Autism最新文献

{"title":"Policing Black autistic children: A qualitative approach to understanding Black caregivers' concerns.","authors":"Ashlee Yates Flanagan, Meredith Cola, Naomi Yu, Haley Peele, Keeana Dicette, Grace Hicks, Maggie Rose Pelella, Ayana King-Pointer, Jamiel Owens, Dieu M Truong, Aili Hauptmann, Juan Pacheco, Alison Russell, Amanda Lee, Sarah Schillinger, Maxine Covello, Meg Lyons, Rita Solórzano, Sinan Turnacioglu, Vijay Ravindran, Joseph P McCleery, Judith S Miller, Julia Parish-Morris","doi":"10.1177/13623613241303549","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613241303549","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the United States, Black autistic youth face elevated risk of negative outcomes during police interactions. Although the outcomes of these interactions are well-documented, less is known about Black autistic youths' experiences during police encounters, as the current literature has largely examined the experiences of autistic adults, mostly White American samples, and/or autistic youth abroad. This study utilizes qualitative methods to examine the perceptions and concerns of 43 Black caregivers (N = 43; 98% parents; 2% legal guardians; 93% mothers) of Black autistic children (mean age: 16.5; 79% male) regarding police interactions with their autistic children. Four themes emerged: concerns regarding the <i>Quality of police officers' training</i>, children's <i>Autistic behaviors being inappropriately policed</i>, the explicit <i>Threat of harm and murder</i>, and the hope for <i>Mindful Policing</i>. These findings demonstrate that caregivers' concerns about police behaviors are inextricably linked to their concerns about the quality of police officers' training. The results of this study highlight (1) the importance of including racially and ethnically diverse individuals in research exploring autistic individuals' police interactions, (2) the need for culturally responsive adaptations to existing policing interventions designed for autistic people, and (3) <i>the urgency</i> of integrating Black caregivers' concerns into law enforcement training efforts.Lay abstractIn the United States, Black autistic youth face elevated risk of negative outcomes during police interactions. Although the outcomes of these interactions are well-documented, less is known about Black autistic youths' experiences during police encounters, as the current literature has largely examined the experiences of autistic adults, mostly White American samples, and/or autistic youth abroad. This study utilizes qualitative methods to examine the perceptions and concerns of 43 Black caregivers (N = 43; 98% parents; 2% legal guardians; 93% mothers) of Black autistic children (mean age: 16.5; 79% male) regarding police interactions with their autistic children. Through phenomenological analysis, four dominant themes emerged: concerns regarding the <i>Quality of police officers' training</i>, children's <i>Autistic behaviors being inappropriately policed</i>, the explicit <i>Threat of harm and murder</i>, and the hope for <i>Mindful Policing</i>. These findings demonstrate that caregivers' perceptions of police behavior are inextricably linked to their concerns about the quality of police officers' training. This study highlights (1) the importance of including racially and ethnically diverse individuals in research exploring autistic individuals' police interactions, (2) the need for culturally responsive and neuro-affirming adaptations to existing policing interventions designed for autistic people, and (3) <i>the urgency</i> of integrating Black caregivers' concerns i","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"1303-1317"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12040581/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142827292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"'It depends entirely on the nature of those supports': Community perceptions of the appropriateness of early support services for autistic children.","authors":"Rhylee Sulek, Chris Edwards, Ruth Monk, Lee Patrick, Sarah Pillar, Andrew Jo Whitehouse, Hannah Waddington","doi":"10.1177/13623613241302372","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613241302372","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Autistic advocates emphasise the need for neurodiversity-affirming and strengths-based approaches to support services; however, little is known about broader community perspectives regarding the appropriateness of offering early support services to autistic children. This co-designed mixed-methods study employed surveys to gather insights from 253 participants in Australia and New Zealand, including autistic adults, parents, and professionals. Participants shared views on the appropriateness of early support services for autistic children. About half of participants indicated that it was appropriate to provide early support services, while the other half indicated that it depended on the nature of those support services. Reflexive thematic analysis resulted in three overarching themes which explain these views. 'They are children first, after all' emphasises the importance of preserving childhood experiences and involving children in decision-making. 