scholarly journals Chronic health and lifestyle problems for people diagnosed with autism in a student-led clinic

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 66-72
Author(s):  
Barry Tolchard ◽  
Cynthia Stuhlmiller
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Chronic Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Torres Strait ◽  
Regional Australia

Purpose People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at greater risk of developing chronic health and risky lifestyle problems. This is exaggerated further for people living in rural settings and from cultural backgrounds traditionally underserved by healthcare services. The purpose of this paper is to describe an evaluation of health and behavioural lifestyle outcomes of people diagnosed with ASD in a student-led clinic in rural/regional Australia. Design/methodology/approach Routine clinical outcomes and lifestyle measures were routinely collected at a primary acre student-led Clinic in rural/regional Australia. Participants were all attending the clinic who provided consent for their routine date to be reported. Participants ranged in age from new born to 100 years and were representative of the local community. Findings The results indicate there is an increased risk for people with ASD developing chronic conditions compared to those without a diagnosis. This also resulted in higher body mass index and blood sugar levels linked to diabetes and hypertension. Mental health problems were common in people diagnosed with ASD especially anxiety disorders. Smoking was problematic for people with ASD but mainly in non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Alcohol use was not an increase risk in ASD. Originality/value Little is reported on the health and lifestyle experiences of people with ASD in rural/regional settings, especially from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This paper gives an initial insight to the presentation of chronic conditions and harmful lifestyle choices. Possible insights into adapting or modifying care for people with ASD in rural/regional Australia are given.

scholarly journals Cross-lagged model of bullying victimization and mental health problems in children with autism in middle to older childhood

Autism ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 136236132094751
Author(s):  
Geovanna Rodriguez ◽  
Kim Drastal ◽  
Sigan L Hartley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Middle Childhood ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Bullying Victimization ◽  
Autism Symptoms ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Being Bullied ◽  
Internalizing And Externalizing

Youth with autism spectrum conditions have been shown to be at an increased risk for bullying victimization. The overall aim of this study was to identify factors associated with increased risk for bullying victimization in youth with autism during middle childhood to early adolescence (aged 5–12 years) and to explore the potential time-ordered associations between bullying victimization and mental health problems 12 months later. The average age of the youth with autism was 7.90 years ( SD = 2.33), 86% were male, 34.6% had an intellectual disability, and 84% were White, non-Hispanic. Youth with autism who experienced bullying victimization (vs no victimization) were older in age, had more severe autism symptoms, and higher levels of internalizing and externalizing mental health problems at study onset. Using two cross-lagged structural equation models, the associations between maternal report of youth bullying victimization and teacher report of youth mental health problems using two waves of data were tested. Internalizing and externalizing mental health problems at Time 1 did not relate to change in likelihood of being bullied 1 year later. In contrast, bullying victimization at Time 1 was associated with an increase in internalizing mental health problems ( β = 0.24, p < 0.05). Lay Abstract Youth with autism spectrum disorders are disproportionately at risk for bullying victimization compared to typically developing children and adolescents. While internalizing and externalizing mental health problems have been linked to victimization experiences, few studies have examined the longitudinal effects bullying victimization experiences may have on youth mental health outcomes. The present study investigated longitudinal associations between bullying victimization and mental health problems in a sample of children with autism in middle childhood to early adolescence (aged 5 to 12 years). Findings from our study suggest that youth with autism who experienced bullying victimization (versus no victimization) were older in age, had more severe autism symptoms, and higher levels of internalizing and externalizing mental health problems at study onset. Though externalizing mental health problems at study onset (Time 1) did not relate to change in the likelihood of being bullied one year later (Time 2), experiences of bullying victimization did relate to an increase in parent reports of internalizing mental health problems. This study expanded on previous cross-sectional studies by including two waves of data in a relatively large sample of youth with autism and highlights important information that may be helpful in adapting approaches to intervention at the individual level. Moreover, our findings support the need for bullying programs that may need to focus particular attention to subgroups of youth with autism who may be most at-risk for bullying victimization such as those with more autism symptoms and those with past experiences of victimization (given the chronic nature of bullying).

