scholarly journals Sexual Knowledge, Desires, and Experience of Adolescents and Young Adults With an Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Exploratory Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian C. Joyal ◽  
Julie Carpentier ◽  
Suzie McKinnon ◽  
Claude L. Normand ◽  
Marie-Hélène Poulin
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Sexual Experience ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Sexual Relationships ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Young Adults With Asd

Although most persons with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) wish to have romantic and/or sexual relationships, little is known about self-report sexuality of adolescents/young adults with ASD. In this exploratory study, 172 male and female adolescents/young adults (68 with ASD and 104 without ASD) completed an online version of the Sexual Behavior Scale-Third edition. Although many more similarities than differences were observed between the groups for views and desires about romantic relationships (e.g., wishing to have a girlfriend/boyfriend), fewer participants with ASD (mostly boys) had experience with a variety of sexual/dyadic behaviors, and approximately half of girls with ASD reported negative sexual experiences. Significantly higher rates of participants with ASD felt their knowledge about sexuality was limited and found it difficult to understand sexual education compared with typically developing (TD) participants. Significantly lower rates of participants with ASD reported that they identify to their assigned gender compared with TD participants. Multiple regressions revealed that being older at first diagnosis and possessing better knowledge about sexuality were significant predictors of both positive and negative sexual experience. This study explores strengths and challenges related with the sexual health of adolescents/young adults with ASD and implications for clinical and educational practice are discussed.

Healthcare experiences of young adults with autism spectrum disorder

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 206-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashleigh Hillier ◽  
Monica Galizzi ◽  
Kianna Ferrante
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medical Needs ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
Healthcare Experiences ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Young Adults With Asd

Purpose Characteristic challenges that define autism spectrum disorder (ASD), coupled with comorbid conditions and poor communication with providers, can lead to inadequate healthcare. The majority of previous work has focused on children. The purpose of this paper is to examine the healthcare experiences of young adults with ASD within the US healthcare system. Design/methodology/approach An online questionnaire was utilized to examine: the accessibility of healthcare for those with ASD: do they make their own appointments, fill out paperwork independently, go in the examination room on their own; the quality of care they receive: what are their medical needs, how effectively can they communicate their needs, do providers understand their disability; and the outcomes of care: do they understand their recommended care, can they follow healthcare instructions accurately, are they satisfied with the care received. The authors compared responses of those with ASD (n=16) with those of parents of adults with ASD (n=50), as well as a matched comparison group of young adults without ASD (n=42) for statistical differences using the Fisher Exact test. The authors also asked parents about their time costs of assisting their adult children through the healthcare process. Findings The results suggest that those with ASD overestimated their ability to manage their healthcare needs, felt more positively about the healthcare they received than was warranted, and were significantly less independent in managing their healthcare than their peers. Parents experienced losses and costs in terms of lost productivity, household work, and personal time. Originality/value This study furthers the understanding of the healthcare experiences of young adults with ASD which is crucial to dissecting problems which hamper access to quality care.

The Challenge of Entering Adulthood for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2017 ◽  
pp. 3-29
Author(s):  
Nicholas W. Gelbar ◽  
Daniel T. Volk
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Young Adults With Asd

There is a tremendous amount of variation (heterogeneity) in terms of both symptom presentation and functional ability in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The challenges faced by adolescents and emerging adults with ASD can be better understood by considering the unique sociocultural changes that most individuals experience within these stages. In general, adolescents and young adults with ASD have poor social relationship, employment, post–secondary, and independent living outcomes. Additional research efforts, particularly large-scale studies, are needed to better understand the experiences and outcomes of adolescents and young 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.

Employment Training for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2017 ◽  
pp. 196-222
Author(s):  
David W. Test ◽  
Debra G. Holzberg ◽  
Kelly Clark ◽  
Misty Terrell ◽  
Dana E. Rusher
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Employment Outcomes ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Evidence Based Practices ◽  
Young Adults With Autism ◽  
Employment Rates ◽  
Adults With Asd

Despite legislation to improve post-school outcomes for young adults with autism spectrum disorder, they experience poorer employment outcomes than their peers without disabilities. Data indicate persons with ASD experience lower employment rates, earn less money, work fewer hours, are less engaged in their communities, and live independently less frequently than their peers without disabilities. Furthermore, the earnings of individuals with ASD lag behind earnings of their peers both with and without disabilities. In order to help improve employment outcomes for youth with ASD, this chapter describes the characteristics contributing to employment of individuals with ASD, the factors influencing employment of individuals with ASD, and the research related to evidence-based practices for young adults with ASD.

scholarly journals An Exploratory Study of Imagining Sounds and “Hearing” Music in Autism

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 1123-1132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Bacon ◽  
C. Philip Beaman ◽  
Fang Liu
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Auditory Imagery ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
And Control ◽  
Adults With Asd

AbstractIndividuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) reportedly possess preserved or superior music-processing skills compared to their typically developing counterparts. We examined auditory imagery and earworms (tunes that get “stuck” in the head) in adults with ASD and controls. Both groups completed a short earworm questionnaire together with the Bucknell Auditory Imagery Scale. Results showed poorer auditory imagery in the ASD group for all types of auditory imagery. However, the ASD group did not report fewer earworms than matched controls. These data suggest a possible basis in poor auditory imagery for poor prosody in ASD, but also highlight a separability between auditory imagery and control of musical memories. The separability is present in the ASD group but not in typically developing individuals.

