Autism Spectrum Disorder and Early-Onset Psychoses

Author(s):  
Eric Taylor

This chapter covers the profiles of difficulties in relating, to other people and the world, that are included in the international schemes of classification as spectra of autism, schizophrenia, and psychosis. In autism, there is a marked reduction in, or oddity of, social communication, and an increase of repetitive and stereotyped behaviours. In psychoses, including schizophrenia and catatonia, there is disordered testing of reality (resulting in hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech), and deficits in volition (involving apathy, social isolation, and lack of initiative). These are described as they present in children and young people, together with their prevalence and the coexistent problems of emotion and behaviour that occur frequently. The longitudinal course is considered up to the transition into adult life. Potential causes and pathophysiology are considered in so far as they apply specifically to these disorders.

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 106-108
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Tinsley

Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability in which affected people perceive and interact with the world in a different way to others. It is a lifelong condition and there are around 700 000 autistic people in the UK (approximately one in 100 people). It affects people from any culture equally, but it is slightly more prevalent in men than women. This article will look at the characteristics of the condition and the support needed for children and young people in order to live as independently as possible in the long term.


Teachers Work ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-93
Author(s):  
Penelope Baines ◽  
Anne Yates

  According to Autism New Zealand (n.d.) there are approximately 65,000 New Zealanders with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  Despite this prevalence, Goodall (2014) notes that “…teachers are still on a long journey to full acceptance of students on the autism spectrum as learners with potential” (p. 133).  This is concerning as one of the principles that form the foundation of the New Zealand Curriculum (NZC) (Ministry of Education, 2007) is inclusion.  The NZC states these principles “embody the beliefs about the nature of the educational experience and the entitlement of the student” (p. 37) and Te Kete Ipurangi (n.d.) describes inclusive education as all children and young people being engaged and achieving through participating, learning and belonging.  These principles, in addition to the prevalence of people with ASD in New Zealand, mean that teachers must possess an understanding of ASD as well as knowledge of teaching strategies to assist these learners.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1280
Author(s):  
Angela Pasqualotto ◽  
Noemi Mazzoni ◽  
Arianna Bentenuto ◽  
Anna Mulè ◽  
Francesco Benso ◽  
...  

Background. Autism Spectrum Disorder is often associated with deficits in executive functions (EFs), which is contributing significantly to individuals with ASD’s difficulties in conducting an independent life, particularly considering social skills. Technologies offer promising opportunities to structure EF intervention programs for children on the autistic spectrum. Methods. This study aimed to review the effectiveness of randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental studies of EF interventions delivered to children and young people (up to 23 years old) with a diagnosis of ASD. A special focus was dedicated to document the effectiveness of computerized and non-computerized cognitive training on (1) EFs and on (2) ASD symptomatology and social skills. Of 2601 studies retrieved, 19 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results. Most of the interventions identified were effective in enhancing EFs and reducing symptoms in children and young people with ASD. Limited evidence is available on their generalization to untrained skills (i.e., social abilities) as well as long-term effects. Conclusions. There is growing evidence for overall effectiveness of EF training, particularly when computerized. However, caution should be taken when interpreting these findings owing to methodological limitations, the minimal number of papers retrieved, and a small samples of included studies.


Autism ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 2213-2227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Bowden ◽  
Hiran Thabrew ◽  
Jesse Kokaua ◽  
Richard Audas ◽  
Barry Milne ◽  
...  

New Zealand has few estimates of the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder and no national registry. The use of administrative data sources is expanding and could be useful in autism spectrum disorder research. However, the extent to which autism spectrum disorder can be captured in these data sources is unknown. In this study, we utilised three linked administrative health data sources from the Integrated Data Infrastructure to identify cases of autism spectrum disorder among New Zealand children and young people. We then investigated the extent to which a range of mental health, neurodevelopmental and related problems co-occur with autism spectrum disorder. In total, 9555 unique individuals aged 0–24 with autism spectrum disorder were identified. The identification rate for 8-year-olds was 1 in 102. Co-occurring mental health or related problems were noted in 68% of the autism spectrum disorder group. The most common co-occurring conditions were intellectual disability, disruptive behaviours and emotional problems. Although data from the Integrated Data Infrastructure may currently undercount cases of autism spectrum disorder, they could be useful for monitoring service and treatment-related trends, types of co-occurring conditions and for examining social outcomes. With further refinement, the Integrated Data Infrastructure could prove valuable for informing the national incidence and prevalence of autism spectrum disorder and the long-term effectiveness of clinical guidelines and interventions for this group. Lay abstract New Zealand has few estimates of the prevalence autism spectrum disorder and no national registry or data set to identify and track cases. This hinders the ability to make informed, evidence-based decisions relating to autism spectrum disorder. In this study, we utilised linked health and non-health data to develop a method for identifying cases of autism spectrum disorder among children and young people in New Zealand. In addition, we examined rates of co-occurring mental health, neurodevelopmental and related conditions among this cohort and compared these to the general population. The method identified almost 10,000 children and young people with autism spectrum disorder in New Zealand. Co-occurring mental health or related problems were found in over 68% of this group (nearly seven times higher than the general population), and around half were identified with multiple co-occurring conditions. The most frequently identified conditions were intellectual disability, disruptive behaviours and emotional problems. We have developed a useful method for monitoring service and treatment-related trends, number and types of co-occurring conditions and examining social outcomes among individuals with autism spectrum disorder. While the method may underestimate the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in New Zealand, it provides a significant step towards establishing a more comprehensive evidence base to inform autism spectrum disorder–related policy.


2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 315-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ereny Gobrial ◽  
Raghu Raghavan

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities (IDs) are more vulnerable to experiencing anxiety disorders. Parental involvement in intervention is crucial for successful management of the interventions in the population of people with ASDs. This article describes the design and evaluation of parenting programme for anxiety disorders in children and young people with ASD and ID. In phase 1 semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore management strategies for anxiety at home and in school settings. A total of 34 participants (14 parents, 20 teachers) participated in the interviews. A Delphi process was conducted with health professionals to develop consensus on appropriate anxiety interventions. In phase 2 the intervention programme was implemented by seven parents who also participated in focus group to evaluate the developed programme. A parental programme, calm child programme (CCP), was developed, implemented and evaluated. The evaluations show significant decrease in children’s anxiety as a result of implementing the programme. This study contributes further evidence to parental involvement in interventions for children and young people with ASD and IDs. The CCP is a useful and cost-effective approach in enabling parents to provide anxiety interventions in a home setting.


Author(s):  
Helen Phillips ◽  
Barry Wright ◽  
Victoria Allgar ◽  
Helen McConachie ◽  
Jennifer Sweetman ◽  
...  

AbstractWe report a Delphi Consensus modification and first validation study of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – 2 with deaf children and young people (ADOS-2 Deaf adaptation). Validation included 122 deaf participants (aged 2–18 years), 63 with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This was compared to a National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guideline standard clinical assessment by blinded independent specialist clinicians. Results showed overall sensitivity 73% (95%CI 60%, 83%); specificity 71% (95%CI 58%, 82%), and for the more common modules 1–3 (combined as in previous studies) sensitivity 79% (95% CI 65–89%); specificity 79% (95% CI 66–89%) suggesting this instrument will be a helpful addition for use with deaf children and young people.


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