Advances in Autism : 2015 – Issue 1
1. Eddie C, Jane M. Editorial. Advances in Autism ;2015 ;1(1):0.
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2. Rebecca L, Richard M. A preliminary study of autism and cybercrime in the context of international law enforcement. Advances in Autism ;2015 ;1(1):2-11.
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the association of cybercrime, autistic spectrum conditions and international law enforcement, the past decade having seen a significant growth in reported cybercrimes involving autistic individuals. Design/methodology/approach – Interest in the profile of autism and cybercrime and the pathways whereby such offences are committed is shared by key law-enforcement agencies worldwide. This was explored by literature review and survey. Findings – The authors identified a presence of persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders but no empirical evidence to suggest a prevalence or an over representation of autistic individuals committing cybercrime offences. At present profiling, pathways, and recording is under developed. Research limitations/implications – Paucity of literature on cybercrime and autism. Awareness of autism within law-enforcement agencies and the absence of key diagnostic and other data from the cross-section of agencies surveyed. Practical implications – Improve detection, diversion, profiling, risk and pathways into cybercrime. Social implications – Better prediction of risk of cybercrime and improved responses. Originality/value – Original paper believed to be the first to look at cybercrime and ASD in the context of international law enforcement.
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3. Tanja S, Manuel H, Lisa U. Screening tools for autism spectrum disorders. Advances in Autism ;2015 ;1(1):12-29.
Purpose – Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is important over the whole life span. Standardized instruments may support the assessment process. The purpose of this paper is to describe English- and German-screening tools for ASD. Design/methodology/approach – PubMed was used to search for published tools and evidence on their diagnostic validity. Findings – Searches identified 46 screening tools for ASD. Most are designed for children, while only few measures are available for adults, especially those with additional intellectual disabilities. Many instruments are under-researched, although a small number such as the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers and the SCQ have been widely examined in a variety of populations. Originality/value – The study identified and described a number of ASD screeners that can support clinicians or researchers when deciding whether to carry out a more comprehensive ASD assessment.
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4. Brooke L. Portraiture and social understanding. Advances in Autism ;2015 ;1(1):30-40.
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the possible explanations for deficits in social understanding evident in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A potential intervention technique is proposed that has not yet been examined in this population : viewing and drawing portraits. This portraiture-based intervention seeks to address some of the core issues set forth in each of the theories explaining impaired social functioning. Furthermore, this intervention is intended to specifically increase exposure to facial stimuli in a safe and controlled environment. Instructions about how to look closely at a social partner’s face and how to glean salient emotional information from the facial expression displayed can be developed through a focused exploration of drawing and viewing portraits. Current techniques such as eye tracking and fMRI are discussed in the context of this proposed intervention. Design/methodology/approach – This paper reviews existing research about ASD and seeks to present a new proposal for an intervention using portraiture. First the paper discusses existing interventions and reviews the current research about potential causes/areas of deficiency in individuals on the spectrum. This paper subsequently proposes a new type of intervention and discusses the reasons underpinning its potential success in the context of existing research. Findings – This was a proposed study so no empirical findings have been reported. However, observations of individuals on the spectrum engaging with artwork are discussed in this paper. Originality/value – No other research or study has been proposed in current literature relating specifically to the use of portraits (looking at and creating) to help individuals with ASD.
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5. Carol P. What should services for people with autism look like ?. Advances in Autism ;2015 ;1(1):41-46.
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the key components and approaches which contribute to good autism services. Design/methodology/approach – This paper reviews some of the literature around quality of life in autism services and describes the approach taken by The National Autistic Society. Findings – There is minimal research to enable service providers to shape their services according to what is most important for people with autism. The SPELL framework used by The National Autistic Society provides an approach which can be adapted to individual needs. Good autism services need to be based on a sound and practical understanding of autism. Practical implications – People on the autism spectrum should be involved in determining what outcomes are most important to them, and services should then be based around those needs. Services therefore need to be individualised and person centred, underpinned by an in-depth knowledge and understanding of autism. Originality/value – This review highlights the importance of people being involved in determining what is important to them and how services which support them should be shaped and delivered.
