ORCID Profile
0000-0001-6488-4544
Current Organisation
Deakin University
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Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.JOCN.2010.01.026
Abstract: Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are developmental conditions characterized by deficits in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and obsessive/stereotyped patterns of behaviour. Although there is no reliable neurophysiological marker associated with ASDs, dysfunction of the parieto-frontal mirror neuron system has been suggested as a disturbance linked to the disorder. Mirror neurons (MNs) are visuomotor neurons which discharge both when performing and observing a goal directed action. Research suggests MNs may have a role in imitation, empathy, theory of mind and language. Although the research base is small, evidence from functional MRI, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and an electroencephalographic component called the mu rhythm suggests MNs are dysfunctional in subjects with ASD. These deficits are more pronounced when ASD subjects complete tasks with social relevance, or that are emotional in nature. Promising research has identified that interventions targeting MN related functions such as imitation can improve social functioning in ASDs. Boosting the function of MNs may improve the prognosis of ASDs, and contribute to diagnostic clarity.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2017
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 11-2010
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-09-2008
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-03-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2018
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-12-2016
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2016.1254284
Abstract: In iduals with High Functioning Autism (HFA) experience high levels of underemployment and unemployment, resulting in negative economic, social, and health outcomes. Given what is known about labor market participation difficulties experienced by women generally, and the paucity of research concerning women with HFA, this systematic review synthesized what is known about the labor market experiences of women with HFA. A systematic review of the literature concerning adult females with HFA in relation to the workplace yielded 1947 results 11 met inclusion criteria being based on original data, but not necessarily focusing solely on women. The total number participants with HFA across all studies was 731 (M = 66.45, SD = 95.44, Mdn = 18.00) aged between 18 and 70 years (M = 34.38, SD = 7.71) females represented 38% (n = 279) of those s led. The principal challenges reported for in iduals with HFA at work were communication, social interaction, and stress, together with negative mental and physical health. These results should be interpreted with caution. Of the studies found, 73% were qualitative and based on small s les. Only one paper differentiated female data in analyses. These factors combined suggest large-scale mixed method research focused on females with HFA is required to gain an accurate insight into the challenges faced in the workplace, to in turn inform intervention and support. However, implications for rehabilitation based on what is known are discussed. Implication for Rehabilitation Unemployment and underemployment of persons with High Functioning Autism (HFA) poses social, health and economic issues for both in iduals and the wider community. Those with HFA have the intellectual capacity to make a substantial contribution to the workplace. Based on what is known, some of the challenges for females with HFA might be similar to those experienced by men with HFA, however it is possible that there are gender-based differences (in both type and severity of challenges) that require attention.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2011
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-08-2008
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 17-07-2018
Abstract: This study evaluated self-esteem and emotional regulation as possible mediators of the relationship between authoritative parenting and sociopolitical control in 240 low socioeconomic youths, aged 10 to 16 years ( M = 12.48 years, SD = 1.33 years 122 males, 118 females). Participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing their self-esteem, emotional regulation, perception of sociopolitical control, and perceptions of their parents’ supportive parenting and behavior monitoring. The relationship between authoritative parenting and perception of sociopolitical control was mediated by self-esteem and emotional regulation cognitive reappraisal skills. The relationship between authoritative parenting and self-esteem was moderated by gender, in that, authoritative parenting was more predictive of self-esteem in male youth than female youth. This research identifies the importance of family interventions designed to increase authoritative parenting for youth from low socioeconomic communities, and highlights the need to identify other factors that may be important for the development of sociopolitical control in female youth.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 15-09-2017
Abstract: Clinical impressions indicate that there is an overrepresentation of gender-dysphoria within the autism spectrum disorder. However, little is presently known about the demographics of gender-identity issues in autism spectrum disorder. Based upon what little is known, we hypothesized that there would be an increased prevalence of gender-dysphoria among those with autism spectrum disorder compared to a typically developing population. We surveyed gender-dysphoria with the Gender-Identity/Gender-Dysphoria Questionnaire among 90 males and 219 females with autism spectrum disorder and compared these rates to those of 103 males and 158 females without autism spectrum disorder. When compared to typically developing in iduals, autistic in iduals reported a higher number of gender-dysphoric traits. Rates of gender-dysphoria in the group with autism spectrum disorder were significantly higher than reported in the wider population. Mediation analysis found that the relationship between autistic traits and sexual orientation was mediated by gender-dysphoric traits. Results suggest that autism spectrum disorder presents a unique experience to the formation and consolidation of gender identity, and for some autistic in iduals, their sexual orientation relates to their gender experience. It is important that clinicians working with autism spectrum disorder are aware of the gender- ersity in this population so that the necessary support for healthy socio-sexual functioning and mental well-being is provided.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2001
Abstract: A consequence of simple velocity-based models is that, in response to light pulses, the circadian period should adjust inversely to phase. In addition, because of the interaction of circadian period and phase response, earlier circadian period changes should modify later circadian period changes. The literature contains few mentions of response curves of circadian period responses following light pulses. Rats were exposed to four pulses of light (60 minutes, 1000 lux) at the same circadian time, a minimum of 26 days apart we assessed period responses and possible bias in the period-response curve. Modulation of circadian period following light-induced phase responses was examined by assessing the period of running wheel activity onset. Phase and circadian period were not consistently found to share an inverse relationship. Moreover, biases in initial period tended to be increased by the experimental protocol regardless of circadian time of pulse. Rats with a short initial (high-velocity) period had a lengthened period, while rats with a long initial period (low velocity) tended to have a reduce period. However, rats with a long initial period were phase delay biased, not phase advance biased. These results do not support a simple velocity model of the pacemaker.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2008
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-01-2020
DOI: 10.1007/S10803-020-04377-8
Abstract: Although autistic people have difficulties with social-emotional reciprocity, most still desire intimate romantic relationships. This study sought to identify enablers and barriers to emotional and physical intimacy for Autistic (n = 31) and non-autistic (n = 26) in iduals. All participants completed an online survey including demographic information, the Autism Spectrum Quotient and questions on intimacy which were subject to thematic analysis. Enablers of intimacy for both groups included communication, sharing and similarity, respect and safety for self and other, and working on the relationship. Barriers for both groups included intra- and interpersonal conflicts autistic people specifically highlighted uncertainty about relationships and communication. These findings suggest autistic and non-autistic people have similar notions of intimacy, yet have different challenges in experiencing it.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-07-2023
DOI: 10.1111/SPC3.12827
Abstract: Although negative anticipatory emotions are typically seen as risk factors for poorer psychological outcomes over COVID‐19, emotion theorists suggest that this risk may be attenuated if balanced by the experience of positive emotion. Thus, the current study examined whether interactions between positive and negative anticipatory emotions were concurrently associated with psychological distress and greater personal wellbeing osttraumatic growth (PTG) at three distinct periods (i.e., pre‐lockdown, during lockdown, post‐lockdown), and whether associations varied by these three COVID‐19 time periods. The study utilizes two large longitudinal Australian s les, surveyed in 2020 prior to, during, and after a strict 4‐month lockdown that occurred in Australia. Overall, positive emotions attenuated the adverse psychological outcomes arising from higher levels of negative emotion (i.e., higher psychological distress and lower personal wellbeing). Observed effects varied according to COVID‐19 threat exposure. Specifically, the interaction was significantly associated with psychological distress prior to the lockdown for S le 2, and during the lockdown for both s les. The interaction was significantly associated with wellbeing (S le 2) prior to, and during, the lockdown but only marginally associated post‐lockdown. The interaction, however, was not significantly associated with PTG (S le 1). The results suggest that it is valuable for future research to consider greater emotional complexity (i.e., mixed emotions) over COVID‐19, and other stressors more generally, to encompass a more nuanced understanding of resilience.
