Enhancing Pro-Social Desired Behaviors to Reduce At-Risk Sexual Behaviors in Community Settings

2020 ◽  
pp. 36-54
Author(s):  
Tahra J. Cessna
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Sexual Relationships ◽  
Life Assessment ◽  
Community Settings ◽  
Significant Disabilities ◽  
Social Conventions ◽  
Inappropriate Sexual Behavior ◽  
Monitoring Strategies

There is a misconception that people with significant disabilities have little or no interest in sex or sexual relationships. This misconception often leads to the teaching of social sexual education on the back burner for practitioners, educators, and caregivers. This chapter discusses the self-monitoring strategies taught to a teenage girl with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder that engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior toward herself and others while in community settings. Mia is a 16-year-old female with a diagnosis of ASD. Mia significantly struggled to respond to the norms that dictate the social conventions regarding appropriate social interactions which led to the emergence of inappropriate sexual behaviors including public masturbation and the inappropriate touching of others. Using person-centered planning and a quality-of-life assessment tool, Mia's multidisciplinary team was able to identify prosocial, desired behaviors to assist Mia in achieving ultimate outcomes and place her in least-restrictive environments across community settings.

scholarly journals A role-play assessment tool and drama-based social skills intervention for adults with autism or related social communication difficulties

Dramatherapy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-60
Author(s):  
Céliane Trudel ◽  
Aparna Nadig
Keyword(s):  
Social Skills ◽  
Social Communication ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Role Play ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Social Skills Intervention ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Play Assessment ◽  
Communication Difficulties

This study adds to a small literature on social skills measures and interventions for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or related social communication difficulties (SCD) without intellectual disability (ID). In study 1, a new multimodal assessment tool, the role-play assessment of social skills (R-PASS), was used to measure real-time application of social skills. The scores of adults with ASD/SCD were marginally lower than those of neurotypical adults, with a large effect size, suggesting that the measure can identify differences between the two groups. Therefore, the R-PASS shows potential as an objective tool to assess dynamic and naturalistic social skills. In Study 2, a pre–post single-group design study, we measured the effectiveness of a drama-based social skills intervention for seven participants who self-identified as having ASD/SCD. The R-PASS was used by external raters blind to diagnosis and intervention status to compare the performance of intervention participants to that of neurotypical adults. R-PASS scores suggested substantial improvement of social skills in the majority of participants post-intervention. Furthermore, relatives’ and participants’ perception of their social communication and self-regulation skills improved from pre- to post-intervention. These results suggest that the intervention may have helped the participants improve their social skills.

scholarly journals Attitudes Toward Sexual Behaviors in Long-Term Care: Development of an Assessment Tool

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 602-603
Author(s):  
Rachael Spalding ◽  
Emma Katz ◽  
Barry Edelstein
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Development

Abstract Most older adults living in long-term care settings (LTCs) indicate that expressing their sexuality is important to them (Doll, 2013). Little is known about the general public’s attitudes towards sexual behaviors in LTCs. Attitudes of LTC residents’ family members are particularly important, as family members are most likely to visit residents and to care about their quality of life. Family members’ attitudes could in turn inform facility policies and management. We will present preliminary data from a series of qualitative interviews with community-dwelling adults regarding their attitudes. We will discuss how these data are being used to inform current work on a measure of attitudes toward sexual behavior in LTCs.

The Role of Teaching Materials in Cognitive Development Focusing on the “Emergence of Symbolic Functioning” and Behaviour Issues

2021 ◽  
pp. 73-97
Author(s):  
Eiko Tatematsu
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Development ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Social Adaptation ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Cognitive Profiles ◽  
Teaching Materials ◽  
Teaching Device ◽  
Symbolic Functioning

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the role of teaching materials focusing on the “Emergence of Symbolic Functioning” and latent behaviour issues. First, a literature review is performed on the behaviour issues associated with intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Three kinds of assessment tools used in this study are described with underlying developmental meanings. Especially, one of those tools, a teaching device named “Tamahimo” is introduced as a practical assessment tool to visualize participants' cognitive conditions. Three cases, two adolescents and one young adult with ID, are discussed, with their autism-like behaviours and characteristic cognitive profiles evaluated using the assessment tools. All cognitive development is judged as corresponding to the “Emergence of Symbolic Functioning,” that is, the qualitative transition phase from non-symbolic to the explicit existence of a symbolic functioning stage. Factors preventing social adaptation are discussed as they relate to unstable cognitive conditions.

