Report Finds Young Adults With ASD Are Disconnected, Unemployed

ASHA Leader ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (7) ◽  
pp. 10-10
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Young Adults With Asd

scholarly journals Modified CBT for social anxiety and social functioning in young adults with autism spectrum disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily R. Bemmer ◽  
Kelsie A. Boulton ◽  
Emma E. Thomas ◽  
Ben Larke ◽  
Suncica Lah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Social Anxiety ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Adolescents And Adults ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Young Adults With Asd

Abstract Background There is a strong research imperative to investigate effective treatment options for adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Elevated social anxiety, difficulties with social functioning and poor mental health have all been identified as core treatment targets for this group. While theoretical models posit a strong bidirectionality between social anxiety and ASD social functioning deficits, few interventions have targeted both domains concurrently. Of the two group interventions previously conducted with adolescents and adults with ASD, significant results have only been observed in either social anxiety or social functioning, and have not generalised to changes in overall mood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential benefit, tolerability and acceptability of a group cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) intervention in young adults with ASD. Primary treatment outcomes were social anxiety symptoms and social functioning difficulties; secondary outcomes were self-reported mood and overall distress. Method Ten groups of participants completed an eight-week, modified group CBT intervention targeting both social anxiety and social functioning, that included social skills training, exposure tasks and behavioural experiment components. Seventy-eight adolescents and young adults with ASD, without intellectual impairment, aged between 16 and 38 (M = 22.77; SD = 5.31), were recruited from the community, Headspace centres and the Autism Clinic for Translational Research at the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney. Outcomes (social anxiety, social functioning and mood) were measured pre- and post-intervention via self-report questionnaires (administered either online or through the return of hard-copy booklets), and participants were invited to provide anonymous feedback on the intervention (at the mid-point and end of the intervention). Results Participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements on all outcome measures in response to the intervention. Specifically, social anxiety symptoms decreased (p < .001), and specific subdomains of social functioning improved post-intervention, particularly in social motivation (p = .032) and restricted interests and repetitive behaviours (p = .025). Self-reported symptom improvements also generalised to mood (depression, anxiety and stress; p < .05). All improvements demonstrated small effect sizes. Participant feedback was positive and indicated strong satisfaction with the program. Limitations The absence of a control group and follow-up measures, reliance on self-report instruments as outcome measures and the exclusion of those with intellectual disability represent significant limitations to this study. Conclusions These findings indicate that a group CBT intervention appears to be a beneficial intervention for self-reported social anxiety, social functioning and overall mental health in adolescents and young adults with ASD. The stand-alone nature of the intervention combined with positive participant feedback indicates it was well tolerated, has potential clinical utility and warrants further study in a randomised-controlled, follow-up design.

Promoting Career Design in Youth and Young Adults with ASD: A Feasibility Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evan E. Dean ◽  
Mayumi Hagiwara ◽  
Karrie A. Shogren ◽  
Michael L. Wehmeyer ◽  
Jennifer Shrum
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Youth And Young Adults ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Young Adults With Asd

scholarly journals Improvement of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Symptoms in School-Aged Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults With Autism via a Digital Smartglasses-Based Socioemotional Coaching Aid: An Efficacy Study

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arshya Vahabzadeh ◽  
Neha U. Keshav ◽  
Joseph P. Salisbury ◽  
Ned T. Sahin
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Social Communication ◽  
Adhd Symptom ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Related Symptom ◽  
Symptom Group ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Young Adults With Asd

AbstractBackgroundPeople with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) commonly experience symptoms related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. One-third of ASD cases may be complicated by the presence of ADHD. Individuals with dual diagnoses face greater barriers to accessing treatment for ADHD and respond less positively to primary pharmacologic interventions. Nonpharmacologic technology-aided tools for hyperactivity and inattention in people with ASD are being developed, although research into their efficacy and safety remains limited.ObjectiveThe objective of this preliminary study was to describe the changes in ADHD-related symptoms in children, adolescents, and young adults with ASD after use of the Empowered Brain system, a behavioral and social communication aid for ASD running on augmented reality smartglasses.MethodsWe recruited 8 children, adolescents, and young adults with ASD (male to female ratio of 7:1, mean age 15 years, range 11.7-20.5 years) through a Web-based research signup form. The baseline score on the hyperactivity subscale of the Aberrant Behavioral Checklist (ABC-H), a measure of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity, determined their classification into a high ADHD-related symptom group (n=4, ABC-H ≥13) and a low ADHD-related symptom group (n=4, ABC-H <13). All participants received an intervention with Empowered Brain, where they used smartglasses-based social communication and behavioral modules while interacting with their caregiver. We then calculated caregiver-reported ABC-H scores at 24 and 48 hours after the session.ResultsAll 8 participants were able to complete the intervention session. Postintervention ABC-H scores were lower for most participants at 24 hours (n=6, 75%) and for all participants at 48 hours (n=8, 100%). At 24 hours after the session, average participant ABC-H scores decreased by 54.9% in the high ADHD symptom group and by 20% in the low ADHD symptom group. At 48 hours after the session, ABC-H scores compared with baseline decreased by 56.4% in the high ADHD symptom group and by 66.3% in the low ADHD symptom group.ConclusionsThis study provides initial evidence for the efficacy of the Empowered Brain system in reducing ADHD-related symptoms, such as hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity, in school-aged children, adolescents, and young adults with ASD. This digital smartglasses intervention can potentially be targeted at a broader array of mental health conditions that exhibit transdiagnostic attentional and social communication deficits, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Further research is required to understand the clinical importance of these observed changes and to conduct longitudinal studies on this intervention with larger sample sizes.

