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Do group interventions help people with autism spectrum disorder to develop better relationships with others? A critical review of the literature
- Authors:
- ATKINSON-JONES Katherine, HEWITT Olivia
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 47(2), 2019, pp.77-90.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: Social and communication impairments are a core diagnostic feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and can act as a barrier to developing relationships. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2016) guidelines recommend group social skills interventions as the first‐line treatment to help adults with ASD improve their social skills and relationships. To date, reviews have only explored the impact of group social skills interventions for adults with ASD without intellectual disability (ID). This review aimed to critically appraise studies investigating group social skills interventions for adults with ASD both without intellectual disability and with a mild or moderate intellectual disability. Method: A systematic search of four databases (PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL), as well as hand‐searching of references, was conducted. Ten studies were identified, employing different designs and methodologies, and covering six different group social skills interventions. Results: Overall, the review provided fairly consistent evidence that group social skills in different formats can reduce social impairments and increase social interaction, social knowledge and empathy for adults with ASD. Conclusion: There was variation in the quality of studies, and the most robust evidence was provided for the efficacy of the PEERS‐YA intervention. There was less evidence supporting the effectiveness of group social skills interventions for adults with ASD and intellectual disability, and more research is needed in this area. (Publisher abstract)
The diagnostic boundary between autism spectrum disorder, intellectual developmental disorder and schizophrenia spectrum disorders
- Authors:
- BERTELLI Marco O., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 9(5), 2015, pp.243-264.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: During the last few years the prevalence of autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has increased greatly. A recurring issue is the overlap and boundaries between Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD), ASD and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSD). In clinical practice with people with IDD, the alternative or adjunctive diagnosis of ASD or SSD is particularly challenging. The purpose of this paper is to define the boundaries and overlapping clinical characteristics of IDD, ASD and SSD; highlight the most relevant differences in clinical presentation; and provide a clinical framework within which to recognize the impact of IDD and ASD in the diagnosis of SSD. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic mapping of the international literature was conducted on the basis of the following questions: first, what are considered to be core and overlapping aspects of IDD, ASD and SSD; second, what are the main issues in clinical practice; and third, can key diagnostic flags be identified to assist in differentiating between the three diagnostic categories? Findings: Crucial clinical aspects for the differentiation resulted to be age of onset, interest towards others, main positive symptoms, and anatomical anomalies of the central nervous system. More robust diagnostic criteria and semeiological references are desirable. Originality/value: The present literature mapping provides a comprehensive description of the most relevant differences in the clinical presentation of ASD and SSD in persons with IDD. (Publisher abstract)
The diagnostic boundary between autism spectrum disorder, intellectual developmental disorder and schizophrenia spectrum disorders
- Authors:
- BERTELLI Marco O., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 9(5), 2015, pp.243-264.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: During the last few years the prevalence of autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has increased greatly. A recurring issue is the overlap and boundaries between Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD), ASD and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSD). In clinical practice with people with IDD, the alternative or adjunctive diagnosis of ASD or SSD is particularly challenging. The purpose of this paper is to define the boundaries and overlapping clinical characteristics of IDD, ASD and SSD; highlight the most relevant differences in clinical presentation; and provide a clinical framework within which to recognize the impact of IDD and ASD in the diagnosis of SSD. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic mapping of the international literature was conducted on the basis of the following questions: first, what are considered to be core and overlapping aspects of IDD, ASD and SSD; second, what are the main issues in clinical practice; and third, can key diagnostic flags be identified to assist in differentiating between the three diagnostic categories? Findings: Crucial clinical aspects for the differentiation resulted to be age of onset, interest towards others, main positive symptoms, and anatomical anomalies of the central nervous system. More robust diagnostic criteria and semeiological references are desirable. Originality/value: The present literature mapping provides a comprehensive description of the most relevant differences in the clinical presentation of ASD and SSD in persons with IDD. (Publisher abstract)
Do Social Stories help to decrease disruptive behaviour in children with autistic spectrum disorders? a review of the published literature
- Author:
- RHODES Christine
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 18(1), 2014, pp.35-50.
- Publisher:
- Sage
- Place of publication:
- London
A structured search and identification of themes within the literature regarding the use of Social Stories to decrease disruptive behaviour in children with autistic spectrum disorders is presented. The examination of seven studies showed that the Social Story intervention was successful for the majority of the participants, although the level of success was variable. Overall, Social Stories appear to be an acceptable intervention for use in the classroom, however unplanned verbal prompting by teachers, in some studies, reduced confidence in the effectiveness of Social Stories when used in isolation. An increasing body of literature has indicated that Social Stories are an effective intervention for children diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorders, however very few studies have addressed the efficacy of Social Stories when used with children with other disabilities. (Publisher abstract)
Dementia in older adults with intellectual disabilities: epidemiology, presentation and diagnosis
- Authors:
- STRYDOM Andre, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 7(2), June 2010, pp.96-110.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The authors conducted a literature review on the epidemiology, presentation and diagnosis of dementia in older adults with intellectual or learning disabilities (ID) and specific genetic syndromes, such as Downs syndrome (DS) using Medline, EMBASE and PsycINFO for original papers in English, German or Dutch, between 1997 and 2008. Articles from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, United States, Netherlands, Ireland; Japan, South Africa, Scandinavia and Italy had varied methodologies and differences in diagnoses resulting in a wide range of prevalence rates of dementia. Rates of dementia in those with ID, not because of DS, were comparable or higher than those in the general population. The onset of Alzheimers disease in DS appears earlier and the prevalence increases from less than 10% in the 40’s, to more than 30% in the 50’s with varying prevalence reported in those over 60 years. Incidence rates increased with age. Presentation differs in the ID population compared with the general population, with those with DS presenting with behavioural changes believed to be due to frontal lobe deficits. Few studies of dementia in other genetic syndromes such as Rett syndrome, an autistic spectrum disorder, and Sanfilippo syndrome were located in the literature, but these are discussed and tabulated along with others found.