'We shouldn't be aiming to fix the child' underscores the need for support services to align with neurodiversity-affirming approaches. Finally, 'Supports are beneficial' highlights the perceived positive impact that early, individualised support services can provide for autistic children. These findings predominantly signal a shift away from medicalised models towards a neurodiversity-affirming approach across participant groups.Lay abstractWe do not know much about what support services people think are okay for young autistic children. This study was a survey of 253 people. We asked autistic adults, parents, and professionals from Australia and New Zealand whether they thought it was okay to provide support services to autistic children. About half the people who shared their thoughts said it was okay to provide support services to autistic children and the other half said it depended on what the support service was like. They had three main ideas about whether support services were okay or not. The first one is that we should remember that these autistic children are children first, so we need to keep their childhood experiences in mind and let them have a say in decisions. The second is that we should not try to 'fix' the child, but instead, use supports that respect and understand the unique ways the child thinks. The final idea is that early, personalised help is good for autistic children and can make a positive difference in their lives. This study suggests that we should focus on what each child needs, think about how children can join in, and provide help in ways that respect autistic children.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"1275-1284"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12038063/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142766014","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lifetime stressor exposure is related to suicidality in autistic adults: A multinational study.","authors":"Rachel L Moseley, Darren Hedley, Julie M Gamble-Turner, Mirko Uljarević, Simon M Bury, Grant S Shields, Julian N Trollor, Mark A Stokes, George M Slavich","doi":"10.1177/13623613241299872","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613241299872","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Despite very high rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) in autistic adults, the key psychosocial drivers of this phenomenon remain unknown. To investigate, we examined how lifetime stressor exposure and severity, which have been found to predict STB in non-autistic populations, related to STB in a multinational dataset of 226 autistic adults from the United Kingdom and Australia (67% female; &lt;i&gt;M&lt;/i&gt;&lt;sub&gt;age&lt;/sub&gt; = 41.8, &lt;i&gt;SD&lt;/i&gt; = 13.6, range = 19-73 years old). Results revealed that autistic men and women differ with respect to the count, severity, and type of stressors they experienced over the life course. Whereas autistic men were exposed to more numerous legal/crime-related stressors, autistic women experienced more stressors related to social relationships and chronic humiliation and typically experienced stressors as more severe. In addition, whereas chronic interpersonal loss was related to STB for men, acute stressors involving physical danger and lower exposure to chronic entrapment were related to STB in autistic women. These findings indicate that certain lifetime stressors may be differentially experienced, and relevant to STB, in autistic men versus women. They also suggest that screening for lifetime stressor exposure may help identify autistic individuals at greatest risk of suicide.Lay abstractWhen we encounter life events that we experience as stressful (\"stressors\"), it sets off a biological stress response that can impact mental health and contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB). Although we know about specific stressors that are associated with STB in the general population, little is known about the kinds of stressors that increase the risk of STB in autistic people and whether these associations differ by gender. To examine this issue, we cataloged the life stressors that autistic men and women experienced over the entire life course and investigated how these stressors were related to STB. Data were derived from a multinational sample of 226 autistic adults from the United Kingdom and Australia who completed the Stress and Adversity Inventory for Adults. We found that autistic men and women differed in terms of both the lifetime stressors they experienced as well as their perceived severity. Whereas men experienced more legal/crime-related stressors, women experienced more stressors related to relationships with other people and more long-lasting stressors associated with humiliation. Autistic women often perceived life stressors as more severe than men, which is important given that it is the perceived severity of stressors that most strongly affects our health. We also found that different stressors may predict STB in autistic men versus women. Whereas loss of loved ones was most strongly associated with STB for men, for women, physically dangerous stressors were most relevant. In addition, women with fewer lifetime stressors involving entrapment had higher lifetime STB. These results sugges","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"1184-1208"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12038079/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142799369","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Health service utilization among autistic youth in Aotearoa New Zealand: A nationwide cross-sectional study.","authors":"Laurie K McLay, Philip J Schluter, John Williams, Francesca Anns, Ruth Monk, Joanne Dacombe, Gabrielle Hogg, Jessica Tupou, Troy Ruhe, Taylor Scott, Emma Woodford, Hiran Thabrew, Nicholas Bowden","doi":"10.1177/13623613241298352","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613241298352","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many autistic youth have complex healthcare needs, resulting in high rates of health service utilization. However, many characteristics of this health service utilization remain unknown. Using whole-of-population data, this study aimed to quantify and compare rates of psychiatric and non-psychiatric health service utilization among autistic and non-autistic youth, with and without co-occurring intellectual disability. A national retrospective cohort study was employed using linked individual-level administrative data