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Kildahl AN, Helverschou SB. Post-traumatic stress disorder and experiences involving violence or sexual abuse in a clinical sample of autistic adults with intellectual disabilities: Prevalence and clinical correlates. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:1075-1089. [PMID: 37609889 PMCID: PMC11067401 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231190948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health disorder that may be triggered by the experience of events perceived as terrifying or overwhelming. Examples of such events include being the victim of violence or sexual abuse. Compared with other people, autistic people have increased risk of being exposed to violence or sexual abuse. In addition, autistic people may be more vulnerable to developing post-traumatic stress disorder following such exposure. However, knowledge is limited concerning the prevalence of experiences involving violence and sexual abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder, in autistic people with co-occurring intellectual disabilities. Detection of these experiences, and identification of post-traumatic stress disorder, may be challenging in these individuals, and previous research indicates that post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms may be overlooked or misinterpreted. In this study, we examined prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder, violence and sexual abuse in a clinical sample of 88 autistic adults with intellectual disabilities referred for mental health assessment. Only 3.4% were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, even if experiences involving violence (34.1%) or sexual abuse (17.0%) were common. Anxiety and affective disorders were common diagnoses among participants with these experiences. Controlling for autism characteristics, level of intellectual disability and communication skills, experiences of violence/sexual abuse were found to be associated with a measure of 'challenging' behaviours. These results indicate that potentially traumatic experiences are common in autistic adults with intellectual disabilities referred for mental health assessment, and that post-traumatic stress disorder may be under-recognised. The findings highlight the importance of trauma screening and post-traumatic stress disorder assessment, as well as the importance of trauma-informed care, in this population.
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Brown CE, Quetsch LB, Aloia LS, Kanne SM. Predictors of Aggression, Disruptive Behavior, and Anger Dysregulation in Youths with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:1264-1280. [PMID: 36697931 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05876-6] [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] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience difficulties related to aggression, disruptive behavior, and regulation of emotions that precipitate these behaviors (i.e., anger). The extent to which aggression, disruptive behaviors, and anger dysregulation are correlated with distinct or overlapping factors has not yet been explored. The present study examined whether aspects of participant demographics, individual youth functioning, caregiver stress, and family warmth contributed to youth aggression, disruptive behavior, and anger dysregulation. Participants were caregivers of 511 youths with ASD. Analyses revealed that significant proportions of variance in aggression, disruptive behaviors, and anger dysregulation were accounted for by shared variables pertaining to demographics, the individual youth, and caregiver stress. Implications of treatment and future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia E Brown
- School of Graduate Psychology, Pacific University, Hillsboro, OR, USA.
| | - Lauren B Quetsch
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Lindsey S Aloia
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
- Department of Communication, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Stephen M Kanne
- Department of Psychiatry and Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains, NY, USA
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Brown C, Lerner M, Stadheim J, Kerns C, Moskowitz L, Cohn E, Drahota A, Soorya L, Wainer A. Provider Self-Reported Use and Usefulness of Intervention Strategies for Externalizing Behaviors in Youths with ASD. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, DIVISION 53 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37706638 PMCID: PMC10937329 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2023.2251163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine predictors of implementation and perceived usefulness of four empirically supported strategies for treating externalizing behavior in youths with ASD. METHOD Participants were 557 providers in the United States with experience treating externalizing behavior in youths with ASD. Generalized estimating equations were used to determine whether self-reported use and usefulness of four empirically supported intervention strategies (functional communication training, functional behavior analysis, visual tools/supports, token economy) were predicted by key provider characteristics: professional discipline, experience, and practice specialization (across three indices) in ASD. Post-hoc contrasts were performed to identify provider groups reporting the greatest use and usefulness of the four strategies. RESULTS Strategies were most often used by providers with behavioral backgrounds, though perceived usefulness of strategies varied by providers' professional discipline. Compared to providers with more than 10 years of experience, less experienced providers endorsed the highest average use and usefulness of almost all strategies. Regarding ASD practice specialization, a lower volume of ASD cases, treating fewer youths with ASD over a 5-year period, and having a higher proportion of practice time working with youths with ASD reported were associated with greater use and usefulness of the strategies. CONCLUSIONS Empirically supported strategies are widely used by and perceived as useful by providers who treat youths with ASD and co-occurring externalizing behaviors. Use and usefulness varies based on provider discipline, experience, and ASD practice specialization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jenna Stadheim
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
| | - Connor Kerns
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia
| | | | - Elizabeth Cohn
- Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing, City University of New York
