scholarly journals “No Way Out Except From External Intervention”: First-Hand Accounts of Autistic Inertia

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Leneh Buckle ◽  
Kathy Leadbitter ◽  
Ellen Poliakoff ◽  
Emma Gowen
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Support Strategies ◽  
Autistic People ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
The Impact ◽  
External Intervention ◽  
Conscious Control

This study, called for by autistic people and led by an autistic researcher, is the first to explore ‘autistic inertia,’ a widespread and often debilitating difficulty acting on their intentions. Previous research has considered initiation only in the context of social interaction or experimental conditions. This study is unique in considering difficulty initiating tasks of any type in real life settings, and by gathering qualitative data directly from autistic people. Four face-to-face and 2 online (text) focus groups were conducted with 32 autistic adults (19 female, 8 male, and 5 other), aged 23–64 who were able to express their internal experiences in words. They articulate in detail the actions they have difficulty with, what makes it easier or harder to act, and the impact on their lives. Thematic analysis of the transcripts found four overarching themes: descriptions of inertia, scaffolding to support action, the influence of wellbeing, and the impact on day-to-day activities. Participants described difficulty starting, stopping and changing activities that was not within their conscious control. While difficulty with planning was common, a subset of participants described a profound impairment in initiating even simple actions more suggestive of a movement disorder. Prompting and compatible activity in the environment promoted action, while mental health difficulties and stress exacerbated difficulties. Inertia had pervasive effects on participants’ day-to-day activities and wellbeing. This overdue research opens the door to many areas of further investigation to better understand autistic inertia and effective support strategies.

scholarly journals "No way out except from external intervention": First-hand accounts of autistic inertia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Leneh Buckle ◽  
Kathy Leadbitter ◽  
Ellen Poliakoff ◽  
Emma Gowen
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Support Strategies ◽  
Autistic People ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
The Impact ◽  
External Intervention ◽  
Conscious Control

This study, called for by autistic people and led by an autistic researcher, is the first to explore ‘autistic inertia’, a widespread and often debilitating difficulty initiating action. Previous research has considered initiation only in the context of social interaction or experimental conditions. This study is unique in considering difficulty initiating tasks of any type in real life settings, and by gathering qualitative data directly from autistic people. Four face-to-face and 2 online (text) focus groups were conducted with 32 autistic adults (19 female, 8 male, 5 other), aged 23-64 who were able to express their internal experiences in words. They articulate in detail the actions they have difficulty with, what makes it easier or harder to act, and the impact on their lives. Thematic analysis of the transcripts found four overarching themes: descriptions of inertia, scaffolding to support action, the influence of wellbeing, and the impact on day-to-day activities. Participants described difficulty starting, stopping and changing activities that was not within their conscious control. While difficulty with planning was common, a subset of participants described a profound impairment in initiating even simple actions more suggestive of a movement disorder. Prompting and compatible activity in the environment promoted action, while mental health difficulties and stress exacerbated difficulties. Inertia had pervasive effects on participants’ day-to-day activities and wellbeing. This overdue research opens the door to many areas of further investigation to better understand autistic inertia and effective support strategies.

scholarly journals Using simulation to educate police about mental illness: A collaborative initiative

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy Stanyon ◽  
Bill Goodman ◽  
Marjory Whitehouse
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
The Impact