A cross-sectional descriptive analysis of portrayal of autism spectrum disorders in YouTube videos: A short report

Autism ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 263-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica L Bellon-Harn ◽  
Vinaya Manchaiah ◽  
Lekeitha R Morris
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Short Report ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Youtube Videos

Professionals have expressed concerns about the quality of autism-related information available from Internet-based sources. The purpose of this study was to examine the source, content, usability, and actionability of autism spectrum disorder–related information contained in 100 different videos directed to families of children with autism spectrum disorder uploaded to YouTube. Upload sources were identified, and video content was coded. Understandability and actionability of the videos were examined using Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Audiovisual Materials. The collective number of views of the videos was almost 100 million. The length of videos was 691.17 min (i.e. 11.5 h) with the shortest video being 30 s and the longest video being 37.36 min. The YouTube videos related to autism spectrum disorder covered a range of issues, although much of the content was focused on signs and symptoms. No difference in content reporting was noted based on sources for most categories, although differences were noted in some categories (e.g. professionals mentioned diagnosis and resources more frequently). Poor understandability and actionability scores (i.e. below 70%) were reported for all videos regardless of video source. However, the videos generated by the professionals were superior in terms of understandability. Study implications and recommendations for further research are discussed.

Implementing early intensive behavioral intervention in community settings

Autism ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 1913-1916
Author(s):  
Joshua B Plavnick ◽  
M Y Savana Bak ◽  
Sarah M Avendaño ◽  
Ana D Dueñas ◽  
Matthew T Brodhead ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Intervention ◽  
Early Learning ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Michigan State University ◽  
Short Report ◽  
Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention ◽  
State University ◽  
Community Settings ◽  
Children And Families ◽  
Intensive Behavioral Intervention

Although research shows early intensive behavioral intervention is efficacious when delivered in university or private intervention centers, little is known about effectiveness or feasibility of disseminating early intensive behavioral intervention to larger communities. The Michigan State University Early Learning Institute was developed to address gaps in distribution of early intensive behavioral intervention to community settings, with an emphasis of serving children and families on Medicaid. This short report describes the Early Learning Institute’s approach and preliminary utilization data among Medicaid families. Results suggest the model has potential for dissemination within community settings and promote utilization among Medicaid children. Lay abstract Although research shows early intensive behavioral intervention can be very beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorder when delivered in university or private intervention centers, little is known about the best way to provide early intensive behavioral intervention within the broader community. The Michigan State University Early Learning Institute was developed to address challenges with providing early intensive behavioral intervention in community settings, with an emphasis on serving children and families on Medicaid. This short report describes the approach taken by the Early Learning Institute and reports data regarding enrollment and utilization among Medicaid families. Results suggest the model has potential to be used within community settings and that children on Medicaid are likely to consistently attend their treatment sessions.

scholarly journals Feeling Under Pressure: Perspectives of the Meaning of Love and Sexual Relationships Amongst Young Men in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 155798831983663 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thabang Manyaapelo ◽  
Sibusiso Sifunda ◽  
Robert A.C. Ruiter ◽  
Anam Nyembezi ◽  
Bart van den Borne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Young Men ◽  
Sexual Relationships ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Prevention Interventions

