scholarly journals Implicit Semantic Processing of Linguistic and Non-linguistic Stimuli in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emme O’Rourke ◽  
Emily L. Coderre
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Semantic Processing ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Event Related Potential ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Priming Task ◽  
Adults With Asd

AbstractWhile many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience difficulties with language processing, non-linguistic semantic processing may be intact. We examined neural responses to an implicit semantic priming task by comparing N400 responses—an event-related potential related to semantic processing—in response to semantically related or unrelated pairs of words or pictures. Adults with ASD showed larger N400 responses than typically developing adults for pictures, but no group differences occurred for words. However, we also observed complex modulations of N400 amplitude by age and by level of autistic traits. These results offer important implications for how groups are delineated and compared in autism research.

scholarly journals Minor Physical Anomalies in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Healthy Controls

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irina Manouilenko ◽  
Jonna M. Eriksson ◽  
Mats B. Humble ◽  
Susanne Bejerot
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Minor Physical Anomalies ◽  
Adults With Asd

Minor Physical Anomalies (MPAs) are subtle abnormalities of the head, face, and limbs, without significant cosmetic or functional impact to the individual. They are assumed to represent external markers of developmental deviations during foetal life. MPAs have been suggested to indicate severity in mental illness and constitute external markers for atypical brain development. Higher frequencies of MPAs can be found in children with autism. The aims of the present study were to examine the prevalence and patterns of MPAs in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to investigate whether MPAs are associated with symptom severity and overall functioning. Fifty adults with ASD and intelligence within the normal range and 53 healthy controls were examined with the Waldrop scale, an instrument for assessing MPAs. Face and feet were photographed enabling blinded assessment. Significant differences between the ASD and the control group were found on the MPA total scores, and also in the craniofacial region scores. Moreover, the shape of the ears was associated with autistic traits, in the ASD group. High MPA total scores were associated with poorer functioning. The findings suggest a link between MPAs, autistic traits, and level of functioning. Assessment of MPAs may assist in the diagnostic procedure of psychiatric disorders.

scholarly journals Neuropsychiatric profile and psychotropic medication use in adults with autism spectrum disorder: results from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Adults with Autism

BJPsych Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 461-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachael C. Cvejic ◽  
Samuel R. C. Arnold ◽  
Kitty-Rose Foley ◽  
Julian N. Trollor
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Psychotropic Medication ◽  
Medication Use ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Limited Evidence ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Adolescents With Autism ◽  
Adults With Asd

BackgroundChildren and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are a highly medicated group. Few studies have examined the neuropsychiatric profile and patterns of psychotropic medication use among adults with ASD.AimsTo describe and compare the neuropsychiatric profile and psychotropic medication use in a cohort of adults with ASD and non-autistic controls.MethodBaseline data from a survey-based, longitudinal study of adults with ASD in Australia. Participants were 188 adults with ASD and 115 controls aged 25–80 years.ResultsASD was associated with increased odds of psychotropic medication use even when controlling for the presence of any neurological or psychiatric disorder. There were no corresponding indications for 14.4% of psychotropic medications prescribed to adults with ASD.ConclusionsThis study found substantial psychotropic prescribing for adults with ASD. Patterns of psychotropic medication use may reflect prescribing for behavioural indications despite limited evidence to support this practice.Declaration of interestNone.

Employment Training for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2017 ◽  
pp. 196-222
Author(s):  
David W. Test ◽  
Debra G. Holzberg ◽  
Kelly Clark ◽  
Misty Terrell ◽  
Dana E. Rusher
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Employment Outcomes ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Evidence Based Practices ◽  
Young Adults With Autism ◽  
Employment Rates ◽  
Adults With Asd

Despite legislation to improve post-school outcomes for young adults with autism spectrum disorder, they experience poorer employment outcomes than their peers without disabilities. Data indicate persons with ASD experience lower employment rates, earn less money, work fewer hours, are less engaged in their communities, and live independently less frequently than their peers without disabilities. Furthermore, the earnings of individuals with ASD lag behind earnings of their peers both with and without disabilities. In order to help improve employment outcomes for youth with ASD, this chapter describes the characteristics contributing to employment of individuals with ASD, the factors influencing employment of individuals with ASD, and the research related to evidence-based practices for young adults with ASD.

