International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

11 pages, 786 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integration of Facial Expression and Gaze Direction in Individuals with a High Level of Autistic Traits

by Andrea Marotta, Belén Aranda-Martín, Marco De Cono, María Ángeles Ballesteros-Duperón, Maria Casagrande and Juan Lupiáñez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 2798; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19052798 - 27 Feb 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2787

Abstract

Background. We investigated whether individuals with high levels of autistic traits integrate relevant communicative signals, such as facial expression, when decoding eye-gaze direction. Methods. Students with high vs. low scores on the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) performed a task in which they responded [...] Read more.

Background. We investigated whether individuals with high levels of autistic traits integrate relevant communicative signals, such as facial expression, when decoding eye-gaze direction. Methods. Students with high vs. low scores on the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) performed a task in which they responded to the eye directions of faces, presented on the left or the right side of a screen, portraying different emotional expressions. Results. In both groups, the identification of gaze direction was faster when the eyes were directed towards the center of the scene. However, in the low AQ group, this effect was larger for happy faces than for neutral faces or faces showing other emotional expressions, whereas participants from high AQ group were not affected by emotional expressions. Conclusions. These results suggest that individuals with more autistic traits may not integrate multiple communicative signals based on their emotional value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders)

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12 pages, 1889 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Attitudes toward Pursuing Genetic Testing among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Taiwan: A Qualitative Investigation

by Zihan Zhang, Justin Kramer, Haocen Wang, Wei-Ju Chen, Tse-Yang Huang, Yann-Jang Chen, Tung-Sung Tseng and Lei-Shih Chen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010118 - 23 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3698

Abstract

Background: The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) cases is increasing in Taiwan. Genetic testing for children with ASD offers several potential benefits and is available with out-of-pocket expenses. Parents play a pivotal role in having their children with ASD tested; therefore, understanding [...] Read more.

Background: The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) cases is increasing in Taiwan. Genetic testing for children with ASD offers several potential benefits and is available with out-of-pocket expenses. Parents play a pivotal role in having their children with ASD tested; therefore, understanding their perceptions of, and perceived barriers to genetic testing is vital. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 39 parents of children with ASD in Taiwan. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. NVivo 12 software (QSR International, Doncaster, Australia) was used to facilitate an inductive coding methodology. Results: The majority of participants (74.4%) supported ASD genetic testing for their children with ASD, citing reasons such as clarifying ASD etiology, well-informed family planning, contributing to ASD research, and early ASD detection and intervention. Others indicated that they were either against such testing (17.9%), or unsure (7.7%) about whether to take their children with ASD for genetic testing. Those who were opposed reported that their main concerns related to perceptions of no value of genetic testing, potential for family conflict, and financial difficulties. Conclusions: Most of the parents of children with ASD that we interviewed expressed favorable views of ASD genetic testing. There exists a need to increase parental access to education and counseling, and to include testing coverage in Taiwanese national health insurance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders)

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13 pages, 328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Their First-Year College Experiences

by Stefania D. Petcu, Dalun Zhang and Yi-Fan Li

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(22), 11822; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182211822 - 11 Nov 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3719

Abstract

Using data from the 2019 CIRP Freshman Survey and the Your First College Year (YFCY) from the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA, this study explores the differences between the characteristics and behaviors of the first-year students with autism spectrum disorders (17) and [...] Read more.

