Violent Fantasies in Young Men With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Dangerous or Miserable Misfits? Duty to Protect Whom?

2015 ◽  
Vol 61 (9) ◽  
pp. 959-974 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark T. Palermo ◽  
Stefan Bogaerts
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Autism Spectrum Conditions ◽  
Clinical Approach ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Pornography Use ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Duty To Protect ◽  
Violent Ideation ◽  
First Person Shooter

Predictability of dangerousness in association with mental disorders remains elusive, outside of a few relatively well-established risk factors for the prognostication of violence, such as male sex, the presence of a psychotic disorder, and comorbid substance abuse. In clinical practice, inquiry into the presence of aggressive or violent ideation, in the form of ideas of homicide or suicide, is part of a standard mental status examination. Nonetheless, fantasy life, when it concerns harm toward others, may not be as reliable an indicator of imminent danger as it may be in the case of self-harm. Five cases of young Italian men with Asperger syndrome and recurrent and extremely violent femicide fantasies are presented. While there is no direct correlation between autism spectrum conditions and violence, as other humans, persons with an autistic condition are capable of committing crimes, including homicide. All five had in common a number of characteristics and behaviors felt to be pathoplastic: All had been bullied, all had been romantically rejected, all were long-standing First Person Shooter (FPS) game players, and all were avid violent pornography consumers. The potential for an actual neurocognitive impact of violent video games, well documented in the literature, and its combination with personal life history and chronic habituation following long-standing violent pornography use is discussed in the context of social and emotional vulnerabilities. While aggressive fantasies cannot and should not be underestimated, in countries where duty to protect legislation does not exist, a clinical approach is imperative, as, incidentally, should be anywhere.

AAP Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Behavioral Interventions ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Social And Emotional Development ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Medical Evaluation ◽  
Behavioral Pediatrics ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Speech And Language Development

Developed by leading experts in developmental and behavioral pediatrics, the all-new AAP Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics gives one place to turn for expert recommendations to deliver, coordinate, and/or monitor quality developmental/behavioral care within the medical home. The one resource with all the essentials for pediatric primary care providers. Evaluation and care initiation: Interviewing and counseling, Surveillance and screening, Psychoeducational testing, Neurodevelopmental assessment and medical evaluation. Development and disorders: Motor and cognitive development, Speech and language development and disorders, Social and emotional development, Autism spectrum disorders, Learning disabilities. Management solutions: Psychological interventions, Behavioral interventions, Psychopharmacologic management, Complementary and alternative medicine approaches. Contents: Introduction - Child Development: The Basic Science of Pediatrics, Nature, Nurture and Their Interactions in Child Development and Behavior, Interviewing and Counseling Children and Families, Basics of Child Behavior and Primary Care Management of Common Behavioral Problems, Early Intervention, Developmental and Behavioral Surveillance and Screening Within the Medical Home, Neurodevelopmental Assessment and Medical Evaluation, Developmental and Behavioral Diagnoses: The Spectrum and Continuum of Developmental Disabilities and Behavioral Disorders, Motor Development, Cognitive Development, Speech and Language Development and Disorders, Social and Emotional Development, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Psychoeducational Testing, Learning Disabilities, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Disruptive Behavior Disorders, Anxiety and Mood Disorders, Evidence-based Psychological and Behavioral Interventions, Principles of Psychopharmacologic Management, Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Sensory Impairments: Hearing and Vision, Social and Community Services, Transition to Adult Medical Care, Billing and Coding for Developmental and Behavioral Problems in Outpatient Primary Care.

scholarly journals The level of quality of life of schoolchildren with disorders of the autic spectrum in comparison with typically developed peers

2021 ◽  
pp. 107-115
Author(s):  
O. Petrusenko ◽  
I. Bodnar
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Emotional Functioning ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Typical Development ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Spectrum Disorders

In connection with the increasing the number of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) who enrolls in educational institutions of Ukraine, the issue of individualization of physical education (PE) of children with ASD in the school process becomes important. There is little data on the quality of life of schoolchildren with autism spectrum disorders. It does not allow to draw individual trajectories of physical education of such children, to help them to improve their adaptability. Most of studies have been performed on males. Objective: to analyze the level of cognitive, physical, emotional, social functioning and functioning in school of girls of primary school age with autism spectrum disorders and compare them with typically developed peers. It was found that there were no differences between the rates of girls with ASD and girls with typical development in walking and running, feeling of pain and low energy levels, the frequency of school absences due to doctor visits and the frequency of forgetting things. However, the level of development of cognitive, social and emotional functioning of girls with ASD is significantly lower than the indicators with typical development by all criteria. To overcome the problems with cognitive, social and emotional functioning of girls with ASD, it is recommended to select appropriate means of PE. In oder to improve the cognitive processes (attention, memory) of girls with ASD, we recommend to increase the amount of means that promote the development of coordination in PE classes; to improve physical functioning - exercises for developing muscle strength and endurance. The game activity with normal girls will help to improve the social well-being of girls with ASD. We should use oriental martial arts and oriental gymnastics to improve the psycho-emotional state of girls with ASD.