Use of a Videoconferencing Intervention and Systematic Hierarchy to Teach Daily Living Skills to Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2020 ◽  
pp. 109830072092121
Author(s):  
Katerina Ford ◽  
Mian Wang ◽  
Lynn Kern Koegel ◽  
Robert L. Koegel ◽  
Andrew Fedders
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Transition To Adulthood ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Qualified Personnel ◽  
Behavior Outcomes ◽  
Living Skills ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Number Of Individuals

Given the increasing number of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), there is a critical need to develop programs that facilitate positive behavior outcomes during the transition to adulthood. Furthermore, many adults with ASD do not have access to intervention programs due to remote locations, lack of qualified personnel, and/or long waitlists. This study, conducted within the context of a combined multiple baseline and changing criterion design, examined the use of videoconferencing (VC) to provide intervention from a remote location. Results showed that following intervention participants were able to independently perform the targeted skills and all targeted skills maintained during follow-up probes. All participants rated the intervention highly and said that they would recommend the intervention to others. These results are discussed in relation to potential avenues to increase access to services for individuals with ASD, particularly in remote and underserved areas, using VC.

iPod Touch® to Increase Functional Communication of Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Significant Intellectual Disability

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 209-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaori Nepo ◽  
Matt Tincani ◽  
Saul Axelrod ◽  
Lois Meszaros
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Speech Communication ◽  
Functional Communication ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Ipod Touch ◽  
Adults With Asd

Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and significant intellectual disability (ID) often have limited speech communication abilities. Abundant research supports use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to enhance skills of children with ASD and ID, but less research has examined efficacy of AAC with non-speaking adults. In this study, three adults with ASD and significant ID were taught basic functional communication using the iPod Touch® with MyTalk Mobile® software within a single-case, multiple-probe across-subjects design. The iPod Touch® taught with most-to-least prompting increased participants’ independent manding, participants were able to discriminate between picture symbols, and participants’ manding generalized to a naturalistic setting with typically available preferred items. Implementation of AAC coincided with increases in speech for one participant. Results illustrate how an applied behavior analysis approach incorporating a speech generating device is effective in teaching communication to adults with ASD and significant ID.

Friendship Quality and Social Participation in Young Adults With ASD

2021 ◽  
Vol 75 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 7512510246p1-7512510246p1
Author(s):  
Megan C. Chang ◽  
Evelyn Lechner ◽  
Megan Leu ◽  
Julianne Maraccini ◽  
Carrie Oxaal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Intrinsic Value ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Autism Spectrum Quotient ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Primary Author

Abstract Date Presented Accepted for AOTA INSPIRE 2021 but unable to be presented due to online event limitations. The purpose of this study is to obtain deeper understanding of the challenges that young adults with autism spectrum disorder endure in their pursuit of establishing friendships. A mixed-methods study design was used. Participants were interviewed and completed the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Results showed that the participants still showed autistic traits, although each AQ component was similar to the norms. Three themes were emerged from the interview: intrinsic value of friendship, friendship as a partnership, Primary Author and Speaker: Megan C. Chang Additional Authors and Speakers: Evelyn Lechner, Megan Leu, Julianne Maraccini, Carrie Oxaal, and Jessica Patterson

scholarly journals Experiences of Dental Care and Dental Anxiety in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
My Blomqvist ◽  
Göran Dahllöf ◽  
Susanne Bejerot
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Dental Anxiety ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Experienced Pain ◽  
Adults With Asd