| | - Amy Drahota
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University
| | - Latha Soorya
- Department of Psychiatry, Rush University Medical Center
| | - Allison Wainer
- Department of Psychiatry, Rush University Medical Center
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Martinez K, Chlebowski C, Roesch S, Stadnick NA, Villodas M, Brookman-Frazee L. Psychometric Assessment of the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory in Children with Autism in Community Settings. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:1693-1705. [PMID: 35278165 PMCID: PMC9464797 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05427-z] [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] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI) is a frequently used measure to assess interfering behaviors in children and psychometric properties have recently been examined in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There is a need to confirm the identified factors and examine the factor structure in a racially/ethnically diverse, community-based sample. The current study conducts a psychometric analysis of the ECBI in a sample of children with ASD receiving publicly-funded mental health services. Data were collected from 201 children with ASD ages 5-13 years (60% Hispanic/Latinx) participating in a community effectiveness trial. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated poor model fit using previously identified factors and a new four-factor solution was identified. Clinical and research implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kassandra Martinez
- San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Colby Chlebowski
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Scott Roesch
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Nicole A Stadnick
- San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
- University of California San Diego Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute Dissemination and Implementation Science Center, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Miguel Villodas
- San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
- Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lauren Brookman-Frazee
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
- University of California San Diego Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute Dissemination and Implementation Science Center, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA
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Semovski V, King C, Lapshina N, Stewart SL. A cross-sectional examination of service complexity in youths with co-occurring autism spectrum disorder and psychiatric or medical diagnoses across service sectors. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1027373. [PMID: 36817386 PMCID: PMC9930473 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1027373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous, life-long, and complex condition. Youth diagnosed with ASD require several supports addressing core symptoms associated with the disorder, but also those resulting from co-occurring mental and physical health conditions. As a result, their care is overseen by numerous professionals spanning various service sectors, but communication between sectors is hindered due to the absence of a standardized assessment system to identify and triage youth to services. A paucity of information surrounding this population's service use lingers and a siloed delivery system persists. Methods Using archival data collected from 1,020 youth between 12 and 18 years of age, this study explored service complexity among autistic youth with and without psychiatric and medical co-occurring conditions in Ontario, Canada. In doing so, a negative binomial regression was utilized to investigate which predisposing, enabling, and need variables were associated with service complexity. Results Results revealed that experiencing financial difficulties was not associated with service complexity. However, age, sex, caregiver distress, comorbidity, intellectual disability, and evaluated health status were significant predictors. More specifically, female youth and youth with distressed caregivers had greater mental health service complexity scores. Additionally, youth diagnosed with two or more conditions in addition to ASD who required longer durations of programming, controlling for other predictors, had greater mental health service complexity scores. Yet, youth with an intellectual disability had lower service complexity scores. Discussion Clinical implications of this study are discussed to inform future investments into mental health efforts for autistic youth.
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Kerns CM, Robins DL, Shattuck PT, Newschaffer CJ, Berkowitz SJ. Expert consensus regarding indicators of a traumatic reaction in autistic youth: a Delphi survey. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2023; 64:50-58. [PMID: 35817758 PMCID: PMC10368297 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It has been suggested that the sequelae of trauma are under-recognized in youth on the autism spectrum. We aimed to generate expert consensus regarding important trauma indicators, including but not limited to traumatic stress symptoms, in autistic youth. METHODS We recruited 72 experts in autism and/or childhood trauma. Via a 2-round Delphi survey, experts commented on and rated the importance of 48 potential indicators, drawn from PTSD criteria and a broader literature on traumatic sequelae in autism. A revised list of 51 indicators, 18 clinical guidelines developed from expert comments, and summaries of expert qualifications and ratings from Round 1 were submitted to a second round (n = 66; 92% retention) of expert review and rating. RESULTS Twenty-two indicators reached consensus (>75% round 2 endorsement). Many, but not all, reflected PTSD criteria, including intrusions (e.g., trauma re-enactments in perseverative play/speech), avoidance of trauma-reminders, and negative alterations in mood/cognition (e.g., diminished interest in activities) and in arousal/reactivity (e.g., exaggerated startle). Experts also identified increased reliance on others, adaptive and language regressions, self-injurious behavior, and non-suicidal self-injury as important indicators. Consensus guidelines emphasized the need for tailored measures, developmentally informed criteria, and multiple informants to increase diagnostic accuracy. CONCLUSIONS Expert consensus emphasizes and informs a need for tailored diagnostic guidelines and measures to more sensitively assess traumatic reactions in autistic youth.