This study aimed to explore perspectives on the meaning of love and sexual relations amongst young men in KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. Gaining insights into these perspectives will help to understand the sexual behaviors of these young men better and to eventually develop more effective HIV prevention interventions. Focus group discussions were conducted in two study areas using a predetermined semistructured discussion guide. The findings indicate that the phenomenon of romantic relationship try-outs together with the idea of “feeling under pressure” to propose love to more than one woman seem to be accepted practices that often lead to multiple concurrent sexual partners and therefore potentially risky sexual behaviors. The fear of impregnating a woman is seen to be of a more significant concern than acquiring a sexually transmitted infection due to the stigma and embarrassment associated with pregnancy outside marriage. Given these findings, it is recommended that future studies investigate perspectives on sexuality and reproductive health in male populations in great detail prior to the development of behavioral change interventions because failure to do so may hamper well-intended but poorly targeted health interventions.

scholarly journals Stability of Initial Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnoses in Community Settings

2010 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy M. Daniels ◽  
Rebecca E. Rosenberg ◽  
J. Kiely Law ◽  
Catherine Lord ◽  
Walter E. Kaufmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Community Settings

Efficacy of romantic and sexual psycho-educational training for adolescent with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder: A pilot study

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S439-S439
Author(s):  
G. Giovagnoli ◽  
G. Mossolani ◽  
E. Napoli ◽  
M. Pontillo ◽  
S. Vicari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Sexual Functioning ◽  
Control Sample ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Sexual Education ◽  
Educational Training ◽  
High Functioning

IntroductionRomantic and sexual functioning in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are understudied. Recent findings evidenced that adolescents and adults with present romantic and sexual behaviors comparable with their neurotypical peers. However, it is worth to note that dysfunctional and inappropriate romantic and sexual behaviors are often described in this population.ObjectivesTo investigate efficacy of a psycho-educational training in a small group of adolescent with high-functioning ASD (HFA, QI > 70).MethodsSix adolescents (all males, range age 14–16 years) have been evaluated before (T0) and after (T1) a 10-session sexual and romantic psycho-educational structured group training, of 90′ each session. Clinical evaluation included parent-report questionnaires, as SBS for sexual behaviors and CBCL for behavioral problems, and a self-report questionnaire for sexual behaviors, called SESAMO. Moreover, autistic symptoms were investigated with ADOS-2 at T0.ResultsPreliminary analysis revealed a statistically significant differences between T0 and T1 in sexual education (P = 0.02) and frequency of dysfunctional sexual behaviors (P = 0.02) of SBS and in sexual expectations about the partner in SESAMO (P = 0.04). No differences were found in CBCL.ConclusionPreliminary results showed an improvement of romantic and sexual functioning in adolescent boys with HFA, as reported by either parents and adolescents, after participating to a structured psycho-educational training. More sexual education and information, less inappropriate sexual behaviors and more-appropriate expectations about potential partner were reported at the end of the training. These results should be confirmed in studies including larger ASD and control sample.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Prospective Observational Study of an Eye-tracking Device for Under 12 Months of Age Infants; the Feasibility of Gazefinder

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomoo Takahashi ◽  
Kazuki Tsukamoto ◽  
Misaki Matsumura ◽  
Ryo Takigawa ◽  
Yasuo Sakai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Observational Study ◽  
Eye Tracking ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Fixation Time ◽  
Developmental Problems ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Eye-tracking to evaluate gaze patterns has developed as an assessment tool for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Gazefinder is one of Eye-tracking devices and few studies have investigated whether it can measure the gaze data of infants under 12 months of age. We conducted a prospective observational study from April 2019 to March 2020 in a periodic health checkup in Ohchi County, Shimane, Japan. Participants included infants between 4 and 11 months of age who were not suspected the presence of developmental problems. Ninety-three participants’ datapoints were analyzed. The mean age was 6.5 months and mean developmental quotient was 88%. The mean fixation time percentage of all sequences was 81.0% (standard deviation; 4.4), and there was no significant difference in each age group. Infants in all groups showed a significantly higher predilection for eyes than for mouths. There was a positive association of age with human gaze and a negative association with geometric gaze. Moreover, we confirmed that joint attention skills were enhanced in accordance with their growth process. The eye-tracking data were almost corresponding to previous studies’ data of infant with typical development and Gazefinder could be applied to infants starting at 4 months of age.

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