Using data from the 2019 CIRP Freshman Survey and the Your First College Year (YFCY) from the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA, this study explores the differences between the characteristics and behaviors of the first-year students with autism spectrum disorders (17) and those of students with learning disabilities (102). The findings indicate that the characteristics of these two groups of first-year college students were similar except for gender, ethnicity, first college generation, and parents’ income. Compared with first-year college students with LD, students with ASD were less likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors, use health services and the writing center. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders)

13 pages, 812 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Route of Stress in Parents of Young Children with and without Autism: A Path-Analysis Study

by Elisa Leonardi, Antonio Cerasa, Rocco Servidio, Angela Costabile, Francesca Isabella Famà, Cristina Carrozza, Letteria Spadaro, Renato Scifo, Sabrina Baieli, Stefania Aiello, Flavia Marino, Gennaro Tartarisco, David Vagni, Giovanni Pioggia and Liliana Ruta

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(20), 10887; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182010887 - 16 Oct 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3590

Abstract

We provide a conceptual model on the complex interaction between stress, psychological predisposition, and personality traits, accounting for gender, in parents of children with and without autism. We performed a path analysis using a structural equation modeling approach in a sample of parents [...] Read more.

We provide a conceptual model on the complex interaction between stress, psychological predisposition, and personality traits, accounting for gender, in parents of children with and without autism. We performed a path analysis using a structural equation modeling approach in a sample of parents including 60 ASD and 53 TD couples. In parents of typically developing children (TD), depression level and age are the main direct predictors of stress through the mediating effect of anxiety. Otherwise, in the ASD parent group, the personality trait ‘openness’ directly predicts the defensive response and stress levels without the mediating effect of anxiety. Our data suggest a route of action in promoting new behavioral strategies to prevent parenting stress, making families run smoothly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders)

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15 pages, 1861 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Emotional Dysregulation in Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder—A Sample of Romanian Children

by Cristina Costescu, Mălina Șogor, Serge Thill and Adrian Roșan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(20), 10683; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182010683 - 12 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2917

Abstract

Emotional dysregulation problems seem to affect more than 80% of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and may include irritability, aggressive behaviors, self-injury, and anxiety. Even though these types of problems are very common and affect the well-being of individuals with ASD, there [...] Read more.

Emotional dysregulation problems seem to affect more than 80% of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and may include irritability, aggressive behaviors, self-injury, and anxiety. Even though these types of problems are very common and affect the well-being of individuals with ASD, there are no objective assessment tools developed for this population and there are only a few intervention techniques meant to address these symptoms. This study investigates the feasibility of using off-the-shelf wearable devices to accurately measure heart rate, which has been associated with emotional dysregulation, and to test the effectiveness of functional communication training in reducing the emotional outburst in preschoolers with ASD. We used a single-case experiment design with three preschoolers with ASD to test if the duration of the emotional outburst and the elevated heart rate levels can be reduced by using functional communication training. Our results show that for two of the participants, the intervention was effective in reducing the duration of behaviors associated with emotional outburst, and that there were significant differences between baseline and intervention phase in terms of heart rate levels. However, our results are inconclusive regarding the association between elevated heart rates and the occurrence of the emotional outburst. Nevertheless, more research is needed to investigate the use of off-the-shelf wearable devices in predicting challenging behaviors in children with ASD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders)

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11 pages, 319 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Regul-A: A Technological Application for Sensory Regulation of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Home Context

by Helena Reis, Inês Eusébio, Margarida Sousa, Mariana Ferreira, Raquel Pereira, Sara Dias and Catarina I. Reis

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10452; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910452 - 5 Oct 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3383

Abstract

(1) Background: Sensory processing disorder is now recognised as a core feature of autism spectrum disorder that influences children’s adaptive behaviours, which, in turn, may interfere with their participation in life situations. This study describes the process of developing a technological platform, in [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Sensory processing disorder is now recognised as a core feature of autism spectrum disorder that influences children’s adaptive behaviours, which, in turn, may interfere with their participation in life situations. This study describes the process of developing a technological platform, in the form of an app, to help families regulate children with ASD, aged 3–6 years old, by applying sensory strategies to improve the child’s participation in daily routines in the home context. (2) Methods: A focus group formed by four specialised occupational therapists who intervene with children with ASD was selected in order to understand and discuss content that should be included in the app. At a later stage, a group of three was involved to ensure quality and veracity in technological platform elaboration. (3) Results: The purpose of the app, named Regul-A, is to help parents regulate children with ASD regarding their participation in home routines. The sensory strategies provided by the focus group in the three major occupations of the child were the first results obtained, followed by the development of the app structure. (4) Conclusions: The next phase of the study will be the use of the platform by families of children with ASD and occupational therapists. It is believed that, in the future, Regul-A will be used as a tool to gather, analyse and manage data on the occupational performance of children with ASD in the home context, particularly for activities of daily living, sleep, rest and play, facilitating the implementation of strategies and the sharing of information between parents and occupational therapists. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders)

