Alexithymia and autism diagnostic assessments: Evidence from twins at genetic risk of autism and adults with anorexia nervosa / Hannah HOBSON in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 73 (May 2019)  

Public ISBD [article]  inResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders > 73 (May 2019) . - 101531 Titre : Alexithymia and autism diagnostic assessments: Evidence from twins at genetic risk of autism and adults with anorexia nervosa Type de document : Texte imprimé et/ou numérique Auteurs : Hannah HOBSON, Auteur ; Heather WESTWOOD, Auteur ; Jane CONWAY, Auteur ; Fiona S. MCEWEN, Auteur ; Emma COLVERT, Auteur ; Caroline CATMUR, Auteur ; Geoffrey BIRD, Auteur ; Francesca HAPPE, Auteur Article en page(s) : 101531 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : ADOS  Alexithymia  Diagnosis  Autism  Anorexia nervosa Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Background Alexithymia, a difficulty identifying and communicating one’s own emotions, affects socio-emotional processes, such as emotion recognition and empathy. Co-occurring alexithymia is prevalent in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and underlies some socio-emotional difficulties usually attributed to autism. Socio-emotional abilities are examined during behavioural diagnostic assessments of autism, yet the effect of alexithymia on these assessments is not known. This study aimed to examine the associations between alexithymia and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) assessment scores. Method Two previously collected samples of ADOS assessments were used to examine the relationship between alexithymia and ADOS scores. Participants included 96 women with anorexia, and 147 adolescents who were either high in autistic symptoms, or whose twin had high autistic symptoms. We examined 1) the impact of alexithymia on meeting the criteria for autism/ASD, 2) correlations between alexithymia and ADOS subscales, and 3) whether alexithymia predicted scores on specific ADOS items, selected a priori based on existing literature. Results In the adolescent group, parent-reported (but not self-reported) alexithymia correlated with both ADOS sub-scales, predicted scores on ADOS items, and predicted meeting clinical cut-offs for an ASD/autism diagnosis. Few associations were observed in the anorexic sample between self-reported alexithymia and ADOS subscale and item scores, but the presence of alexithymia predicted the likelihood of meeting diagnostic criteria for autism/ASD in this sample. Conclusions Alexithymia does show relationships with ADOS assessment scores. We discuss potential clinical and research implications, particularly in studies of autism where the ADOS is often the only diagnostic measure used. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2020.101531 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=421 [article] Alexithymia and autism diagnostic assessments: Evidence from twins at genetic risk of autism and adults with anorexia nervosa [Texte imprimé et/ou numérique] / Hannah HOBSON, Auteur ; Heather WESTWOOD, Auteur ; Jane CONWAY, Auteur ; Fiona S. MCEWEN, Auteur ; Emma COLVERT, Auteur ; Caroline CATMUR, Auteur ; Geoffrey BIRD, Auteur ; Francesca HAPPE, Auteur . - 101531. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders > 73 (May 2019) . - 101531 Mots-clés : ADOS  Alexithymia  Diagnosis  Autism  Anorexia nervosa Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Background Alexithymia, a difficulty identifying and communicating one’s own emotions, affects socio-emotional processes, such as emotion recognition and empathy. Co-occurring alexithymia is prevalent in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and underlies some socio-emotional difficulties usually attributed to autism. Socio-emotional abilities are examined during behavioural diagnostic assessments of autism, yet the effect of alexithymia on these assessments is not known. This study aimed to examine the associations between alexithymia and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) assessment scores. Method Two previously collected samples of ADOS assessments were used to examine the relationship between alexithymia and ADOS scores. Participants included 96 women with anorexia, and 147 adolescents who were either high in autistic symptoms, or whose twin had high autistic symptoms. We examined 1) the impact of alexithymia on meeting the criteria for autism/ASD, 2) correlations between alexithymia and ADOS subscales, and 3) whether alexithymia predicted scores on specific ADOS items, selected a priori based on existing literature. Results In the adolescent group, parent-reported (but not self-reported) alexithymia correlated with both ADOS sub-scales, predicted scores on ADOS items, and predicted meeting clinical cut-offs for an ASD/autism diagnosis. Few associations were observed in the anorexic sample between self-reported alexithymia and ADOS subscale and item scores, but the presence of alexithymia predicted the likelihood of meeting diagnostic criteria for autism/ASD in this sample. Conclusions Alexithymia does show relationships with ADOS assessment scores. We discuss potential clinical and research implications, particularly in studies of autism where the ADOS is often the only diagnostic measure used. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2020.101531 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=421

Are Autistic and Alexithymic Traits Distinct? A Factor-Analytic and Network Approach / Hélio Clemente CUVE in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 52-5 (May 2022)  

