Impact Of Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Articles

Effects of autism spectrum disorder on parents labour market: Productivity loss and policy evaluation in Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan has witnessed a significant increase in the number of Autism Spectrum Disorder cases due to the implementation of mechanisms for early detection. However, despite these efforts, accessing quality services and effective interventions for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder remains challenging. While the government has implemented various policies to address the impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder on the labour market, especially for those with disabilities, the effectiveness of these policies needs to be evaluated. Therefore, this article aims to estimate the loss of productivity by calculating the cost of non-working for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. To achieve this goal, we combine data from official sources with data from our own survey to estimate the loss of productivity using human capital models. In addition, we conduct policy simulations to assess the impact of the existing policy implemented in Kazakhstan that recognises the time of caring for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and disability as working in the paid labour market. Our results reveal that the productivity loss is substantial, with mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder being particularly affected. Furthermore, based on the outcomes of the policy simulations, it becomes evident that policies solely targeting parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and disability are insufficient to address the labour market gaps and the consequent loss of productivity. To effectively mitigate the impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the labour market, a more comprehensive approach is needed. This approach should encompass a broader range of interventions and support mechanisms, including those for individuals without disabilities and parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Affiliate Stigma, Resilience and Quality of Life among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Two Public Hospitals in Kelantan, Malaysia.

Often, the indirect impact of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents the family with significant challenges. One of these challenges is affiliate stigma due to parental affiliation with their child. This study aimed to explore affiliate stigma, resilience and quality of life (QoL) among parents of children with ASD. Cross-sectional study of 144 parents of children with ASD were recruited from two main tertiary hospitals in Kelantan, Malaysia, a developing country in Southeast Asia. Pearson correlation was used to examine the relationship between parental affiliate stigma, resilience and QoL. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were used to identify the significant associated factors of affiliate stigma, resilience and QoL. Correlational analyses revealed that perceived affiliate stigma demonstrated an inverse relationship with resilience and QoL. Additionally, resilience had a positive relationship with QoL. Regression analyses revealed that the father's employment status, the mother's level of education, having a disability card, the child's age at ASD diagnosis, comorbidities of the child and ASD severity perceived by parents were associated with parental affiliate stigma, resilience and QoL. Study findings highlight the contribution of socio-demographic characteristics of children with ASD and their families in the determination of affiliate stigma, resilience and QoL.

Navigating early childhood caries management in children with autism and developmental disorders: A U.S. perspective

Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a prevalent and preventable oral health concern among children, presenting unique challenges when managing those with autism and developmental disorders. This paper explores navigating ECC management in this population from a U.S. perspective. Understanding the impact of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental disorders on oral health is crucial, given their higher risk of ECC due to behavioral, dietary, and hygiene factors. Diagnosis and assessment pose particular challenges, requiring tailored approaches to accommodate sensory sensitivities and communication barriers. Preventive strategies encompass parent/caregiver education, customized oral hygiene instruction, dietary counseling, and fluoride varnish application. Behavioral management techniques, such as desensitization and creating a positive dental experience, are essential for successful treatment. Treatment approaches may involve restorative procedures, considering sedation or anesthesia for children with heightened anxiety or sensory issues, often requiring collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Long-term management emphasizes maintaining oral health habits and regular dental visits, adjusting to changes in behavior and developmental needs over time. Addressing barriers to care, including access, financial constraints, and provider education, is crucial for effective ECC management in this population. ECC management in children with autism and developmental disorders requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach tailored to individual needs. Future research should focus on refining diagnostic techniques, enhancing preventive interventions, and improving access to dental care services for this vulnerable population. By addressing these challenges, we can strive to improve oral health outcomes and quality of life for children with autism and developmental disorders.

Experiences of siblings of individuals with autism spectrum disorders

Several studies have focused on the impact of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) on parents, with very few exploring the experiences of siblings in the Accra Metropolis of Ghana. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of siblings of individuals with ASD. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight (8) siblings of individuals with ASD who were purposively selected through parents in some support groups. Findings indicate that siblings largely have concerns about understanding the nature of ASD in addition to challenges with communication with their sibling with ASD. However, they used adaptive coping strategies to effectively deal with their challenges and had plans for the future of their sibling with ASD. These findings offer insights into the experiences of siblings and the appropriate support to be given to them by parents and professionals.

