scholarly journals Neural Mechanisms of Vicarious Reward Processing in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Rachel K. Greene ◽  
Cara R. Damiano-Goodwin ◽  
Erin Walsh ◽  
Joshua Bizzell ◽  
Gabriel S. Dichter
Keyword(s):  
Neural Substrates ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Reward Processing ◽  
Neural Mechanisms ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Social Abilities ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Vicarious Reward

Previous studies examining the neural substrates of reward processing in ASD have explored responses to rewards for oneself but not rewards earned for others (i.e., vicarious reward). This omission is notable given that vicarious reward processing is a critical component of creating and maintaining social relationships. The current study examined the neural mechanisms of vicarious reward processing in 15 adults with ASD and 15 age- and gender-matched typically developing controls. Individuals with ASD demonstrated attenuated activation of reward-related regions during vicarious reward processing. Altered connectivity was also observed in individuals with ASD during reward receipt. These findings of altered neural sensitivity to vicarious reward processing may represent a mechanism that hinders the development of social abilities in ASD.

scholarly journals Experiences of Dental Care and Dental Anxiety in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
My Blomqvist ◽  
Göran Dahllöf ◽  
Susanne Bejerot
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Dental Anxiety ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Experienced Pain ◽  
Adults With Asd

Dental anxiety is associated with previous distressing dental experiences, such as lack of understanding of the dentist intentions, perceptions of uncontrollability and experiences of pain during dental treatment. People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are impaired in building flexible predictions and expectations, which is very much needed during a dental visit. The aims of the study were to investigate if people with ASD have more negative dental experiences and a higher level of dental anxiety compared to a matched control group. Forty-seven adults with ASD and of normal intellectual performance, and 69 age- and sex-matched typically developing controls completed questionnaires on previous dental experiences and dental anxiety, the Dental Anxiety Scale, and the Dental Beliefs Survey. The ASD group experienced pain during dental treatments more often than the controls and 22% had repeatedly experienced being forced to dental treatment they were not prepared for, compared to 3% of the controls. A higher level of dental anxiety was reported by the ASD group. Dental treatment and methods for supporting the communication with patients with ASD need to be developed, in order to reduce the negative dental experiences and dental anxiety in people with ASD.

scholarly journals First impressions of adults with autism improve with diagnostic disclosure and increased autism knowledge of peers

Autism ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noah J Sasson ◽  
Kerrianne E Morrison
Keyword(s):  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
First Impressions ◽  
Practical Consideration ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Diagnostic Status ◽  
Diagnostic Disclosure ◽  
Autism Knowledge ◽  
Adults With Asd

A practical consideration for many intellectually able adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is whether to disclose their diagnostic status or try to mask their autistic characteristics to avoid judgment and discrimination. Here, we assessed first impressions of adults with ASD and typically developing controls ( N = 40) made by typically developing observers ( N = 215) when their diagnostic status was either withheld, accurately provided, or inaccurately provided. First impressions were less favorable for ASD participants compared to typically developing controls across a range of judgments, but were significantly more positive when accurately labeled as ASD compared to when no label was provided, when mislabeled as typically developing, or when mislabeled as having schizophrenia. For typically developing participants, ratings did not change when accurately labeled but improved when mislabeled as ASD. Greater autistic traits for the ASD and typically developing participants were associated with less favorable first impressions, and females were rated more favorably than males. Autism knowledge of the raters, but not age, IQ, or autistic traits, was positively associated with more favorable impressions of ASD participants. Collectively, these findings suggest that first impressions for intellectually able adults with ASD improve with diagnostic disclosure and increased autism understanding on the part of peers.

Physical Activity Among Adults With Autism: Participation, Attitudes, and Barriers

2020 ◽  
Vol 127 (5) ◽  
pp. 874-890 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashleigh Hillier ◽  
Abigail Buckingham ◽  
David Schena
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Behavioral Control ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Perceived Behavioral Control ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Adolescents With Autism ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Adults With Asd

Children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have shown have low levels of physical fitness, increasing risks for health-related problems associated with inactivity, such as being overweight, when compared with typically developing children. Few studies have examined physical activity (PA) among adults with ASD. This U.S.-based study examined participation in and attitudes and barriers toward PA among adults with ASD and their peers without ASD. We used standardized existing scales to survey participants for data regarding their frequency of engagement in weekly PA (strenuous, moderate, light), attitudes toward PA, expectations of others, perceived behavioral control, intention toward PA, and perceived PA barriers. Findings indicated that, on average, the ASD group compared with the comparison group reported (a) less frequent strenuous or moderate PA, (b) less positive attitudes toward PA, (c) less perceived behavioral control or ease of performing PA, and (d) more PA barriers. There was also evidence that the ASD group reported less PA intent, but there was no difference between groups regarding beliefs about others’ PA expectations for them. These findings suggest a need for more PA for adults with ASD, particularly because PA has potential to attenuate such ASD challenges as anxiety, stress, and sleeping difficulties.

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.