8 pages, 339 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implication of the Sensory Environment in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Perspectives from School

by Ana Gentil-Gutiérrez, José Luis Cuesta-Gómez, Paula Rodríguez-Fernández and Jerónimo Javier González-Bernal

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(14), 7670; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147670 - 19 Jul 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 7832

Abstract

(1) Background: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently have difficulties in processing sensory information, which is a limitation when participating in different contexts, such as school. The objective of the present study was to compare the sensory processing characteristics of children with [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently have difficulties in processing sensory information, which is a limitation when participating in different contexts, such as school. The objective of the present study was to compare the sensory processing characteristics of children with ASD in the natural context of school through the perception of professionals in the field of education, in comparison with neurodevelopmental children (2) Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study as conducted with study population consisting of children between three and ten years old, 36 of whom were diagnosed with ASD and attended the Autismo Burgos association; the remaining 24 had neurotypical development. The degree of response of the children to sensory stimuli at school was evaluated using the Sensory Profile-2 (SP-2) questionnaire in its school version, answered by the teachers. (3) Results: Statistically significant differences were found in sensory processing patterns (p = 0.001), in sensory systems (p = 0.001) and in school factors (p = 0.001). Children with ASD who obtained worse results. (4) Conclusions: Children with ASD are prone to present sensory alterations in different contexts, giving nonadapted behavioral and learning responses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders)

16 pages, 1355 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the Family Inclusive Airport Design Experience

by Monica Cerdan Chiscano

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 7206; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18137206 - 5 Jul 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4684

Abstract

The literature on air travellers with psychiatric disorders is limited. This perspective article highlights various travel-related aspects of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The airport experience can be stressful for families of children with autism spectrum disorder (FwASDs). The aim of this study was [...] Read more.

The literature on air travellers with psychiatric disorders is limited. This perspective article highlights various travel-related aspects of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The airport experience can be stressful for families of children with autism spectrum disorder (FwASDs). The aim of this study was to explore the airport experience of FwASDs using the value co-creation process approach to assist airport managers in designing improved experiences for this specific passenger segment. This study responds to the current climate in which airports are developing awareness programmes in relation to children who require special assistance at airports. The prevalence of children with ASD is 1/68. While a number of airports throughout the world have adopted procedures addressing the needs of those with cognitive impairment, these advances are far from universal. As part of an academic–industry collaboration between Vueling airlines and the Spanish airport operator Aena, 25 FwASDs took part in an inclusive airport research project in the city of Barcelona from November 2015 to April 2016. Employing a qualitative methodology that incorporated focus groups, ethnographic techniques, and post-experience surveys, the study contributes to extending the body of knowledge on the management of the value co-creation process for challenging passenger segments within the airport context. The study explains how ensuring adequate resource allocation to this passenger segment can improve the family-inclusive design of the airport experience and offers managerial recommendations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders)

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10 pages, 321 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perceptions of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Etiology among Parents of Children with ASD

by Wei-Ju Chen, Zihan Zhang, Haocen Wang, Tung-Sung Tseng, Ping Ma and Lei-Shih Chen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 6774; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18136774 - 24 Jun 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6962

Abstract

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication deficits and restricted or repetitive behaviors. Parental perceptions of the etiology of their child’s ASD can affect provider–client relationships, bonding between parents and their children, and the prognosis, treatment, and [...] Read more.