Publisher: Research Square Platform LLC
Date: 09-11-2021
DOI: 10.21203/RS.3.RS-1021472/V1
Abstract: Venomous snakebite is an important cause of preventable death. The World Health Organization (WHO) set a goal to halve snakebite mortality by 2030. We used verbal autopsy and vital registration data to model the proportion of venomous animal deaths due to snakes by location, age, year, and sex, and applied these proportions to venomous animal contact mortality estimates from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study. In 2019, 63,400 people (95% uncertainty interval 38,900–78,600) died globally from snakebites, which was equal to an age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of 0.8 deaths (0.5–1.0) per 100,000 and represents a 36% (2–49) decrease in ASMR since 1990. India had the greatest number of deaths in 2019, equal to an ASMR of 4.0 per 100,000 (2.3-5.0). We forecast mortality will continue to decline, but not sufficiently to meet the WHO’s goals. Improved data collection should be prioritized to help target interventions, improve burden estimation, and monitor progress.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-08-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S10803-016-2892-4
Abstract: Preliminary research examining sexuality within High-Functioning Autism (HFA) has been yet to consider the impact sex may have on the sexual/romantic functioning of this population. A systematic database search was carried out to identify 27 observational and cross-sectional publications meeting predetermined inclusion criteria. Using standardised mean differences, a random-effects meta-analysis pooled data from 9 eligible studies. Exhibiting higher levels of sexual understanding, females with HFA were subject to more adverse sexual experiences than males with HFA and neurotypical counterparts. Males reported greater desire for, and engagement in both solitary and dyadic sexual contact. Findings have provided initial insight into characterising the sexuality of males and females with HFA, yet also necessitated the need for future research in the field.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-06-2015
DOI: 10.1002/AUR.1504
Abstract: Although sexuality plays a major role in the socialization of people, few studies have examined the sexual behaviors of in iduals with developmental disabilities. Because of this, we decided to investigate sexuality in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Down's syndrome (Ds) and to compare them with typically developing adolescents, by surveying their parents. Specifically, it was hypothesized that young people with ASD would display lower levels over five domains: social behavior, privacy, sex education, sexual behavior, and parental concerns, than peers with Ds and typically developing young people. In addition, we sought to verify developmental trends in five domains with age for each group. Overall, 269 parents participated 94 parents of typically developing adolescents, 93 parents of adolescents diagnosed with Ds, and 82 parents of adolescents diagnosed with ASD. Participants were surveyed with a Sexual Behavior Scale developed by Stokes and Kaur [] that assesses parents' reports of their child's: social behavior, privacy awareness, sex education, sexual behavior and parental concerns about the child's behaviors. It was found that three groups were significantly different on all five domains, adolescents with ASD reportedly displaying lower levels than other groups. Moreover, there was a significant improvement in knowledge of privacy and parental concerns with age for adolescents with ASD and a decline in sex education for adolescents with Ds. The results obtained emphasize the need to train adolescents with developmental disability, and especially for adolescents with ASD through sex education programs.
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 07-10-2020
Abstract: It has been assumed that the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted parental and family relationships due to issues including economic problems, strains of home confinement and social isolation. Despite these assumptions, there has been little research to date investigating the impact of COVID-19 stressors on parents’ relationship wellbeing and loneliness. Hence, there is an insufficient evidence base with which to guide policy or action in this most critical arena. The current study reports data from a large national representative s le (N=1,829) of Australian parents, surveyed during the early phases of the COVID-19 lockdown. Drawing on widely studied relationship models of vulnerability-stress and stress-buffering, Structural Equation Models (SEM) were derived to test the extent that COVID-19 stressors, personal vulnerabilities (mental health problems, attachment insecurity), relationship adaptation processes (constructive communication, partner support), and the interactions between these variables, predicted relationship quality and loneliness. After controlling for pre-pandemic stressors, relationship adaptations buffered the negative effects of COVID-19 stressors and personal vulnerabilities on relationship quality and loneliness. The findings provide support for a model of stress-buffering over a model of vulnerability-stress. The findings have important implications for the identification of parents at risk of relationship difficulties and social disconnection during the pandemic, and for policy and practice in how best to strengthen relationships and human connection during COVID-19.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2005
DOI: 10.1002/JTS.20016
Abstract: This exploratory study contrasted and tested the predictive value of the reverse buffering hypothesis of social support and the information processing model of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in an investigation of trauma-related symptomatology (TRS) in a single s le of 42 student paramedics. Participants completed several anonymous self-report measures of PTSD symptomatology, peer social support, and attitude toward emotional expression. Regression-based path analyses did not support either theory of PTSD in this population. A path model of PTSD in student paramedics was subsequently developed, indicating that a direct relationship exists between duty-related trauma exposure, dysfunctional peer social support, and students' negative attitudes toward emotional expression. This new model accounted for 30% of the variance in student paramedics' TRS.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 25-10-2017
Abstract: Little research has been conducted on the evidence base for educational interventions implemented by teachers targeting students with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD). Research examining particular techniques perceived as effective may facilitate guidelines for the application of evidence-based practices. A principal and teacher of students with HFASD from each of 29 different schools provided information on their current teaching interventions. Principals participated in an online survey designed to ascertain support for HFASD learners in their school, whereas teachers completed an online reflective journal to document methods they used in the classroom. Both teachers and principals found numerous strategies such as structure and incorporating needs to be successful. Inappropriate communication, disorganisation, and a lack of understanding were considered unhelpful. These results have implications for current practices in classrooms.
