Dual perspectives in autism spectrum disorders and employment: Toward a better fit in the workplace

Work ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 223-237
Author(s):  
Marissa L. Diener ◽  
Cheryl A. Wright ◽  
Carly Taylor ◽  
Valerie D’Astous ◽  
Lauren Lasrich
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Model ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Person Environment Fit ◽  
Workplace Success ◽  
Participatory Research Methods ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
High School Diplomas ◽  
Dual Employment ◽  
Purposive Sample

BACKGROUND: Compared with people with other disabilities, individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have the lowest rates of employment and switch jobs at a higher frequency. Thus, understanding how to support workplace success for people with ASD is important. OBJECTIVE: Grounded in an ecological conceptual model, this study explores the dual employment perspectives of adults with ASD and supervisors who worked with individuals with ASD. METHODS: Using participatory research methods, a purposive sample of ten adults with ASD (all verbal with high school diplomas) and ten supervisors participated in semi-structured interviews on employment experiences. Qualitative analyses were used to identify themes. RESULTS: Four major themes emerged from an ecological framework to create a strong person-environment fit in the workplace: 1) building on interest/experiences/strengths/skills, 2) reducing social demands, 3) clear communication and expectations, and 4) ASD awareness for work environment. Comparisons between the two groups of participants showed substantive differences in expectations and accommodations. CONCLUSIONS: Supervisors, although eager to employ individuals with ASD, could benefit by employing an ecological model to successful employment. Results indicate that multiple lenses on the process of employment for those with ASD can lead to better outcomes in the workplace.

scholarly journals 346 How Do we Increase Adherence to Home Exercise Programmes? Interviews with Older Adults and Physiotherapists

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii17-iii65
Author(s):  
Siti Khalijah ◽  
Suzanne Timmons
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Home Exercise ◽  
Video Content ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Improve Compliance ◽  
Exercise Programmes ◽  
Purposive Sample

Abstract Background Regular exercise and physical activity can maintain function and cardiovascular health, and prevent cognitive decline, in older adults. However, studies show that there is often poor adherence to home exercise programmes (HEP). The purpose of this study was to explore how HEP are perceived by both older adults and physiotherapists. Methods A convenience sample of 28 older adults attending outpatient physiotherapy clinics were given an exercise journal to record their adherence to the HEP prescribed by their physiotherapists for six weeks. Subsequently, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample, and the corresponding prescribing physiotherapists, to achieve maximal variation in terms of HEP adherence, age and sex. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and simple content analysis performed. Results Fourteen participants returned their exercise journal. Median age was 80; half were female; median Berg Balance Score and Timed-up-and-Go-Test were 49 and 16 seconds respectively. Participants exercised a median 79.8% of the prescribed dose, or 5.6 days per week. Seven older adults were interviewed; about half had a positive attitude towards exercise. They were also moderately positive about their HEP (comments ranged from “doable” and “nothing bad about it” to “enjoyable”). Barriers included time, mood, boredom, remembering to do the HEP, and variable health status. Enablers included simple instructions and design, family encouragement, and sense of achievement. Physiotherapists (n=5) perceived that many older adults aren’t compliant with HEPs, but there was some therapeutic nihilism (“you can’t force them”). Their HEP instructions varied from verbal to written instructions/diagrams; one physiotherapist used individualised video content. Notably, participants with good adherence understood their HEP well in terms of content and purpose, although this may be cause or effect. Conclusion To improve compliance with HEP, healthcare professionals need to take time to motivate the recipient, simplify their instructions, and trouble-shoot potential barriers at the time of prescription.

scholarly journals Sensory Processing and Aggressive Behavior in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 95
Author(s):  
Frank van den Boogert ◽  
Bram Sizoo ◽  
Pascalle Spaan ◽  
Sharon Tolstra ◽  
Yvonne H. A. Bouman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Aggressive Behavior ◽  
Sensory Processing ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sensory Profile ◽  
Sensory Sensitivity ◽  
Aggression Questionnaire ◽  
Adults With Asd