Evaluation of Overhand Throwing Among College Students With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-61
Author(s):  
Teri A. Todd ◽  
Keely Ahrold ◽  
Danielle N. Jarvis ◽  
Melissa A. Mache
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Overhand Throw ◽  
Ball Velocity ◽  
Overhand Throwing ◽  
Adults With Asd

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) typically demonstrate deficits in gross motor skills such as the overhand throw. It has not been determined whether such deficits persist into adulthood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the kinematics and developmental level of overhand throws among young adults with and without ASD. Three-dimensional motion-capture data were collected during overhand throwing trials performed by 20 college students (10 students with ASD). Individuals with ASD demonstrated similar throw duration, stride length, and step width but a longer acceleration phase and slower ball velocity than individuals without ASD. Young adults with ASD also performed the overhand throw with less developmental proficiency than those without ASD. Specifically, individuals with ASD exhibited developmental deficits in the backswing and composite throwing score. Motor skill interventions for individuals with ASD should address throwing skills, with a particular focus on the preparatory phase of the overhand throw.

scholarly journals Modified CBT for Social Anxiety and Social Functioning in Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily R Bemmer ◽  
Kelsie A Boulton ◽  
Emma E Thomas ◽  
Ben Larke ◽  
Suncica Lah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Social Anxiety ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
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 efficacy of a group 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 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) group 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 standalone nature of the intervention combined with positive participant feedback indicates it was well tolerated, potential clinical utility, and warrants further study in a randomised-controlled, follow-up design.

scholarly journals Modified CBT for Social Anxiety and Social Functioning in Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily R Bemmer ◽  
Kelsie A Boulton ◽  
Emma E Thomas ◽  
Ben Larke ◽  
Suncica Lah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Social Anxiety ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Young Adults With Asd

Abstract Background: There is a strong research imperative to investigate efficacious 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 efficacy of a group 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: Participants completed an eight-week, modified Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) group intervention targeting both social anxiety and social functioning. Sixty adolescents and young adults with ASD, without intellectual impairment, aged between 16 and 33 (M = 22.23; SD = 4.62), were recruited from the community, Headspace, and referrals to the Autism Clinic for Translational Research. Outcomes (social anxiety, social functioning and mood) were measured pre- and post-intervention via self-report questionnaires, and participants were invited to provide 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, and social functioning difficulties improved post intervention, particularly in overall social functioning, social awareness and restricted interests and repetitive behaviours. Self-reported symptom improvements also generalised to mood (depression, anxiety and stress). All improvements demonstrated small-to-medium effect sizes. Participant feedback was positive and indicated strong satisfaction with the program.Limitations: The absence of a control group and use of a randomized controlled trial, 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 is an efficacious treatment for self-reported social anxiety, social functioning and overall mental health in adolescents and young adults with ASD. The standalone nature of the intervention combined with positive participant feedback indicates potential clinical utility, and warrants further study in a randomised-controlled, follow-up design.

scholarly journals Behavioral Auditory Processing in Children and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin C. Schafer ◽  
Lauren Mathews ◽  
Kamakshi Gopal ◽  
Emilee Canale ◽  
Avery Creech ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Auditory Processing ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Adults And Children ◽  
Adults With Asd

Abstract Background Auditory-processing deficits are common in children and adults who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These deficits are evident across multiple domains as exhibited by the results from subjective questionnaires from parents, teachers, and individuals with ASD and from behavioral auditory-processing testing. Purpose Few studies compare subjective and behavioral performance of adults and children diagnosed with ASD using commercially available tests of auditory processing. The primary goal of the present study is to compare the performance of adults and children with ASD to age-matched, neurotypical peers. The secondary goal is to examine the effect of age on auditory-processing performance in individuals with ASD relative to age-matched peers. Research Design A four-group, quasi-experimental design with repeated measures was used in this study. Study Sample Forty-two adults and children were separated into four groups of participants: (1) 10 children with ASD ages 14 years or younger; (2) 10 age-matched, neurotypical children; (3) 11 adolescents and young adults with ASD ages 16 years and older; and (4) 11 age-matched, neurotypical adolescents or young adults. Data Collection and Analysis Data from each participant were collected in one test session. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance (ANOVA), repeated measures ANOVA, or nonparametric analyses. Effect sizes were calculated to compare performance between those with ASD and those who were neurotypical within each age group. Results Across all the questionnaires and the majority of the behavioral test measures, participants with ASD had significantly poorer ratings or auditory-processing performance than age-matched, neurotypical peers. Adults had more favorable performance than children on several of the test measures. Medium to large effect sizes corroborated the significant results. Conclusion Overall, the questionnaires and behavioral tests used in this study were sensitive to detecting auditory-processing differences between individuals diagnosed with ASD and those who are considered neurotypical. On most test measures, children performed more poorly than adults. The findings in this study support that both children and adults with ASD exhibit auditory-processing difficulties. Appropriate school and work accommodations will be necessary to ensure appropriate access to speech in challenging environments.

Improving Conversational Fluidity in Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder Using a Video-Feedback Intervention

2020 ◽  
pp. 109830072093996
Author(s):  
Daina Tagavi ◽  
Lynn Koegel ◽  
Robert Koegel ◽  
Ty Vernon
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Social Desirability ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Video Feedback ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Multiple Baseline ◽  
Feedback Intervention ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Adults With Asd

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience challenges maintaining fluid, reciprocal conversations, resulting in prolonged, awkward pauses. Such pauses disrupt the pacing of an interaction and create (a) less favorable social impressions and (b) perceptions of limited social competence. To help these individuals succeed socially, there is a need for intervention techniques specifically targeting this area. Using a multiple baseline experimental design, this study evaluated the efficacy of a video-feedback intervention to improve conversational fluidity in young adults with ASD. Specifically, number of long pauses and questions asked during a conversation were measured. In addition, social desirability was examined as well as participant-reported confidence in their skills and satisfaction with the intervention. Following intervention, all participants improved in their ability to maintain a fluid conversation. Furthermore, supplemental assessments indicated that each participant improved in their confidence in communication skills and was rated as more socially desirable by their same-aged peers.

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