scholarly journals In their own words: The impact of subtle language and communication difficulties as described by autistic girls and boys without intellectual disability

Autism ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 136236132110020
Author(s):  
Alexandra Sturrock ◽  
Helen Chilton ◽  
Katie Foy ◽  
Jenny Freed ◽  
Catherine Adams
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Negative Emotions ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Autistic Children ◽  
Communication Difficulties ◽  
Language And Communication ◽  
Negative Feelings ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insight Into

Subtle language and communication difficulties are persistent and pervasive for autistic individuals without intellectual disability. They are thought to impact negatively on functionality, social interrelations and emotional well-being, although this relationship is under-explored in the literature. The personal accounts of autistic children could add valuable insight into how they experience subtle language and communication difficulties and what impact this has on their daily lives. In this study, 12 autistic children (9–14 years), without intellectual disability, were interviewed on this topic, using specially developed methods/materials to facilitate rich self-reporting. Results showed the children could provide detailed insight into their difficulties and the impact of these on key aspects of functionality (education and daily living) and social interrelations (including friendship building). They also demonstrated a potentially bi-directional relationship between subtle language and communication difficulties and negative emotions; with negative emotions limiting communicative competence and subtle linguistic difficulties leading to negative emotional responses. This study indicates the need for further investigation into the subtle difficulties experienced by autistic children without intellectual disability and its likely impact. Implications for clinical practice include the need for better identification of subtle language and communication difficulties and provision of appropriate therapeutic services which may help to ameliorate negative functional, social and emotional sequelae. Lay abstract Subtle language and communication difficulties are experienced by many autistic individuals even when they do not have additional learning disabilities. These difficulties may affect a person’s day-to-day living, social relationships and emotional well-being. However, currently, there is not much research into this topic. To date, no one has asked autistic children about their own language and communication difficulties or how they feel it affects them. Asking the children could provide valuable new insights. In this study, 12 autistic children (9–14 years), without learning disability, were interviewed on this topic. We developed interview questions, resources and interview procedures with the support of the autistic community. We also worked with an autistic researcher to analyse our results. We aimed to get the most genuine report of the autistic child’s experiences. Our results showed that the children could give detailed insight into their language and communication difficulties if they were given the right support. They told us about how subtle language and communication difficulties affected their ability to learn, take part in certain activities and seek help. They talked about how subtle difficulties affect their ability to talk to new people, talk in groups and ultimately make friends. They also told us about the emotional upset that these subtle difficulties could have. They suggest that communication breakdown leads to negative feelings, but also that negative feelings can lead to more difficulties explaining themselves. The results of this study suggest that we should do more research on the effects of subtle language and communication difficulties. There are also implications for clinical practice. We should identify subtle language and communication difficulties through thorough assessment because these are often missed. We should also develop therapy and strategies that are aimed at individuals with subtle language and communication difficulties because this could help prevent additional difficulties with learning, help-seeking, friendship-making and emotional well-being.

scholarly journals A Subtle Profile With a Significant Impact: Language and Communication Difficulties for Autistic Females Without Intellectual Disability

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Sturrock ◽  
Catherine Adams ◽  
Jenny Freed
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Behavioral Differences ◽  
Language Therapy ◽  
Communication Difficulties ◽  
Language And Communication ◽  
Therapy Services ◽  
Recognition Testing ◽  
The Impact

The presentation of autism in females is poorly understood, which is thought to contribute to missed or later- age diagnosis, especially for those without intellectual disability. Dedicated research into social and behavioral differences has indicated a specific female phenotype of autism. However, less has been done to explore language and communication profiles, despite known sex/gender differences in typically developing populations. This article provides a synthesis of recent work from this small but emerging field. It focuses on a series of four preliminary and explorative studies conducted by the authors and embeds this within the wider literature. Findings suggest a specific profile of language and communication strengths and weaknesses for autistic females without intellectual disability (compared to autistic males and typically developing females). Furthermore, despite the relatively subtle presentation of difficulties (compared to autistic males), the impact on functionality, social inter-relations and emotional well-being, appears to be equitable and significant. The discussion highlights the need for further empirical research and proposes areas for investigation. Implications for clinical practice include the need for better recognition, testing and provision of interventions dedicated to the language and communication difficulties for autistic females. This has relevance for diagnostic, mental health and speech and language therapy services.

scholarly journals The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on older adults with an intellectual disability during the first wave of the pandemic in Ireland