Dental anxiety is associated with previous distressing dental experiences, such as lack of understanding of the dentist intentions, perceptions of uncontrollability and experiences of pain during dental treatment. People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are impaired in building flexible predictions and expectations, which is very much needed during a dental visit. The aims of the study were to investigate if people with ASD have more negative dental experiences and a higher level of dental anxiety compared to a matched control group. Forty-seven adults with ASD and of normal intellectual performance, and 69 age- and sex-matched typically developing controls completed questionnaires on previous dental experiences and dental anxiety, the Dental Anxiety Scale, and the Dental Beliefs Survey. The ASD group experienced pain during dental treatments more often than the controls and 22% had repeatedly experienced being forced to dental treatment they were not prepared for, compared to 3% of the controls. A higher level of dental anxiety was reported by the ASD group. Dental treatment and methods for supporting the communication with patients with ASD need to be developed, in order to reduce the negative dental experiences and dental anxiety in people with ASD.

scholarly journals Anxiety and depression in adults with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 559-572 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J Hollocks ◽  
Jian Wei Lerh ◽  
Iliana Magiati ◽  
Richard Meiser-Stedman ◽  
Traolach S Brugha
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
The Impact

AbstractAdults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are thought to be at disproportionate risk of developing mental health comorbidities, with anxiety and depression being considered most prominent amongst these. Yet, no systematic review has been carried out to date to examine rates of both anxiety and depression focusing specifically on adults with ASD. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the rates of anxiety and depression in adults with ASD and the impact of factors such as assessment methods and presence of comorbid intellectual disability (ID) diagnosis on estimated prevalence rates. Electronic database searches for studies published between January 2000 and September 2017 identified a total of 35 studies, including 30 studies measuring anxiety (n= 26 070; mean age = 30.9,s.d.= 6.2 years) and 29 studies measuring depression (n= 26 117; mean age = 31.1,s.d.= 6.8 years). The pooled estimation of current and lifetime prevalence for adults with ASD were 27% and 42% for any anxiety disorder, and 23% and 37% for depressive disorder. Further analyses revealed that the use of questionnaire measures and the presence of ID may significantly influence estimates of prevalence. The current literature suffers from a high degree of heterogeneity in study method and an overreliance on clinical samples. These results highlight the importance of community-based studies and the identification and inclusion of well-characterized samples to reduce heterogeneity and bias in estimates of prevalence for comorbidity in adults with ASD and other populations with complex psychiatric presentations.

scholarly journals GABAAreceptor availability is not altered in adults with autism spectrum disorder or in mouse models

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (461) ◽  
pp. eaam8434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie Horder ◽  
Max Andersson ◽  
Maria A. Mendez ◽  
Nisha Singh ◽  
Ämma Tangen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Mouse Models ◽  
Knockout Mouse ◽  
Positron Emission Tomography Imaging ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Perceptual Task ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Positron Emission ◽  
Adults With Asd

Preliminary studies have suggested that γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors, and potentially the GABAAα5 subtype, are deficient in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, prior studies have been confounded by the effects of medications, and these studies did not compare findings across different species. We measured both total GABAAand GABAAα5 receptor availability in two positron emission tomography imaging studies. We used the tracer [11C]flumazenil in 15 adults with ASD and in 15 control individuals without ASD and the tracer [11C]Ro15-4513 in 12 adults with ASD and in 16 control individuals without ASD. All participants were free of medications. We also performed autoradiography, using the same tracers, in three mouse models of ASD: theCntnap2knockout mouse, theShank3knockout mouse, and mice carrying a 16p11.2 deletion. We found no differences in GABAAreceptor or GABAAα5 subunit availability in any brain region of adults with ASD compared to those without ASD. There were no differences in GABAAreceptor or GABAAα5 subunit availability in any of the three mouse models. However, adults with ASD did display altered performance on a GABA-sensitive perceptual task. Our data suggest that GABAAreceptor availability may be normal in adults with ASD, although GABA signaling may be functionally impaired.

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