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Cleary M, West S, Hunt GE, McLean L, Hungerford C, Kornhaber R. How People with Autism Access Mental Health Services Specifically Suicide Hotlines and Crisis Support Services, and Current Approaches to Mental Health Care: A Scoping Review. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2022; 43:1093-1106. [PMID: 36041121 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2022.2108529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
For people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the risk of mental illness, including suicidality, has a higher prevalence than the general population. This scoping review explored how people with ASD access suicide hotlines/crisis support services; and current approaches to delivering mental health services (MHS) to people with ASD. A search identified 28 studies meeting the selection criteria with analysis revealing four key findings. The support received by the person with ASD influenced how they accessed MHS; people often encounter barriers to accessing MHS; a separation exists between autism and MHS; and no studies on accessing or delivering MHS through crisis hotlines. The presence of such autism-specific crisis hotlines and the dearth of studies suggest a void in the existing research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Cleary
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Sciences, Central Queensland University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sancia West
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Sciences, Central Queensland University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Glenn E Hunt
- Speciality of Psychiatry, Concord Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Loyola McLean
- Diploma of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Cert ATP, Accredited AAI Coder and Trainer, Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Westmead Psychotherapy Program for Complex Traumatic Disorders, Western Sydney Local Health District, Parramatta, Sydney, Australia.,Western Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Catherine Hungerford
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Sciences, Central Queensland University, Sydney, NSW, and School of Health, Federation University, VIC, Australia
| | - Rachel Kornhaber
- School of Nursing, University of Tasmania, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Ng-Cordell E, Rai A, Peracha H, Garfield T, Lankenau SE, Robins DL, Berkowitz SJ, Newschaffer C, Kerns CM. A Qualitative Study of Self and Caregiver Perspectives on How Autistic Individuals Cope With Trauma. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:825008. [PMID: 35911211 PMCID: PMC9329569 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.825008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coping can moderate the relationship between trauma exposure and trauma symptoms. There are many conceptualisations of coping in the general population, but limited research has considered how autistic individuals cope, despite their above-average rates of traumatic exposure. Objectives To describe the range of coping strategies autistic individuals use following traumatic events. Methods Fourteen autistic adults and 15 caregivers of autistic individuals, recruited via stratified purposive sampling, completed semi-structured interviews. Participants were asked to describe how they/their child attempted to cope with events they perceived as traumatic. Using an existing theoretical framework and reflexive thematic analysis, coping strategies were identified, described, and organized into themes. Results Coping strategies used by autistic individuals could be organized into 3 main themes: (1) Engaging with Trauma, (2) Disengaging from Trauma, and (3) Self-Regulatory Coping. After the three main themes were developed, a fourth integrative theme, Diagnostic Overshadowing, was created to capture participants' reports of the overlap or confusion between coping and autism-related behaviors. Conclusions Autistic individuals use many strategies to cope with trauma, many of which are traditionally recognized as coping, but some of which may be less easily recognized given their overlap with autism-related behaviors. Findings highlight considerations for conceptualizing coping in autism, including factors influencing how individuals cope with trauma, and how aspects of autism may shape or overlap with coping behavior. Research building on these findings may inform a more nuanced understanding of how autistic people respond to adversity, and how to support coping strategies that promote recovery from trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Ng-Cordell
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Anika Rai
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hira Peracha
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tamara Garfield
- A. J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Stephen E. Lankenau
- Department of Community Health and Prevention, School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Diana L. Robins
- A. J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Craig Newschaffer
- A. J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Connor M. Kerns
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- A. J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Stadnick NA, Martinez K, Coleman KJ, Gizzo DP, Lane E, Lee N, Kuelbs CL, Aarons GA, Brookman-Frazee L. Mental health screening in pediatric primary care for children with autism. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2022; 26:1305-1311. [PMID: 35105226 DOI: 10.1177/13623613211062963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Children with autism experience high rates of co-occurring mental health conditions like challenging behaviors and anxiety. However, these co-occurring mental health needs are often not identified when they first become problematic. Pediatricians and their care staff are in a good position to identify mental health needs early and support families to connect to needed services. This study describes a project focused on mental health screening for children with autism in pediatric primary care clinics. Over half of eligible patients were screened using the Pediatric Symptom Checklist-17. Many children with autism had clinically elevated scores, suggesting the need for mental health assessment or services. In particular, children with positive screens had clinical elevations on the challenging behavior and attention subscales of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist-17. This finding is consistent with typical trends in co-occurring challenging behavior presentations in children with autism. Mental health screening in primary care is feasible and offers a promising opportunity to identify co-occurring mental health needs for children with autism early. Screening rates varied between clinics, suggesting tailored to improve routine screening in pediatric primary care for children with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A Stadnick
- University of California San Diego, USA.,UC San Diego Dissemination and Implementation Science Center, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, USA
| | - Kassandra Martinez
- Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, USA.,San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, USA
| | | | | | - Elizabeth Lane
- University of California San Diego, USA.,Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, USA
| | - Nicholas Lee
- University of California San Diego, USA.,Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, USA
| | - Cynthia L Kuelbs
- University of California San Diego, USA.,Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, USA
| | - Gregory A Aarons
- University of California San Diego, USA.,UC San Diego Dissemination and Implementation Science Center, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, USA
| | - Lauren Brookman-Frazee
- University of California San Diego, USA.,UC San Diego Dissemination and Implementation Science Center, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, USA.,Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, USA
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