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 26-03-2021
Abstract: Objective: To control a second-wave COVID-19 outbreak, the state of Victoria in Australia experienced one of the world’s first long and strict lockdowns over July-October 2020, while the rest of Australia experienced ‘COVID-normal’ with minimal restrictions. We (1) investigate trajectories of parent/child mental health outcomes and (2) identify baseline demographic, in idual, and COVID-19-related factors associated with mental health trajectories. Method: Online community s le of 1,877 Australian parents with rapid repeated assessment over 10 time-points over April-October, 2020. Measures assessed parent mental health (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales-21) child depression symptoms (13-item Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire) and child anxiety symptoms (four-items from Brief Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale).Results: Mental health trajectories shadowed COVID-19 infection rates. Victorians reported a large peak in mental health symptoms at the time of the second-wave lockdown compared to other states. Key baseline predictors, including parent and child loneliness (standardized regression coefficient [β]=·09-·39), parent/child diagnoses (β=·11-·22), couple conflict (β=·09-·19), and COVID-19 stressors, such as worry/concern about COVID-19, illness, and loss of job (β=·07-·22), predicted elevated trajectories. Effects of predictors on parent and child mental health trajectories are illustrated in an online interactive app for readers (lingtax.shinyapps.io/CPAS_trend/).Conclusion: Our findings provide evidence of worse trajectories of parent and child mental health symptoms associated with strict, sustained, COVID-19 lockdown in Victoria, compared to non-locked states in the rest of Australia. We identified several baseline factors that may be useful in detecting high risk families who are likely to require additional support early on in future lockdowns.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2013
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-2004
Abstract: This review considers some of the broad principles that concern quality of life assessment. These are discussed in relation to health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and the measurement of subjective well-being. It is argued that there are serious logical and methodological issues concerning HRQOL measurement, to the extent that the instruments may not be regarded as valid measures of life quality as this term is generally understood. It is recommended that HRQOL measurement be abandoned in favor of three separate forms of measurement as medical symptoms, subjective well-being and specific dimensions of psychological ill-being.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-10-2022
DOI: 10.1038/S41467-022-33627-9
Abstract: Snakebite envenoming is an important cause of preventable death. The World Health Organization (WHO) set a goal to halve snakebite mortality by 2030. We used verbal autopsy and vital registration data to model the proportion of venomous animal deaths due to snakes by location, age, year, and sex, and applied these proportions to venomous animal contact mortality estimates from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study. In 2019, 63,400 people (95% uncertainty interval 38,900–78,600) died globally from snakebites, which was equal to an age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of 0.8 deaths (0.5–1.0) per 100,000 and represents a 36% (2–49) decrease in ASMR since 1990. India had the greatest number of deaths in 2019, equal to an ASMR of 4.0 per 100,000 (2.3—5.0). We forecast mortality will continue to decline, but not sufficiently to meet WHO’s goals. Improved data collection should be prioritized to help target interventions, improve burden estimation, and monitor progress.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-08-2023
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 23-01-2023
DOI: 10.1177/13623613221149542
Abstract: Few instruments screen for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among kindergarteners and older children. The Autism Screen for Kids and Youth (ASKY) is a 30-item parental questionnaire for 4- to 18-year-old children and adolescents available in Arabic, English, and Hebrew. We examined the sensitivity, specificity, and temporal stability of the Hebrew ASKY’s categorizations (“probable ASD” versus “probable non-ASD”) of 167 autistic and non-autistic 4- to 18-year olds. Algorithm-based categorization following The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Fifth Edition ( DSM-5) rules demonstrated 91.8% sensitivity, 71.7% specificity, and excellent test–retest reliability (κ = 0.783, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.583–0.983, p 0.001). Total score-based categorization using a cutoff of 9 demonstrated high receiver operating characteristics area under the curve (AUC = 0.874) and high sensitivity (93.4%), specificity (78.3%), internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.954), and test–retest reliability (κ scores = 0.674, κ instrument = 0.783). Discussing both categorization approaches, we show that the ASKY is a promising instrument for ASD screening of older children. It is important that autistic children be diagnosed as early as possible so their needs can be met and their families can gain important insights into their behavior and interact with them appropriately. However, very few autism screening instruments are appropriate for children who have outgrown early childhood. The Autism Screen for Kids and Youth (ASKY) presents parents of children aged 4–18 years with 30 items that relate to autistic behaviors as defined by the current clinical diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder ( DSM-5 ASD). We evaluated the Hebrew instrument’s performance on 167 autistic and non-autistic children and adolescents. We found that the ASKY algorithm correctly identified 92% of the autistic in iduals as “probable ASD” and correctly identified 72% of the non-autistic in iduals as “probable non-ASD,” with these classifications showing excellent stability over time. Using total questionnaire score instead of the algorithm improved the ASKY’s ability to correctly identify autistic in iduals as “probable ASD” and non-autistic in iduals as “probable non-ASD” to 93% and 78%, respectively. Overall, the ASKY is a promising instrument for ASD screening of older children.
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 30-09-2020
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic presents significant risks to the mental health and wellbeing of families. This study aimed to examine: (1) patterns of parent and child (0–18 years) mental health, parent substance use, couple conflict, parenting practices, and family functioning during COVID-19 compared to pre-pandemic data and (2) associations between parent, child, and family outcomes during the pandemic and both pre-existing risk factors and COVID-19 stressors. Participants were Australian mothers (81%) and fathers aged 18 years and over who were parents of a child 0–18 years (N=2,365). Parents completed an online self-report survey assessing mental health, substance use, couple conflict, parenting, and family functioning during ‘stage three’ COVID-19 restrictions in April 2020. Data were compared to pre-pandemic data from four Australian population-based cohorts. Compared to pre-pandemic estimates, during the pandemic period parents reported higher rates of parent mental health symptoms (Cohen’s d=0.26-.81, all p& .001), higher parenting irritability (d=0.17-.46, all p& .001), lower family positive expressiveness (d=-0.18, p& .001), and higher alcohol consumption (22% vs 12% drinking four or more days per week, p& .001). In multivariable analyses, pre-existing financial deprivation and COVID-19 stressors were associated with greater severity in parent and child mental health symptoms, parent emotion dysregulation, parenting irritability, couple conflict and family positive/negative expressiveness. Parents and children with pre-existing mental health conditions had elevated difficulties during the pandemic across most domains. Our data suggest wide-ranging, detrimental family impacts associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and support policy actions to assist families with financial supports, leave entitlements, and social housing.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 02-08-2023
DOI: 10.1177/13623613231188349