The impact of autism spectrum disorder on parent employment: Results from the r-Kids study.

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other chronic health conditions often face exceptional caregiving demands that can lead to challenges related to maintaining and succeeding in employment. Detailed information on the specific ways in which these health conditions impact parent employment could aid in designing equitable, effective policies to support families. The r-Kids study used electronic health records to identify three groups of children: those with ASD, asthma, or neither condition (control), from several health care systems. We oversampled racial and ethnic minorities and matched the asthma and control groups to the age and sex distribution of the ASD group. Parents completed three online surveys over the course of a year to measure annual employment outcomes. Surveys included the Family Economic Impact Inventory (measuring employment impacts) and measures of quality of life and symptom severity. All materials were provided in English and Spanish. The study enrolled 1461 families (564 ASD, 468 asthma, 429 control). Youth were 3-16.5 years old and predominantly male (79%). The sample was diverse (43% non-Hispanic White; 35% non-Hispanic Asian, Black, Native Hawaiian, or Other; and 21% Hispanic ethnicity). Parents of children with ASD were significantly less likely to be employed than parents of youth with asthma and control combined (OR: 14.2, p< 0.001), and were more likely to have other difficulties with employment and productivity while at work. Public and employer policies to help mitigate these impacts could aid families in managing care for youth with ASD.

Gaze perception from head and pupil rotations in 2D and 3D: Typical development and the impact of autism spectrum disorder.

The study of gaze perception has largely focused on a single cue (the eyes) in two-dimensional settings. While this literature suggests that 2D gaze perception is shaped by atypical development, as in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), gaze perception is in reality contextually-sensitive, perceived as an emergent feature conveyed by the rotation of the pupils and head. We examined gaze perception in this integrative context, across development, among children and adolescents developing typically or with ASD with both 2D and 3D stimuli. We found that both groups utilized head and pupil rotations to judge gaze on a 2D face. But when evaluating the gaze of a physically-present, 3D robot, the same ASD observers used eye cues less than their typically-developing peers. This demonstrates that emergent gaze perception is a slowly developing process that is surprisingly intact, albeit weakened in ASD, and illustrates how new technology can bridge visual and clinical science.

Association among Autistic Traits, Treatment Intensity and Outcomes in Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa: Preliminary Results.

The present study investigates the impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) traits on the treatment intensity and outcomes (psychopathology and weight) of 22 adolescent inpatients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN), who were selected on the basis of suspected ASD traits. ASD traits were measured at admission (T0) using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2) and the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Psychopathology was measured with Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) and Self-Administered Psychiatric Scales for Children and Adolescents (SAFA) at admission and discharge (T0, T1). Percentage BMI was assessed at admission, discharge, first follow-up (T2, 7–22 days) and second follow-up (T3, 22–45 days). Results were controlled for age and EDI-3 global psychological maladjustment. When compared with other patients with AN, AN individuals with ADOS-2 and AQ diagnostic scores for ASD showed overlapping types of treatments, as well as psychopathological and weight outcomes. ASD total scores were not correlated with treatment intensity or treatment outcomes. Preliminary results show that ASD traits do not impact treatment intensity and outcomes in adolescents with AN and suspected ASD traits.

Order out of chaos? Autism spectrum disorder coordinators' impact on service delivery in New Zealand.

To evaluate the impact of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) coordinators (ASDCs) on key aspects of the experience of obtaining an ASD diagnosis and post-diagnostic supports in New Zealand. Members of New Zealand ASD parent support groups were surveyed. Of 516 parents, 41.3% had seen an ASDC. The majority were satisfied. Parents who saw ASDCs pre-diagnosis were more likely to be satisfied with the diagnostic process (p = .04) and saw fewer professionals before receiving a diagnosis (p = .04). Parents who had seen ASDCs post-diagnosis were more likely to be satisfied with post-diagnostic supports (p < .001) and their coordination (p < .001). ASDCs are well regarded by parents and improve key aspects of the process of obtaining an ASD diagnosis and post-diagnostic supports. Given the particularly low rates of parent satisfaction with post-diagnostic supports (23%) and their coordination (19%), ASDCs may be of most value when employed post-diagnosis to assist parents in navigating key supports and co-developing comprehensive individualised care plans.

