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Keefer A, Perrin J, Singh V, Holingue C, Winchell S, Vasa RA. A pilot, single-arm feasibility study of an integrated cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety in young autistic children. J Pediatr Psychol 2024; 49:131-141. [PMID: 38216125 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsad093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Anxiety is prevalent in young autistic children under 7 years of age. Yet there is a paucity of empirically based interventions for this age group. DINO Strategies for Anxiety and Uncertainty Reduction (DINOSAUR) is an innovative cognitive behavioral intervention that seeks to optimize treatment response in young autistic children by targeting anxiety and the contributing mechanisms of intolerance of uncertainty and parental accommodation using a telehealth delivery model. This pilot, single-arm study examines the preliminary feasibility of DINOSAUR. METHODS Fourteen autistic children ages 4-6 years with average language and cognitive skills and their parents received the intervention. Quantitative and qualitative data pertaining to parent satisfaction and treatment outcomes were collected. RESULTS Attendance, retention, and parent satisfaction ratings offer preliminary support for the feasibility of the treatment model. Change in clinical severity ratings on a semi-structured parent interview of anxiety and parents' qualitative report suggests the potential to benefit young autistic children. CONCLUSIONS Results support future study of the DINOSAUR model in a larger, randomized controlled trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Keefer
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
| | - Jeremy Perrin
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, United States
| | - Vini Singh
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, United States
| | - Calliope Holingue
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, United States
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
| | - Sarah Winchell
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, United States
| | - Roma A Vasa
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
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2
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Vasa RA, Kerns CM, Singh V, McDonald R, Jang YS, Keefer A. Anxiety in autistic preschool children: Phenomenology and a network analysis of correlates. Autism Res 2023; 16:1561-1572. [PMID: 37350221 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders in autistic children are associated with significant functional impairment. Few studies have examined impairing anxiety presentations in autistic preschool children (i.e., 3-5 years old). This cross-sectional study examined the phenomenology of impairing anxiety and the strongest correlates of anxiety in 75 autistic preschool children. Parents completed a diagnostic interview that assesses two anxiety types, DSM-5 anxiety disorders and impairing distinct anxiety presentations, and measures of anxiety correlates. An exploratory network analysis examined connections between anxiety and its correlates. Forty percent of children had impairing anxiety. Specific phobia followed by 'other social fear,' a type of distinct anxiety, were the most common anxiety types. Child intolerance of uncertainty (IU) was the only correlate that was associated with anxiety in a network analysis framework. Child IU linked anxiety to two other correlates, sensory over-responsivity and somatic symptoms. Findings emphasize the need for early intervention for anxiety and further research on its correlates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roma A Vasa
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Connor M Kerns
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Vini Singh
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rachel McDonald
- Department of Psychology, Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey, USA
| | - Yeon Sik Jang
- Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, Washington D.C, USA
| | - Amy Keefer
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Rozenblat S, Shimshoni Y, Lebowitz ER, Perez M, Koller J. A Pilot Trial of SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) in Autism. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023:10.1007/s10578-023-01555-4. [PMID: 37353645 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-023-01555-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Family accommodation describes changes parents make to their behavior, intended to alleviate their child's distress, which stems from a psychopathology. In anxiety, studies show that accommodation alleviates distress in the short term but is associated with increased symptom severity, greater functional impairment, poorer treatment outcomes, increased caregiver burden and disruption to family functioning longitudinally. Research shows high prevalence of family accommodation of anxiety in autism. While the most common treatments for anxiety in autism are cognitive-behavior therapy and pharmacology, research is limited and other approaches must be considered. Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) is a parent-based, manualized treatment for anxiety targeting family accommodation, which has been found to be acceptable and efficacious in treating childhood anxiety. This pilot trial examined the feasibility, acceptability, treatment-satisfaction, and preliminary efficacy of SPACE for anxiety in autism. Parents of 15 autistic children (ages 6-10 years) with at least average cognitive abilities exhibiting high levels of anxiety participated in 13 weekly sessions of SPACE. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed through enrollment, attrition rates, and adverse events. Of 26 eligible families, 22 (84.62%) elected to participate, 15 of whom (68.18%) completed treatment. Parents rated the treatment as highly satisfactory. Anxiety symptom severity and family accommodation were significantly reduced following treatment, with 86.66% of participants showing reliable change post-treatment, and this reduction was preserved at 2-month follow-up. This study provides preliminary evidence that SPACE is feasible, acceptable, satisfactory, and produces improvement in anxiety in the autistic population.Trial registration number: NCT04747262 Date of registration: February 10, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shir Rozenblat