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be accompanied by aggressive behavior and is associated with sensory processing difficulties. The present study aims to investigate the direct association between sensory processing and aggressive behavior in adults with ASD. A total of 101 Dutch adult participants with ASD, treated in outpatient or inpatient facilities, completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP), the Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (RPQ), and the Aggression Questionnaire—Short Form (AQ-SF). Results revealed that sensory processing difficulties are associated with more aggressive behavior (f2=0.25), more proactive (f2=0.19) and reactive aggression (f2=0.27), more physical (f2=0.08) and verbal aggression (f2=0.13), and more anger (f2=0.20) and hostility (f2=0.12). Evidence was found for an interaction of the neurological threshold and behavioral response on total aggression and hostility. Participants with higher scores in comparison to the norm group in sensory sensitivity had the highest risk of aggressive behavior. In conclusion, clinical practice may benefit from applying detailed diagnostics on sensory processing difficulties when treating aggressive behavior in adults with ASD.

scholarly journals Modified CBT for social anxiety and social functioning in young adults with autism spectrum disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily R. Bemmer ◽  
Kelsie A. Boulton ◽  
Emma E. Thomas ◽  
Ben Larke ◽  
Suncica Lah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Social Anxiety ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Adolescents And Adults ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Young Adults With Asd

Abstract Background There is a strong research imperative to investigate effective treatment options for adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Elevated social anxiety, difficulties with social functioning and poor mental health have all been identified as core treatment targets for this group. While theoretical models posit a strong bidirectionality between social anxiety and ASD social functioning deficits, few interventions have targeted both domains concurrently. Of the two group interventions previously conducted with adolescents and adults with ASD, significant results have only been observed in either social anxiety or social functioning, and have not generalised to changes in overall mood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential benefit, tolerability and acceptability of a group cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) intervention in young adults with ASD. Primary treatment outcomes were social anxiety symptoms and social functioning difficulties; secondary outcomes were self-reported mood and overall distress. Method Ten groups of participants completed an eight-week, modified group CBT intervention targeting both social anxiety and social functioning, that included social skills training, exposure tasks and behavioural experiment components. Seventy-eight adolescents and young adults with ASD, without intellectual impairment, aged between 16 and 38 (M = 22.77; SD = 5.31), were recruited from the community, Headspace centres and the Autism Clinic for Translational Research at the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney. Outcomes (social anxiety, social functioning and mood) were measured pre- and post-intervention via self-report questionnaires (administered either online or through the return of hard-copy booklets), and participants were invited to provide anonymous feedback on the intervention (at the mid-point and end of the intervention). Results Participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements on all outcome measures in response to the intervention. Specifically, social anxiety symptoms decreased (p < .001), and specific subdomains of social functioning improved post-intervention, particularly in social motivation (p = .032) and restricted interests and repetitive behaviours (p = .025). Self-reported symptom improvements also generalised to mood (depression, anxiety and stress; p < .05). All improvements demonstrated small effect sizes. Participant feedback was positive and indicated strong satisfaction with the program. Limitations The absence of a control group and follow-up measures, reliance on self-report instruments as outcome measures and the exclusion of those with intellectual disability represent significant limitations to this study. Conclusions These findings indicate that a group CBT intervention appears to be a beneficial intervention for self-reported social anxiety, social functioning and overall mental health in adolescents and young adults with ASD. The stand-alone nature of the intervention combined with positive participant feedback indicates it was well tolerated, has potential clinical utility and warrants further study in a randomised-controlled, follow-up design.

Complicated grief knowledge and practice: a qualitative study of general practitioners in Ireland

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Abiola Muhammed ◽  
Anne Dodd ◽  
Suzanne Guerin ◽  
Susan Delaney ◽  
Philip Dodd
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
General Practitioners ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Complicated Grief ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Relevant Research ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Knowledge And Practice ◽  
Purposive Sample

Objective: Complicated grief is a debilitating condition that individuals may experience after losing a loved one. General practitioners (GPs) are well positioned to provide patients with support for grief-related issues. Traditionally, Irish GPs play an important role in providing patients with emotional support regarding bereavement. However, GPs have commonly reported not being aptly trained to respond to bereavement-related issues. This study explores GPs’ current knowledge of and practice regarding complicated grief. Methods: A qualitative study adopting a phenomenological approach to explore the experiences of GPs on this issue. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with a purposive sample of nine GPs (five men and four women) in Ireland. Potential participants were contacted via email and phone. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using Braun & Clarke’s (2006) model of thematic analysis. Results: GPs had limited awareness of the concept of complicated grief and were unfamiliar with relevant research. They also reported that their training was either non-existent or outdated. GPs formed their own knowledge of grief-related issues based on their intuition and experiences. For these reasons, there was not one agreed method of how to respond to grief-related issues reported by patients, though participants recognised the need for intervention, onward referral and review. Conclusions: The research highlighted that GPs felt they required training in complicated grief so that they would be better able to identify and respond to complicated grief.

