Autism, pets, and the importance of seeing human / Gray ATHERTON in Autism Research, 16-9 (September 2023)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism Research > 16-9 (September 2023) . - p.1765-1774 Titre : Autism, pets, and the importance of seeing human Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Gray ATHERTON, Auteur ; Andrea PIOVESAN, Auteur ; Liam CROSS, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.1765-1774 Langues : Anglais (eng) Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Abstract People often see the human in the nonhuman, a process called anthropomorphism. Anthropomorphism is particularly prolific regarding the humanization of pets. Some research suggests that people with autism may not anthropomorphize to the same degree as neurotypicals. In this study, we explored whether there were differences in how autistic and neurotypical pet owners anthropomorphized their pets. We also examined differences in levels of connectedness to nature and experiences of loneliness and how this corresponded to autistic traits in the entire sample. We found anthropomorphism was as common among autistic pet owners as in neurotypicals. However, autistic pet owners reported greater loneliness and were more likely to substitute pets for people. We also found that neurotypical pet owners rated pets more highly on physical, non-anthropomorphic traits (i.e., muscular, active). In contrast, autistic pet owners were likelier to rate pets equally between physical and anthropomorphic traits. Moreover, we found that anthropomorphism and connection to nature were positively correlated with autistic traits. These findings challenge accounts stating that individuals with autism may not anthropomorphize to the same degree as neurotypicals. Implications for animal-based interventions supporting adults on the spectrum are discussed. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2975 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=510 [article] Autism, pets, and the importance of seeing human [texte imprimé] / Gray ATHERTON, Auteur ; Andrea PIOVESAN, Auteur ; Liam CROSS, Auteur . - p.1765-1774. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism Research > 16-9 (September 2023) . - p.1765-1774 Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Abstract People often see the human in the nonhuman, a process called anthropomorphism. Anthropomorphism is particularly prolific regarding the humanization of pets. Some research suggests that people with autism may not anthropomorphize to the same degree as neurotypicals. In this study, we explored whether there were differences in how autistic and neurotypical pet owners anthropomorphized their pets. We also examined differences in levels of connectedness to nature and experiences of loneliness and how this corresponded to autistic traits in the entire sample. We found anthropomorphism was as common among autistic pet owners as in neurotypicals. However, autistic pet owners reported greater loneliness and were more likely to substitute pets for people. We also found that neurotypical pet owners rated pets more highly on physical, non-anthropomorphic traits (i.e., muscular, active). In contrast, autistic pet owners were likelier to rate pets equally between physical and anthropomorphic traits. Moreover, we found that anthropomorphism and connection to nature were positively correlated with autistic traits. These findings challenge accounts stating that individuals with autism may not anthropomorphize to the same degree as neurotypicals. Implications for animal-based interventions supporting adults on the spectrum are discussed. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2975 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=510

Autism Through the Ages: A Mixed Methods Approach to Understanding How Age and Age of Diagnosis Affect Quality of Life / Gray ATHERTON in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 52-8 (August 2022)  