Public ISBD [article]  inJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders > 52-5 (May 2022) . - p.2019-2034 Titre : Are Autistic and Alexithymic Traits Distinct? A Factor-Analytic and Network Approach Type de document : Texte imprimé et/ou numérique Auteurs : Hélio Clemente CUVE, Auteur ; Jennifer MURPHY, Auteur ; Hannah HOBSON, Auteur ; Eri ICHIJO, Auteur ; Caroline CATMUR, Auteur ; Geoffrey BIRD, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.2019-2034 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : Affective Symptoms/diagnosis/psychology  Autism Spectrum Disorder/diagnosis/psychology  Autistic Disorder/diagnosis/psychology  Humans  Phenotype  Alexithymia  Autism  Factor  Network  Separation Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Despite the heterogeneity in autism, socioemotional difficulties are often framed as universal. Increasing evidence, however, suggests that socioemotional difficulties may be explained by alexithymia, a distinct yet frequently co-occurring condition. If, as some propose, autistic traits are responsible for socioemotional impairments, then alexithymia may itself be a symptom of autism. We aimed to determine whether alexithymia should be considered a product of autism or regarded as a separate condition. Using factor-analytic and network approaches, we provide evidence that alexithymic and autistic traits are distinct. We argue that: (1) models of socioemotional processing in autism should conceptualise difficulties as intrinsic to alexithymia; and (2) assessment of alexithymia is crucial for diagnosis and personalised interventions. En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05094-6 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=476 [article] Are Autistic and Alexithymic Traits Distinct? A Factor-Analytic and Network Approach [Texte imprimé et/ou numérique] / Hélio Clemente CUVE, Auteur ; Jennifer MURPHY, Auteur ; Hannah HOBSON, Auteur ; Eri ICHIJO, Auteur ; Caroline CATMUR, Auteur ; Geoffrey BIRD, Auteur . - p.2019-2034. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders > 52-5 (May 2022) . - p.2019-2034 Mots-clés : Affective Symptoms/diagnosis/psychology  Autism Spectrum Disorder/diagnosis/psychology  Autistic Disorder/diagnosis/psychology  Humans  Phenotype  Alexithymia  Autism  Factor  Network  Separation Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Despite the heterogeneity in autism, socioemotional difficulties are often framed as universal. Increasing evidence, however, suggests that socioemotional difficulties may be explained by alexithymia, a distinct yet frequently co-occurring condition. If, as some propose, autistic traits are responsible for socioemotional impairments, then alexithymia may itself be a symptom of autism. We aimed to determine whether alexithymia should be considered a product of autism or regarded as a separate condition. Using factor-analytic and network approaches, we provide evidence that alexithymic and autistic traits are distinct. We argue that: (1) models of socioemotional processing in autism should conceptualise difficulties as intrinsic to alexithymia; and (2) assessment of alexithymia is crucial for diagnosis and personalised interventions. En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05094-6 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=476

Continuing to look in the mirror: A review of neuroscientific evidence for the broken mirror hypothesis, EP-M model and STORM model of autism spectrum conditions / Luke YATES in Autism, 24-8 (November 2020)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism > 24-8 (November 2020) . - p.1945-1959 Titre : Continuing to look in the mirror: A review of neuroscientific evidence for the broken mirror hypothesis, EP-M model and STORM model of autism spectrum conditions Type de document : Texte imprimé et/ou numérique Auteurs : Luke YATES, Auteur ; Hannah HOBSON, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.1945-1959 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : *Autism spectrum condition  *imitation  *mirror neurons  *top-down control  of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this  article. Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : The mirror neuron system has been argued to be a key brain system responsible for understanding the actions of others and for imitation. It has therefore been proposed that problems within this system could explain the social difficulties experienced by people with autism spectrum condition. This idea is referred to as the broken mirror hypothesis. However, research has produced insufficient evidence to support the broken mirror hypothesis in its original form. Therefore, two other models have been suggested: EP-M model and the social top-down response modulation (STORM) model. All models suggest something is different regarding the mirror neuron system in autism spectrum condition: either within the mirror neuron system itself or within the systems that control the activity of the mirror neuron system. This literature review compares these three models in regard to recent neuroscientific investigations. This review concludes that there is insufficient support for both the broken mirror hypothesis, but converging evidence supports an integrated EP-M and STORM model. En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1362361320936945 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=431 [article] Continuing to look in the mirror: A review of neuroscientific evidence for the broken mirror hypothesis, EP-M model and STORM model of autism spectrum conditions [Texte imprimé et/ou numérique] / Luke YATES, Auteur ; Hannah HOBSON, Auteur . - p.1945-1959. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism > 24-8 (November 2020) . - p.1945-1959 Mots-clés : *Autism spectrum condition  *imitation  *mirror neurons  *top-down control  of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this  article. Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : The mirror neuron system has been argued to be a key brain system responsible for understanding the actions of others and for imitation. It has therefore been proposed that problems within this system could explain the social difficulties experienced by people with autism spectrum condition. This idea is referred to as the broken mirror hypothesis. However, research has produced insufficient evidence to support the broken mirror hypothesis in its original form. Therefore, two other models have been suggested: EP-M model and the social top-down response modulation (STORM) model. All models suggest something is different regarding the mirror neuron system in autism spectrum condition: either within the mirror neuron system itself or within the systems that control the activity of the mirror neuron system. This literature review compares these three models in regard to recent neuroscientific investigations. This review concludes that there is insufficient support for both the broken mirror hypothesis, but converging evidence supports an integrated EP-M and STORM model. En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1362361320936945 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=431

