of mental health problems have been reported in young people and adults with autism spectrum disorder. However, sampling and methodological issues mean prevalence estimates and conclusions about specificity in psychiatric co-morbidity in autism spectrum disorder remain unclear. A retrospective case review of 859 adults referred for assessment of autism spectrum disorder compares International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision diagnoses in those that met criteria for autism spectrum disorder (n =...
Source: Autism - May 22, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: Russell, A. J., Murphy, C. M., Wilson, E., Gillan, N., Brown, C., Robertson, D. M., Craig, M. C., Deeley, Q., Zinkstok, J., Johnston, K., McAlonan, G. M., Spain, D., Murphy, D. G. Tags: Short Reports Source Type: research
Impact of employee benefits on families with children with autism spectrum disorders
The objectives of this study are to evaluate the employee benefits parents of children with autism spectrum disorders have, how benefits are used, work change, and job satisfaction. We conducted a cross-sectional mailed survey study of 435 families with children with autism spectrum disorders residing in the United States. We received 161 surveys for a response rate of 37%. Families reported using the following benefits: 39% paid family leave, 19% unpaid family leave, 91% flexible work arrangements, and 86% telecommuting. Of respondents, 43% reported stopping work, cutting down on hours worked, or changing jobs because of ...
Source: Autism - May 22, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: Gnanasekaran, S., Choueiri, R., Neumeyer, A., Ajari, O., Shui, A., Kuhlthau, K. Tags: Short Reports Source Type: research
Family planning and family vision in mothers after diagnosis of a child with autism spectrum disorder
This study explores family planning decision making process among mothers of young children with autism spectrum disorder in the United States, by understanding the transformation in family vision before and after the diagnosis. A total of 22 mothers of first born children, diagnosed with autism between 2 and 4 years of age, were interviewed about family vision prior to and after their child’s diagnosis. Grounded Theory method was used for data analysis. Findings indicated that coherence of early family vision, maternal cognitive flexibility, and maternal responses to diagnosis were highly influential in future famil...
Source: Autism - May 22, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: Navot, N., Jorgenson, A. G., Vander Stoep, A., Toth, K., Webb, S. J. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Comparing methods for assessing receptive language skills in minimally verbal children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders
This research addresses the challenges of assessing receptive language abilities in minimally verbal children with autism spectrum disorder by comparing several adapted measurement tools: a standardized direct assessment of receptive vocabulary (i.e. Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-4); caregiver report measures including scores on the Vineland-II Communication domain and a vocabulary questionnaire consisting of a list of words ranging from simple, developmentally early, to more advanced words expected to be understood by at least some older children and adolescents; an eye-tracking test of word comprehension, using a word&...
Source: Autism - May 22, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: Plesa Skwerer, D., Jordan, S. E., Brukilacchio, B. H., Tager-Flusberg, H. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Easing the transition to secondary education for children with autism spectrum disorder: An evaluation of the Systemic Transition in Education Programme for Autism Spectrum Disorder (STEP-ASD)
In mainstream education, the transition from primary to secondary school (‘school transition’) is difficult for children with autism spectrum disorder, being marked by high levels of emotional and behavioural difficulties. The Systemic Transition in Education Programme for Autism Spectrum Disorder (STEP-ASD) is a new, manualised school transition intervention. We investigated its feasibility and efficacy for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (N = 37; mean age = 11.47 years; mean IQ = 85.24) using an unblinded, non-randomised, controlled design. Teachers found the intervention feasible and accepta...
Source: Autism - May 22, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: Mandy, W., Murin, M., Baykaner, O., Staunton, S., Cobb, R., Hellriegel, J., Anderson, S., Skuse, D. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Sensory symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder, other developmental disorders and typical development: A longitudinal study
This study examined the development of sensory symptoms and the relationship between sensory symptoms and adaptive functioning during early childhood. Three groups of children were followed across three time points from 2 to 8 years of age: autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, and typical development. At each time point, parents filled out questionnaires regarding their child’s sensory symptoms and adaptive functioning. At the initial time point, parents of children with autism spectrum disorder reported more sensory symptoms in their children than parents in the typical development group. Parents in the au...
Source: Autism - May 22, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: McCormick, C., Hepburn, S., Young, G. S., Rogers, S. J. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Bullying-related behaviour in a mainstream high school versus a high school for autism: Self-report and peer-report
This study examined the frequency of bullying, victimisation and defending behaviours among children with autism spectrum disorder and normal intelligence, using both self-report and peer-report information. Peer-report and self-report data were collected on a single classroom of 26 early adolescent boys attending a special school for children with autism and compared with 23 typically developing boys attending a single mainstream secondary school. Results showed that self- and peer-reported bully and victimisation rates did not differ between boys with autism spectrum disorder and typically developing boys. However, self-...
Source: Autism - May 22, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: Begeer, S., Fink, E., van der Meijden, S., Goossens, F., Olthof, T. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
A description of medical conditions in adults with autism spectrum disorder: A follow-up of the 1980s Utah/UCLA Autism Epidemiologic Study
This study describes medical conditions experienced by a population-based cohort of adults with autism spectrum disorder whose significant developmental concerns were apparent during childhood. As part of a 25-year outcome study of autism spectrum disorder in adulthood, medical histories were collected on 92 participants (N = 69 males) who were first ascertained as children in the mid-1980s, 11 of whom were deceased at the time of follow-up. Questionnaires queried medical symptoms, disorders, hospitalizations, surgeries, and medication use. Median age at follow-up was 36 years (range: 23.5–50.5 years), and intellectu...
Source: Autism - May 22, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: Jones, K. B., Cottle, K., Bakian, A., Farley, M., Bilder, D., Coon, H., McMahon, W. M. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Joint attention revisited: Finding strengths among children with autism
This study examined the joint attention competencies of young children with autism who demonstrated joint attention ability and compared them to children with developmental delays. A total of 40 children with autism and developmental delays were matched pairwise based on mental and chronological age. Videos of children engaging in play were coded for the frequency and forms (eye contact, gestures, affect, etc.) of joint attention. Additionally, concurrent language was compared among children with autism (N = 32) by their joint attention ability. Children with autism spectrum disorder entered into joint attention significan...
Source: Autism - May 22, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: Hurwitz, S., Watson, L. R. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