Public ISBD [article]  inJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders > 52-8 (August 2022) . - p.3639-3654 Titre : Autism Through the Ages: A Mixed Methods Approach to Understanding How Age and Age of Diagnosis Affect Quality of Life Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Gray ATHERTON, Auteur ; Emma EDISBURY, Auteur ; Andrea PIOVESAN, Auteur ; Liam CROSS, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.3639-3654 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : Adult  Age Factors  Autism Spectrum Disorder/diagnosis/psychology  Autistic Disorder/diagnosis/psychology  Humans  Mental Health  Quality of Life/psychology  Adulthood  Autism  Autism quotient  Mixed methods  Quality of life Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : A significant proportion of autistic adults today were not diagnosed until later in life, a group referred to as the 'lost generation,' which may affect mental health. In Study 1 we explored quality of life and autistic trait levels in 420 autistic and TD adults, and in Study 2 we explored the experiences of 8 autistic adults diagnosed as adults. We found that autistic adults had lower quality of life outcomes and higher autistic trait levels which related to age of diagnosis, and qualitative findings indicated that while adults were empowered by their new diagnosis, they still require specialized supports. Our findings are discussed, emphasizing future directions and implications for the current care system in place for autistic adults. En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05235-x Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=485 [article] Autism Through the Ages: A Mixed Methods Approach to Understanding How Age and Age of Diagnosis Affect Quality of Life [texte imprimé] / Gray ATHERTON, Auteur ; Emma EDISBURY, Auteur ; Andrea PIOVESAN, Auteur ; Liam CROSS, Auteur . - p.3639-3654. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders > 52-8 (August 2022) . - p.3639-3654 Mots-clés : Adult  Age Factors  Autism Spectrum Disorder/diagnosis/psychology  Autistic Disorder/diagnosis/psychology  Humans  Mental Health  Quality of Life/psychology  Adulthood  Autism  Autism quotient  Mixed methods  Quality of life Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : A significant proportion of autistic adults today were not diagnosed until later in life, a group referred to as the 'lost generation,' which may affect mental health. In Study 1 we explored quality of life and autistic trait levels in 420 autistic and TD adults, and in Study 2 we explored the experiences of 8 autistic adults diagnosed as adults. We found that autistic adults had lower quality of life outcomes and higher autistic trait levels which related to age of diagnosis, and qualitative findings indicated that while adults were empowered by their new diagnosis, they still require specialized supports. Our findings are discussed, emphasizing future directions and implications for the current care system in place for autistic adults. En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05235-x Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=485

Autistic people outperform neurotypicals in a cartoon version of the Reading the Mind in the Eyes / Liam CROSS in Autism Research, 15-9 (September 2022)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism Research > 15-9 (September 2022) . - p.1603-1608 Titre : Autistic people outperform neurotypicals in a cartoon version of the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Liam CROSS, Auteur ; Andrea PIOVESAN, Auteur ; Gray ATHERTON, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.1603-1608 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : Adult  Autism Spectrum Disorder/psychology  Autistic Disorder/psychology  Emotions  Facial Recognition  Humans  Reading the Mind in the Eyes  anthropomorphism  autism  cartoon  emotion recognition Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Prior research suggests that while autistic people may demonstrate poorer facial emotion recognition when stimuli are human, these differences lessen when stimuli are anthropomorphic. To investigate this further, this work explores emotion recognition in autistic and neurotypical adults (n = 196). Groups were compared on a standard and a cartoon version of the Reading the Mind in the Eyes test. Results indicated that autistic individuals were not significantly different from neurotypicals on the standard version. However, autistic people outperformed neurotypicals on the cartoon version. The implications for these findings regarding emotion recognition deficits and the social motivation account of autism are discussed and support the view of socio-cognitive differences rather than deficits in this population. LAY SUMMARY: The Reading the Mind in the Eyes test and a cartoon version were tested on autistic and neurotypical adults. Autistic adults were not significantly different on the original test compared to neurotypicals, but they outperformed neurotypical adults on the cartoon version. En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/aur.2782 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=483 [article] Autistic people outperform neurotypicals in a cartoon version of the Reading the Mind in the Eyes [texte imprimé] / Liam CROSS, Auteur ; Andrea PIOVESAN, Auteur ; Gray ATHERTON, Auteur . - p.1603-1608. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism Research > 15-9 (September 2022) . - p.1603-1608 Mots-clés : Adult  Autism Spectrum Disorder/psychology  Autistic Disorder/psychology  Emotions  Facial Recognition  Humans  Reading the Mind in the Eyes  anthropomorphism  autism  cartoon  emotion recognition Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Prior research suggests that while autistic people may demonstrate poorer facial emotion recognition when stimuli are human, these differences lessen when stimuli are anthropomorphic. To investigate this further, this work explores emotion recognition in autistic and neurotypical adults (n = 196). Groups were compared on a standard and a cartoon version of the Reading the Mind in the Eyes test. Results indicated that autistic individuals were not significantly different from neurotypicals on the standard version. However, autistic people outperformed neurotypicals on the cartoon version. The implications for these findings regarding emotion recognition deficits and the social motivation account of autism are discussed and support the view of socio-cognitive differences rather than deficits in this population. LAY SUMMARY: The Reading the Mind in the Eyes test and a cartoon version were tested on autistic and neurotypical adults. Autistic adults were not significantly different on the original test compared to neurotypicals, but they outperformed neurotypical adults on the cartoon version. En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/aur.2782 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=483