Supporting the mental health of children with speech, language and communication needs: The views and experiences of parents / Hannah HOBSON in Autism & Developmental Language Impairments, 7 (January-December 2022)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism & Developmental Language Impairments > 7 (January-December 2022) Titre : Supporting the mental health of children with speech, language and communication needs: The views and experiences of parents Type de document : Texte imprimé et/ou numérique Auteurs : Hannah HOBSON, Auteur ; Mya KALSI, Auteur ; Louise COTTON, Auteur ; Melanie FORSTER, Auteur ; Umar TOSEEB, Auteur Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : developmental language impairment (DLI)  mental health  intervention psychosocial/behavioural  parents Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Background and aims A high rate of children in mental health services have poor language skills, but little evidence exists on how mental health support is delivered to and received by children with language needs. This study looked at parental experiences, asking parents of children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) about their experiences seeking help for their children’s mental health. We were particularly interested on the experiences of parents of children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), a specific SLCN that remains relatively unknown to the general public. Methods We conducted an online survey of 74 parents of children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). Survey respondents included parents of children with a range of difficulties, including DLD, autism, verbal dyspraxia, global intellectual delay, a history of hearing problems, and SLCN without a primary diagnosis. Survey respondents were asked what sources of support they had accessed for their child’s mental health and to provide comments on what was good and what was not good about this support. We then conducted 9 semi-structured interviews of parents of children with DLD about their experiences. These were parents of children with DLD aged 7 to 17 years, from across a range of educational settings, and with a range of present mental health concerns. Results Content analyses of the survey responses from parents of children with SLCN highlighted three broad factors of importance to parents’ experiences: relational aspects of care, organisational aspects of care, and professionals’ knowledge. Thematic analyses of the interviews of parents of children with DLD identified 5 themes: the effects of language problems on the presentation of distress; the role of the school environment; the role of key professionals; standard approaches to mental health support might not be appropriate; and the role and impact on parents. Parents expressed concerns that their children’s mental health problems and need for support would not be recognised, and felt interventions were not accessible, or delivered in a manner that was not comfortable for their children due to high reliance on oral language skills. Some parents were left feeling that there was no provision suitable for their children. Conclusions Parents of children with SLCN face barriers accessing support for their children’s mental health, including a lack of professional knowledge about their children’s language needs. Parents argued that language and communication needs can significantly affect the delivery and success of psychological therapies and interventions. Systematic research is needed to understand how to successfully adapt services to make them accessible to children and young people with language needs, and to ensure that mental health problems are detected in children with language difficulties. Increased knowledge about language disorders such as DLD, and access to speech and language therapy expertise, is needed amongst professionals who work to support children’s mental health. En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/23969415221101137 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=491 [article] Supporting the mental health of children with speech, language and communication needs: The views and experiences of parents [Texte imprimé et/ou numérique] / Hannah HOBSON, Auteur ; Mya KALSI, Auteur ; Louise COTTON, Auteur ; Melanie FORSTER, Auteur ; Umar TOSEEB, Auteur. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism & Developmental Language Impairments > 7 (January-December 2022) Mots-clés : developmental language impairment (DLI)  mental health  intervention psychosocial/behavioural  parents Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Background and aims A high rate of children in mental health services have poor language skills, but little evidence exists on how mental health support is delivered to and received by children with language needs. This study looked at parental experiences, asking parents of children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) about their experiences seeking help for their children’s mental health. We were particularly interested on the experiences of parents of children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), a specific SLCN that remains relatively unknown to the general public. Methods We conducted an online survey of 74 parents of children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). Survey respondents included parents of children with a range of difficulties, including DLD, autism, verbal dyspraxia, global intellectual delay, a history of hearing problems, and SLCN without a primary diagnosis. Survey respondents were asked what sources of support they had accessed for their child’s mental health and to provide comments on what was good and what was not good about this support. We then conducted 9 semi-structured interviews of parents of children with DLD about their experiences. These were parents of children with DLD aged 7 to 17 years, from across a range of educational settings, and with a range of present mental health concerns. Results Content analyses of the survey responses from parents of children with SLCN highlighted three broad factors of importance to parents’ experiences: relational aspects of care, organisational aspects of care, and professionals’ knowledge. Thematic analyses of the interviews of parents of children with DLD identified 5 themes: the effects of language problems on the presentation of distress; the role of the school environment; the role of key professionals; standard approaches to mental health support might not be appropriate; and the role and impact on parents. Parents expressed concerns that their children’s mental health problems and need for support would not be recognised, and felt interventions were not accessible, or delivered in a manner that was not comfortable for their children due to high reliance on oral language skills. Some parents were left feeling that there was no provision suitable for their children. Conclusions Parents of children with SLCN face barriers accessing support for their children’s mental health, including a lack of professional knowledge about their children’s language needs. Parents argued that language and communication needs can significantly affect the delivery and success of psychological therapies and interventions. Systematic research is needed to understand how to successfully adapt services to make them accessible to children and young people with language needs, and to ensure that mental health problems are detected in children with language difficulties. Increased knowledge about language disorders such as DLD, and access to speech and language therapy expertise, is needed amongst professionals who work to support children’s mental health. En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/23969415221101137 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=491