for Aotearoa New Zealand youth (aged 0-24 years). Health service utilization outcomes included 11 psychiatric and non-psychiatric domains. Propensity score matching on a range of sociodemographic measures compared groups across health service utilization outcomes. Data were obtained for 19,479 autistic youth, 29% of whom had a co-occurring intellectual disability and 1,561,278 non-autistic youth. Results demonstrated higher rates of mental health service utilization among autistic compared with non-autistic youth, including inpatient (prevalence ratio 5.85; 95% confidence interval 4.93-6.94) and outpatient (prevalence ratio 4.96; 95% confidence interval 4.75-5.18) service use and psychotropic medication dispensing (prevalence ratio 6.83; 95% confidence interval 6.65-7.02), particularly among autistic youth without intellectual disability. Rates of non-psychiatric hospital admissions (prevalence ratio 1.93; 95% confidence interval 1.85-2.01), potentially avoidable hospitalizations (prevalence ratio 1.91; 95% confidence interval 1.82-2.00) and outpatient visits (prevalence ratio 1.99; 95% confidence interval 1.95-2.01) were also higher among autistic youth. Research implications for delivery of healthcare services are discussed.Lay abstractAutistic youth generally use healthcare services more often than non-autistic youth. However, we know very little about the factors that can affect health service use and the types of services that are used, and this has not been explored in Aotearoa New Zealand. We analysed data from New Zealand to compare health service use among autistic and non-autistic youth (0 to 24-year-olds). Data were available for 19,479 autistic youth and 1,561,278 non-autistic youth. We compared hospitalizations, specialist visits, emergency department visits and use of different types of medications. In this study, autistic youth were found to have been hospitalized for medical and mental health reasons, more often than non-autistic youth. Autistic youth were also more likely to have attended specialist appointments and to have been given medication. These differences were particularly large for medications commonly used for mental health conditions (e.g. anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or associated symptoms. Autistic youth who also had an intellectual disability were more likely to use healthcare services for physical health conditions, but were less likely to use mental health serv","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"1143-1156"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12038068/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142765965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Secondary effects of dialectical behaviour therapy on social functioning, quality of life, and autism traits in autistic adults with suicidality.","authors":"Anne Huntjens, Lmc Wies van den Bosch, Bram Sizoo, Ad Kerkhof, Filip Smit, Mark van der Gaag","doi":"10.1177/13623613241302875","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613241302875","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The effect of psychological treatment on social functioning, quality of life and autism traits in autistic people with suicidal behaviour remains largely unknown. At six Dutch mental health centres, 123 adult outpatients with <i>Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders</i> (5th edition) diagnosed autism spectrum condition and suicidal behaviours were randomly assigned to dialectical behaviour therapy (<i>n</i> = 63) or treatment as usual (<i>n</i> = 60) to address their suicidal behaviours. This article analysed secondary outcomes on social functioning, quality of life and autism traits. Outcomes were compared at baseline, post-treatment at 6 months, and 12-month follow-up. At post-treatment, both social functioning (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and quality of life (<i>p</i> = 0.002) were significantly improved in the treatment condition compared to the control condition and remained so at 12-month follow-up (<i>p</i> = 0.003; <i>p</i> = 0.002). Autism traits did not differ between conditions. Autistic individuals with suicidal behaviours benefit modestly from treatment with dialectical behaviour therapy in social functioning and quality of life.Lay abstractDialectical behaviour therapy is a comprehensive treatment that helps individuals improve distress tolerance, mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness and emotion regulation. It is commonly used to assist those experiencing self-harm and suicidal thoughts or behaviours. Despite its broad application, our understanding of how dialectical behaviour therapy impacts autistic individuals with suicidal behaviour remains limited. This study compared dialectical behaviour therapy with treatment as usual in 123 autistic adults experiencing suicidal behaviours. Participants were recruited from six mental health centres, with 63 receiving dialectical behaviour therapy and 60 receiving treatment as usual. The study assessed outcomes such as social functioning, quality of life and specific autism traits over 12 months. Findings revealed that dialectical behaviour therapy led to significant improvements in social functioning and quality of life compared to treatment as usual, though there were no effects on autism traits. These improvements suggest that dialectical behaviour therapy holds promise as an effective treatment for autistic individuals grappling with suicidal behaviour. The findings strongly support the broader implementation of dialectical behaviour therapy in mental health centres, especially given the limited treatment options available for autistic individuals with suicidal tendencies.