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.

scholarly journals Neuropsychiatric profile and psychotropic medication use in adults with autism spectrum disorder: results from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Adults with Autism

BJPsych Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 461-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachael C. Cvejic ◽  
Samuel R. C. Arnold ◽  
Kitty-Rose Foley ◽  
Julian N. Trollor
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Psychotropic Medication ◽  
Medication Use ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Limited Evidence ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Adolescents With Autism ◽  
Adults With Asd

BackgroundChildren and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are a highly medicated group. Few studies have examined the neuropsychiatric profile and patterns of psychotropic medication use among adults with ASD.AimsTo describe and compare the neuropsychiatric profile and psychotropic medication use in a cohort of adults with ASD and non-autistic controls.MethodBaseline data from a survey-based, longitudinal study of adults with ASD in Australia. Participants were 188 adults with ASD and 115 controls aged 25–80 years.ResultsASD was associated with increased odds of psychotropic medication use even when controlling for the presence of any neurological or psychiatric disorder. There were no corresponding indications for 14.4% of psychotropic medications prescribed to adults with ASD.ConclusionsThis study found substantial psychotropic prescribing for adults with ASD. Patterns of psychotropic medication use may reflect prescribing for behavioural indications despite limited evidence to support this practice.Declaration of interestNone.

scholarly journals Effects of Dog-Assisted Therapy on the Physical Function and Communication Skills of Adults with Autism: A Study Protocol for a Controlled Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (22) ◽  
pp. 10650
Author(s):  
Isabel Gómez-Calcerrada ◽  
Ana Myriam Lavín-Pérez ◽  
Santos Villafaina ◽  
Juan Carlos Rueda-Rubio ◽  
Beatriz Rivera-Martín ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Communication Skills ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Treatment As Usual ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Gait Posture

Background and Objectives: Despite the scientific evidence of the positive effects of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it is not still considered an evidence-based practice for this population. The proposed study will aim to evaluate the effects of a dog-assisted therapy program on gait, posture, and communication skills. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 adults with ASD will participate in this non-randomized controlled trial. The experimental group will involve 12 participants who will receive AAT for 10 weeks, at two sessions per week. The focus of these sessions will be conducting different activities and physical exercises, facilitated by dogs. The control group will receive treatment as usual. The outcome measures will be the ability to walk and climbing stairs, balance, risk of falls and communication skills. Conclusions: The role of dogs as facilitators of the movement may lead to relevant benefits in the gait, posture and communication skills of adults with ASD, improving their ability to perform activities of daily living.

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.

Use of a Videoconferencing Intervention and Systematic Hierarchy to Teach Daily Living Skills to Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2020 ◽  
pp. 109830072092121
Author(s):  
Katerina Ford ◽  
Mian Wang ◽  
Lynn Kern Koegel ◽  
Robert L. Koegel ◽  
Andrew Fedders
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Transition To Adulthood ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Qualified Personnel ◽  
Behavior Outcomes ◽  
Living Skills ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Number Of Individuals

Given the increasing number of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), there is a critical need to develop programs that facilitate positive behavior outcomes during the transition to adulthood. Furthermore, many adults with ASD do not have access to intervention programs due to remote locations, lack of qualified personnel, and/or long waitlists. This study, conducted within the context of a combined multiple baseline and changing criterion design, examined the use of videoconferencing (VC) to provide intervention from a remote location. Results showed that following intervention participants were able to independently perform the targeted skills and all targeted skills maintained during follow-up probes. All participants rated the intervention highly and said that they would recommend the intervention to others. These results are discussed in relation to potential avenues to increase access to services for individuals with ASD, particularly in remote and underserved areas, using VC.

scholarly journals Sex Differences in Functional Connectivity of the Salience, Default Mode, and Central Executive Networks in Youth with ASD

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (9) ◽  
pp. 5107-5120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine E Lawrence ◽  
Leanna M Hernandez ◽  
Hilary C Bowman ◽  
Namita T Padgaonkar ◽  
Emily Fuster ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Central Executive ◽  
Neural Mechanisms ◽  
Typical Development ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Matched Sample ◽  
Biological Factors ◽  
Default Mode

Abstract Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with the altered functional connectivity of 3 neurocognitive networks that are hypothesized to be central to the symptomatology of ASD: the salience network (SN), default mode network (DMN), and central executive network (CEN). Due to the considerably higher prevalence of ASD in males, however, previous studies examining these networks in ASD have used primarily male samples. It is thus unknown how these networks may be differentially impacted among females with ASD compared to males with ASD, and how such differences may compare to those observed in neurotypical individuals. Here, we investigated the functional connectivity of the SN, DMN, and CEN in a large, well-matched sample of girls and boys with and without ASD (169 youth, ages 8–17). Girls with ASD displayed greater functional connectivity between the DMN and CEN than boys with ASD, whereas typically developing girls and boys differed in SN functional connectivity only. Together, these results demonstrate that youth with ASD exhibit altered sex differences in these networks relative to what is observed in typical development, and highlight the importance of considering sex-related biological factors and participant sex when characterizing the neural mechanisms underlying ASD.

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