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication deficits and restricted or repetitive behaviors. Parental perceptions of the etiology of their child’s ASD can affect provider–client relationships, bonding between parents and their children, and the prognosis, treatment, and management of children with ASD. Thus, this study sought to examine the perceptions of ASD etiology of parents of children with ASD. Methods: Forty-two parents of children diagnosed with ASD were recruited across Texas. Semi-structured interviews were conducted individually. All interviews were recorded and later transcribed verbatim for content analysis utilizing NVivo 12.0 (QSR International, Doncaster, Australia). Results: The content analysis identified the following themes regarding parental perceptions of ASD etiology: Genetic factors (40.5%), environmental factors (31.0%), problems that occurred during pregnancy or delivery (23.8%), vaccinations (16.7%), other health problems (7.1%), parental age at the time of pregnancy (4.8%), and spiritual or religious factors (2.4%). Conclusions: The parental perceptions of ASD etiology were diverse, but several views, such as vaccinations and spiritual or religious factors, were not based on scientific evidence. Health professionals and researchers can use these findings to develop and provide targeted education to parents who have children with ASD. Our findings also support policymakers in developing campaigns designed to increase parental ASD awareness and knowledge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders)

16 pages, 4125 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Online Attitudes and Information-Seeking Behavior on Autism, Asperger Syndrome, and Greta Thunberg

by Ingjerd Skafle, Elia Gabarron, Anders Dechsling and Anders Nordahl-Hansen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4981; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094981 - 7 May 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6386

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine Internet trends data and sentiment in tweets mentioning autism, Asperger syndrome, and Greta Thunberg during 2019. We used mixed methods in analyzing sentiment and attitudes in viral tweets and collected 1074 viral tweets on autism [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to examine Internet trends data and sentiment in tweets mentioning autism, Asperger syndrome, and Greta Thunberg during 2019. We used mixed methods in analyzing sentiment and attitudes in viral tweets and collected 1074 viral tweets on autism that were published in 2019 (tweets that got more than 100 likes). The sample from Twitter was compared with search patterns on Google. In 2019, Asperger syndrome was closely connected to Greta Thunberg, as of the tweets specifically mentioning Asperger (from the total sample of viral tweets mentioning autism), 83% also mentioned Thunberg. In the sample of tweets about Thunberg, the positive sentiment expressed that Greta Thunberg was a role model, whereas the tweets that expressed the most negativity used her diagnosis against her and could be considered as cyberbullying. The Google Trends data also showed that Thunberg was closely connected to search patterns on Asperger syndrome in 2019. The study showed that being open about health information while being an active participant in controversial debates might be used against you but also help break stigmas and stereotypes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders)

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21 pages, 3889 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychometric Properties of the POAGTS: A Tool for Understanding Parents’ Perceptions Regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder Genetic Testing

by Shixi Zhao, Wei-Ju Chen, Oi-Man Kwok, Shweta U. Dhar, Tanya N. Eble, Tung-Sung Tseng and Lei-Shih Chen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 3323; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18063323 - 23 Mar 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3034

Abstract

Due to the increased prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), more children with ASD may be referred for genetic testing. It is important to develop a tool to help parents consider the benefits and drawbacks of genetic testing for ASD before pursuing genetic [...] Read more.

Due to the increased prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), more children with ASD may be referred for genetic testing. It is important to develop a tool to help parents consider the benefits and drawbacks of genetic testing for ASD before pursuing genetic testing for children with ASD. We developed the first theory-based survey—Perceptions of ASD Genetic Testing Survey (POAGTS), as a tool to assist healthcare providers to better understand parents’ perceptions and concerns regarding ASD genetic testing. The psychometric properties of POAGTS were first pre-tested and then formally tested with 308 parents of children with ASD who had not decided whether to pursue genetic testing for their children diagnosed with ASD. Findings suggest that the eight scales of the POAGTS were psychometrically sound, and had acceptable data reliability and validity. Additional research with various samples, such as parents of children with ASD who belong to diverse racial/ethnic and socioeconomic groups, is warranted in the future to determine whether the POAGTS is applicable to these particular groups. Condensing and refining this tool to a shorter, more user-friendly version is also recommended for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders)