Abstract: This short report presents recommendations to promote health and well-being relating to sexuality and gender ersity in autistic in iduals. The recommendations were developed based on the latest available scientific knowledge coupled with a community-driven approach. An international group of autistic and non-autistic experts in the fields of autism, sexuality, and gender ersity and autistic advocates worked together to develop the initial recommendations these recommendations were subsequently checked within the wider community through an online survey. Out of the original 11 recommendations, eight were rated above a consensus threshold. The final recommendations cover three themes: (1) providing education and information on sexuality, relationships, and gender ersity to autistic in iduals and their families (2) improving expertise in and accessibility to healthcare for sexuality, relationships, and gender-related questions, with specific attention to prevention of and support after sexual victimization and (3) meaningful inclusion of the autism community in future research that addresses well-being related to sexuality, relationships, and gender ersity. The recommendations emphasize the need for additional awareness and offer cues to parents, professionals, and policymakers to promote sexual health and well-being of autistic in iduals. In this article, we propose recommendations on what we can do to promote that autistic people can enjoy their sexuality and gender identity, because that contributes to overall well-being. First, we briefly summarize the existing research on sexuality and gender ersity in autistic in iduals. Next, we propose recommendations for how to promote sexual and gender ersity-related health and well-being. Based on what is known about sexuality, gender ersity, and relationships in autistic adolescents and adults, we convened an international group of autistic and non-autistic researchers, advocates, parents, and professionals to develop recommendations to promote sexual and gender health in autistic people. The resulting recommendations were checked through an online survey distributed to autistic people across the world. The online participants endorsed the importance of eight final recommendations related to: 1. Providing education and information on sexuality, relationships, and gender ersity to autistic in iduals and their families 2. Improving expertise in and accessibility to healthcare for sexuality, relationships, and gender-related questions, with specific attention to prevention of and support after sexual victimization and 3. Meaningfully including the autism community in future research that addresses well-being relating to sexuality, relationships, and gender ersity. These community-driven recommendations aim to promote sexual health and well-being in autistic in iduals internationally.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 06-01-2019
Abstract: The personal well-being index—school children (PWI-SC) is designed as a cross-cultural instrument to measure subjective well-being among high school–aged children. Several published cross-cultural studies have confirmed adequate psychometric performance in terms of reliability, validity, and measurement invariance. This study adds to this literature by applying the Rasch approach to estimate invariant comparison in a cross-cultural context, applied to both Australian and Portuguese high school students. Participants were an age- and gender-matched convenience s le of 1,040 adolescents (520 cases in each group, 51.54% male) who ranged in age from 12 to 18 years ( M = 14.25 years, SD = 1.71 years). It is found that both Portuguese and Australian data fit the Rasch measurement model, with excellent levels of reliability at a country level. However, when all of the data were combined, a slight misfit was found. This was resolved by removing some issues with item thresholds in standard of living among the Australian data and splitting the data by country on health. This allowed both Australian and Portuguese cases to differ on the health item. We conclude that the PWI-SC is unidimensional, with some evidence of mild, but acceptable local dependency. This study further supports the cross-cultural validity of the PWI-SC and the use of this measure in the Australian and Portuguese context but also indicates a potential direction that development of the PWI-SC might proceed.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-04-2015
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 25-08-2020
Abstract: The present study utilised a strengths-based approach to investigate the association between resilience and indicators of mental health in a large s le of Australian parents at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was nested within a large longitudinal cohort study of Australian parents of a child aged 0‐18 years. Hierarchical regression models were run to examine the relationship between the variables of interest. Of 2,110 respondents included, 1701 (80.6%) were female. Higher resilience was associated with lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Loneliness was a key contributor to mental health outcomes. An increase in extraversion was associated with improved resilience. The relationship between resilience and depression was influenced by the level of partner support. Interventions targeting mental health of parents at the time of pandemics should focus on reducing loneliness while working with the constraints of imposed social isolation, and to include partners.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-07-2017
DOI: 10.1002/AUR.1831
Abstract: Socio-sexual functioning encompasses an in idual's interests, behaviors, and knowledge with respect to sexual, romantic, and social aspects of life. An in idual's understanding of these domains is developed through a range of informal and formal avenues of sexual health education. The current model demonstrated this and proposed that, compared to typically developing in iduals, those with ASD develop socio-sexual functioning differently due to having less peer engagement, less relationship experience, more parental guidance, greater use of online materials, receive less school-based sexual health education, and more support from wellbeing services. Systematic review and meta-analysis of existing literature revealed that in iduals with ASD have greater difficultly adhering to privacy norms, engage in less social behavior, are described as engaging in less appropriate sexual behavior, have greater concerns about themselves, and receive less sexual health education. Having fewer opportunities for appropriate informal and formal sexual health education leaves them at a double disadvantage from others who are receiving this information from both of these avenues. Some of the current meta-analytic results are cautioned by large l-square statistics which suggest that a degree of variance is being caused by extraneous factors. Further empirical research in this area is needed to overcome current design and s le limitations. Finally, the Sexual Behavior Scale was the most commonly utilized tool in the meta-analyzed studies, thus comprehensive evaluation of its functioning is warranted. The importance of work in this area is highlighted by the central role of social and sexual wellbeing on one's quality of life. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1823-1833. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Review of existing literature revealed that in iduals with ASD have greater difficultly adhering to privacy norms, engage in less social behavior, are described as engaging in less appropriate sexual behavior, have greater concerns about themselves, and receive less sexual health education. Having fewer opportunities for appropriate informal and formal sexual health education leaves them at a double disadvantage from others who are receiving this information from both of these avenues.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-07-2019
DOI: 10.1007/S10803-019-04136-4
Abstract: Previous studies measuring praxis abilities in young autistic children have only used praxis measures that were not optimised for autistic in iduals. Hence, we used the FAB-R to measure praxis skills in autistic (n = 38) and typically developing (TD) children (n = 38) aged between four and 10 years. Praxis abilities were generally not different between autistic and TD children. However, total dyspraxia and errors during verbal command and tool use were impaired in autistic children from a specialist autistic school (SAS). In contrast, autistic participants from the GC typically did not differ in praxis performance compared to controls. Hence, praxis abilities significantly vary between autistic younger children. Exploring mediating influences of such variability is imperative.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.PSCYCHRESNS.2014.08.003
Abstract: There is evidence emerging from Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) research that autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are associated with greater impairment in the left hemisphere. Although this has been quantified with volumetric region of interest analyses, it has yet to be tested with white matter integrity analysis. In the present study, tract based spatial statistics was used to contrast white matter integrity of 12 participants with high-functioning autism or Aspergers syndrome (HFA/AS) with 12 typically developing in iduals. Fractional Anisotropy (FA) was examined, in addition to axial, radial and mean diffusivity (AD, RD and MD). In the left hemisphere, participants with HFA/AS demonstrated significantly reduced FA in predominantly thalamic and fronto-parietal pathways and increased RD. Symmetry analyses confirmed that in the HFA/AS group, WM disturbance was significantly greater in the left compared to right hemisphere. These findings contribute to a growing body of literature suggestive of reduced FA in ASD, and provide preliminary evidence for RD impairments in the left hemisphere.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-05-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S12311-016-0788-7