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"1333-1345"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12038065/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142823740","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Risky business: How assumptions about evidence can exclude autistic voices.","authors":"Schea Fissel Brannick","doi":"10.1177/13623613251339006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613251339006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Gestalt Language Development has been proposed as a theoretical foundation for neurodiversity-affirming intervention, yet its adoption remains controversial. Critics cite limited high-quality research as justification for rejecting its use, raising valid concerns about its scientific backing. However, such rejection rests on two assumptions that may lead to risky clinical decisions: (1) that research evidence should be the sole or primary driver of evidence-based practice and (2) that research-backed interventions are inherently neurodiversity-affirming. Using Gestalt Language Development as an example, this letter critiques these assumptions and illustrates how over-reliance on research alone-without integrating clinical expertise and autistic perspectives-can delay meaningful, inclusive care. I argue that centering autistic voices is essential to both neurodiversity-affirming practice and evidence-based decision-making. A more balanced model of evidence-based practice is needed-one that evaluates emerging interventions not only by their research base but also by their alignment with autistic values and their impact in clinical practice.Lay AbstractMany autistic individuals and clinicians find Gestalt Language Development to be a helpful approach for supporting autistic communication. However, some researchers argue that Gestalt Language Development should not be widely used until stronger research evidence is available. This argument introduces two risks. First, it assumes that research is the only kind of evidence that matters-overlooking the value of autistic lived experience and clinical expertise in making good intervention decisions. Second, it assumes that research-based interventions are automatically neurodiversity-affirming, even when they are developed without input from autistic people. This letter argues that excluding autistic voices from intervention decisions is risky. A more balanced approach to evidence-one that includes autistic perspectives, clinical expertise, and research-leads to inclusive, more responsive, and more effective support. While research on Gestalt Language Development is still growing, real-world experiences from autistic people and families offer valuable insight into what works and why it matters.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"13623613251339006"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143972747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Self-reported masking in sexual minority and heterosexual autistic adults.","authors":"Goldie A McQuaid, Nancy Raitano Lee, Gregory L Wallace","doi":"10.1177/13623613251335738","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613251335738","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Masking can include suppressing or concealing certain behaviors to appear \"non-autistic\" and is one response to the excess social stressors of being a neurominority in a neurotypical-majority society. It is important to understand how persons who are multiply marginalized (e.g. an autistic person assigned female sex at birth who is bisexual), who experience multiple layers of excess social stressors, may face additional pressures to conceal their authentic selves. Autistic persons may be more likely than neurotypical persons to identify with a sexual minority orientation, such as asexual, bisexual, gay or pansexual. To advance our understanding of how marginalized identities may be associated with masking, we examined self-reported masking using the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire in a sample of autistic adults (<i>N</i> = 462). After matching participants for assigned sex at birth and age, and after controlling for these effects in modeling, we found that sexual minority autistic adults reported significantly higher levels of masking relative to heterosexual autistic adults. We situate these findings within literatures on masking, minority stress, and stigma.Lay AbstractMasking can include hiding certain behaviors to appear \"non-autistic.\" Masking is one response to the stress of being autistic in a non-autistic world. Being autistic is only one part of someone's identity, though. Other parts of a person's identity include things like a person's sexual orientation. Autistic people are more likely than non-autistic people to have a sexual orientation other than heterosexual, like asexual, bisexual, gay, or pansexual. People who are both autistic and a sexual minority may experience social stress because of different pressures from society. These different pressures may mean sexual minority autistic adults feel pressured to social camouflage more than heterosexual autistic adults. Thus, we compared masking in sexual minority autistic and heterosexual autistic adults. In the statistical models, we controlled for two other factors that may impact masking: sex assigned at birth and age. We found that sexual minority autistic adults reported significantly higher levels of masking relative to heterosexual autistic adults. We discuss how these findings fit within previous research on masking and minority stress.