A community detection study: Two replicated distinct subgroups in autistic adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tulsi Radhoe ◽  
Joost Agelink van Rentergem ◽  
Carolien Torenvliet ◽  
Annabeth Groenman ◽  
Wikke van der Putten ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Community Detection ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Adhd Group ◽  
Detection Analysis ◽  
Cognitive Failures ◽  
Test Specificity ◽  
Psychological Difficulties ◽  
Autistic Adults

Psychiatric conditions, such as Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) are marked by large heterogeneity, which complicates providing tailored support and prognosis. In this study, we aim to identify homogeneous subgroups in autistic adults using community detection. We included 14 variables related to aging with ASC (i.e., demographic, psychological and lifestyle), measured by questionnaires. Community detection analysis was used for subgroup identification in 133 autistic adults and 62 non-autistic comparisons (age 31-89 years). We replicated our findings in a separate sample (Nautistic = 277; Ncomparisons=384; age 30-92 years). For more insight into heterogeneity within ASC, we performed separate community detection analyses in the ASC subsamples. To test the external validity of the ASC subgroups, we compared them on cognitive failures, quality of life, and psychological difficulties. To test specificity, we repeated the community detection analysis after adding 62 adults with ADHD. The ASC and COMP groups formed distinct subgroups. Within the ASC group, we identified three subgroups, of which two were replicated. We identified a “High social, High Grip” subgroup and a “Low social, low grip” subgroup. The “Low social, low grip” reported the most cognitive failures, lowest quality of life, and most psychological difficulties. Addition of an ADHD group did not alter the subgrouping results. Autistic adults are distinct from comparisons on the considered variables. Within autistic adults, one subgroup seems to have less grip on life and could in the long-term benefit from more support, although this must be confirmed in longitudinal and intervention studies.

scholarly journals Ageing on the autism spectrum: A 4-year follow-up study of mental health and quality of life in autistic adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dr Amanda Roestorf ◽  
Patricia Howlin ◽  
Dermot M. Bowler
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Mental Health Conditions ◽  
Autistic Adults

Background: Poor mental health is known to adversely affect functional abilities, social isolation and quality of life (QoL). It is, therefore, crucial to consider the long-term impacts of mental health conditions as autistic adults grow older. Objectives: Our objectives were to understand the extent of: (i) autistic traits, co-occurring physical and mental health conditions; (ii) age-related differences in those conditions; and (iii) their impact on everyday living and QoL. Method: Fifty-two autistic adults (aged 18-79 years) participated in the first study (T1); 28 took part in a follow-up at T2 (mean retest interval 2.5 years). Standardised self-report measures of autistic traits, mental health and QoL were completed at both time points. Results: Over half of autistic adults experienced at least one co-occurring condition, and over a third met the criteria for 3+ conditions. Depression symptoms were particularly high in autistic women. Mental and physical health problems were related to autistic traits, difficulties in everyday life, and were a strong and consistent predictor of poor QoL (T1; T2) across the lifespan. Conclusion: Our findings highlighted that mental health difficulties persisted into older age and did not reduce over time. Together, these findings raise important questions about mental health provision in adult autism.

Disability, functioning, and quality of life among treatment-seeking young autistic adults and its relation to depression, anxiety, and stress

Autism ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 1675-1686 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shin Ho Park ◽  
Yun Ju C Song ◽  
Eleni A Demetriou ◽  
Karen L Pepper ◽  
Alice Norton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
General Health ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Treatment Seeking ◽  
Work Loss ◽  
Mood Symptoms ◽  
Health Disorders ◽  
Autistic Adults

In this study, we consecutively recruited treatment-seeking young autistic adults without intellectual impairment aged 16–30 years who presented to a mental health service and evaluated general health (distress, quality of life, and disability), functioning (work loss days and social functioning), and mood symptoms (depression, anxiety, and stress) in those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder ( n = 96). This group was compared to young adults presenting to the same service with primary mental health disorders (depression, n = 343; bipolar, n = 132; psychosis, n = 166; and anxiety, n = 303). This study also investigated the influence of mood symptoms on general health and functioning in the autism spectrum disorder group. Young autistic adults reported significant general health and functioning impairments that were of similar degree to those presenting with primary mental health disorders. Interestingly, the autistic group also reported similarly high levels of mood symptoms to those with primary depressive and anxiety disorders. In the autistic group, depressive symptoms were strongly associated with distress, quality of life, and work loss days, while stress symptoms were strongly associated with disability. This study highlights further research, and mental health services are required specifically targeting young autistic adults to address their significant unmet needs.

scholarly journals Finding Our Voices, Singing Our Truths: Examining How Quality of Life Domains Manifested in a Singing Group for Autistic Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurel Young
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Personal Health ◽  
Community Music ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
General Adult Population ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Autistic Adults