Identifying children with autism spectrum disorders in Iran using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised.

The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is a challenging task. Most of the current assessment scales have been developed in the West. The present study examines the applicability of one of the most used scales (the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised) in a Middle-Eastern culture. Two studies were undertaken. In the first, the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised ratings given to 420 children with autism spectrum disorder, aged 4-11 years, and 110 typically developing children were contrasted. In Study 2, the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised ratings of 720 children with autism spectrum disorder were compared with those of 172 children with intellectual disabilities to find out whether the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised scale would discriminate between these two types of developmental disabilities. The studies confirmed the acceptability of the scale to Iranian parents and assessors. However, the summary scores used to determine whether a child was likely to have autism spectrum disorder were recalculated on the two domains of social communication and repetitive behaviours, which were identified in the statistical analyses that are recommended for the evaluation of assessment scales. Thus the translated scale with the modified domain scoring proved very suitable for identifying Iranian children with autism spectrum disorder. Having a common tool such as Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised will strengthen the opportunities to undertake cross-cultural research into the impact of autism spectrum disorder on the child and families.

Gaze perception and the integration of head and pupil rotations on 2D and 3D robotic models: Typical development and the impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Gaze perception and the integration of head and pupil rotations on 2D and 3D robotic models: Typical development and the impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Comparison with Other Neuro-Developmental Disorders in Children on the Family: Single Centre Experience.

Background:Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), especially autism spectrum disorder (ASD), have a substantial impact on the family, with a consequent decrease in the quality of life. The current study was undertaken to understand if having ASD contributed to a higher impact on families compared to other NDD and to understand additional factors impacting families of children with either disorder in a low-middle income country (LMIC) setting.Methods:Impact of ASD and other NDD along with sociodemographic factors was examined, by a retrospective analysis, among 540 children in a tertiary care center in South India.Results:Both ASD and NDD had high, but comparable, impact on the family. Being a girl child, having seizures, and having sleep problems predicted a higher impact.Conclusions:In children with NDD, managing co-morbidities such as achieving better seizure control and addressing sleep-related problems may improve the impact of NDD on the family. Gender disparity in disability needs to be studied within the local cultural context.

Correction to: Understanding the Family Impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Racially and Ethnically Diverse Sample: Findings from the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs.

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. The copyright permission below in Table2 was inadvertently not published in the article.

Understanding the Family Impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Racially and Ethnically Diverse Sample: Findings from the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs

Objectives Caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience stress at greater rates than caregivers of other children with developmental conditions. Little is known about how families from different racial and ethnic backgrounds report family impact beyond individual stressors associated with caregiving. This paper aims to examine differences in family impact variables among caregivers of ASD children from different racial/ethnic backgrounds. Methods Using data from the 2005-2006 and 2009-2010 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs, this retrospective, cross-sectional study examined family impact among caregivers of children with ASD. Family impact was defined as financial impact, time spent caregiving, and work impact variables and evaluated in five racial/ethnicity groups: white, non-Hispanic; any race, English-speaking Hispanic; any race, Spanish-speaking Hispanic; black, non-Hispanic; and other race, non-Hispanic respondents (n = 5115). Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association of race and ethnicity with family impact variables while controlling for child and family covariates. Results Significant differences were found between race/ethnicity groups of caregivers on financial spending of more than $500 per year on care and providing more than 11h a week on direct child care. No significant differences were observed in job impact variables between race/ethnicity groups. Conclusions for Practice Racial/ethnic differences exist in providing and spending more on direct care, but they do not necessarily represent disparities. More research is needed to fully understand if family impact is affected by cultural differences in care provided for children with ASD.

Impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder on Family

Background: Autism is a complex syndrome which consists of a set of developmental and behavioral features. Children with autism face different challenges in family and as well as society. Aim: The aim of this study was to find out the impact of autism impact on family. Method: A narrative review was done to conduct this study. Findings: Autism has a persistent impact on the family, economic status, sibling and considerably modifies the lifestyle of each member of the family. Conclusion: This study strongly found that whole family members are affected by the condition of children with Autism.

Early gesture use in fragile X syndrome.

Emerging evidence suggests that children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) exhibit abnormal gesture use early in development, although few studies have investigated the emergence of gesture use in this population or the impact of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) features on these behaviours. The present study examined the longitudinal development of gesture use in infants with FXS relative to low-risk controls and infant siblings of children with ASD (high-risk siblings), with the goal of establishing potentially unique patterns of gesture development in infants with FXS and understanding the relative impact of ASD symptom severity on these patterns. Participants included 86 male infants (39 FXS, 27 high-risk siblings and 20 low-risk infants) assessed at 9, 12 and 24months of age. Multilevel modelling was used to assess differences in number of gestures used and rates of gesture use across groups, as well as the relative impact of ASD symptom severity and nonverbal skills on these patterns. Infants with FXS used fewer gestures than high-risk siblings and low-risk infants, with this difference being primarily accounted for by the effect of low nonverbal abilities in the FXS group. Furthermore, although higher ASD symptom severity was associated with the use of fewer gestures in both the FXS and high-risk sibling groups, a significant amount of variance was shared between ASD symptom severity and nonverbal skills in FXS, but not in high-risk siblings. This study presents the first longitudinal analysis of early gesture development in FXS by using a multigroup design, clarifying the relative roles of cognitive deficits and ASD symptom severity in the development of gesture use in FXS. These findings offer novel evidence that early gesture use in FXS may reflect broader features of the FXS phenotype rather than predicting later social-communicative deficits characteristic of comorbid ASD.

Listening to teachers: Views on delivery of a classroom based sensory intervention for students with autism.

Occupational therapists consider the impact of autism spectrum disorder on occupational performance at school. Occupational therapists work with teachers to support student participation. Atypical sensory processing is common in children with autism. Therefore, collaborating with teachers to enable students with autism to appropriately process sensory information within classrooms may be necessary. This qualitative pilot study aimed to capture teachers' perceptions of using a Sensory Activity Schedule, a sensory based intervention, in the classroom. A qualitative descriptive approach was used to analyse semi-structured interview responses from 19 qualified teachers who taught children with autism from seven different autism specific special schools in NSW. Teachers were asked about their motivation to complete the intervention as well as helpful and difficult aspects of the intervention. Three main categories and eight sub-categories were identified from the 19 respondents who reported that helping their students was an important motivation for using a Sensory Activity Schedule as well as the opportunity to evaluate whether sensory based intervention was beneficial. Teachers reported that learning new ideas, working with an occupational therapist and seeing an increase in concentration and a reduction in undesired behaviours were positive aspects of utilising the intervention. Timing, staffing and fidelity of the intervention were areas of concern. Collaboration with classroom teachers is an essential part of school-based occupational therapy. Insights from teachers who implemented a sensory based intervention in the classroom assist occupational therapists to better support students with autism spectrum disorder in schools.

The impact of autism spectrum disorder symptoms on gesture use in fragile X syndrome and Down syndrome.