Mental health and intellectual disability: integrating different approaches in the neurodevelopmental perspective

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 217-221
Author(s):  
Marco O. Bertelli
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Developmental Time ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
International Congress ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perspective Drawing ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approaches

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical overview of some main implications of the neurodevelopmental perspective for the field of the mental health in intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders. Design/methodology/approach – A discussion surrounding the importance of integrating different approaches in the neurodevelopmental perspective, drawing on sources from the paper proposals to the 10th International Congress of the European Association in Mental Health and Intellectual Disability (EAMHID), and the literature. Findings – At present, the neurodevelopmental perspective seems to be the most appropriate and valued conceptual framework to support multi-level, interdisciplinary approaches in understanding the aetiologies of mental health problems as well as when and how to intervene. It inherently exemplifies a dimensional approach, which can capture variations between individuals, their developmental time course, brain-behaviours associations and functional significance better than categorical approaches, and diagnostic measures. Originality/value – This editorial outlines a special issue that offers a comprehensive and varied collection of papers from the contributions to the 10th International Congress of the EAMHID.

The NICE guideline on recognition, referral, diagnosis and management of adults on the autism spectrum

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Ellie Wilson ◽  
Ged Roberts ◽  
Nicola Gillan ◽  
Chris Ohlsen ◽  
Dene Robertson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Transition Services ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Nice Guideline ◽  
Clinical Guidance

Purpose – This paper aims to provide an overview of the recent National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) clinical guidance for diagnosis and treatment of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to discuss clinical and practical implications. Design/methodology/approach – This is a summary and discussion of the NICE guidance for adults with autism. This includes discussion of relevant related guidance, the need for transition services for young people with ASD, education of professionals, applicability of the guidance to people with intellectual disabilities and challenges related to implementation of the guidance in a changing National Health Service. Findings – The guidance provides an excellent overview of current and state-of-the-art strategies for diagnosis and treatment of ASD-related behaviours, and their level of evidence. In terms of diagnosis, the main recommendation for clinicians is to carry out a comprehensive assessment for adults with suspected autism, taking into account co-morbid mental health problems and potential unmet needs. In addition, NICE makes recommendations regarding pharmacological and psychological interventions and these are discussed. The guidance also makes specific recommendations regarding service design, for example the formation of Autism Strategy Groups. This will hopefully support the development of specialist adult autism services. Originality/value – This paper provides new insights into the implications of the recently published NICE clinical guidance for autism in adults, relevant for health care professionals, service managers and service users.

scholarly journals Timing of diagnosis, depression and self-harm in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder

Autism ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 136236132094554
Author(s):  
Mariko Hosozawa ◽  
Amanda Sacker ◽  
Noriko Cable
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Typical Range

This exploratory study aimed to explore the association between depression and self-harming behaviour in adolescence and the timing of diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder. We analysed data on 11,320 14 year olds, including 396 children with autism spectrum disorder, from the UK Millennium Cohort Study. Exposures were the timing of diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder confirmed by parental report at ages 5, 7, 11 and 14. Outcomes were depression measured by the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (scores ⩾12) and self-report of self-harming behaviour, both assessed at age 14. Data were analysed using multivariable regression analysis. 91% of the autism spectrum disorder group had within-typical-range cognitive ability. After adjusting for child and family confounders, there was a positive linear trend between diagnostic age and depression, with children diagnosed between ages 7 and 11 and children diagnosed after age 11 showing increased symptoms (odds ratio = 2.21 and 3.58, respectively). A similar trend was observed for self-harming behaviour, with children diagnosed after age 11 showing the strongest association (odds ratio = 3.16). These results suggest the importance of earlier diagnosis in preventing secondary mental health problems in this population, particularly among those without cognitive delays. Further studies replicating across a wider intellectual spectrum and clarifying the underlying mechanism are warranted. Lay Abstract Children with autism spectrum disorder are at increased risk of depression and self-harming behaviours. The question of whether timing of diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is associated with these consequences in adolescence has not yet been studied. This exploratory study aimed to explore the association between depression and self-harming behaviour in adolescence and the parent-reported timing of diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder using a large population-based cohort in the United Kingdom. Most of the children with autism spectrum disorder in our study had within-typical-range cognitive ability. We found a linear association between timing of autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and depression and self-harming behaviour in adolescence; later diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, particularly diagnosis in adolescence, was associated with the increased risk of self-reported depressive symptoms and self-harming behaviour in adolescence among children with autism spectrum disorder. Our findings, albeit observational, suggest that interventions targeting the earlier diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and approaches to improve person–environment fit may help prevent secondary mental health problems in this population, particularly among those without cognitive delays and those diagnosed late. Further studies replicating across a wider intellectual spectrum and clarifying the underlying mechanism are warranted.