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 93
Author(s):  
Mary McCarron ◽  
Darren McCausland ◽  
Retha Luus ◽  
Andrew Allen ◽  
Fintan Sheerin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Multiple Infection ◽  
Similar Proportion ◽  
Related Data ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

Background: People with intellectual disability have increased risk of exposure to and adverse outcomes from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).They also face challenges to mental health and well-being from COVID-19-related social restrictions and service closures. Methods: Data from a supplemental COVID-19 survey from the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA) (n=710) was used to assess outcomes from the first infection wave of COVID-19 among adults with intellectual disability aged 40+ years in Ireland. Data was gathered on testing, for symptoms and outcomes; procedures to manage COVID-19; and both stress/anxiety and positive experiences during the pandemic. Demographic and health-related data from the main IDS-TILDA dataset was included in analyses. Results: High rates were identified of health conditions associated with poorer COVID-19 outcomes, including overweight/obesity (66.6%, n=365), high cholesterol (38.6%, n=274) and cardiovascular disease (33.7%, n=239). Over half (53.5%, n=380) reported emotional, nervous or psychiatric disorders. Almost two-thirds (62.4%, n=443) were tested for COVID-19, with 10% (n=71) reporting symptoms and 2.5% (n=11) testing positive. There were no instances of COVID-19 related mortality. Common symptoms included fatigue, fever, and cough. Some participants (7.8%, n=55) moved from their usual home, most often to isolate (n=31) or relocate to a family home (n=11). Three-quarters (78.7%) of those who were symptomatic or who tested positive had plans to manage self-isolation and two-thirds were able to comply with guidelines. Over half (55%, n=383) reported some COVID-19 related stress/anxiety; and a similar proportion reported positive aspects during this period (58%, n=381). Conclusions: Our data suggests that people with intellectual disability avoided the worst impacts of COVID-19 during the first infection wave in Ireland. Nevertheless, participants’ health profiles suggest that this population remains at high risk for adverse infection outcomes. Repeated measures are needed to track health and well-being outcomes across multiple infection waves.

Development of a psychological pathway model linking lighting quality to well-being in indoor café environments

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 390-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong Hyun Kim
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Pathway Model ◽  
Aesthetic Judgement ◽  
Pathway Models ◽  
Negative Feelings ◽  
Indoor Lighting ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Psychological Pathway

The aim of the study was to investigate whether indoor lighting quality would have any systematic impact on psychological well-being of people working in café environments. Earlier studies have mostly focused on the impact of lighting in typical workspace environments through laboratory settings. The present study was conducted under two different real café environments; one with daylight, another without daylight, with a total of 66 customers’ participation. Two psychological pathway models that linked customers’ self-reported lighting quality, pleasantness, aesthetic judgement of space appearance, environmental satisfaction and feelings of eye discomfort were developed. Application of structural equation modelling produced strong fits to these two models, one with daylight, another without daylight, in which quality of lighting was linked with environmental satisfaction and feelings of eye discomfort in both cafés. The results suggest that under a non-daylit café environment, providing good quality lighting can both directly and indirectly promote environmental satisfaction and decrease negative feelings of eye discomfort, while under a daylit café environment, perceived lighting quality was only indirectly linked.

Voices of Nurses During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Call to Action

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 88-93
Author(s):  
Mary Jo Kreitzer
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Organizations ◽  
Negative Emotions ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Systemic Racism ◽  
Call To Action ◽  
Long Run ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Bounce Back

The Covid-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on the well-being of nurses and has exacerbated long-standing issues of stress and burnout. Expecting or hoping that nurses will recover quickly or bounce back from the stress and deep trauma of the pandemic is not realistic. Each nurse has a story, and while these stories may have similar themes, they are all different. It is important to reflect on our stories, identify the myriad of emotions we are experiencing, and find ways to work through our feelings. Ignoring, denying, or suppressing feelings does not serve us well in the long run. Stifling negative emotions does not make them go away. A Call to Action is needed to address the impact of the pandemic, clinician burnout, and systemic racism on health-care organizations and educational institutions. Strategies are identified that will support personal and organizational well-being.