This study compared gesture rate and purpose in participants with Down syndrome (DS) and fragile X syndrome (FXS), and the impact of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms on each syndrome. Twenty individuals with fragile X syndrome and 20 individuals with Down syndrome between nine and 22 years of age participated in this study. We coded gesture rate and purpose from an autism spectrum disorder evaluation, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - Second Edition. We did not find between-group differences (Down syndrome compared to fragile X syndrome) in gesture rate or purpose. Notably, as autism spectrum disorder symptoms increased, the group with Down syndrome produced a lower rate of gestures, but used gestures for the same purpose. Gesture rate did not change based on autism spectrum disorder symptoms in the participants with fragile X syndrome, but as autism spectrum disorder symptoms increased, the participants with fragile X syndrome produced a larger proportion of gestures to regulate behavior and a smaller proportion for joint attention/social interaction. Overall, the amount or purpose of gestures did not differentiate individuals with Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome. However, the presence of autism spectrum disorder symptoms had a significant and unique impact on these genetic disorders. In individuals with Down syndrome, the presence of more autism spectrum disorder symptoms resulted in a reduction in the rate of gesturing, but did not change the purpose. However, in fragile X syndrome, the rate of gestures remained the same, but the purpose of those gestures changed based on autism spectrum disorder symptoms. Autism spectrum disorder symptoms differentially impact gestures in Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome. Individuals with Down syndrome and more autism spectrum disorder symptoms are using gestures less frequently. Therefore, clinicians may need to consider children with Down syndrome demonstrating symptoms of autism spectrum disorder as distinctly different from children with Down syndrome and few to no symptoms of autism spectrum disorder when implementing interventions or therapy techniques. Severity of autism spectrum disorder symptoms in fragile X syndrome affects qualitative gesture use and motivation to communicate through social gestures, which may be an appropriate goal to target in children with fragile X syndrome and heightened autism spectrum disorder symptoms.

Fitness to Plead: The Impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder

ABSTRACTPurpose: This study aims to investigate the cognitive deficits associated with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their impact upon the skills necessary for fitness to plead (FTP) to a criminal charge at trial.Methodology: A between-groups study compared the performance of a group of adult participants with a diagnosis of ASD (N = 15) with a matched control group of adults with no diagnosis of ASD (N = 15) on an ecologically valid 15-min filmed vignette of typical Crown Court proceedings, during which they answered questions based upon cognitive skills required for FTP. The cognitive abilities of the participants were also assessed.Findings: Participants in the ASD group scored significantly lower than the control group on the measure of FTP. Specifically, the ASD group scored lower on questions relating to the procedures and processes of the courtroom.Research Implications: Future research using a larger ASD sample and comparisons to a nonforensic ASD sample is recommended to confirm and extend these findings, and further the development of appropriate supporting measures.Practical Implications: The current finding that individuals with ASD have a poorer understanding of the courtroom process than individuals without ASD suggests the need to support and implement special measures with this client group.Originality: This article introduces a standardized measure of FTP for use with individuals with ASD, which has not previously been available.

South African families raising children with autism spectrum disorders: relationship between family routines, cognitive appraisal and family quality of life.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between family routines, cognitive appraisal of the impact of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) on the family and family quality of life (FQOL) in families raising children with ASD in South Africa. A sample of 180 families of young children with ASD who were receiving disability-related services in the Gauteng province of South Africa completed a self-administered survey. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the direct relationship between the regularity of family routines and FQOL, and the mediating effect of cognitive appraisal on this relationship. The results suggested a direct, positive relationship between the regularity of family routines and families' satisfaction with their FQOL. Furthermore, cognitive appraisal of the impact of ASD on the family mediated this relationship in a partial manner. A higher frequency of regular family routines was strongly associated with a higher satisfaction level of FQOL. Also, cognitive appraisal of the impact of ASD acted as a mechanism through which the regularity of family routines influenced FQOL. We discuss the research and clinical implications of these findings.

The impact of autism spectrum disorder and alexithymia on judgments of moral acceptability.

One’s own emotional response toward a hypothetical action can influence judgments of its moral acceptability. Some individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit atypical emotional processing, and moral judgments. Research suggests, however, that emotional deficits in ASD are due to co-occurring alexithymia, meaning atypical moral judgments in ASD may be due to alexithymia also. Individuals with and without ASD (matched for alexithymia) judged the moral acceptability of emotion-evoking statements and identified the emotion evoked. Moral acceptability judgments were predicted by alexithymia. Crucially, however, this relationship held only for individuals without ASD. While ASD diagnostic status did not directly predict either judgment, those with ASD did not base their moral acceptability judgments on emotional information. Findings are consistent with evidence demonstrating that decision-making is less subject to emotional biases in those with ASD.