1. Hofer J, Hoffmann F, Kamp-Becker I, Kupper C, Poustka L, Roepke S, Roessner V, Stroth S, Wolff N, Bachmann CJ. {{Complementary and alternative medicine use in adults with autism spectrum disorder in Germany: results from a multi-center survey}}. {BMC Psychiatry}. 2019; 19(1): 53.
BACKGROUND: Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is widely used both in the general population and for the treatment of somatic and psychiatric disorders. Studies on CAM use among patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have so far only focused on children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to investigate patterns of CAM use among adults with ASD. METHODS: A questionnaire survey concerning current and lifetime use of CAM was distributed to adults with ASD between November 2015 and June 2016. Participants diagnosed by experienced clinicians using the current diagnostic gold standard were recruited from four ASD outpatient clinics in Germany. Questionnaire data was then linked to supplementary clinical data. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 192 adults (response: 26.8%) with a mean age of 31.5 years (80% male; diagnoses: Asperger’s syndrome (58%), childhood autism (27%), atypical autism (12%)). 45% of the respondents stated that they were currently using or had used at least one CAM modality in their life. Among the participants with lifetime CAM use, almost half had used two or more different types of CAM. Alternative medical systems (e.g. homeopathy, acupuncture) were most frequently used, followed by mind-body interventions (e.g. yoga, biofeedback, animal assisted therapy). Overall, 20% of respondents stated that they would like to try at least one listed CAM modality in the future. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study on CAM use in adults with ASD, demonstrating considerable CAM use in this population. Given the popularity of CAM, patients should be informed about the effectiveness and potentially dangerous side effects of CAM treatments, as evidence for the majority of CAM methods in ASD is still limited.
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2. Khalifa G, Sharif Z, Sultan M, Di Rezze B. {{Workplace accommodations for adults with autism spectrum disorder: a scoping review}}. {Disabil Rehabil}. 2019: 1-16.
PURPOSE: To identify workplace accommodations that can contribute to obtaining or maintaining employment for adults with autism spectrum disorder in the peer- reviewed literature. METHOD: A scoping review of peer-reviewed articles published between January 1987 and March 2018 was performed. Three independent reviewers searched seven databases. Inclusion criteria for selected studies included adult with autism participants (>/=18 years), intervention studies that described support for securing or maintaining employment/skills training, and education for employee/employers to support adults with autism. Results were organized based on environmental domains within the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health: (1) natural environment; (2) products and technology; (3) support and relationships; (4) attitudes; (5) services, systems, and policies. RESULTS: The initial search identified 829 articles, of which 25 met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the selected studies described accommodations under more than one environmental domain. Most studies categorized in the Support and Relationships domain were also categorized under another domain. CONCLUSION: The majority of studies (21) were categorized as providing interventions related to employment support and relationships. One of the most common examples of support involved job coaching using different strategies. Technology is another area that is emerging and requires further exploration. Implications for Rehabilitation Successful workplace strategies for individuals with autism spectrum disorder were: minimizing distractions, reducing noise, and predictable job duties. Environmental considerations related to using technology could play an important role in improving performance and work experience. Employers and co-workers support is an important aspect that contributes to a positive work environment.