Mental illness is a major public health concern in Canada and also globally. According to the World Health Organization, five of the top ten disabilities worldwide are mental health disorders. Within Canada, one in five individuals is living with mental illness each year. Currently, there are 6.7 million Canadians living with mental illness and over 1 million Canadian youth living with mental illness. Police are frequently the first responders to situations in the community involving people with mental illness, and police services are increasingly aware of the need to provide officers with additional training and strategies for effectively interacting with these citizens.This study examined the effectiveness of four online, interactive video-based simulations designed to educate police officers about mental illness and strategies for interacting with people with mental illness. The simulations were created through the efforts of a unique partnership involving a police service, a mental health facility and two postsecondary institutions. Frontline police officers from Ontario were divided into one of three groups (simulation, face to face, control). Using a pre- and post-test questionnaire, the groups were compared on their level of knowledge and understanding of mental illness. In addition, focus groups explored the impact of the simulations on officers’ level of confidence in engaging with individuals with mental illness and officers’ perceptions of the simulations’ ease of use and level of realism. The study’s findings determined that the simulations were just as effective as face-to-face learning, and the officers reported the simulations were easy to use and reflected real-life scenarios they had encountered on the job. As mental health continues to be a major public concern, not only in Canada but also globally, interactive simulations may provide an effective and affordable education resource not only for police officers but for other professionals seeking increased knowledge and skills in interacting with citizens with mental illness.Keywords: policing, mental illness, education, computer-based simulation

scholarly journals Mental Health in Equestrian Sport

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-420
Author(s):  
Hannah Butler-Coyne ◽  
Vaithehy Shanmuganathan-Felton ◽  
Jamie Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Emotional Wellbeing ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Dual Approach ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
Equestrian Sport ◽  
The Impact ◽  
General Wellbeing

Equestrian media is showing an increasing interest in the impact of mental health on performance and general wellbeing of equestrian athletes. This study explores the awareness of mental health difficulties and psychological wellbeing within equestrian sport from the perspectives of equestrian athletes, instructors/coaches and parents. The exploratory nature of the research offered opportunity to use a dual approach including e-surveys and semi-structured interviews. Analysis of the qualitative data identified five key themes (Emotional WellbeinginBalance; Emotional WellbeingImbalance; WellbeingImbalance—Impact on Equestrian Sportspeople; Impact of Equestrian Sport on Wellbeing; Regaining Balance) and 22 sub-themes. The findings determine a compelling need for education, promotion of sharing experiences, facilitation of specialist (clinical and sport) professional training and intervention as well as a review of regulations from equestrian Governing Bodies.

scholarly journals Quality of life for older autistic people: The impact of mental health difficulties

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 ◽  
pp. 13-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Mason ◽  
J. Mackintosh ◽  
H. McConachie ◽  
J. Rodgers ◽  
T. Finch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Autistic People ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Could implementation of mifepristone address Canada’s urban–rural abortion access disparity: a mixed-methods implementation study protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. e028443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy V Norman ◽  
Sarah Munro ◽  
Melissa Brooks ◽  
Courtney Devane ◽  
Edith Guilbert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Community Of Practice ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovation ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Implementation Study ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionIn January 2017, mifepristone-induced medical abortion was made available in Canada. In this study, we will seek to (1) understand facilitators and barriers to the implementation of mifepristone across Canada, (2) assess the impact of a ‘community of practice’ clinical and health service support platform and (3) engage in and assess the impact of integrated knowledge translation (iKT) activities aimed to improve health policy, systems and service delivery issues to enhance patient access to mifepristone.Methods and analysisThis prospective mixed-methods implementation study will involve a national sample of physicians and pharmacists recruited via an online training programme, professional networks and a purpose-built community of practice website. Surveys that explore constructs related to diffusion of innovation and Godin’s behaviour change frameworks will be conducted at baseline and at 6 months, and qualitative data will be collected from electronic interactions on the website. Survey participants and a purposeful sample of decision-makers will be invited to participate in in-depth interviews. Descriptive analyses will be conducted for quantitative data. Thematic analysis guided by the theoretical frameworks will guide interpretation of qualitative data. We will conduct and assess iKT activities involving Canada’s leading health system and health professional leaders, including evidence briefs, Geographical Information System (GIS)maps, face-to-face meetings and regular electronic exchanges. Findings will contribute to understanding the mechanisms of iKT relationships and activities that have a meaningful effect on uptake of evidence into policy and practice.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was received from the University of British Columbia Children’s and Women’s Hospital Ethics Review Board (H16-01006). Full publication of the work will be sought in an international peer-reviewed journal. Findings will be disseminated to research participants through newsletters and media interviews, and to policy-makers through invited evidence briefs and face-to-face presentations.