- Seymour Fox School of Education, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | | | | | - Michal Perez
- Seymour Fox School of Education, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Judah Koller
- Seymour Fox School of Education, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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4
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Linden A, Best L, Elise F, Roberts D, Branagan A, Tay YBE, Crane L, Cusack J, Davidson B, Davidson I, Hearst C, Mandy W, Rai D, Smith E, Gurusamy K. Benefits and harms of interventions to improve anxiety, depression, and other mental health outcomes for autistic people: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:7-30. [PMID: 35957523 PMCID: PMC9806485 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221117931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Nearly three out of four autistic people experience mental health problems such as stress, anxiety or depression. The research already done does not guide us on how best to prevent or treat mental health problems for autistic people. Our aim was to look at the benefits and harms of different interventions on mental health outcomes in autistic people. We searched all the published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) about interventions for mental health conditions in autistic people until 17 October 2020. We also searched for RCTs that were not published in peer-reviewed journals. These were obtained from registers of clinical trials online. We then combined the information from all these trials using advanced statistical methods to analyse how good the interventions are. Seventy-one studies (3630 participants) provided information for this research. The studies reported how participants were responding to the intervention for only a short period of time. The trials did not report which interventions worked for people with intellectual disability. In people without intellectual disability, some forms of cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness therapy may be helpful. However, further research is necessary. Many trials used medications to target core features of autism rather than targeting mental health conditions, but these medications did not help autistic people. Until we have more evidence, treatment of mental health conditions in autistic people should follow the evidence available for non-autistic people. We plan to widely disseminate the findings to healthcare professionals through medical journals and conferences and contact other groups representing autistic people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Linden
- University College London, UK,Audrey Linden, Centre for Research in
Autism and Education, University College London, London WC1H 0NU, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ian Davidson
- Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS
Foundation Trust, UK
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5
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Keefer A, Vasa RA. DINOSAUR: an integrated cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety in young children with ASD. J Neurodev Disord 2021; 13:46. [PMID: 34635048 PMCID: PMC8504090 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-021-09396-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and often emerge before the age of 6 years. Yet, only a few studies have examined anxiety treatment for this group. Preliminary evidence from these studies suggests that utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as strategies to target intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and parental accommodation, known mechanistic and maintaining factors of anxiety may improve anxiety and optimize outcomes in this age group. Main body To meet this need, we developed an integrated treatment called DINO Strategies for Anxiety and intolerance of Uncertainty Reduction (DINOSAUR), a 12-week group telehealth treatment for 4- to 6-year-old children with ASD. DINOSAUR works with young children and their parents to deliver CBT along with interventions targeting IU and parental accommodation. In this paper, we first discuss the rationale for developing this treatment and then describe a pilot study of its feasibility and preliminary efficacy. Conclusions There is a great need to develop anxiety treatments for young children with ASD. We proposed a novel integrated treatment approach that aims to alter the way young children and parents respond to fear, which could potentially improve short- and long-term mental health outcomes for this age group. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.govNCT04432077 on June 03, 2020
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Keefer
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
| | - Roma A Vasa
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
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6