scholarly journals Perceptions of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Etiology among Parents of Children with ASD

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 6774
Author(s):  
Wei-Ju Chen ◽  
Zihan Zhang ◽  
Haocen Wang ◽  
Tung-Sung Tseng ◽  
Ping Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Parental Perceptions ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Religious Factors

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication deficits and restricted or repetitive behaviors. Parental perceptions of the etiology of their child’s ASD can affect provider–client relationships, bonding between parents and their children, and the prognosis, treatment, and management of children with ASD. Thus, this study sought to examine the perceptions of ASD etiology of parents of children with ASD. Methods: Forty-two parents of children diagnosed with ASD were recruited across Texas. Semi-structured interviews were conducted individually. All interviews were recorded and later transcribed verbatim for content analysis utilizing NVivo 12.0 (QSR International, Doncaster, Australia). Results: The content analysis identified the following themes regarding parental perceptions of ASD etiology: Genetic factors (40.5%), environmental factors (31.0%), problems that occurred during pregnancy or delivery (23.8%), vaccinations (16.7%), other health problems (7.1%), parental age at the time of pregnancy (4.8%), and spiritual or religious factors (2.4%). Conclusions: The parental perceptions of ASD etiology were diverse, but several views, such as vaccinations and spiritual or religious factors, were not based on scientific evidence. Health professionals and researchers can use these findings to develop and provide targeted education to parents who have children with ASD. Our findings also support policymakers in developing campaigns designed to increase parental ASD awareness and knowledge.

scholarly journals Implicit Semantic Processing of Linguistic and Non-linguistic Stimuli in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emme O’Rourke ◽  
Emily L. Coderre
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Semantic Processing ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Event Related Potential ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Priming Task ◽  
Adults With Asd

AbstractWhile many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience difficulties with language processing, non-linguistic semantic processing may be intact. We examined neural responses to an implicit semantic priming task by comparing N400 responses—an event-related potential related to semantic processing—in response to semantically related or unrelated pairs of words or pictures. Adults with ASD showed larger N400 responses than typically developing adults for pictures, but no group differences occurred for words. However, we also observed complex modulations of N400 amplitude by age and by level of autistic traits. These results offer important implications for how groups are delineated and compared in autism research.

Beyond social capital: a capability approach to understanding Refugee Community Organisations and other providers for “hard to reach” groups

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Capability Approach ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Refugee Community ◽  
Community Organisations ◽  
Purposive Sample ◽  
The Capability Approach

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the value of the “capability approach” as an alternative framework for understanding and conceptualising the role of Refugee Community Organisations (RCOs) and other providers for groups conventionally considered “hard to reach”. Design/methodology/approach – A study of the education services of RCOs, drawing primarily on semi-structured interviews with 71 users, is put forward as a case study for how the capability approach can be operationalised. Findings – The capability approach is found to offer various valuable insights, relating to its appreciation of the multi-dimensional nature of human wellbeing, the significance of individual diversity, and the importance of human agency. Research limitations/implications – The case study is based on a relatively small purposive sample, and may have limited external validity. As the research design proved strong for exploring how RCOs develop their users’ capabilities but weak for exploring if and how they may also constrict them, further research in this area is required. Practical implications – A number of valuable attributes of the capability approach are highlighted for broadening the understanding, the role of RCOs and other service providers. Social implications – The paper outlines the potential of the capability approach to contribute to policymaking related to RCOs and other providers, and to debates relating to social exclusion, cohesion and integration. Originality/value – The paper draws attention to the value of the capability approach within the field of migration research.

scholarly journals Examining the association between childhood autistic traits and adolescent hypomania: a longitudinal twin study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Mark J. Taylor ◽  
Angelica Ronald ◽  
Joanna Martin ◽  
Sebastian Lundström ◽  
Georgina M. Hosang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Autistic Trait ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Twin Design ◽  
Longitudinal Twin Study