A critical review of current police training and policy for autism spectrum disorder
- Author:
- HEPWORTH Diana
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 8(4), 2017, pp.212-222.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to critically review the current police training and criminal justice policy regarding the treatment of suspects with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during the initial stages of the criminal justice system (CJS), and provide potential policy reform and areas for further research. Design/methodology/approach: By reviewing extant literature, research and policy documents, this paper provides a critical review of the current policy and training for dealing with suspects with ASD in the current CJS in England and Wales for suspects with ASD. Findings: This paper proposes that current policy and police staff training is insufficient during all initial stages of the criminal justice process. Although there are emerging policies and schemes which are promising, they require further research and national participation. Policy reform and improved training is required to ensure minimal opportunities for miscarriages of justice to those individuals with ASD. Originality/value: This paper provides a chronological journey through the initial stages of the CJS in England and Wales for a suspect with ASD, and the challenges that they may face. Suggestions are made based on criminological and psychological research to remedy the potential opportunities for miscarriages of justice. (Publisher abstract)
A review of social skills interventions for adults with autism and intellectual disability
- Authors:
- BUNDOCK Kerrie Elizabeth, HEWITT Olivia
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 22(3), 2017, pp.148-158.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Individuals with autism and intellectual disability (ID) have increased needs regarding social interaction. Social skills interventions have focussed on children; however, development of these skills is important across the lifespan. The purpose of this paper is to critically review strategies and interventions used to develop social skills with adults with autism and ID. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature search identified five studies meeting inclusion criteria. Findings: Positive outcomes were reported in promoting positive social behaviours. However, it is not possible to make conclusions regarding the efficacy of social skills interventions for this population due to the limited quantifiable data and small sample sizes. Research limitations/implications: The limited number of studies in the review impacts on its conclusions. Two of the papers included only one participant with both ID and autism. Practical implications: A range of people need to be involved in supporting and developing social skills (peers, care staff, professionals). More research is needed in a variety of settings. Future research should attend to consistency of outcome measurement, service user perspectives, generalisation of skills, and documenting consent procedures. Originality/value: This review focussed on interventions for both positive and negative social behaviours used with adults with ID (of all levels) and autism. (Publisher abstract)
Supporting young people with neurodevelopmental impairment
- Authors:
- HUGHES Nathan, CHITSABESAN Prathiba
- Publisher:
- Centre for Crime and Justice Studies
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 8
- Place of publication:
- London
Drawing on a range of research, this brief report discusses the over-representation of young people with neurodevelopmental impairment in the youth justice system. This includes young people with learning disabilities; specific learning disorders; communication disorders; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); autistic spectrum disorders; and foetal alcohol spectrum disorders. It explores factors contributing to the criminalisation of young people with neurodevelopmental conditions, such as misinterpretation of behaviours and the importance of early identification and intervention by professionals and services. The key recommendation of the report is that preventive practice in educational and family settings should be prioritised to prevent youth justice interventions. (Edited publisher abstract)
GPS devices for elopement of people with autism and other developmental disabilities: a review of the published literature
- Authors:
- HAYWARD Brent, RANSLEY Fiona, MEMERY Rhiannon
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 13(1), 2016, pp.69-75.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Elopement, sometimes referred to as absconding, is defined as leaving an area without supervision or carer permission. The authors reviewed the evidence for the use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) as an intervention for elopement in people with autism and other developmental disabilities. They found few studies that explored the practicalities of GPS device use among carers of persons with developmental disabilities (most studies have been with carers of people with dementia) and even less research that focused on the testing of the functionality of GPS devices to locate cognitively-impaired persons. They conclude that this forces the existing empirical research to be sidelined in favour of non-evidence-based situational management strategies, of which the use of GPS devices is potentially a viable one. They also note that the results have important implications for policy and practice as there is little evidence to support the widespread recommendation that GPS devices are an effective intervention to prevent risk associated with elopement. (Edited publisher abstract)
Experiences of prison inmates with autism spectrum disorders and the knowledge and understanding of the spectrum amongst prison staff: a review
- Author:
- ALLELY Clare
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 6(2), 2015, pp.55-67.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the research which has examined the link between autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and offending behaviour and the impact of prison on individuals with ASDs. Studies suggest that inmates with ASDs may be at an increased risk of bullying, confrontations, exploitation, anxiety and social isolation as a result of their ASD traits such as obsessions, social naivety and impaired empathy. Design/methodology/approach: An extensive review of the literature. Findings: The review identifies a modest amount of studies (n=4) which have explored the experience of individuals with ASD in prison and highlights that inmates with ASDs face a multitude of problems when they enter prison. Despite an extensive literature search only one study was identified which investigated the knowledge and understanding of ASDs amongst prison staff. Research limitations/implications: Further research is urgently needed to consider the specific problems faced by inmates with ASD, to identify how to make the prison environment safer and more supportive for inmates with ASD and how to reduce the likelihood of re-offending. Practical implications: This review highlights that, to date, there has been relatively little to guide service design in order to develop support services for individuals with ASD in prison. There has been a scarcity of studies investigating the effectiveness of various treatment models to target offending behaviour in individuals with ASD. Originality/value: This paper fulfils an identified need to study and identify the specific problems faced by inmates with ASD and to identify changes which are required to provide an environment in prison which is safer and more supportive. (Publisher abstract)