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Adams D, Malone S, Simpson K, Tucker M, Rapee RM, Rodgers J, Keen D. Protocol for a longitudinal study investigating the role of anxiety on academic outcomes in children on the autism spectrum. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257223. [PMID: 34529686 PMCID: PMC8445440 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children on the autism spectrum are consistently reported to underachieve compared to ability. In typically developing children, anxiety is a strong predictor of poor school performance. Despite the high prevalence of anxiety disorders among children on the spectrum, the impact of their anxiety on academic achievement is under-researched. The main aim of this project is to determine the moderating role anxiety may have in the development of academic learning behaviours (academic enablers) in children on the spectrum. This project addresses a gap in knowledge about the possible associations between anxiety and academic achievement in children on the spectrum. Understanding these associations opens up the possibility of new intervention pathways to enhance academic outcomes through anxiety reduction/prevention. METHODS This longitudinal study will aim to recruit 64 children on the spectrum aged 4-5 years and their parents. Information will be gathered from children, parents and teachers. Children will be randomly assigned to one of two conditions in order to experimentally manipulate anxiety levels in the sample: experimental (to receive an anxiety reduction/prevention program, N = 32) or control (no intervention/treatment as usual, N = 32). The primary outcome measures are child academic skills and enabling behaviours assessed using the Academic Competence Evaluation Scales and the WIAT-II. Anxiety will be assessed through parent and teacher report. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-experimental manipulation of anxiety, and within the first year of formal schooling. It is hypothesised that anxiety will moderate the relationship between autism characteristics and academic enablers. DISSEMINATION Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed manuscripts and conference presentations. Lay summaries will be provided to all participants and available on the research centre website.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn Adams
- Autism Centre of Excellence, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stephanie Malone
- Autism Centre of Excellence, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kate Simpson
- Autism Centre of Excellence, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Ron M. Rapee
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jacqui Rodgers
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Deb Keen
- Autism Centre of Excellence, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, Queensland, Australia
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7
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Dickson KS, Lind T, Jobin A, Kinnear M, Lok H, Brookman-Frazee L. A Systematic Review of Mental Health Interventions for ASD: Characterizing Interventions, Intervention Adaptations, and Implementation Outcomes. ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2021; 48:857-883. [PMID: 33884535 PMCID: PMC8411365 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-021-01133-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have high rates of co-occurring mental health needs that necessitate mental health interventions. Given the unique clinical characteristics of youth with ASD, there have been significant efforts to adapt and test mental health interventions for this population. Yet, characterization of the nature and types of interventions adaptations is limited, especially across the wide range of interventions tested for youth with ASD with a focus on implementation factors. Additionally, understanding how these interventions may be implemented in community services is limited. The aims of this systematic review are to characterize the (1) types of interventions tested for co-occurring mental health conditions for youth with ASD; (2) adaptations to mental health interventions for use with youth with ASD; and (3) implementation strategies, outcomes, and determinants of mental health interventions to inform their translation to community service settings. Eighty-three articles testing interventions targeting mental health symptoms in youth with ASD that included implementation factors in analyses were reviewed. The Stirman et al. (2013; 2019) FRAME adaptation, Powell et al. (2012;2015) implementation strategies, and Proctor et al. (2011) implementation outcomes taxonomies were applied to characterize the nature and types of adaptations for use with youth with ASD and types of implementation strategies, outcomes, and determinants used, when available, respectively. Of the interventions examined, the majority (64.1%) were originally designed to target youth mental health concerns and were then adapted to be used with ASD. The most common adaptations included those to the intervention content, particularly adding elements with tailoring or refining aspects of the intervention while maintaining core functions. Half of the articles described at least one implementation strategy used during intervention testing. Fidelity and acceptability were the most frequently examined implementation outcomes, with some examination of appropriateness and feasibility. Nineteen percent of articles described implementation determinants (i.e. barriers/facilitators) of these implementation outcomes. The common adaptations for ASD provide direction for future intervention development and for training community therapists. Further examination, specification, and reporting of implementation strategies and outcomes within ongoing efforts to adapt and interventions to meet the co-occurring mental health needs of youth ASD are needed to facilitate their translation to community settings. Areas for future research as well as clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey S Dickson
- San Diego State University, San Diego, USA.
- Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Teresa Lind
- Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
- University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - Allison Jobin
- University of California, San Diego, USA
- California State University, San Marcos, USA
| | | | - Ho Lok
- San Diego State University, San Diego, USA
- Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lauren Brookman-Frazee
- Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
- University of California, San Diego, USA
- Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, San Diego, USA
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8
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Chetcuti L, Uljarević M, Varcin KJ, Boutrus M, Pillar S, Dimov S, Barbaro J, Dissanayake C, Green J, Wan MW, Segal L, Slonims V, Whitehouse AJO, Hudry K. Caregiver Psychological Distress Predicts Temperament and Social-Emotional Outcomes in Infants with Autism Traits. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2021; 49:1669-1681. [PMID: 34216330 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-021-00838-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Child temperament and caregiver psychological distress have been independently associated with social-emotional difficulties among individuals with autism. However, the interrelationship among these risk factors has rarely been investigated. We explored the reciprocal interplay between child temperament (surgency, negative affectivity, and self-regulation) and caregiver psychological distress in the development of child internalizing and externalizing symptoms, in a cohort of 103 infants showing early autism traits. Caregivers completed questionnaires when children were aged around 12-months (Time 1 [T1]), 18-months (Time 2 [T2]), and 24-months (Time 3 [T3]). Cross-lagged path models revealed a significant pathway from T1 caregiver psychological distress through lower T2 child self-regulation to subsequently greater T3 child internalizing symptoms. No such caregiver-driven pathway was evident through T2 child negative affectivity or in the prediction of T3 child externalizing symptoms. Further, no support was found for temperament-driven pathways through caregiver psychological distress to child social-emotional difficulties. Child surgency was mostly unrelated to caregiver psychological distress and social-emotional difficulties. These findings implicate the need to support the mental health of caregivers with an infant with autism traits in order to enhance the emotion regulation and social-emotional development of their infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lacey Chetcuti
- Department of Psychology and Counseling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia. .,Cooperative Research Centre for Living With Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Mirko Uljarević
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford Autism Center, Stanford, California, USA.,School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kandice J Varcin
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Maryam Boutrus
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living With Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, Australia.,Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Sarah Pillar
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Stefanie Dimov
- Department of Psychology and Counseling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Josephine Barbaro
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living With Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, Australia.,Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living With Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, Australia.,Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jonathan Green
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Ming Wai Wan
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Leonie Segal
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Vicky Slonims
- Evelina Children's Hospital / Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - Andrew J O Whitehouse
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living With Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, Australia.,Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Kristelle Hudry
- Department of Psychology and Counseling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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9
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Dickson KS, Lind T, Jobin A, Kinnear M, Lok H, Brookman-Frazee L. Correction to: A Systematic Review of Mental Health Interventions for ASD: Characterizing Interventions, Intervention Adaptations, and Implementation Outcomes. ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2021; 48:884-908. [PMID: 34196884 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-021-01144-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Due to the errors occurred in the originally published version, this article is being reprinted in its entirety as Correction. All errors have been corrected. It is the correct version.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey S Dickson
- San Diego State University, San Diego, USA.
- Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Teresa Lind
- San Diego State University, San Diego, USA
- Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
- University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - Allison Jobin
- Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
- University of California, San Diego, USA
- California State University, San Marcos, USA
| | | | - Ho Lok
- San Diego State University, San Diego, USA
- Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lauren Brookman-Frazee
- Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
- University of California, San Diego, USA
- Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, San Diego, USA
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10
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Simpson K, Adams D, Ambrose K, Keen D. "My cheeks get red and my brain gets scared": A computer assisted interview to explore experiences of anxiety in young children on the autism spectrum. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 113:103940. [PMID: 33765519 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety symptoms are common in children on the autism spectrum and may be present at an early age. While a multi-informant approach is considered best practice in the assessment of anxiety, self-reports from young children on the autism spectrum are rarely included. AIMS The aim of this study was to utilise a computer-assisted interview procedure incorporating visual prompts to elicit the viewpoints of children about their experiences of anxiety. METHODS AND PROCEDURES Ten children aged 5-8 years who were diagnosed on the autism spectrum completed the interview. Directed content analysis was used to explore the data generated in the interview. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS A wide range of situations that trigger anxiety, and responses to anxiety, were reported across the participant group. These responses may be unrecognised as anxiety by others. The children provided positive feedback on the use of the computer-assisted interview. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The child's own self-report can inform parents and professionals of the situations which make them more or less anxious and the behaviours that they use to communicate their anxiety in that specific situation. The use of a computer-assisted interview may be an effective method to support self-report of anxiety-related experiences for young children on the autism spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Simpson
- Autism Centre of Excellence, Arts Education and Law, Griffith University, QLD, Australia; Griffith Institute for Educational Research, Griffith University, QLD, Australia.
| | - Dawn Adams
- Autism Centre of Excellence, Arts Education and Law, Griffith University, QLD, Australia; Griffith Institute for Educational Research, Griffith University, QLD, Australia.
| | - Kathryn Ambrose
- Autism Centre of Excellence, Arts Education and Law, Griffith University, QLD, Australia; Griffith Institute for Educational Research, Griffith University, QLD, Australia.
| | - Deb Keen
- Autism Centre of Excellence, Arts Education and Law, Griffith University, QLD, Australia; Griffith Institute for Educational Research, Griffith University, QLD, Australia.