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11 pages, 911 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program on Social Interaction and Communication in Children with Autism

by Mengxian Zhao, Shihui Chen, Yonghao You, Yongtai Wang and Yanjie Zhang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(5), 2656; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052656 - 6 Mar 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 12095

Abstract

Various therapeutic interventions have been studied and found to be effective in reducing the stereotypical behaviors of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There has been increasing interest in using animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) as an alternative approach to therapeutic rehabilitation for children with [...] Read more.

Various therapeutic interventions have been studied and found to be effective in reducing the stereotypical behaviors of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There has been increasing interest in using animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) as an alternative approach to therapeutic rehabilitation for children with ASD, and many studies have reported that AAI has significant benefits for the cognitive, psychological, and social behavior of children with ASD. The present study was designed to examine the effects of a 16 weeks therapeutic horseback riding program on social interaction and communication skills in children with autism. Eighty-four children diagnosed with ASD, aged between 6 and 12 years old, were recruited for this study. All selected participants met the DSM-V criteria, and a total of sixty-one participants (N = 61) completed the study. A quasi-experimental design with an experimental group and control group was implemented for this study, taking measurements at pre-test, interim-test, and post-test to monitor the behavior changes in social and communication throughout the 16-week intervention. Repeated measures ANOVA and the independent sample t-test were used for data analysis, to assess the difference between the experimental group and control group. The results indicated that the THR program had positive influences on overall social skills and communication, based on the SSIS and the ABLLS-R scores, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). A notable improvement in the overall social interaction score was observed from the interim-testing point to post-test. In addition, participants in the therapeutic horseback riding (THR) group achieved significant improvements on six out of seven items in their communication evaluations. In conclusion, after 16 weeks of intervention, the THR program significantly enhanced the subdomains of social and communication skills in the areas of social interaction, communication, responsibility, and self-control, compared to the control group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders)

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15 pages, 733 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of Parent-Assisted Children’s Friendship Training to Improve Social Skills and Friendship Quality in Children with Autism in Malaysia

by Sing Yee Ong, Samsilah Roslan, Nor Aniza Ahmad, Ahmad Fauzi Mohd Ayub, Chen Lee Ping, Zeinab Zaremohzzabieh and Seyedali Ahrari

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(5), 2566; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052566 - 4 Mar 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3702

Abstract

Background: This study evaluates the effectiveness of parent-assisted children’s friendship training intervention for enhancing friendship quality and social skills among children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We conducted a quasi-experimental study to investigate the effective outcomes of social skills and friendship quality [...] Read more.

Background: This study evaluates the effectiveness of parent-assisted children’s friendship training intervention for enhancing friendship quality and social skills among children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We conducted a quasi-experimental study to investigate the effective outcomes of social skills and friendship quality in the pre-and post-parent-assisted CFT intervention phases; Methods: to conduct a 12-week field session, 30 children with their parents were selected. The Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scales and the Quality of Play Questionnaire-Parent were used to assess the effectiveness of the parent-assisted children’s friendship training during pre-and post-intervention. A semi-structured interview with parents was conducted at the end of the session; Results: findings revealed that intervention improved the social skills of these children. Additionally, the friendship quality of children with ASD improved before and after the intervention, however, engagement remained unchanged. Parents also showed some sort of improvement after the session as they reported a heightened sense of fear and resistance, awareness, learning and adjustment, change is not easy, and identifying support; Conclusions: there was clear evidence that children with ASD benefitted from parent-assisted CFTs in terms of social skills and friendship quality. However, larger and controlled studies are required to draw firm conclusions about this kind of intervention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders)

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