A growing body of literature indicates that participation in singing groups has a range of health and wellbeing benefits for the general adult population and for various adult cohorts with specific challenges/needs. However, no research had been conducted on potential benefits of group singing for Autistic adults. Furthermore, the neurodiversity movement rejects a biomedical approach to autism and champions the need for supports that will empower individuals on the autism spectrum to participate in society on their own terms. This aligns well with community music therapy (CoMT) philosophy which maintains that all persons have a right to access and participate in music experiences that promote personal health and wellbeing as well as serve as an expression of individuality, culture, and community. Therefore, the present research investigated how quality of life (QoL) variables (considered as components/determinants of health and wellbeing) manifested for eight Autistic adults who participated in 12 group singing sessions. A mixed methods concurrent transformative design was used with priority given to qualitative data. Results illustrate how subdomains contained within overarching QoL domains of Being, Belonging, and Becoming were realized by the group participants. Limitations of the study as well as implications for practice and research are presented.

Development and Validation of a Questionnaire to Assess Parent Reported Quality of Life Pre and Post Vision Therapy in a Population with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2019 ◽  
pp. 195-207
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Behavior ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Visual Behavior ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Vision Therapy

Background: Autism spectrum disorder is characterized in part by atypical behavior in the communication, social, and visual domains. Success in vision therapy is judged not only by changes in optometric findings, but through improvement in quality of life involving communication, social behavior and visual behavior. It would therefore be beneficial to have a validated questionnaire to assess parent reported quality of life pre and post vision therapy specific to patients with autism spectrum disorder. To our knowledge, a questionnaire of this nature has not been previously published in the literature. Methods: Questionnaire items were generated through surveying medical literature based on symptoms in three different categories: visual behavior, social behavior and communication. A pool of 34 questions was developed initially and then with thorough discussion with other experts, a 20-point questionnaire was developed with each item reflected in the construct concept. A draft of 20 questions was then sent to 10 subject experts with clinical experience in the field for more than 20 years, to review the pooled items. Validity and reliability was established prior to assessing the psychometric properties of the ASD/QOL-VT. Prospective observational study was conducted for a duration of 18 months. The study included individuals undergoing vision therapy in the age range of 3 to 15 years who had been diagnosed with ASD. The questionnaire was administered to parents of these children prior to the start of vision therapy. All subjects completed a minimum of 60 vision therapy sessions. The questionnaire was readministered after completing 60 sessions of vision therapy. Results: Cronbach’s alpha value for this questionnaire was 0.93, which reflected very good internal consistency. Factorial analysis yielded four factors with an Eigen value exceeding 1.0 which accounted for 68% variation in the model. The Cronbach alpha value for subscales identified by factorial analysis is 0.97 indicating excellent internal reliability. The mean pre vision therapy social behavior, communication and visual behavior score was 12.0±3.21, 17.07±4.57 and 26.97±6.41 respectively. The mean post vision therapy scores for social behavior, communication and visual behavior was 8.27±4.16, 11.33±5.27 and 17.93±6.52 respectively. On paired t test, the mean difference in score was statistically significant with P<0.001 in all three subcategories. Conclusions: Our study presents the development of a valid and reliable parent questionnaire, the ASD/QOL-VT, that judges communication, social behavior, and visual behavior in autism. Results of the study conducted indicate that vision therapy can result in significant improvements in the quality of life of patients with ASD as judged by their parents. This is evidenced by statistically significant changes in psychometric properties of the ASD/QOL-VT in social behavior, communication and visual behavior.

Predictors of the Quality of Life of Informal Carers of Adults on the Autism Spectrum

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marisse T. Sonido ◽  
Ye In Hwang ◽  
Preeyaporn Srasuebkul ◽  
Julian N. Trollor ◽  
Samuel R. C. Arnold
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Informal Carers

Mental health correlates and potential childhood predictors for the wish to be of the opposite sex in young autistic adults

Autism ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 136236132110240
Author(s):  
Jung-Chi Chang ◽  
Meng-Chuan Lai ◽  
Yueh-Ming Tai ◽  
Susan Shur-Fen Gau
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Item Endorsement ◽  
Opposite Sex ◽  
Autistic Adults