The impact of face masks on autistic and non-autistic adults' face processing abilities / Natasha BAXTER in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 118 (October 2024)  

Public ISBD [article]  inResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders > 118 (October 2024) . - 102485 Titre : The impact of face masks on autistic and non-autistic adults' face processing abilities Type de document : Texte imprimé et/ou numérique Auteurs : Natasha BAXTER, Auteur ; Lucy HARLOW, Auteur ; Ebony HARRISON, Auteur ; Caitlin SMITH, Auteur ; Hannah HOBSON, Auteur Article en page(s) : 102485 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : Face processing  Emotion recognition  Alexithymia  Facemasks  COVID-19 Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Atypical emotion recognition is argued to be characteristic of autism spectrum conditions (ASC), underpinned in part by atypical eye gaze, with less eye contact and more gaze direction towards the mouth. Given the widespread adoption of face masks due to the Covid-19 pandemic, exploring the effect of face masks on face processing in autism, as they occlude the mouth region, is of interest. This study investigated the impact of face masks on emotion and identity recognition, with a non-autistic (N = 50) and autistic (N = 27) sample. Participants also completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and the abridged Autism Quotient, to investigate the roles of alexithymia and autistic traits in any impacts of face masks on face processing abilities. Masks were detrimental to performance for both autistic and non-autistic groups, and masks affected participants' performance on the emotion recognition task more than the identity recognition task. Autistic participants' performance was more negatively affected by the presence of masks, affecting emotion recognition precision in particular. The impact of face masks was not predicted by alexithymia or autistic traits, after gender and age were taken into account. Overall, the results suggest that masks negatively affect face processing for both non-autistic and autistic groups, particularly emotion recognition, however the impact of masks is amplified for autistic people. These results supplement autistic people?s reports that masks interfere with social interactions. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102485 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=540 [article] The impact of face masks on autistic and non-autistic adults' face processing abilities [Texte imprimé et/ou numérique] / Natasha BAXTER, Auteur ; Lucy HARLOW, Auteur ; Ebony HARRISON, Auteur ; Caitlin SMITH, Auteur ; Hannah HOBSON, Auteur . - 102485. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders > 118 (October 2024) . - 102485 Mots-clés : Face processing  Emotion recognition  Alexithymia  Facemasks  COVID-19 Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Atypical emotion recognition is argued to be characteristic of autism spectrum conditions (ASC), underpinned in part by atypical eye gaze, with less eye contact and more gaze direction towards the mouth. Given the widespread adoption of face masks due to the Covid-19 pandemic, exploring the effect of face masks on face processing in autism, as they occlude the mouth region, is of interest. This study investigated the impact of face masks on emotion and identity recognition, with a non-autistic (N = 50) and autistic (N = 27) sample. Participants also completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and the abridged Autism Quotient, to investigate the roles of alexithymia and autistic traits in any impacts of face masks on face processing abilities. Masks were detrimental to performance for both autistic and non-autistic groups, and masks affected participants' performance on the emotion recognition task more than the identity recognition task. Autistic participants' performance was more negatively affected by the presence of masks, affecting emotion recognition precision in particular. The impact of face masks was not predicted by alexithymia or autistic traits, after gender and age were taken into account. Overall, the results suggest that masks negatively affect face processing for both non-autistic and autistic groups, particularly emotion recognition, however the impact of masks is amplified for autistic people. These results supplement autistic people?s reports that masks interfere with social interactions. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102485 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=540

The role of emotional factors in face processing abilities in autism spectrum conditions / Hannah HOBSON in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 115 (July 2024)  

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Towards reproducible and respectful autism research: Combining open and participatory autism research practices / Hannah HOBSON in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 106 (August 2023)  

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