Abstract: The cerebellum appears to play a key role in the development of internal rules that allow fast, predictive adjustments to novel stimuli. This is crucial for adaptive motor processes, such as those involved in walking, where cerebellar dysfunction has been found to increase variability in gait parameters. Motor adaptation is a process that results in a progressive reduction in errors as movements are adjusted to meet demands, and within the cerebellum, this seems to be localised primarily within the right hemisphere. To examine the role of the right cerebellar hemisphere in adaptive gait, cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) was administered to the right cerebellar hemisphere of 14 healthy adults in a randomised, double-blind, crossover study. Adaptation to a series of distinct spatial and temporal templates was assessed across tDCS condition via a pressure-sensitive gait mat (ProtoKinetics Zeno walkway), on which participants walked with an induced 'limp' at a non-preferred pace. Variability was assessed across key spatial-temporal gait parameters. It was hypothesised that cathodal tDCS to the right cerebellar hemisphere would disrupt adaptation to the templates, reflected in a failure to reduce variability following stimulation. In partial support, adaptation was disrupted following tDCS on one of the four spatial-temporal templates used. However, there was no evidence for general effects on either the spatial or temporal domain. This suggests, under specific conditions, a coupling of spatial and temporal processing in the right cerebellar hemisphere and highlights the potential importance of task complexity in cerebellar function.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-02-2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2004
DOI: 10.1002/ACP.1074
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 13-10-2022
DOI: 10.1177/13623613221131234
Abstract: The study describes the development and preliminary psychometric validation of the Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale-Modified (SIDAS-M), a five-item assessment of suicidal ideation for use with autistic adults. Participants ( n = 102 autistic adults 58% women, 34% men, 8% nonbinary M age = 41.75, SD = 12.89) completed an online survey including the SIDAS-M at Time 1 and participated in follow-up interviews at Time 2 (~111 days later). A single factor solution provided good to excellent fit to the data (comparative fit index = 0.961, Tucker–Lewis index = 0.921 standardized root mean square residual = 0.027), with all items showing good to excellent loadings (0.74–0.91). SIDAS-M total score (ω=.930, bias-corrected and accelerated 95% confidence interval (BCa 95% CI) [.90, .95]) demonstrated good convergent validity, correlating significantly with existing suicide specific (ρ=.442–.698, p .001) and well-being measures (ρ=.325.–.505, p≤.001), and good ergent validity. Logistic regression controlling for age, gender, and relationship status indicated that SIDAS-M scores at Time 1 significantly predicted suicidal behavior at Time 2, β = 0.462, p 0.001, [0.032, 0.068]. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated SIDAS-M has utility discriminating between participants classified at low or above low risk, area under the curve = 0.866, [0.767, 0.966], p 0.001, with a cutoff score ⩾1 providing a potentially useful indicator of increased suicidal risk. Overall, SIDAS-M demonstrated good psychometric properties when used with autistic adults without intellectual disability. Autistic people may be at higher risk of suicidal behavior than people in the general population. Suicidal behavior may include thinking about suicide or attempting to end one’s own life by suicide. It is important to identify autistic people who may be thinking about suicide. People who are at risk of suicidal behavior can be identified by asking questions about whether they have been thinking about suicide. A specially designed questionnaire, or screening instrument, can help someone ask the best questions to find out if someone has been thinking about suicide. This information can help to identify supports to be put in place to prevent suicidal behavior, such as a suicide attempt. However, autistic people may interpret questions differently than non-autistic people. It is important to use screening tools that have been designed with, and for autistic people. In this study, we examined the Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale (SIDAS). The SIDAS is an existing tool that was developed to screen for suicidal thinking in the general population. We modified SIDAS for use with autistic adults. We involved autistic people in the process of modifying SIDAS. We called the modified instrument the SIDAS-M. The results of our study showed SIDAS-M may be useful for screening for suicidal thinking in autistic adults who do not have an intellectual disability.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-09-2007
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-2002
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 31-05-2020
Abstract: Meta-analyses of head circumference in autistic in iduals exist however, simple meta-analytic approaches are limited. Consequently, we gathered head circumference raw data of autistic ( N = 2381) and typically developing participants ( N = 994) by re-analysing the data from previously published studies together. The present study found no mean difference between head circumference of autistic and typically developing in iduals, although simple effect analyses revealed smaller mean head circumference in autistic than typically developing females aged 12–17 months. However, compared to controls, the frequency of extreme head circumference in autistic males was greater at birth and between 60 and 100 months. In addition, the frequency of extremely small head circumference between 6 and 11 months, and extremely large head circumference between 12 and 17 months, was greater in autistic than typically developing males. For autistic females, compared to controls, extreme head circumference was more frequent between 36 and 59 months and less frequent at birth. We conclude that it is imperative to consider the effects of age and sex when investigating the relationship between autism diagnosis and head circumference. This variance was more effectively described via the approach of the present study than previous meta-analytic approaches. Summaries of studies that have measured head size in those with autism, known as meta-analyses, currently exist. However, this approach does not adequately explain extreme cases (such as those with extremely small, or extremely large, head size). Because of this, we obtained all available published data measuring head size (12 studies). The data from each study were then combined to make a larger dataset. We found that females with autism aged 12–17 months had, on average, smaller head sizes. Otherwise, average head size was not atypical in autism. However, we found that males with autism were more likely to have extreme head sizes at birth and between 60 and 100 months, a small head between 6 and 11 months, and a large head between 12 and 17 months. Females with autism were more likely to have extreme head sizes between 36 and 59 months and were less likely at birth. Our approach was able to measure the influence of age and biological sex on head size in autism, as well as the frequency of extreme cases of head size in autism. These results add to what we already know about head size in autism.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-12-2000
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 28-08-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2006
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2004
DOI: 10.1016/S1440-2440(04)80049-5
Abstract: Injuries sustained by Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel during non-combat military training and sports activity are associated with increasing costs due to work days lost, medical treatment, compensation, and early retirement. In 2001, the ADF commissioned a systematic review of the evidence-base for reducing injuries associated with physical activity, while at the same time improving physical activity participation rates to sustain a trained, fit and deployable workforce. Literature from on-line library databases, relevant unclassified military reports, and material from previously published sport-specific injury countermeasure reviews were systematically and critically analysed to address the study aims. Modification of intensity, frequency and duration of basic military training activities and improved equipment is likely to reduce injury occurrence. Sports injury countermeasures used for the civilian population have merit for the ADF physical activity program. Injury countermeasures should be designed to minimise any possible deterrent effect on the motivation to participate in regular physical activity. Increasing the participation of ADF personnel in physical activity in the presence of evidence-based injury prevention strategies has the potential to increase health, fitness and deployability with minimal impact on injury frequency. Recommendations arising from the review include injury intervention trials in basic military training and sports. These and other interventions should be supported by refinement to ADF injury surveillance systems. Research should focus on interventions with the greatest gain for fitness, deployability, and cost effectiveness.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 16-03-2023