scholarly journals An exploration of the genetic epidemiology of non-suicidal self-harm and suicide attempt

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abigail Emma Russell ◽  
Gibran Hemani ◽  
Hannah J Jones ◽  
Tamsin Ford ◽  
David Gunnell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Attempt ◽  
Prediction Model ◽  
Genetic Epidemiology ◽  
Complex Traits ◽  
Heritability Estimate ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Autism Spectrum Conditions ◽  
Genetic Overlap ◽  
Self Harm

AbstractBackgroundEmpirical evidence supporting the distinction between suicide attempt (SA) and non-suicidal self-harm (NSSH) is lacking. Although NSSH is a risk factor for SA, we do not currently know whether these behaviours lie on a continuum of severity, or whether they are discrete outcomes with different aetiologies. We conducted this exploratory genetic epidemiology study to investigate this issue further.MethodsWe explored the extent of genetic overlap between NSSH and SA in a large, richly-phenotyped cohort (the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children;N = 4959), utilising individual-level genetic and phenotypic data to conduct analyses of genome-wide complex traits and polygenic risk scores (PRS).ResultsThe single nucleotide polymorphism heritability of NSSH was estimated to be 13% (SE 0.07) and that of SA to be 0% (SE 0.07). Of the traits investigated, NSSH was most strongly correlated with higher IQ (rG = 0.31, SE = 0.22), there was little evidence of high genetic correlation between NSSH and SA (rG = − 0.1, SE = 0.54), likely due to the low heritability estimate for SA. The PRS for depression differentiated between those with NSSH and SA in multinomial regression. The optimal PRS prediction model for SA (NagelkerkeR20.022,p < 0.001) included ADHD, depression, income, anorexia and neuroticism and explained more variance than the optimal prediction model for NSSH (Nagelkerke R20.010,p < 0.001) which included ADHD, alcohol consumption, autism spectrum conditions, depression, IQ, neuroticism and suicide attempt.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that SA does not have a large genetic component, and that although NSSH and SA are not discrete outcomes there appears to be little genetic overlap between the two. The relatively small sample size and resulting low heritability estimate for SA was a limitation of the study. Combined with low heritability estimates, this implies that family or population structures in SA GWASs may contribute to signals detected.

The Role of Augmented E-Learning Systems for Enhancing Pro-Social Behaviour in Socially Impaired Individuals

2011 ◽  
pp. 248-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Bishop
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Emotional Functioning ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Learning Systems ◽  
Autism Spectrum Conditions ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Social Behaviours

E-learning systems generally rely on good visual and cognitive abilities, making them suitable for individuals with good levels of intelligence in these areas. A group of such individuals are those with non-systemising impairments (NSIs), such as people with autism spectrum conditions (ASCs). These individuals could benefit greatly from technology that allows them to use their abilities to overcome their impairments in social and emotional functioning in order to develop pro-social behaviours. Existing systems such as PARLE and MindReading are discussed, and a new one, the Visual Ontological Imitation System (VOIS), is proposed and discussed. This chapter details an investigation into the acceptability of these systems by those working in social work and advocacy. The study found that VOIS would be well received, although dependency on assistive technology and its impact on how others view NSIs still need to be addressed by society and its institutions.

Suicidality and Self-Harm in Autism Spectrum Conditions

2020 ◽  
pp. 348-368
Author(s):  
Jennifer N. Haddock ◽  
Louis P. Hagopian
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
General Population ◽  
Early Death ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Convincing Evidence ◽  
Autism Spectrum Conditions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Autistic Children ◽  
Autistic People ◽  
Self Harm

Self-harm and suicidality in autism spectrum conditions (ASCs) have been underresearched. However, there is now convincing evidence that suicide is a leading cause of early death in the autistic community, and the prevalence of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and suicidal behaviors is significantly elevated in autistic children and adults compared to the general population and psychiatric groups. Less research is currently available exploring the reasons why (etiology), how to assess or measure self-harm and suicidality, or how to treat these difficulties in autistic people. This chapter will summarize existing evidence on this topic and provide recommendations for future research and clinical practice to improve understanding, assessment, and prevention of self-harm and suicidality in ASD.

scholarly journals Understanding intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders from common mouse models: synapses to behaviour