scholarly journals Role of interfering substances in the survival of coronaviruses on surfaces and their impact on the efficiency of hand and surface disinfection

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lea Szpiro ◽  
Andres Pizzorno ◽  
Lauranne Durimel ◽  
Thomas Julien ◽  
Aurelien Traversier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Infections ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Surface Stability ◽  
Environmental Surfaces ◽  
Chemical Disinfectant ◽  
Hospital Acquired ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Testing Protocols

Contaminated environmental surfaces are considered to represent a significant vector for hospital-acquired viral infections. In this study, we have evaluated the impact of interfering substances on SARS-CoV-2 surface stability and virucidal efficiency of hand sanitizers and surface disinfectant. To this end, surface stability of SARS-CoV-2 was measured on stainless steel in different experimental conditions, with or without an artificial mucus/saliva mixture and compared against that of human coronavirus HCoV-229E and feline coronavirus FCoV. The impact of the mucus/saliva mixture on the virucidal efficiency of 3 commercial alcohol hand sanitizers and 1 surface chemical disinfectant against SARS-CoV-2, HCoV-229E and FCoV was then measured. Our results indicate that mucus/saliva mixture did not demonstrate a beneficial effect on the surface survival of tested viruses, with temperature being an important parameter. In addition, we demonstrated that interfering substances may play an important role in the virucidal efficacy of hand sanitizers and disinfectants, highlighting the need for adapted testing protocols that better reflect current - real life -conditions of use.

scholarly journals MOVE YOUR AVATAR! Improvisational Theatre Methods in Virtual Teams

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 8
Author(s):  
Stefanie Quade
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Teams ◽  
Team Building ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Learning Groups ◽  
3 Dimensional ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Improvisational Theatre ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Impact

The importance of a process for a successful start of a new project team is common in business management. Warming up and cooling down exercises are already well accepted methods to activate learning groups. Improvisational theatre has become very popular during the last years as one of these activating practices. Compared to real life settings, meetings in avatar-based, 3-dimensional virtual environments suffer from various communication issues - there is no body language, no gestures or mime you could see in the face of an avatar. To increase the interactivity of virtual avatar groups, face-to-face best practices of improvisational theatre methods were transferred into virtual 3D course sessions at the Berlin School of Economics and Law. The impact of these extemporaneous exercises on the interactivity and team performance during the virtual sessions was observed using the participatory action research method (PAR). The transferability of successful real life settings into a virtual 3D course was analyzed. The paper recommends the top improvisational theatre trainings and their impact on the interactivity and team building outcome.

scholarly journals ‘Anything but the phone!’: Communication mode preferences in the autism community

Autism ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 136236132110149
Author(s):  
Philippa L Howard ◽  
Felicity Sedgewick
Keyword(s):  
Text Message ◽  
Communication Styles ◽  
Practice Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Communication Preferences ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Autistic People ◽  
Autistic Adults ◽  
The Impact