Frequent peer problems in Australian children and adolescents

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 162-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renee Denham ◽  
Tara Renae McGee ◽  
Li Eriksson ◽  
John McGrath ◽  
Rosana Norman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Social Exclusion ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Parental Report ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Peer Problems ◽  
Increased Risk

Purpose – Whilst overt bullying has received considerable attention for its negative impact on the emotional well-being of children and adolescents, peer problems such as excessive teasing and social exclusion have received less consideration. The purpose of this paper is to examine the prevalence, demographic, and clinical correlates of frequent peer problems in children and adolescents who participated in the Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Well-Being. Design/methodology/approach – Participants were a nationally representative sample of 2,107 children (aged 6-12 years), and 1,490 adolescents (aged 13-17 years). Frequent peer problems (excessive teasing or social exclusion) were measured by parental report for children, and self and parental report for adolescents. Associations with a number of mental health problems were examined, including being in the clinical range for internalising and externalising symptoms, having major depressive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or conduct disorder, low self-esteem, experiencing suicidal ideation and behaviour, or using marijuana and alcohol. Findings – One in 30 children and one in 20 adolescents experienced frequent peer problems. Parents less commonly identified frequent peer problems than were self-reported by their adolescent children. Frequent peer problems were strongly associated with all mental health problems except alcohol and marijuana use. Originality/value – Frequent peer problems are associated with a greatly increased risk of mental health problems. Identifying those children and adolescents with frequent peer problems provides opportunity for assessment and intervention of emotional and behavioural problems.

Prevalence and Consequences of Bullying: What Could Healthcare Services Do for Intervention?

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S25-S25 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Wolke
Keyword(s):  
School Violence ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Dropping Out ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Competing Interest

Bullying is the systematic abuse of power and defined as aggressive behavior or intentional harm doing by peers that is carried out repeatedly, and involves an imbalance of power between the victim and the bully. One in 3 children report having been bullied at some point in their lives, and 10 - 14% experience chronic bullying lasting for more than six months.Longitudinal research indicates that children who were victims of bullying are at higher risk for common somatic problems, internalizing problems and anxiety or depression disorder, psychotic symptoms and are at highly increased risk to self-harm or think about suicide in adolescence [1]. The mental health problems of victims and bully/victims remain in adulthood. Indeed, we showed that peer bullying in childhood has more adverse effects on diagnosed anxiety and depression disorders than being physically or sexually abused or neglected by parents. Victims also report to have more trouble with making or keeping friends in adulthood and were less likely to live with a partner and have social support. In contrast, bullies had no increased risk for any mental or general health problems, were healthier than their peers, emotionally and physically.Sadly, many bullied children suffer in silence. To prevent dropping out of school, violence against oneself (e.g. self-harm) and reduce mental and somatic health problems, it is imperative for health practitioners, families and schools to address bullying.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.

Experiences of prison inmates with autism spectrum disorders and the knowledge and understanding of the spectrum amongst prison staff: a review

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 55-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare Sarah Allely
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Prison Staff ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Extensive Literature Search ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Offending Behaviour ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the research which has examined the link between autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and offending behaviour and the impact of prison on individuals with ASDs. Studies suggest that inmates with ASDs may be at an increased risk of bullying, confrontations, exploitation, anxiety and social isolation as a result of their ASD traits such as obsessions, social naivety and impaired empathy. Design/methodology/approach – An extensive review of the literature. Findings – The review identifies a modest amount of studies (n=4) which have explored the experience of individuals with ASD in prison and highlights that inmates with ASDs face a multitude of problems when they enter prison. Despite an extensive literature search only one study was identified which investigated the knowledge and understanding of ASDs amongst prison staff. Research limitations/implications – Further research is urgently needed to consider the specific problems faced by inmates with ASD, to identify how to make the prison environment safer and more supportive for inmates with ASD and how to reduce the likelihood of re-offending. Practical implications – This review highlights that, to date, there has been relatively little to guide service design in order to develop support services for individuals with ASD in prison. There has been a scarcity of studies investigating the effectiveness of various treatment models to target offending behaviour in individuals with ASD. Originality/value – This paper fulfils an identified need to study and identify the specific problems faced by inmates with ASD and to identify changes which are required to provide an environment in prison which is safer and more supportive.

