Overlap of anxiety, depression, irritability and aggressiveness in autism spectrum disorder: an exploratory study using cluster analysis

Purpose This study aims to explore the overlap between symptoms of depression, anxiety, irritability and aggressiveness in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), to measure specific and idiosyncratic emotional responses. Design/methodology/approach A total of 42 high functioning adolescents and adults, between 12 and 39 years old, meeting the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders – 5 criteria for ASD were selected from the InFoR Autism cohort. Data were analyzed in an exploratory way using Hill and Smith and K-medoids cluster analysis. Findings The authors found an aggregation of anxiety, depression, aggressive behaviors and irritability. Cluster analysis was maximized for two groups with 17 and 25 participants, respectively. The first group was characterized by high levels of symptoms of irritability, aggressiveness, hyperactivity and intermediate levels of anxiety and depression. In the first group, participants had significantly higher levels of autistic symptoms considering the social responsiveness scale and repetitive behavior scale-revised scales (relatives’ reports) suggesting that a particular group of subjects with a high level of ASD specific symptoms may express anxiety and depression in a specific way based on externalizing behaviors in addition to the common mood and anxiety symptoms. Research limitations/implications Improved understanding of the aggregation of externalized symptoms with symptoms of anxiety and mood disorders in ASD should lead to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms related to emotion dysregulation in ASD. Practical implications Improved knowledge of the symptoms could lead to enhanced detection of psychiatric comorbidities in ASD. Originality/value The study was based on a transdiagnostic approach of psychiatric symptoms in individuals with ASD. Aggregation and clustering analysis was used to explore naive patterns of these psychiatric symptoms.

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Stress, Anxiety and Depression Among Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Australian Journal of Guidance and Counselling ◽

10.1017/s1037291100002466 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 151-161 ◽

Cited By ~ 67

Author(s):

Vicki Bitsika ◽

Christopher F. Sharpley

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Contributing Factors ◽

Personal Support ◽

Behavioural Difficulties ◽

Clinically Depressed ◽

Support Mechanisms ◽

Anxiety Depression

In a replication of a previous study of the incidence and contributing factors in anxiety, depression and stress in Victorian parents of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a sample of 107 Gold Coast parents completed a questionnaire that assessed their demographic backgrounds, anxiety and depression scores on standardised inventories, and also tapped several aspects of those factors that may have contributed to their wellbeing. Over 90% of parents reported that they were sometimes unable to deal effectively with their child's behaviour. Nearly half of the participants were severely anxious and nearly two thirds were clinically depressed. Factors that emerged as significant in differentiating between parents with high versus low levels of anxiety and depression included access to family support, parents' estimation of family caregivers' expertise in dealing with the behavioural difficulties of a child with ASD, and parental health. Parents' suggestions for personal support services are reported, and some comparisons across the data from the two states are made, with suggestions for further research into parent support mechanisms.

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A preliminary evaluation of metacognitive beliefs in high functioning children with autism spectrum disorder

Advances in Autism ◽

10.1108/aia-08-2017-0017 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 73-84 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Breeanna Campbell ◽

Michelle Curran ◽

Raymond Inkpen ◽

Mary Katsikitis ◽

Lee Kannis-Dymand

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Children With Autism ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Preliminary Evaluation ◽

Research Attention ◽

Content Type ◽

High Functioning ◽

Metacognitive Beliefs

Purpose Metacognitive beliefs and processes have been found to perpetuate anxiety and depression in youth and adults. However, the presence of metacognitive beliefs in children with autism spectrum disorder is somewhat unclear and has received limited research attention to date. The purpose of this paper is to explore metacognitive beliefs in children with autism and associations with anxiety and depression. Design/methodology/approach In total, 23 high functioning participants (17 male and 6 female) between the ages of 8 and 12 (M=10.38) diagnosed on the autism spectrum completed the study. Participants completed the Revised Children’s Scale of Anxiety and Depression and the Metacognitions Questionnaire for Children. Findings Correlation analyses revealed that positive and negative metacognitive beliefs were found, as hypothesised, to be prevalent in this sample. Originality/value Despite methodological limitations, this is one of the first research evaluations to provide evidence for metacognitive beliefs in high functioning children with autism and comorbid anxiety or low mood.