Abstract Background There is evidence that autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) co-occur with bipolar disorder (BD) relatively frequently. Individuals with BD often report symptoms of mania and hypomania during adolescence, prior to the age of onset for BD. It is unknown whether these symptoms are associated with ASDs. We examined whether diagnoses of ASDs and autistic traits were associated with hypomania in a large, population-based Swedish twin sample. Methods Parental structured interviews assessed autistic traits, and were used to assign screening diagnoses of ASDs, when twins were aged 9 or 12 (N = 13 533 pairs). Parents then completed questionnaires assessing hypomania when the twins were aged 15 and 18 (N = 3852 pairs at age 15, and 3013 pairs at age 18). After investigating the phenotypic associations between these measures, we used the classical twin design to test whether genetic and environmental influences on autistic traits influence variation in adolescent hypomania. Results Autistic traits and ASD diagnoses in childhood were associated with elevated scores on the measures of adolescent hypomania. Twin analyses indicated that 6–9% of the variance in hypomania was explained by genetic influences that were shared with autistic traits in childhood. When repeating these analyses for specific autistic trait domains, we found a stronger association between social interaction difficulties and hypomania than for other autistic trait domains. Conclusions These results indicate a genetic link between autistic traits and hypomania in adolescence. This adds to the growing evidence base of genetic factors associated with ASDs showing links with psychiatric outcomes across childhood and into adulthood.

AAA screening in adults with ASD: a retrospective cohort study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marios Adamou ◽  
Sarah Louise Jones ◽  
Stephanie Wetherhill
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Clinical Setting ◽  
Retrospective Cohort Study ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Specialist Service ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Empathy Quotient ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Diagnostic Outcome

Purpose The Adult Asperger Assessment (AAA), comprising the Autism Questionnaire, the Empathy Quiotient and the Relatives Questionnaire is a commonly used screening tool designed to identify adults who may benefit from a further clinical assessment for autism spectrum disorder. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the usefulness of this screening measure in a clinical setting. Design/methodology/approach This retrospective cohort study comprised of 192 service users referred for diagnostic assessment of Autism by a specialist service of the National Health Service. The authors evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the AAA by investigating if the Autism Questionnaire, the Empathy Quiotient and the Relatives Questionnaire were able to predict the diagnostic outcome of Autism in a clinical setting. Findings Scores from the Relatives Questionnaire can accurately predict diagnostic outcome. No evidence of accuracy for the Autism Questionnaire or the Empathy Quotient was apparent. Based on the findings, the authors recommend clinicians are cautious when interpreting results of the AAA. Research limitations/implications It should be acknowledged that the results may not be generalisable to whole populations. Also, the authors used the full item versions of the scales; therefore, the findings are most applicable to studies which did similar. Originality/value This study highlights the need for investigation into the lack of validation of commonly used screening measures in autistic populations.

Beyond Posters and Pennants: College-Going Messaging at Three Racially and Economically Diverse Public Schools

2019 ◽  
Vol 121 (11) ◽  
pp. 1-42
Author(s):  
Melissa A. Martinez ◽  
Isaac Torres ◽  
Katherine Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
High Schools ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Students Of Color ◽  
Common Ground ◽  
Ecological Model ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
College Going ◽  
Field Notes ◽  
College Going Culture

Context It has been argued that high schools with a majority of students of color and from low-income backgrounds must be purposeful in fostering a college-going culture in order to address the challenges and inequities historically underserved students face in preparing for and accessing a higher education. However, what this looks and sounds like in practice is not always clear, leaving schools seeking common ground on how to create a college-going environment. Purpose Through a symbolic and ecological model of college readiness framework, the messaging associated with the college-going culture at three racially and economically diverse Texas high schools that had consistently high college ready graduate rates was examined. The research questions that guided the study included: What types of college-going culture messages are conveyed at the schools, and how? How might such messaging impact students, school staff and leaders? Research Design This study drew on data from a three-year, multi-site descriptive case study of three public high schools in different regions of Texas that all served approximately 50% or more of students with financial need and 72% to 97% students of color, specifically Latina/o and Black students. Data Collection and Analysis Data was collected during week-long, yearly visits to the three schools and included: school and district documents; individual and group semi-structured interviews with 194 individuals including administrators, teachers, support staff, students, parents, and community members; observations of common areas and classrooms; archival data; and researcher-derived documents including field notes, memos, and photographs of the school grounds and school activities. This paper primarily drew on the pictures taken of the schools (in hallways, classrooms, and shared spaces like cafeterias and libraries), field notes, memos, and interview data that specifically spoke to the visual and verbal messaging associated with the college-going culture. Analysis of data revealed six themes: college is a revered goal with many options; varying degrees of integration; support and resources are at your reach; think college and career; finding funding for college is vital; college is an individual and shared success. Conclusions This study's findings suggest the need to: reconsider what a strong college-going culture entails, re-envision college-going cultures as dynamic, multi-layered, and responsive, reframe postsecondary opportunities so they are more expansive and varied, and re-evaluate inequities in college-going messaging and academic rigor.

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