The Impact of Bedside Technology on Patients' Well-Being

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Tanja-Dijkstra
Keyword(s):  
Medical Equipment ◽  
Emotional State ◽  
Healing Process ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Single Factor ◽  
Healthcare Design ◽  
Healthcare Environment ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insight Into

Objective: This paper presents a study to gain insight into the effects of the visibility of medical equipment on the well-being of patients. Background: Encounters with healthcare situations are characterized by stress and anxiety. The presence of wires, tubes, and monitors near the bedside may contribute to these feelings. One of the trends in healthcare design is to organize the headwalls of patient rooms in such a way as to reduce clutter and minimize the visibility of medical equipment, but no experimental studies are available that investigate the effects of the visibility of medical equipment in patient rooms. Methods: This experiment employed a single-factor between-subjects design (medical equipment visible vs. medical equipment out of sight) exposing participants ( n = 42) to a scenario and a picture of a hospital room. Results: Placing medical equipment out of sight leads to reduced feelings of stress in patients. This stress-reducing effect is mediated by feelings of pleasure. Placing medical equipment out of sight leads to a more positive emotional state, which in turn leads to feelings of reduced stress in patients. Moreover, placing equipment out of sight leads to people having more trust in the healthcare provider. Conclusions: The current study emphasizes the importance of the built healthcare environment and shows what role the visibility of medical equipment can play in the healing process of patients.

A comparison of physical activity, physical fitness levels, BMI and blood pressure of adults with intellectual disability, who do and do not take part in Special Olympics Ireland programmes: Results from the SOPHIE study

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 154-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise Walsh ◽  
Sarahjane Belton ◽  
Sarah Meegan ◽  
Kirsty Bowers ◽  
Deidre Corby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Special Olympics ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Fitness Levels

People with an intellectual disability are less physically active, live more sedentary lives, have lower fitness levels and are more likely to be overweight or obese than the general population. No evidence exists on the impact of participation in Special Olympics Ireland (SOI) on physical activity and physical fitness levels. Adults with intellectual disabilities (16–64 years) were recruited from services and SOI clubs. Physical measures included waist circumference, height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate and 6-min walking test. Self-report questionnaires gathered data on physical activity levels. Actigraph (GT3X) accelerometers were used to gain an objective measure of physical activity. SOI participants accumulated more moderate to vigorous physical activity per day, had higher fitness levels and more positive health profile scores than those not taking part in SOI. SOI has the potential to make a positive difference to people’s physical health and subsequently their overall health and well-being.

Fetal Biometry in Obstetric Practice

BMUS Bulletin ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gill Harrison ◽  
Vickie Aitken
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Measurement Techniques ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Postal Questionnaire ◽  
Crown Rump Length ◽  
Fetal Biometry ◽  
Growth Estimation ◽  
The Impact

Fetal biometry plays an important role in every woman's antenatal care. As clinical decisions are based on these measurements it is imperative that standards are kept high and all departments use standardised charts. Thus minimising inaccurate diagnoses in fetal dating and growth estimation, which may have serious consequences for fetal well being. Standardisation of fetal biometry was assessed by circulating a postal questionnaire to superintendent sonographers in 121 hospitals within the Thames regions. The main aims were to determine whose charts were in use and the measurement techniques employed; to investigate the impact of more recently published charts; and to study other related issues. A 49% response rate was achieved. Results demonstrated a lack of standardisation in the use of all charts for fetal biometry, with the exception of the crown rump length charts. A number of discrepancies were noted in the measurement techniques employed, when compared to the charts in use. These findings are discussed in relation to clinical practice.

scholarly journals Of Mice and (Wo)Men: Tampons, Menstruation, and Testing

2020 ◽  
pp. 673-686
Author(s):  
Sharra L. Vostral
Keyword(s):  
Material Science ◽  
Social Power ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Women's Bodies ◽  
Cultural Conditions ◽  
Bodily Experiences ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Vostral provides much-needed insight into the link between women’s bodily experiences with tampons and twentieth-century developments in material science, corporate research, and gynecological observations about menstrual cycles. She examines how design modifications to tampons, changes in material composition, and the cultivation of women test subjects exposed scientific assumptions, ideas about safety, and attitudes concerning gendered and menstruating bodies. Focusing on the practical work of tampon testing, Vostral examines the impact of broad cultural conditions: prevailing ideas about women’s bodies, gender differences, and the role of science and medicine in optimizing well-being. Finally, she shows how patterns of social power and privilege configured this research, with evidence taking different forms over time.

scholarly journals Individualized Apartment Accommodation for People With Intellectual Disability: Protocol for a Qualitative Study Examining the Well-Being and Support Outcomes Linking Housing and Health (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phillippa Carnemolla
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Group Home ◽  
Community Setting ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Support Staff ◽  
High Density ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Supported Accommodation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Support Model