DOI: 10.1177/13623613231160244
Abstract: Autistic in iduals have reported lower satisfaction in their romantic relationships compared to non-autistic in iduals. Previous research on the factors that contribute to relationship satisfaction within autism has focused on the characteristics of autistic participants as barriers to relationship satisfaction, while overlooking the role of their partners. This study investigated a range of factors and their association with long-term relationship satisfaction for 95 autistic in iduals and 65 non-autistic in iduals in current or previous long-term relationships with autistic in iduals. Participants completed an online survey, including questionnaires measuring autistic traits, the Big Five personality traits, social loneliness, partner responsiveness, sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction. Partner responsiveness significantly predicted relationship satisfaction for both autistic and non-autistic partners. The findings suggest that to enhance relationship satisfaction, service providers working with couples involving an autistic in idual would improve the relationship by focusing on assisting their clients to identify each other’s needs and how best to meet them. Previous research has found that autistic people report lower satisfaction in their romantic relationships compared to non-autistic people. However, the majority of this research has focused on autistic traits as barriers to relationship satisfaction, while overlooking the role of their partners in these relationships. Our study explored a range of factors in both autistic people and non-autistic partners of autistic people and how they may be linked to long-term relationship satisfaction. These factors included social and communication skills, personality traits, social loneliness, partner responsiveness, and sexual satisfaction. We found that partner responsiveness was a strong predictor of relationship satisfaction for both autistic and non-autistic partners, suggesting that rather than focusing intervention solely on the autistic person, the role of their partner should also be considered. Service providers who work with couples involving an autistic person to enhance their relationship satisfaction could focus on assisting their clients to identify each other’s needs and how best to meet them.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-02-2007
DOI: 10.1007/S10803-006-0344-2
Abstract: We examine the nature and predictors of social and romantic functioning in adolescents and adults with ASD. Parental reports were obtained for 25 ASD adolescents and adults (13-36 years), and 38 typical adolescents and adults (13-30 years). The ASD group relied less upon peers and friends for social (OR = 52.16, p < .01) and romantic learning (OR = 38.25, p < .01). In iduals with ASD were more likely to engage in inappropriate courting behaviours (chi2 df = 19 = 3168.74, p < .001) and were more likely to focus their attention upon celebrities, strangers, colleagues, and ex-partners (chi2 df = 5 =2335.40, p < .001), and to pursue their target longer than controls (t = -2.23, df = 18.79, p < .05). These results show that the diagnosis of ASD is pertinent when in iduals are prosecuted under stalking legislation in various jurisdictions.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-12-2008
DOI: 10.1080/13548500802017682
Abstract: There is a need to investigate the impact of different coping strategies on quality of life (QOL) of people with multiple sclerosis (MS), in order to better inform intervention programs for this population. This study evaluated the relationship between QOL and coping over a 2 year period among people with MS. Participants were 382 people with MS (144 male, 238 females) and 291 people without a neurological or other chronic illness from the general population (101 males, 190 females). People with MS experienced lower QOL than the control group in the domains of global QOL, independence, social and spiritual QOL scales, as well as the problem solving and social/emotional support coping scales. Interestingly, people with MS experienced higher psychological QOL than the general population, and higher detachment and focusing on the positive coping. Over time, people with MS demonstrated increases in their global QOL as well as in their social/emotional support coping. Women demonstrated higher levels than men of global QOL and Social/emotional support coping. The results of these findings have implications for information and intervention programs for people with MS.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-01-2018
DOI: 10.1007/S10803-018-3469-1
Abstract: There is increased mental-health adversity among in iduals with autism spectrum disorder. At the same time, sexual and gender minority groups experience poorer mental-health when compared to heteronormative populations. Recent research suggests that autistic in iduals report increased non-heterosexuality and gender-dysphoric traits. The current study aimed to investigate whether as membership of minority grouping becomes increasingly narrowed, mental health worsened. The present study compared the rates of depression, anxiety, and stress using the DASS-21 and Personal Well-Being using the personal well-being index between 261 typically-developing in iduals and 309 autistic in iduals. As membership to a minority group became more restrictive, mental health symptoms worsened (p < .01), suggesting stressors added. Specialized care is recommended for this vulnerable cohort.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-05-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-06-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S00404-021-06109-4
Abstract: The aim of this systematic review was to identify challenges faced by autistic women during pregnancy and birth due to sensory issues or other features of Autism Spectrum Disorder. A systematic search of literature was conducted using Medline, PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, MIDIRS, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, and Open Access Theses and Dissertations. Eligible studies addressed autistic women's pregnancy or birth experiences, and were assessed for methodological quality. The search generated 2656 results, with six meeting inclusion criteria. Data from 427 autistic participants were extracted from four qualitative and two quantitative studies for synthesis. We found that the literature was exploratory and lacked focussed research questions addressing sensory issues in pregnancy. Sensory challenges were, however, identified as a key finding in all qualitative studies. Other challenges faced by autistic women during pregnancy and birth included communication issues in healthcare settings and lack of appropriate information and supports for pregnancy and birth. Implications for health professionals and challenges associated with research in this area are discussed.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-09-2021
DOI: 10.1002/AUR.2614
Abstract: The COVID‐19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of the world's population, with particularly negative effects on vulnerable populations, including autistic people. Although some consensus regarding specific impact on aspects of wellbeing and mental health in autism is starting to emerge, it is unclear whether the pandemic has increased suicide risk. The goals of this study were to examine (a) potential associations between COVID‐19 impact and depression, personal wellbeing, and suicide risk factors in Australian autistic adults and (b) age and gender effects. The COVID‐19 Impact Scale (CIS), Personal Wellbeing Index, Patient Health Questionnaire, and the Suicide Behavior Questionnaire, Revised (SBQ‐R), were administered to 111 autistic adults aged 20 to 71 years during the second wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Australia. COVID‐19 impact showed small associations with poorer personal wellbeing ( r = −0.224, p = 0.023, [−0.409, −0.016]) and higher depressive symptoms ( r = 0.268, p = 0.006, [0.056, 0.445]) and was not associated with the SBQ‐R suicide risk score ( r = 0.081, p = 0.418, [−0.118, 0.264). No significant effects were identified for age. Although model results were similar for women and men, the strength of the associations between personal wellbeing and depression ( z = −2.16, p = 0.015), and depression and SBQ‐R suicide risk ( z = 1.961, p = 0.025), were stronger in women than in men. Qualitative analysis of an open response question from the CIS suggested that the pandemic had both positive and negative impacts on participants. The COVID‐19 pandemic has had a large impact on the mental health and wellbeing of the world's population, particularly vulnerable populations such as autistic people. It is not known if these impacts on mental health and wellbeing have increased suicide risk. Our findings suggest that the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic may be associated with poorer wellbeing and higher depression, but is not associated with suicide risk. Overall, autistic people reported both positive and negative impacts of the pandemic on their lives.