The communication skills and styles of autistic people have been the focus of much research, but little work has explored the communication preferences of autistic adults themselves. This study examined how autistic adults prefer to communicate in multiple scenarios. Two hundred and forty-five autistic adults completed a novel questionnaire that required six communication modes to be ranked in order of preference across seven different scenarios. Participants also provided qualitative responses to further explain their rankings, and completed the Autism Quotient, the Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale and the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire. Quantitative data indicated that email ranked highly when accessing services, seeking customer support and communicating about research. When communicating with family, friends, in employment and in education, both face-to-face and written modes (email or text message) were preferred. In the qualitative data, four main themes were identified: Not the Phone, Written Communication, Masking versus Autistic Communication and Avoiding Communication. There is a clear message that mode of communication can be either enabling or disabling for autistic people. A reliance on phone calls can create barriers to access, yet the option to adopt written forms of communication can improve accessibility. For known connections, the preference for face-to-face communication is dependent upon how close and accepting the relationship is. Lay abstract What is already known about the topic? There has been a lot of research into things like how autistic people’s communication styles are different to those of non-autistic people, especially among children. This has tended to focus on parent reports and experiments, rather than asking autistic people about their own experiences and preferences regarding communication. What does this article add? This article is the first to ask autistic adults how they prefer to communicate in different scenarios. We asked whether they preferred to use a range of methods, such email, phone calls, letters and live messaging, in scenarios from education to customer services to friends and family. When contacting unknown people or organisations, we found that generally email was preferred, and phone calls were very unpopular. However, for friends, family and people they felt comfortable with, they preferred both face-to-face and written forms of communication (e.g. email and text message). Implications for practice, research or policy The findings suggest that services should move away from a reliance on phone calls for communication. They should make sure that access to support is not dependent on the phone, and instead offer written options such as email and live messaging which are more accessible. Future research should investigate the impact of COVID-19 on autistic people’s communication preferences, as video calling has become much more commonly used and potentially combines benefits and challenges of other modes discussed in this article.

The Effectiveness of Digital Badges on Student Online Contributions

2016 ◽  
Vol 54 (8) ◽  
pp. 1092-1116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chientzu Candace Chou ◽  
Shi-Jen He
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Graduate Program ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Student Interaction ◽  
Class Discussion ◽  
Digital Badges ◽  
Online Learning Environments ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Class Participation ◽  
The Impact

Digital badges have been increasingly used to encourage users to achieve specific goals in learning. Recent studies have shown that badges can be effective to incentivize learners to complete specific tasks or increase learning participation in online learning environments. This study utilized a mixed research method to examine the impact of a badge system on class participation and interaction for both online and face-to-face classes in a graduate program for teacher education. Badges were issued for students who contributed to quality class discussion and peer project comments in courses with two different pedagogical orientations: read-write-reflect-comment and activity-based design. Quantitative data collected from students enrolled in courses with and without a badge system implemented and qualitative data collected from students enrolled only in courses with a badge system implemented were analyzed. The findings indicate that badges are effective in enhancing student interaction but not student participation. Compared with activity-based courses, badges could better enhance student interaction in traditional online courses that utilized read-write-reflect-comment model. Badges showed no significant effect on learner interaction in activity-based courses that were already highly interactive.

scholarly journals Building a telepalliative care strategy in nursing homes: a qualitative study with mobile palliative care teams

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Clément Cormi ◽  
Marie Petit ◽  
Juline Auclair ◽  
Emmanuel Bagaragaza ◽  
Isabelle Colombet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Influencing Factors ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Palliative Care Teams ◽  
Care Practices ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Despite increasing use of telemedicine in the field of palliative care, studies about the best circumstances and processes where it could replace face-to-face interaction are lacking. This study aimed to: (1) identify situations that are most amenable to the use of telemedicine for the provision of palliative care to patients in nursing homes; and (2) understand how telemedicine could best be integrated into the routine practice of mobile palliative care teams. Methods A qualitative study based on semi-structured focus groups (n = 7) with professionals (n = 33) working in mobile palliative care teams in France. Results Between June and July 2019, 7 mobile palliative care teams participated in one focus group each. Using thematic analysis, we found that telemedicine use in palliative care is about navigating between usual and new practices. Several influencing factors also emerged, which influence the use of telemedicine for palliative care, depending on the situation. Finally, we built a use-case model of palliative care to help mobile palliative care teams identify circumstances where telemedicine could be useful, or not. Conclusions The potential utility of telemedicine for delivering palliative care in nursing homes largely depends on the motive for calling on the mobile palliative care team. Requests regarding symptoms may be particularly amenable to telemedicine, whereas psycho-social distress may not. Further studies are warranted to assess the impact of influencing factors on real-life palliative care practices. Telemedicine could nonetheless be a useful addition to the mobile palliative care teams’ armamentarium.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document