BACKGROUND Understanding the outcomes associated with both receiving and providing support to people with intellectual disability in specific settings can facilitate the alignment of health providers, community care providers, architects, and urban planners to strengthen levels of autonomy and community participation of people with intellectual disability living in the community. This study explores the impact of providing support (available 24 hours a day) for people with intellectual disability in a high-density apartment. It seeks the perspectives of people with intellectual disability who have moved into an apartment from a group home (where 4-6 people with disability live), their families, and support staff. It will enable comparison between two models of supported accommodation, group homes and individualized apartments, in a community setting. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study are to explore the impact of an individualized apartment model of supported accommodation in a high-density setting on the well-being, autonomy, and participation of people with intellectual disability living and receiving support; the experience of providing care or support; and how this setting impacts the logistics of how quality support is provided. METHODS Qualitative research methods were employed as the primary means of collecting and analyzing data. There are two main sources of data in this study: (1) semistructured interviews with participants in up to 3 waves (pre, post 1, and post 2) and (2) pre- and postoccupancy evaluation data on the design, layout, and location details of the built environments. Coded interview data will be paired with pre- and postoccupancy evaluations of the two accommodation settings. RESULTS As of May 2020, we have recruited 55 participants. There have been 96 interviews conducted in 2 waves with people who have moved into supported accommodation, families, and staff. Collected data are currently being analyzed. We expect the results of the trial to be published in a peer-reviewed journal in late 2020. CONCLUSIONS This paper sets out a study of an alternative housing and support model for people with intellectual disability. It will capture personal experiences of people with intellectual disability receiving support in an apartment compared to their experiences in a group home. It will also capture the experiences of support staff working in the new setting and reveal how this differs from a group home setting. The inclusion of pre (group home) and post (apartment integrated into a community setting) measures addresses evaluative and comparative questions around the nature and impacts of the small-scale apartment and support model for both those who live and receive support, and those who support them. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/18248

scholarly journals COVID-19 and young people with intellectual disability: a service review

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S334-S335
Author(s):  
Omer Minhas ◽  
Pippa Mundy ◽  
Jessica Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Complex Systems ◽  
Clinical Review ◽  
Community Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Child And Adolescent ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Distress Calls ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Children With Intellectual Disability

AimsA service review of specialist child and adolescent intellectual disability provision in South Wales was conducted between March and May 2020. The purpose was to explore the impact of the first COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on children with intellectual disability and their families. The review aimed to explore if the disruption to the systems involved in their care would impact their wellbeing and behavioural presentations. We also measured if there had been an increase in the use of medication. Our focus was on the distress calls, which are requests for urgent clinical review to prevent a crisis.A service review of specialist child and adolescent intellectual disability provision in South Wales was conducted between March and May 2020. The purpose was to explore the impact of the first COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on children with intellectual disability and their families. The review aimed to explore if the disruption to the systems involved in their care would impact their wellbeing and behavioural presentations. We also measured if there had been an increase in the use of medication. Our focus was on the distress calls, which are requests for urgent clinical review to prevent a crisis.MethodSix clinical areas across three Welsh health boards under the same specialist team were surveyed. Case notes and email correspondence were reviewed to obtain the number and content of crisis calls made to specialist CAMHS across an eight week period during the first UK COVID-19 lockdown. Data were gathered on frequency, purpose, and outcome of calls. Comparison data were also collected for the period October 2019 to March 2020.ResultPre-COVID-19: Two crisis calls were identified in two different areas during the pre-COVID period surveyed. Increases in medication and increases in respite care packages were made as a result.During COVID-19 restrictions: 20 different initial distress calls made (children age 9 and 17 years old (M = 13.2); 75% were boys) across five of the six clinical areas. Of these 20 calls, 17 were active cases and 3 were new referrals. 95% of calls resulted in medication increases and there were few other interventions used due to COVID-19 constraints. Changes to the child's support system were discussed across all cases and return to school was highlighted as a key protective factor in improved well-being. Differences between clinical areas were also identified.ConclusionThere was a clear increase in distress calls and requests to prescribe or increase psychotropic medication to calm the distress during the ‘lockdown’. Changes in behavioural presentation may have occurred partly due to the disruption to the complex systems that typically support a child and the shift away from community support. Children with intellectual disability and their families are unique and embedded in complex systems comprising schools, respite, and healthcare provision which work together to deliver optimal mental healthcare with psychosocial interventions with medication for higher-risk situations. Any shifts in these systems may lead to an imbalance and a higher likelihood of medication use.

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