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 27-10-2020
Abstract: Objectives: To examine the subjective wellbeing of Australian parents raising children and adolescents (0-18 years) during ‘stage three’ COVID-19 restrictions (April 2020), in comparison with subjective wellbeing in parents assessed over an 18-year period prior to the pandemic. We also aimed to examine socio-demographic and COVID-19 predictors of subjective wellbeing during the pandemic.Methods: Cross-sectional data were from: (1) the COVID-19 Pandemic Adjustment Survey (CPAS, N=2,365 parents of a child 0-18 years, 8-28th April, 2020) and, (2) a pre-pandemic database bringing together over 18-years of national data on subjective wellbeing (N=17,529 adults living with children, collected in annual surveys over 2002-2019). Results: Levels of subjective wellbeing during the pandemic were considerably lower than ratings prior to the pandemic (Personal Wellbeing Index, mean [SD]=65.3 [17.0] compared to [SD]=75.8 [11.9], p& .001). Within the pandemic data, subjective wellbeing was lower in parents with low education, language other-than-English, receiving income assistance (i.e., a government benefit), single parents, and young parents. Subjective wellbeing was also lower in fathers, parents raising a child with a neurodevelopmental condition, parents with physical or mental health problems, and parents reporting COVID-related stressors, such as employment changes, financial strain, negative feelings/attributions about COVID-19, and supervising children while working-from-home. Unexpectedly, parent engagement with news media about the pandemic was associated with higher subjective wellbeing. Conclusion: Subjective wellbeing in parents raising children aged 0-18 years appears to be disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated social restrictions in Australia. Specific at-risk groups, for which government intervention may be warranted, include parents in socially disadvantaged contexts, parents with pre-existing mental health difficulties, and parents facing significant COVID-19 related work changes.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 08-07-2020
Publisher: Hogrefe Publishing Group
Date: 90
DOI: 10.1027/1015-5759.23.2.105
Abstract: Abstract. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) has been widely adopted as a measure of child and adolescent mental health and behavioral problems. However, despite an impressive number of studies demonstrating its psychometric properties, appropriate analyses of the instrument's underlying structure have not been reported. We conducted confirmatory factor analyses on matched data obtained from a large community s le of 7-17-year-olds, their parents, and their teachers. The analyses indicated that the reputed factor structure was not supported, with none of the subscales being unidimensional. Further, each informant group appeared to respond differently to the questionnaire. Considering the findings in relation to the stringency of the tests used to evaluate the SDQ, its utility, and previous research on its clinical validity, it is suggested that the SDQ be used with caution and in conjunction with other forms of assessment.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 28-08-2008
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-01-2013
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-03-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S10802-017-0284-7
Abstract: The aims of the current study were to (i) explore the potential bidirectional, prospective relationships between parenting and child ADHD, and (ii) explore whether these relationships differed on the basis of child gender. Data were obtained from waves 1 (children aged 4- to 5-years) to 5 (children aged 12- to 13-years) of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Child (LSAC) dataset (child cohort). In order to examine dimensions of both mothers' and fathers' parenting, a subs le of nuclear families with mothers, fathers and children present at all waves was extracted (final s le = 1932 sons = 981, daughters = 951). Child ADHD measures included the hyperactive-impulsive subscale of the strengths and difficulties questionnaire for symptoms, and parent-report question for diagnosis. Mothers and fathers completed scales on dimensions of Angry, Warm and Consistent Parenting. A cross-lagged panel model demonstrated (i) higher child ADHD symptoms at wave 1 led to a global increase in less-than-optimal parenting at wave 2, and (ii) child ADHD symptoms and Angry Parenting shared a prospective, bi-directional relationship (whereby increases in one predicted increases in the other over time) during earlier years of development. Latent growth curve models demonstrated that increases in Angry Parenting across time were significantly predicted by increases in child ADHD symptoms. A logistic regression demonstrated that both mothers' and fathers' Angry Parenting at wave 1 significantly predicted an ADHD diagnosis in children at wave 3. No predictive relationships differed between child genders thus, it appears these prospective pathways are similar for both sons and daughters.
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 27-04-2020
Abstract: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic presents significant risks to the mental health and wellbeing of Australian families. Employment and economic uncertainty, chronic stress, anxiety, and social isolation are likely to have negative impacts on parent mental health, couple and family relationships, as well as child health and development. Objective: This study aims to: (1) provide timely information on the mental health impacts of the emerging COVID-19 crisis in a close to representative s le of Australian parents and children (0-18 years) (2) identify adults and families most at risk of poor mental health outcomes and, (3) identify factors to target through clinical and public health intervention to reduce risk. Specifically, this study will investigate the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with increased risk for parents’ mental health, lower wellbeing, loneliness, and alcohol use parent-parent and parent-child relationships (both verbal and physical) and child and adolescent mental health problems. Methods: The study aims to recruit a close to representative s le of at least 2,000 adults aged 18 years and over living in Australia who are parents of a child 0-4 years (early childhood, N=400) 5-12 years (primary school N=800) and 13-18 years (secondary school, N=800). The design will be a longitudinal cohort study using an online recruitment methodology. Participants will be invited to complete an online baseline self-report survey (20 minutes) followed by a series of shorter online surveys (10 minutes) scheduled every two weeks for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., estimated to be 14 surveys over 6 months). Results: The study will employ post stratification weights to address differences between the final s le and the national population in geographic communities across Australia. Associations will be analyzed using multilevel modeling with time-variant and time-invariant predictors of change in trajectory over the testing period. Conclusions: This study will provide timely information on the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on parents and children in Australia identify communities, parents, families, and children most at risk of poor outcomes and, identify potential factors to address in clinical and public health interventions to reduce risk.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 08-2005
Abstract: Few studies have compared sexual behaviours among adolescents with high-functioning autism (HFA) and typical populations, and indicated whether specialized education is required. We hypothesized that adolescents with HFA would (1) display poorer social behaviours (2) engage in fewer behaviours related to privacy and have poorer knowledge regarding privacy issues (3) have less sex education and (4) display more inappropriate sexual behaviours and that (5) parental concerns would be greater for the HFA s le. Parents of typical adolescents ( n = 50) and adolescents with HFA ( n = 23) were surveyed with a Sexual Behaviour Scale (SBS) developed by the authors, with domains corresponding to the hypotheses. The HFA and typical groups were found to be significantly different on all five domains. However, following covariation with age and level of social behaviour, it was found that only parental concerns about their child distinguished between typical adolescents and those with HFA. Specialized sex education programmes with a social interaction emphasis should be considered for this group.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-11-2017
DOI: 10.1002/AUR.1892
Abstract: Clinical impressions suggest a different sexual profile between in iduals with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Little is presently known about the demographics of sexual orientation in ASD. Sexual Orientation was surveyed using the Sell Scale of Sexual Orientation in an international online s le of in iduals with ASD (N = 309, M = 90, F= 219), aged (M = 32.30 years, SD = 11.93) and this was compared to sexual orientation of typically-developing in iduals (N = 310, M = 84, F= 226), aged (M = 29.82 years, SD = 11.85). Findings suggested that sexual orientation was contingent on diagnosis (N = 570, χ Research suggests that in iduals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) report increased homosexuality, bisexuality, and asexuality, but decreased heterosexuality. It is important to increase awareness about increased non-heterosexuality in ASD among autistic populations, medical professionals and care-takers, so as to provide specialized care, if needed and increase support and inclusion for non-heterosexual autistic in iduals.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-11-2014
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-12-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S11136-016-1490-4