A critical hit: Dungeons and Dragons as a buff for autistic people / Gray ATHERTON ; Rhys Hathaway ; Ingela Visuri ; Liam CROSS in Autism, 29-2 (February 2025)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism > 29-2 (February 2025) . - p.382-394 Titre : A critical hit: Dungeons and Dragons as a buff for autistic people : Autism Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Gray ATHERTON, Auteur ; Rhys Hathaway, Auteur ; Ingela Visuri, Auteur ; Liam CROSS, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.382-394 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : autism  coping  D&D  Dungeons and Dragons  empowerment  fantasy  heroes  neurodivergent  RPG  TTRPG Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) are increasingly used in therapeutic and educational settings to improve the well-being of autistic people. This study investigated the potential of TTRPGs to provide a safe space where autistic adults could develop relationships with others while also engaging in character and world-building. Eight autistic adults were split into two groups and taken through a 6-week online Dungeons and Dragons campaign run by one of the researchers. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted to discuss how participants felt interacting in and out of the TTRPG. Several key themes were identified as important aspects of why autistic people could benefit from role-playing environments. The analysis showed that the participants felt a strong level of enjoyment from engaging in tabletop role-playing and, in many ways, experienced better social interactions during the TTRPG. The results suggested that TTRPGs can provide a safe space for autistic adults to engage in meaningful social interactions with like-minded individuals. Role-playing may also allow autistic participants to rewrite their own life stories through their characters' adventures, leading to improved self-esteem. Lay abstract Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) are popular hobbies that may offer specific social benefits for autistic people. This study investigated the ability of TTRPGs to provide a safe space where autistic adults could develop relationships with other autistic adults while engaging in character and world-building. A group of eight autistic adults were split into two groups and taken through a short-form online Dungeons and Dragons campaign over 6 weeks run by one of the researchers. The researcher then led a series of individual semi-structured interviews discussing how participants felt interacting in and out of the TTRPG. Several key themes were identified as important aspects of why autistic people could benefit from such an environment. Analysis showed that while real-life interactions could be challenging, in TTRPG play, they felt they experienced significantly fewer struggles. Results suggested that TTRPGs can provide a safe space environment where autistic adults can engage in productive social interactions with like-minded individuals. It also may allow autistic participants to experience 'bleed' or the ability to take on a new character that changes the way they feel about themselves outside of the game. Future directions for this work are discussed. En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613241275260 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=547 [article] A critical hit: Dungeons and Dragons as a buff for autistic people : Autism [texte imprimé] / Gray ATHERTON, Auteur ; Rhys Hathaway, Auteur ; Ingela Visuri, Auteur ; Liam CROSS, Auteur . - p.382-394. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism > 29-2 (February 2025) . - p.382-394 Mots-clés : autism  coping  D&D  Dungeons and Dragons  empowerment  fantasy  heroes  neurodivergent  RPG  TTRPG Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) are increasingly used in therapeutic and educational settings to improve the well-being of autistic people. This study investigated the potential of TTRPGs to provide a safe space where autistic adults could develop relationships with others while also engaging in character and world-building. Eight autistic adults were split into two groups and taken through a 6-week online Dungeons and Dragons campaign run by one of the researchers. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted to discuss how participants felt interacting in and out of the TTRPG. Several key themes were identified as important aspects of why autistic people could benefit from role-playing environments. The analysis showed that the participants felt a strong level of enjoyment from engaging in tabletop role-playing and, in many ways, experienced better social interactions during the TTRPG. The results suggested that TTRPGs can provide a safe space for autistic adults to engage in meaningful social interactions with like-minded individuals. Role-playing may also allow autistic participants to rewrite their own life stories through their characters' adventures, leading to improved self-esteem. Lay abstract Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) are popular hobbies that may offer specific social benefits for autistic people. This study investigated the ability of TTRPGs to provide a safe space where autistic adults could develop relationships with other autistic adults while engaging in character and world-building. A group of eight autistic adults were split into two groups and taken through a short-form online Dungeons and Dragons campaign over 6 weeks run by one of the researchers. The researcher then led a series of individual semi-structured interviews discussing how participants felt interacting in and out of the TTRPG. Several key themes were identified as important aspects of why autistic people could benefit from such an environment. Analysis showed that while real-life interactions could be challenging, in TTRPG play, they felt they experienced significantly fewer struggles. Results suggested that TTRPGs can provide a safe space environment where autistic adults can engage in productive social interactions with like-minded individuals. It also may allow autistic participants to experience 'bleed' or the ability to take on a new character that changes the way they feel about themselves outside of the game. Future directions for this work are discussed. En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613241275260 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=547

