Advances in Autism : 2015 – Issue 2
1. Richard M, Lorna W. Excessive drinking of fluids in children and adults on the autism spectrum : a brief report. Advances in Autism ;2015 ;1(2):51-60.
Purpose – Excessive drinking of fluids occurs across the autism spectrum but despite the detrimental and potentially hazardous consequences very few studies of this phenomenon have been published. Literature on the topic is sparse. The purpose of this paper is to explore the issues via a large on-line survey and a clinic sample. It is hoped this study will encourage further interest in and investigation including exploration of the links with the neurology underlying autistic conditions. Design/methodology/approach – Results were obtained via a large on-line survey of autistic individuals and parents and carers (n=637) and data from referrals to a single diagnostic assessment and diagnostic clinic. Findings – Of 634 respondents of the on-line survey 474 reported excessive drinking of fluids in severe form. Almost two-thirds stated that this started before the age of five years. Of the children and adults seen at the clinic approximately one-third had dunk fluids excessively in the past. The effects of gender, type of autism condition, intellectual disability, reported stress and associated conditions were examined as were the type of fluids drunk and rate of drinking. The response to having to wait for a drink and the occurrence of vomiting and diarrhoea were also examined. Research limitations/implications – This is a preliminary study but with a large sample size. Limitations lie in the sparse amount of literature on this topic as it affects autism and reliance on parental and self-reports from an on-line survey, the majority of whom responded to an appeal for participants for whom excessive drinking of fluids was an established problem. The clinic sample comprised children and adults who had not been referred for reasons connected to excessive drinking of fluids but for whom this was still a significant problem. A further limitation concerns the absence of data on sensory profiles. This would be worth including in any follow up. Practical implications – It is important to be aware of the implications of excessive drinking of fluids on the health and well-being of children and adults on the autism spectrum. As there are potentially lethal consequences associated with such behaviours it is essential that they are recognised, understood and responded to. Social implications – Excessive drinking of fluids has implications for the development of the child and far reaching consequences for physical and social well-being. Originality/value – This is an original paper that draws on the limited literature available but is primarily based on the results of a unique on-line survey and evaluation of a clinic sample.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
2. Jane M, Eddie C, Lisa U. An English perspective on policy for adults with autism. Advances in Autism ;2015 ;1(2):61-65.
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a summary of English policy and legislation which impacts on the health outcomes and social inclusion for adults with autism. Design/methodology/approach – A descriptive review of national policy for England was undertaken using key internet search engines such as Google. Findings – In spite of innovative legislation and policy relating to autism across England, there are still wide discrepancies in both service models and provision relating to autism. More work is required to communicate what autism services should look like along with greater awareness training for professionals working with adults with autism to ensure reasonable adjustments are occurring across public services. Originality/value – This paper outlines current key policy and legislation in England relating to autism.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
3. James DC, Alwyn K, Frances N, Jane SA. No exclusions – developing an autism diagnostic service for adults irrespective of intellectual ability. Advances in Autism ;2015 ;1(2):66-78.
Purpose – Autism is a spectrum condition, yet many autism services limit access based on IQ score. The Department of Health 2009 enabled enthusiastic clinicians in Leeds with a strong interest in autism to apply for funding to develop an all IQ adult autism diagnostic service and here we present the experience. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach – The process of establishing and then expanding the service is described. Details of the diagnostic pathway and tools used are provided. Findings – The number of referrals was higher than expected – a baseline of 20 per year rose to 150 per year as soon as the service opened. Other unexpected findings include relatively low diagnosis rates (32 per cent), high rates of past trauma and patient dissatisfaction when a diagnosis of autism is not given. Originality/value – To date, the service has assessed 517 patients, and plans are underway to collaborate with the local adult ADHD team to form a unified adult neurodevelopmental disorders service.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
4. Debbie S, Laura H, Lucy ON. Psychological interventions for adults with autism spectrum disorders : a review. Advances in Autism ;2015 ;1(2):79-86.