Abstract: Children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are understood to experience a reduced quality of life compared to typically developing (TD) peers. The evidence to support this has largely been derived from proxy reports, in turn which have been evaluated by Cronbach's alpha and interrater reliability, neither of which demonstrate unidimensionality of scales, or that raters use the instruments consistently. To redress this, we undertook an evaluation of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL), a widely used measure of children's quality of life. Three questions were explored: (1). do TD children or adolescents and their parents use the PedsQL differently (2). do children or adolescents with ASD and their parents use the PedsQL differently, and (3). do children or adolescents with ASD and TD children or adolescents use the PedsQL differently? By using the scales differently, we mean whether respondents endorse items differently contingent by group. We recruited 229 children and adolescents with ASD who had an IQ greater than 70, and one of their parents, as well as 74 TD children or adolescents and one of their parents. Children and adolescents with ASD (aged 6-20 years) were recruited from special primary and secondary schools in the Amsterdam region. Children and adolescents were included based on an independent clinical diagnosis established prior to recruitment according to DSM-IV-TR criteria by psychiatrists and/or psychologists, qualified to make the diagnosis. Children or adolescents and parents completed their respective version of the PedsQL. Data were analysed for unidimensionality and for differential item functioning (DIF) across respondent for TD children and adolescents and their parents, for children and adolescents with ASD and their parents, and then last, children and adolescents with ASD were compared to TD children and adolescents for DIF. Following recoding the data, the unidimensional model was found to fit all groups. We found that parents of and TD children and adolescents do not use the PedsQL differently ([Formula: see text] = 64.86, p = ns), consistent with the literature that children and adolescents with ASD and TD children and adolescents use the PedsQL similarly ([Formula: see text] = 92.22, p = ns), though their score levels may differ. However, children and adolescents with ASD and their parents respond to the PedsQL differently ([Formula: see text] = 190.22, p < 0.001) and contingently upon features of the child or adolescent. We suggest this is due to children or adolescents with ASD being less forthcoming with their parents about their lives. This, however, will require additional research to confirm. Consequently, we conclude that parents of high-functioning children with ASD are unable to act as reliable proxies for their children with ASD.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.JOCN.2014.10.007
Abstract: The mirror neuron (MN) hypothesis of autism has received considerable attention, but to date has produced inconsistent findings. Using functional MRI, participants with high functioning autism or Asperger's syndrome were compared to typically developing in iduals (n=12 in each group). Participants passively observed hand gestures that included waving, pointing, and grasping. Concerning the MN network, both groups activated similar regions including prefrontal, inferior parietal and superior temporal regions, with the autism group demonstrating significantly greater activation in the dorsal premotor cortex. Concerning other regions, participants with autism demonstrated increased activity in the anterior cingulate and medial frontal gyrus, and reduced activation in calcarine, cuneus, and middle temporal gyrus. These results suggest that during observation of hand gestures, frontal cortex activation is affected in autism, which we suggest may be linked to abnormal functioning of the MN system.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-11-2010
DOI: 10.1007/S11136-010-9800-8
Abstract: A neurological substrate for subjective well-being (SWB) has received little research attention. This study was designed to conduct exploratory investigation into the neuroanatomical correlates of SWB, by monitoring the SWB of a head-injured population over a six-month period. Seventy people with head injury (HI), aged 10-65, were studied. The SWB of each participant was measured, and computed tomography (CT) scans were analysed to obtain regional brain injury location (BIL). SWB was associated with BIL. However, the hypothesis that in iduals with left frontal injury would report lower SWB was not supported. Instead, it was observed that participants with injury to their right frontal lobe reported higher SWB than in iduals with injury to other regions of the brain. This study provides initial exploration into the neuroanatomical correlates of SWB.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 12-12-2007
Abstract: Although a relationship between volunteering and well-being has been demonstrated in numerous studies, well-being has generally been poorly operationalized and often defined by the relative absence of pathology. In this study, the authors take a positive approach to defining well-being and investigate the relationship between volunteering and personal and neighborhood well-being. The theoretical approach incorporates elements of the homeostatic model of well-being. A s le of 1,289 adults across Australia completed a questionnaire that assessed personal and neighborhood wellbeing, personality factors, and the psychosocial resources implicated in the homeostatic model of well-being. Analyses reveal that volunteers had higher personal and neighborhood well-being than nonvolunteers and that volunteering contributed additional variance in well-being even after psychosocial and personality factors were accounted for. The findings are discussed in terms of previous research and the homeostatic model of well-being, and it is argued that the relationship between volunteering and well-being is robust.
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-07-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S13229-020-00363-0
Abstract: There is growing recognition that autistic females present with more erse gender and sexual identities than their non-autistic counterparts. Likewise, autistic females are also at an increased risk of adverse sexual experiences. As higher rates of sexual victimisation are observed in in iduals with erse sexual identities in the broader population, rates of negative sexual experiences among autistic females remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the representation of gender and sexual ersity within autistic females and examine their rates of regretted, and unwanted, sexual encounters among females with a transgender gender identity and non-heterosexual sexual orientation. Two hundred and ninety-five females completed the Sexual Behaviour Scale-III (SBS-III) online. Self-reported gender identity and sexual orientation were compared between 134 autistic ( M age = 26.2 years, SD = 8.7) and 161 non-autistic females ( M age = 22.0 years, SD = 4.6). Differences in the prevalence of negative sexual experiences were compared across diagnosis and each gender identity and sexual orientation label. Autistic females were more likely to identify with a transgender gender identity ( p .05) and non-heterosexual sexual orientation ( p .007) compared to non-autistic females. Autistic homosexual females were more likely to have experienced a range of negative sexual experiences than autistic heterosexual females (OR ≥ 3.29 p .01) and were more likely to have experienced unwanted sexual experiences than non-autistic females regardless of sexual orientation (OR ≥ 2.38 p .05). There were no differences in rates of negative sexual experiences between autistic bisexual and both autistic heterosexual and non-autistic bisexual females. Non-autistic bisexual females (OR = 0.24 p = .018) presented with a reduced risk of regretted sexual experiences than non-autistic heterosexual peers. There were no differences in negative sexual experiences across gender identity in the autistic s le. The use of fixed format response items may have restricted participants’ abilities to provide rich responses pertaining to their sexual identities and nature of negative sexual experiences. The small number of participants who identified as transgender ( n = 40) limits the reliability of results pertaining to sexual experiences across gender identity. Moreover, although multiple recruitment methods were used in this study, non-representative may bias estimates of prevalence rates. Thus, the data may not be representative of the broader population. Results indicate that autistic females present with greater ersity in their sexual identities than in iduals without autism, with those with a homosexual sexual orientation being at greater risk of experiencing adverse sexual encounters. Findings suggest the importance of increased clinical attention to this ersity and the need to provide support to facilitate the development of a healthy sexual identity and reduce the risks identified in this study.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.AAP.2006.05.015
Abstract: Workplace injuries are common and destructive to persons, organisations, and society. Various instruments presently exist that are designed to assess the factors underlying workplace injury. The study reports on the construct and predictive validity of a 46-item instrument, the safety perception survey (SPS), currently used to assess safety climate in industrial organisations throughout Australia. Initially, factor analysis was conducted on the data from a s le of 1238 employees from nine organisations, which indicated a one-factor solution, was the best fit. A structural equation model (SEM) linking injury rates to the safety climate measure for 16 sub-groups of six industrial organisations indicated that the measure contributed just 23% of the variance in injury rates. Interestingly, the results indicated that the number of employees was a better and more significant predictor of injury (R(2)=0.48). It is proposed that the SPS as is would need to be modified significantly from its current form to produce improvements in validity, as in its current form the survey is no more predictive of injury than organisational size. Future research into safety climate measures should incorporate predictive validity analysis on injury rates, as for many organisations this is a performance outcome measure.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1155/2013/984205
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-09-2007
No related grants have been discovered for Mark Stokes.