Open Biology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 180265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vijaya Verma ◽  
Abhik Paul ◽  
Anjali Amrapali Vishwanath ◽  
Bhupesh Vaidya ◽  
James P. Clement
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Mouse Models ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
World Population ◽  
Normal Brain ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Emotional Deficits

Normal brain development is highly dependent on the timely coordinated actions of genetic and environmental processes, and an aberration can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of co-occurring NDDs that affect between 3% and 5% of the world population, thus presenting a great challenge to society. This problem calls for the need to understand the pathobiology of these disorders and to design new therapeutic strategies. One approach towards this has been the development of multiple analogous mouse models. This review discusses studies conducted in the mouse models of five major monogenic causes of ID and ASDs: Fmr1, Syngap1, Mecp2, Shank2/3 and Neuroligins/Neurnexins. These studies reveal that, despite having a diverse molecular origin, the effects of these mutations converge onto similar or related aetiological pathways, consequently giving rise to the typical phenotype of cognitive, social and emotional deficits that are characteristic of ID and ASDs. This convergence, therefore, highlights common pathological nodes that can be targeted for therapy. Other than conventional therapeutic strategies such as non-pharmacological corrective methods and symptomatic alleviation, multiple studies in mouse models have successfully proved the possibility of pharmacological and genetic therapy enabling functional recovery.

scholarly journals The Naturalness of Biological Movement by Individuals with Autism Spectrum Conditions: Taking Neurotypical Individuals’ Viewpoint

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (16) ◽  
pp. 2574-2578
Author(s):  
Miskatyas Putri Aransih ◽  
Rizki Edmi Edison
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Internal Representation ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Autism Spectrum Conditions ◽  
Autistic Trait ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Screening Questionnaires ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Tas 20

BACKGROUND: When an action is being observed, it is matched to the observer’s internal representation of the action. The more similar, the more the action is perceived as natural. A factor influencing judgement of naturalness is the kinematic features of a movement. However, these features could be altered due to certain conditions that can modify movement such as Autism Spectrum Disorders. As a result, neurotypical observers may fail to interpret the action due to impaired naturalness. AIM: This work aims to investigate (1) whether neurotypical observers judge the autistic individuals’ movement as less natural, (2) which kinematic factors (jerk, acceleration, velocity and size) contribute to their perception and (3) whether cue reliance correlates with autistic traits. METHODS: Thirty neurotypical participants (20 – 33 years old; 15 males) completed autistic trait screening questionnaires (ADC, TAS-20, AQ). They completed a computer task showing 2D side-to-side arm movements recorded from neurotypical and autistic individuals. Finally, they rated the naturalness of the observed movements, and how certain they were with their answer. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the participants’ perception of naturalness of the two movement groups. Jerk, acceleration and velocity contributed to shaping the participants’ perception with a jerk as the most significant factor. The correlation between the participants’ autistic trait and both their perception of naturalness as well as of each kinematic cue were not significant. CONCLUSION: Our neurotypical participants perceived the autistic movements as less natural. Their perceptions were influenced mainly by the jerk as well as acceleration and velocity of the autistic movements. Autistic traits in the participants did not correlate to their perception of movement naturalness nor to any of the kinematic factors.

scholarly journals What aspects of autism predispose to talent?

2009 ◽  
Vol 364 (1522) ◽  
pp. 1369-1375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Happé ◽  
Pedro Vital
Keyword(s):  
Executive Dysfunction ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Autism Spectrum Conditions ◽  
Repetitive Behaviours ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Processing Bias ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Enhanced Perceptual Functioning ◽  
Restricted And Repetitive Behaviours

In this paper, we explore the question, why are striking special skills so much more common in autism spectrum conditions (ASC) than in other groups? Current cognitive accounts of ASC are briefly reviewed in relation to special skills. Difficulties in ‘theory of mind’ may contribute to originality in ASC, since individuals who do not automatically ‘read other minds’ may be better able to think outside prevailing fashions and popular theories. However, originality alone does not confer talent. Executive dysfunction has been suggested as the ‘releasing’ mechanism for special skills in ASC, but other groups with executive difficulties do not show raised incidence of talents. Detail-focused processing bias (‘weak coherence’, ‘enhanced perceptual functioning’) appears to be the most promising predisposing characteristic, or ‘starting engine’, for talent development. In support of this notion, we summarize data from a population-based twin study in which parents reported on their 8-year-olds' talents and their ASC-like traits. Across the whole sample, ASC-like traits, and specifically ‘restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests’ related to detail focus, were more pronounced in children reported to have talents outstripping older children. We suggest that detail-focused cognitive style predisposes to talent in savant domains in, and beyond, autism spectrum disorders.

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