Cross-sectional research has demonstrated the overrepresentation of gender dysphoria in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder. However, the predictors and underlying mechanisms of this co-occurrence remain unclear. This follow-up study aimed to explore baseline (childhood/adolescence) predictors for the follow-up (adulthood) self-reported wish to be of the opposite sex and to investigate its mental health correlates in a sample of 88 autistic individuals as compared with 42 typically developing controls. An item on the Adult Self-Report Inventory-4, “I wish I was the opposite sex,” was used. We compared mental health symptoms between adults with and without this item endorsement. We used prediction models to explore family and autism-related predictors in childhood/adolescence to endorse this item in adulthood. There were more adults endorsing the item in the autism spectrum disorder group compared with the typically developing group. Autistic adults who endorsed the item experienced more mental health challenges, more bullying victimization, more suicidal ideations, and worse quality of life. Lower parent-reported family support and more stereotyped/repetitive behaviors during childhood/adolescence predicted the self-reported wish to be of the opposite sex in adulthood in autistic individuals. It is necessary to raise more attention to gender development and related mental health impact in autistic individuals. Lay abstract Autistic people/people with autism spectrum disorder are more likely to experience gender dysphoria. However, the possible longitudinal predictors and underlying mechanisms of this co-occurrence are unclear. To fill this knowledge gap, we assessed 88 people with autism spectrum disorder and 42 typically developing individuals at their average ages of 13.0 (baseline, childhood/adolescence) and 20.2 years old (follow-up, adulthood). At follow-up, their endorsement on the item “I wish I was the opposite sex” was used to evaluate gender dysphoric symptoms. We compared mental health symptoms between adults with and without this item endorsement at the follow-up assessment. We explored parent-reported family and autism characteristics-related predictors in childhood/adolescence to this item endorsement in adulthood. We found that more autistic adults reported the wish to be of the opposite sex than did typically developing individuals. Autistic adults who endorsed this item experienced more mental health challenges, more school bullying and cyberbullying, more suicidal ideation, and worse quality of life. Moreover, parent-reported lower family support and more stereotyped/repetitive behaviors during childhood/adolescence predicted the self-reported wish to be of the opposite sex in adulthood in autistic individuals. More attention and support should be provided to autistic people regarding gender development and related mental health and quality of life impact, especially during the transition period to young adulthood.

scholarly journals The Association between Prosocial Behaviour and Peer Relationships with Comorbid Externalizing Disorders and Quality of Life in Treatment-Naïve Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 475
Author(s):  
Szabina Velő ◽  
Ágnes Keresztény ◽  
Gyöngyvér Ferenczi-Dallos ◽  
Luca Pump ◽  
Katalin Móra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Peer Relationships ◽  
Externalizing Disorders ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Adhd Group ◽  
Prosocial Behaviour ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Treatment Naïve

Several recent studies confirmed that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has a negative influence on peer relationship and quality of life in children. The aim of the current study is to investigate the association between prosocial behaviour, peer relationships and quality of life in treatment naïve ADHD samples. The samples included 79 children with ADHD (64 boys and 15 girls, mean age = 10.24 years, SD = 2.51) and 54 healthy control children (30 boys and 23 girls, mean age = 9.66 years, SD = 1.73). Measurements included: The “Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Kid; Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire” and the “Inventar zur Erfassung der Lebensqualität bei Kindern und Jugendlichen”. The ADHD group showed significantly lower levels of prosocial behaviour and more problems with peer relationships than the control group. Prosocial behaviour has a weak positive correlation with the rating of the child’s quality of life by the parents, both in the ADHD group and in the control group. The rating of quality of life and peer relationship problems by the parents also showed a significant negative moderate association in both groups. The rating of quality of life by the child showed a significant negative weak relationship with peer relationships in the ADHD group, but no significant relationship was found in the control group. Children with ADHD and comorbid externalizing disorders showed more problems in peer relationships than ADHD without comorbid externalizing disorders. Based on these results, we conclude that therapy for ADHD focused on improvement of prosocial behaviour and peer relationships as well as comorbid externalizing disorders could have a favourable effect on the quality of life of these children.

scholarly journals Health-Related Quality of Life in Children with Developmental Disorders

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina M. Schoemaker ◽  
Suzanne Houwen
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Developmental Disorders ◽  
Developmental Coordination Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Lower Hrqol

Abstract Purpose of Review (1) To give an overview of what is currently known about health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in three common and co-occurring developmental disorders: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and (2) to provide directions for future research. Recent Findings HRQoL is compromised in all three developmental disorders, affecting various domains of HRQoL. However, some domains are more affected than others depending on the nature of the core deficits of the disorder. Overall, parents’ rate HRQoL of their children lower than the children themselves. Children with ASD and ADHD with co-occurring disorders have lower HRQoL compared to those with singular disorders. Future studies in DCD are needed to investigate the effect of co-occurring disorder in this population. Summary Children with developmental disorders have lower HRQoL than typically developing children. Future research should focus on the effects of co-occurring disorders on HRQoL and on protective factors that may increase HRQoL. HRQoL should be a part of clinical assessment, as it reveals the areas in life children are struggling with that could be targeted during intervention.

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