Impact of a tenancy health check

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 199-202
Author(s):  
Nicholas Leigh-Hunt ◽  
Ruth Fletcher-Brown ◽  
Lynsey Mould
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Housing ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Check ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Community Activities ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Housing Officer

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how loneliness and other mental health problems in older local authority housing tenants can be identified and addressed. Design/methodology/approach A tenancy health check form to identify health and well-being issues was developed by housing and public health for use in a rolling programme of housing officer visits to elderly tenants. This form facilitated enquiries on loneliness, social isolation and mental health as part of a supportive conversation. Individuals identified as being lonely were signposted to a range of community activities and social groups, and for some, ongoing support via telephone was provided by the housing officer. Findings The tenancy health check helped identify loneliness in this population group and enabled signposting to an increased number of local community activities. In addition to improved individual well-being, social capital has been strengthened through the creation of community networks. Practical implications Use of a health check form during housing officer visits provides a low-cost means of identifying health and well-being issues in vulnerable populations and facilitates adoption of making every contact count approaches by social housing providers. Originality/value This case study demonstrates the scope to provide holistic support for social housing tenants through better connections between public sector and community organisations.

scholarly journals Chronic health conditions, healthcare experience and life satisfaction among immigrant and native-born women in Canada

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiyan Li ◽  
Siyu Ru
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Immigrant Women ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Chronic Illnesses ◽  
Healthy Immigrant Effect ◽  
Chronic Health ◽  
Content Type

PurposeTo compare chronic health status, utilization of healthcare services and life satisfaction among immigrant women and their Canadian counterparts.Design/methodology/approachA secondary analysis of national data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), 2015–2016 was conducted. The survey data included 109,659 cases. Given the research question, only female cases were selected, which resulted in a final sample of 52,560 cases. Data analysis was conducted using multiple methods, including logistic regression and linear regression.FindingsRecent and established immigrant women were healthier than native-born Canadian women. While the Healthy Immigrant Effect (HIE) was evident among immigrant women, some characteristics related to ethnic origin and/or unhealthy dietary habits may deteriorate immigrant women's health in the long term. Immigrant women and non-immigrant women with chronic illnesses were both more likely to increase their use of the healthcare system. Notably, the present study did not find evidence that immigrant women under-utilized Canada's healthcare system. However, the findings showed that chronic health issues were more likely to decrease women's life satisfaction.Originality/valueThis analysis contributes to the understanding of immigrant women's acculturation by comparing types of chronic illnesses, healthcare visits, and life satisfaction between immigrant women and their Canadian counterparts.

Harm reduction in a Norwegian housing first project: a qualitative study of the treatment providers’ practice

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen Sofie Andvig ◽  
Knut Tore Sælør ◽  
Esther Ogundipe
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Harm Reduction ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Housing First ◽  
Professional Judgment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Treatment Providers ◽  
Reduction Approach

Purpose Little is known about how harm reduction is practiced in Norwegian housing first (HF) projects. The purpose of this paper is to explore, describe, and interpret how providers apply a harm reduction approach within a housing project focused on individuals who are homeless with co-morbid substance use and mental health problems. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study was part of a larger evaluation study of a three-year HF project in a Norwegian municipality. Data were collected using four multi-stage focus groups with five providers working in the HF project. Focus group interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings Analysis resulted in three main themes: “Letting the service user sit in the driver’s seat,” “We don’t follow service provision contracts, we do everything,” and “Collaborating with the local community.” Research limitations/implications There is a need to develop increased knowledge about service users’ experiences within the harm reduction approach. Practical implications To practice effective harm reduction, treatment providers must have open authorizations and the opportunity to exercise professional judgment. Harm reduction practice must also focus on social, political, and economic factors influencing users’ everyday lives. Originality/value The paper contributes to the knowledge base on harm reduction within HF practice that differs from a traditional model wherein clients are expected to abstain from substance use. It highlights important preconditions for challenges practitioners might encounter at both individual and service system levels.

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