Purpose – Adults who have autism spectrum disorders (ASD) experience a range of core and co-morbid characteristics which impede daily functioning and quality of life. Children and adolescents with ASD derive clinically meaningful benefits from psychological interventions, including those designed to reduce socio-communication deficits and mental health conditions. Relatively little is known about the effectiveness of these interventions for the adult ASD population. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach – A selective search of English language, peer-reviewed publications was undertaken, in order to summarise the empirical data pertaining to psychological interventions for adults with high-functioning ASD (HF-ASD). Findings – Thus far, social skills interventions, cognitive behaviour therapy techniques, and mindfulness-based approaches have been researched most extensively. Interventions have primarily sought to : reduce the impact of core ASD characteristics ; enhance skills ; and improve co-morbid mental health symptoms. Methodological and clinical heterogeneity render it difficult to generalise study findings across population samples, but overall, interventions appear to be associated with reductions in co-morbid symptom severity, and improved functioning. Research limitations/implications – Further studies that seek to improve functioning, reduce co-morbid characteristics, and enhance the propensity for attaining and maintaining independence are now needed. Practical implications – Adaptations to standard treatment protocols are likely required in order to enhance engagement and optimise treatment gains. Originality/value – This is one of the first reviews to focus specifically on psychological interventions for adults with HF-ASD.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
5. Kate S, Sarah P. Noticing the unusual : a self-prompt strategy for adults with autism. Advances in Autism ;2015 ;1(2):87-97.
Purpose – There is a substantial lack of research focusing on how to support the social understanding of high-functioning adults with autism (HFA). The perspectives of three adults with HFA were used to develop and implement self-prompt systems to increase knowledge and awareness of social situations. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured interviews and diaries were used to support individuals to reflect on video-based and real-life social situations, within a qualitative participatory case study design. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings – Participants developed and used a self-prompt system to support their social understanding in a range of situations. “Noticing the unusual” in social situations, consideration of the potential impact of others’ behavior on them personally, and guessing the intention of others were identified as useful strategies. Basing social judgments on the facial expressions of others was not useful. Research limitations/implications – This was a small-scale study with only three high-functioning participants and so the research needs to be extended to a wider group. Practical implications – There is considerable potential for this approach to be used with adults accessing support services because the strategies identified can be easily applied and personalized. Social implications – Independent, unplanned use of the self-prompt strategy enabled participants to reduce dependence on others in social situations through supporting their independent thinking and actions. Originality/value – This study moves away from a deficit-focussed model of intervention to one that seeks to uncover strengths in order to empower individuals to use their existing knowledge.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
6. Jessica S, Lisa U, Eddie C, Hannah H, Jane M. Autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and offending. Advances in Autism ;2015 ;1(2):98-107.
Purpose – A wealth of research on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has led to increased understanding and identification of each of these developmental disorders. Existing literature has sparked controversial discussions regarding whether aspects of ASD and ADHD predispose individuals to criminality. The purpose of this paper is to explore the link between these conditions and offending. Design/methodology/approach – A review of the literature on ASD, ADHD and offending was undertaken. This paper looks at the particular focus of the literature on the involvement of individuals with ADHD and ASD within the criminal justice system. Findings – There is some evidence of a link between ADHD and criminality. However, the relationship between ASD and offending is a little more difficult to ascertain. Complicating this further is the relatively unexplored subject of comorbid ASD/ADHD and criminal behaviour. This paper found that additional cognitive deficits and conduct problems are associated with comorbid ASD/ADHD, highlighting the need for further research and development of interventions. Originality/value – This paper seeks to examine whether predictions can be made with regards to what offending behaviour may look like in an individual with comorbid ASD/ADHD. This paper reviews the literature on offending in relation to both disorders to examine whether predictions can be made with regards to what the offending behaviour of an individual with ASD and ADHD may look like.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
7. Eddie C, Jane M. Editorial. Advances in Autism ;2015 ;1(2):null.