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The Influence of Language Context on Repetitive Speech Use in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology ◽

10.1044/2019_ajslp-19-00003 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

pp. 327-334 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Allison Gladfelter ◽

Cassidy VanZuiden

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Individual Characteristics ◽

Receptive Vocabulary ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

School Age Children ◽

Social Responsiveness ◽

Contributing Factors ◽

Children With Asd ◽

Language Context

Purpose Although repetitive speech is a hallmark characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the contributing factors that influence repetitive speech use remain unknown. The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine if the language context impacts the amount and type of repetitive speech produced by children with ASD. Method As part of a broader word-learning study, 11 school-age children with ASD participated in two different language contexts: storytelling and play. Previously collected language samples were transcribed and coded for four types of repetitive speech: immediate echolalia, delayed echolalia, verbal stereotypy, and vocal stereotypy. The rates and proportions of repetitive speech were compared across the two language contexts using Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests. Individual characteristics were further explored using Spearman correlations. Results The children produced lower rates of repetitive speech during the storytelling context than the play-based context. Only immediate echolalia differed between the two contexts based on rate and approached significance based on proportion, with more immediate echolalia produced in the play-based context than in the storytelling context. There were no significant correlations between repetitive speech and measures of social responsiveness, expressive or receptive vocabulary, or nonverbal intelligence. Conclusions The children with ASD produced less immediate echolalia in the storytelling context than in the play-based context. Immediate echolalia use was not related to social skills, vocabulary, or nonverbal IQ scores. These findings offer valuable insights into better understanding repetitive speech use in children with ASD.

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Emotion Dysregulation in Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Oxford Handbook of Emotion Dysregulation ◽

10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190689285.013.20 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 282-298

Author(s):

Emily Neuhaus

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Social Communication ◽

Educational Outcomes ◽

Emotion Dysregulation ◽

Research Priorities ◽

Theoretical Models ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Repetitive Behaviors ◽

Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined by deficits in social communication and interaction, and restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests. Although current diagnostic conceptualizations of ASD do not include emotional difficulties as core deficits, the disorder is associated with emotion dysregulation across the lifespan, with considerable implications for long-term psychological, social, and educational outcomes. The overarching goal of this chapter is to integrate existing knowledge of emotion dysregulation in ASD and identify areas for further investigation. The chapter reviews the prevalence and expressions of emotion dysregulation in ASD, discusses emerging theoretical models that frame emotion dysregulation as an inherent (rather than associated) feature of ASD, presents neurobiological findings and mechanisms related to emotion dysregulation in ASD, and identifies continuing controversies and resulting research priorities.

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FASTER and SCOTT&EVA trainings for adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽

10.1186/s13063-021-05205-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ludger Tebartz van Elst ◽

Thomas Fangmeier ◽

Ulrich Max Schaller ◽

Oliver Hennig ◽

Meinhard Kieser ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Social Communication ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Social Responsiveness ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Computer Based Training ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Computer Based

Abstract Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental condition with a prevalence rate above 1%, characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction; restrictive, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities; and a preference for sameness and routines. The majority of adult ASD patients suffer from comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. Therapy options for adult ASD patients are lacking, with presently no available evidence-based interventions in Germany. Recently, two interventions to improve social responsiveness have been published. FASTER (“Freiburger Asperger-Spezifische Therapie für ERwachsene” = Freiburg Asperger-specific therapy for adults) is a manualized group psychotherapy program including three modules on psychoeducation, stress regulation management, and non-verbal and verbal social communication training with videotaped tasks. SCOTT&EVA (“Social Cognition Training Tool”, and its enhancement “Emotionen Verstehen und Ausdruecken” = understanding and expressing emotions) is a computer-based training program to enhance social cognition including video and audio material of emotional expressions and complex real-life social situations. Initial studies for both programs have shown good feasibility and efficacy. Methods Three hundred sixty adult participants with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will take part in a randomized controlled three-armed multi-center trial to prove the efficacy of manualized group psychotherapy and a manualized computer-based training program. Both interventions will be compared with a treatment as usual (TAU) group, aiming to establish evidence-based psychotherapy approaches for adult individuals with ASD. The primary outcome is evaluated by parents, spouses, or others who have sufficient insight into the respective participant’s social communication and interaction, and will be measured with the Social Responsiveness Scale. First, each of both interventions will be compared to TAU. If at least one of the differences is significant, both interventions will be compared against each other. The primary outcome will be measured at baseline (T0) and 4 months after baseline (T1). Discussion The trial is the first to validate psychiatric therapeutic and training interventions for adult ASD patients in Germany. A trial is needed because the prevalence of ASD in adulthood without intellectual disability is high, and no evidence-based intervention can be offered in Germany. Trial registration German Clinical Trial Register DRKS00017817. Registered on 20 April 2020.