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11
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Vasa RA, Keefer A, McDonald RG, Hunsche MC, Kerns CM. A Scoping Review of Anxiety in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Res 2020; 13:2038-2057. [PMID: 32978905 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Research on anxiety in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has burgeoned in the past 15 years. Most of the research has focused on school-age children, ages 6 to 18 years. Yet, recent studies suggest that anxiety can emerge in young children, under 6 years, with ASD. This scoping review synthesized the literature on anxiety in young children with ASD. Three domains of anxiety research were reviewed: (a) prevalence/severity, phenomenology, and course; (b) correlates; and (c) treatment. Four online databases were searched from the start of the database until March 2020. Keywords pertaining to anxiety, autism, and young children were entered. The search identified 44 articles for inclusion. These studies varied with respect to sample source, informants, and measures to assess anxiety. The overall prevalence of anxiety ranged from 1.6 to 62%. Sixteen of 17 studies found that young children with ASD had higher levels of anxiety compared to various control groups. A variety of DSM anxiety symptoms and disorders were present in young children with the most common symptoms being specific, social, and generalized fears. Correlates of anxiety included sensory over-responsivity, sleep disturbance, aggression/defiance, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Three cognitive behavioral treatment studies for anxiety and one developmental intervention targeting ASD symptoms showed promise in reducing anxiety. Findings indicate an early emergence of anxiety in some children with ASD. Further research on the measurement, pathophysiology, and treatment of anxiety in early childhood is critical to improving outcomes in children with ASD. LAY SUMMARY: This scoping review synthesizes the literature on anxiety in young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Results indicate that children with ASD have higher levels of anxiety than children without ASD. Potential factors that could be contributing to anxiety include sensory, sleep, and behavioral problems. Preliminary studies show that anxiety can improve with cognitive behavioral treatment. These findings suggest that research on anxiety in young children with ASD should be prioritized to improve mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roma A Vasa
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Amy Keefer
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rachel G McDonald
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michelle C Hunsche
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Connor M Kerns
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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12
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Mallise CA, Lane AE, Woolard AJ, Whalen OM, Murphy VE, Karayanidis F, Campbell LE. The temperament features associated with autism spectrum disorder in childhood: A systematic review. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2020; 104:103711. [PMID: 32599501 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Temperament is an important construct that shapes child development. Temperament is suggested to present differently in different groups, such as children with neurodevelopmental disorders. However, it is not known whether there are specific temperament features associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). AIM This systematic review aimed to synthesise extant literature to determine whether there are temperament features associated with ASD in infancy, toddlerhood and childhood. METHODS AND PROCEDURES Following the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews, we searched PsycINFO, CINAHL, Academic Search Ultimate and ProQuest for all available articles from database conception until January 2020. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal checklists were used to assess the methodological quality of included articles. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Twenty-six articles met the selection criteria: (1) reported on the temperament of children (0-12 years of age) diagnosed with ASD, (2) peer-reviewed; and (3) published in English. Articles varied in overall methodological quality. Infants later diagnosed with ASD were found to more frequently be described as having 'easy' temperament features in early infancy, compared to typically developing infants and infants with developmental concerns but not ASD. Once diagnosed, children with ASD were reported to, as a group, display more negative affect, less extraversion and less effortful control than typically developing children. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The literature suggests that more challenging temperament features are associated with ASD in childhood, but less is known about within group variability. Overall, this review highlights the need for further investigation into the variability of temperament in children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly A Mallise
- School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia; Priority Research Centre GrowUpWell®, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Alison E Lane
- Priority Research Centre GrowUpWell®, University of Newcastle, Australia; School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Alix J Woolard
- School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia; Priority Research Centre GrowUpWell®, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Olivia M Whalen
- School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia; Priority Research Centre GrowUpWell®, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Vanessa E Murphy
- Priority Research Centre GrowUpWell®, University of Newcastle, Australia; VIVA (Viruses, Infections/Immunity, Vaccines and Asthma) Research Group, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
| | - Frini Karayanidis
- School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Linda E Campbell
- School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia; Priority Research Centre GrowUpWell®, University of Newcastle, Australia.
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Family-Centered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety in Very Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 50:3905-3920. [PMID: 32146598 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04446-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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