Game Changer: Exploring the Role of Board Games in the Lives of Autistic People / Liam CROSS in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 55-10 (October 2025)  

Public ISBD [article]  inJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders > 55-10 (October 2025) . - p.3478-3497 Titre : Game Changer: Exploring the Role of Board Games in the Lives of Autistic People Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Liam CROSS, Auteur ; Francesca BELSHAW, Auteur ; Andrea PIOVESAN, Auteur ; Gray ATHERTON, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.3478-3497 Langues : Anglais (eng) Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : This mixed methods paper reports findings from three studies examining the overlap between autism and hobbyist board gaming. The first was a quantitative survey of over 1600 board gamers, showing that autistic individuals are overrepresented in this hobby compared to the general population and that autistic traits measured by the AQ are significantly elevated amongst board gamers. Study 1 also assessed gamers’ motivations and preferences and reported key differences as well as similarities between autistic and non-autistic gamers. The second was a qualitative study that reported the results of 13 interviews with autistic individuals who are hobbyist board gamers. Using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), four key themes were uncovered, including a preference for systemising, escapism and passions, the social lubrication effect of games and difficulties with deception. In the third, 28 autistic individuals were introduced to board games in groups of 5–10 over an afternoon. Subsequent focus groups were then analysed using IPA. This analysis uncovered themes around how board games are challenging but encouraged growth and how they were an alternative vehicle for forging social relationships. Through this paper, we discuss how and why board games may be a popular hobby amongst the autistic population, and its potential utility for improving autistic wellbeing. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-024-06408-0 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=568 [article] Game Changer: Exploring the Role of Board Games in the Lives of Autistic People [texte imprimé] / Liam CROSS, Auteur ; Francesca BELSHAW, Auteur ; Andrea PIOVESAN, Auteur ; Gray ATHERTON, Auteur . - p.3478-3497. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders > 55-10 (October 2025) . - p.3478-3497 Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : This mixed methods paper reports findings from three studies examining the overlap between autism and hobbyist board gaming. The first was a quantitative survey of over 1600 board gamers, showing that autistic individuals are overrepresented in this hobby compared to the general population and that autistic traits measured by the AQ are significantly elevated amongst board gamers. Study 1 also assessed gamers’ motivations and preferences and reported key differences as well as similarities between autistic and non-autistic gamers. The second was a qualitative study that reported the results of 13 interviews with autistic individuals who are hobbyist board gamers. Using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), four key themes were uncovered, including a preference for systemising, escapism and passions, the social lubrication effect of games and difficulties with deception. In the third, 28 autistic individuals were introduced to board games in groups of 5–10 over an afternoon. Subsequent focus groups were then analysed using IPA. This analysis uncovered themes around how board games are challenging but encouraged growth and how they were an alternative vehicle for forging social relationships. Through this paper, we discuss how and why board games may be a popular hobby amongst the autistic population, and its potential utility for improving autistic wellbeing. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-024-06408-0 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=568

'They ask no questions and pass no criticism': A mixed-methods study exploring pet ownership in autism / Gray ATHERTON in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53-8 (August 2023)  

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