scholarly journals Modified CBT for Social Anxiety and Social Functioning in Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily R Bemmer ◽  
Kelsie A Boulton ◽  
Emma E Thomas ◽  
Ben Larke ◽  
Suncica Lah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Social Anxiety ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Young Adults With Asd

Abstract Background: There is a strong research imperative to investigate effective treatment options for adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Elevated social anxiety, difficulties with social functioning, and poor mental health have all been identified as core treatment targets for this group. While theoretical models posit a strong bidirectionality between social anxiety and ASD social functioning deficits, few interventions have targeted both domains concurrently. Of the two group interventions previously conducted with adolescents and adults with ASD, significant results have only been observed in either social anxiety or social functioning, and have not generalised to changes in overall mood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a group intervention in young adults with ASD. Primary treatment outcomes were social anxiety symptoms and social functioning difficulties; secondary outcomes were self-reported mood and overall distress. Method: Ten groups of participants completed an eight-week, modified Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) group intervention targeting both social anxiety and social functioning, that included social skills training, exposure tasks and behavioural experiment components. Seventy-eight adolescents and young adults with ASD, without intellectual impairment, aged between 16 and 38 (M = 22.77; SD = 5.31), were recruited from the community, Headspace centres and the Autism Clinic for Translational Research at the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney. Outcomes (social anxiety, social functioning and mood) were measured pre- and post-intervention via self-report questionnaires (administered either online or through the return of hard-copy booklets), and participants were invited to provide anonymous feedback on the intervention (at the mid-point and end of the intervention). Results: Participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements on all outcome measures in response to the intervention. Specifically, social anxiety symptoms decreased (p <.001), and specific subdomains of social functioning improved post intervention, particularly in social motivation (p=.032) and restricted interests and repetitive behaviours (p=.025). Self-reported symptom improvements also generalised to mood (depression, anxiety and stress; p < .05). All improvements demonstrated small effect sizes. Participant feedback was positive and indicated strong satisfaction with the program. Limitations: The absence of a control group and follow up measures, reliance on self-report instruments as outcome measures, and the exclusion of those with intellectual disability represent significant limitations to this study.Conclusions: These findings indicate that a group CBT intervention appears to be a beneficial intervention for self-reported social anxiety, social functioning and overall mental health in adolescents and young adults with ASD. The standalone nature of the intervention combined with positive participant feedback indicates it was well tolerated, potential clinical utility, and warrants further study in a randomised-controlled, follow-up design.

Functioning and participation of young adults with ASD in higher education according to the ICF framework

2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 259-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorien Jansen ◽  
Elke Emmers ◽  
Katja Petry ◽  
Laura Mattys ◽  
Ilse Noens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Young Adults With Asd

Healthcare experiences of young adults with autism spectrum disorder

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 206-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashleigh Hillier ◽  
Monica Galizzi ◽  
Kianna Ferrante
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medical Needs ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
Healthcare Experiences ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Young Adults With Asd

Purpose Characteristic challenges that define autism spectrum disorder (ASD), coupled with comorbid conditions and poor communication with providers, can lead to inadequate healthcare. The majority of previous work has focused on children. The purpose of this paper is to examine the healthcare experiences of young adults with ASD within the US healthcare system. Design/methodology/approach An online questionnaire was utilized to examine: the accessibility of healthcare for those with ASD: do they make their own appointments, fill out paperwork independently, go in the examination room on their own; the quality of care they receive: what are their medical needs, how effectively can they communicate their needs, do providers understand their disability; and the outcomes of care: do they understand their recommended care, can they follow healthcare instructions accurately, are they satisfied with the care received. The authors compared responses of those with ASD (n=16) with those of parents of adults with ASD (n=50), as well as a matched comparison group of young adults without ASD (n=42) for statistical differences using the Fisher Exact test. The authors also asked parents about their time costs of assisting their adult children through the healthcare process. Findings The results suggest that those with ASD overestimated their ability to manage their healthcare needs, felt more positively about the healthcare they received than was warranted, and were significantly less independent in managing their healthcare than their peers. Parents experienced losses and costs in terms of lost productivity, household work, and personal time. Originality/value This study furthers the understanding of the healthcare experiences of young adults with ASD which is crucial to dissecting problems which hamper access to quality care.

Mind-Reading in Young Adults with ASD: Does Structure Matter?

2007 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 905-918 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koen Ponnet ◽  
Ann Buysse ◽  
Herbert Roeyers ◽  
Armand De Clercq
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Mind Reading ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Young Adults With Asd
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document