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Comparison of behaviors characteristic of autism spectrum disorder behaviors and behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of dementia

Aging & Mental Health ◽

10.1080/13607863.2020.1849025 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Elizabeth K. Rhodus ◽

Justin Barber ◽

Erin L. Abner ◽

Shoshana H. Bardach ◽

Allison Gibson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Psychiatric Symptoms ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder

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Examining the experiences and quality of life of patients with an autism spectrum disorder detained in high secure psychiatric care

Advances in Autism ◽

10.1108/aia-02-2016-0006 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 3-14 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

David Murphy ◽

Hannah Mullens

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Psychiatric Care ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Living Situation ◽

Diverse Range ◽

Content Type ◽

Secure Psychiatric Care

Purpose Although individuals with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represent a small proportion of forensic psychiatric patients as a group they present with specific difficulties and needs. There is also evidence that if detained individuals with an ASD experience particular difficulties within custodial environments as a result of a mismatch between the difficulties associated with their ASD and the environmental demands. The purpose of this paper is to explore the experience of individuals with an ASD admitted to a high secure psychiatric care (HSPC) hospital. Design/methodology/approach Using both a semi-structured interview and a quality of life self-report measure (the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile) the experiences and views of seven patients with an ASD detained in one HSPC hospital were qualitatively explored. Findings Whilst a diverse range of negative and positive aspects of being within HSPC were identified by patients interviewed, those with prison experience thought HSPC was a less stressful environment with more therapeutic opportunities. As a group, patients with an ASD reported a similar or significantly better quality of life in many domains (global, leisure, financial and living situation) compared to other detained forensic patient groups. Practical implications Although most patients with an ASD interviewed reported positive experiences, there are a number of practical improvements that could be made within the hospital to reduce experienced stress levels and perhaps improve therapeutic outcomes. Originality/value Within the context of the Department of Health's autism strategy (2010) and subsequent update think autism (2014), the survey highlights continued ASD awareness training for staff as important. In responding to the risks and needs of individuals with an ASD in HSPC there is further support for the development of an ASD specialist service.

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A systematic PRISMA review of individuals with autism spectrum disorder in secure psychiatric care: prevalence, treatment, risk assessment and other clinical considerations

Journal of Criminal Psychology ◽

10.1108/jcp-06-2017-0028 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 58-79 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Clare S. Allely

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Psychiatric Care ◽

Psychiatric Hospitals ◽

Autistic Traits ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Bibliographic Databases ◽

Future Research ◽

Content Type ◽

Secure Psychiatric Care

Purpose Patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present with specific assessment, specific difficulties, needs and therapeutic issues and therefore are a challenging group for forensic services. Given the challenge that individuals with ASD present to forensic services, the suggested increase in the number of this group within this setting and the relatively little amount of research which suggests they face a number of difficulties within the prison environment, the purpose of this paper is to identify and review all the studies which have been carried out investigating any aspect of ASD in relation to secure hospital settings. Design/methodology/approach Seven internet-based bibliographic databases were used for the present review. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Findings A total of 12 studies were included in this review; 3 looked at the prevalence of ASD in secure psychiatric hospitals. One study evaluated the clinical utility of the AQ screening tool to assess self-reported autistic traits in secure psychiatric settings. Three explored any type of characteristics of patients with ASD detained in secure psychiatric hospitals. One study investigated the experiences or quality of life of patients with an ASD detained in secure psychiatric care. Two studies investigated awareness, knowledge and/or views regarding patients with ASD held by staff working within secure psychiatric hospitals. Lastly, three studies (one of which was also included in the prevalence category above) looked at the effectiveness of interventions or treatment of patients with ASD in secure psychiatric hospitals. Clinical recommendations and future research directions are discussed. Originality/value To the author’s knowledge, this is the first review to explore what research has been carried out looking specifically at patients with ASD in relation to secure forensic settings.

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