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"13623613251335738"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143960240","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"'Accumulating harm and waiting for crisis': Parents' perspectives of accessing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services for their autistic child experiencing mental health difficulties.","authors":"Emma Ashworth, Lucy Bray, Claire Hanlon, Harvey Stanway, Georgia Pavlopoulou, David Moore, Bethany Donaghy, Elizabeth Coen, Ellen Firth","doi":"10.1177/13623613251335715","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613251335715","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Autistic children and young people are at increased risk of mental health difficulties, but often face barriers when seeking help from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. This study aimed to (1) explore the experiences of parents/carers seeking help from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services for their autistic child's mental health difficulties, and (2) gain parents' perceptions of the accessibility of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services for their child. A mixed-methods survey design was used. In total, 300 parents/carers took part from across the United Kingdom. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data using qualitative content analysis. Findings demonstrated ongoing struggles that parents/carers faced when seeking help from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Those who were referred reported a lack of reasonable adjustments and offers of ineffective or inappropriate therapies. Ultimately, parents felt their child's mental health difficulties either did not improve or declined to the point of crisis. However, there was a recognition that some professionals were kind and compassionate. There is a need for a more neuro-inclusive and personalised approach in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Further research, funding and training are urgently needed to ensure support is accessible, timely and effective for autistic young people.Lay abstractAutistic children and young people are more likely to experience mental health difficulties than neurotypical peers, but also face more barriers when seeking help from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Findings highlight the need for a more neuroaffirmative approach from the professionals themselves, in the adjustments offered, and in the therapies provided. Barriers to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services for autistic children and young people include diagnostic overshadowing (i.e. assuming mental health difficulties are part of autism), high thresholds for assessment and a lack of professional knowledge about autism and care pathways. Healthcare policies should ensure that all Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services professionals receive neuroaffirmative training and that resources/funding are provided for appropriate adjustments and early support. There is also a need for further research and funding to develop and evaluate effective neuroaffirmative therapeutic interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"13623613251335715"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143955200","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"'We're quite good at thinking outside the box: Early autistic sensory experiences expressed by autistic adults and caregivers of autistic children.","authors":"Katy L Unwin, Kelsey Philpott-Robinson, Josephine Barbaro, Patrick Dwyer, Nancy Sadka, Perrin Date, Alison E Lane","doi":"10.1177/13623613251335069","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613251335069","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sensory differences are well documented in autistic individuals. However, early sensory experiences have not been fully explored, particularly from the perspective of autistic people. We sought to understand early sensory experiences in autism from the perspective of autistic adults (some of whom also had autistic children) and caregivers of autistic children (some of whom also had a personal autism diagnosis). Using a qualitative descriptive design, aligned with a constructivist paradigm, focus groups were conducted with 3 autistic adults and 12 caregivers of autistic children. Data were analysed with reflexive thematic analysis. Five themes were generated accounting for early sensory experiences in autism: (1) Acknowledging the uniqueness of sensory preferences, (2) Negative impacts of different sensory experiences, (3) Feeling different and the pursuit of belonging, (4) Controlling sensory experiences to support daily function, and finally (5) Overcoming the challenges of the sensory world. The findings highlight the specific sensory needs of autistic children in early childhood and the adaptability of caregivers. This information can help young autistic people and caregivers advocate the importance of recognising the uniqueness of each autistic child's sensory preferences when seeking support.Lay AbstractSensory behaviours in early childhood can impact how autistic children experience and engage in the world. There is a lot of research about sensory differences in autistic children; however, there is very little known about experiences in early childhood. We asked 3 autistic adults and 12 caregivers of autistic children about their/their child's experiences of sensory behaviours in early childhood. In our sample, autistic adults and caregivers of autistic children shared similar experiences about the challenges they/their children face related to sensory experiences in early childhood and how they overcame these. The findings can influence how researchers and service providers view sensory preferences in early childhood by understanding that everyone's preferences are unique, and the importance of advocating for what works for each autistic person.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"13623613251335069"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143964785","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"\"I'm not feeling alone in my experiences\": How newly diagnosed autistic adults engage with a neurodiversity-affirming \"Welcome Pack\".","authors":"Chris Edwards, Abigail Ma Love, Ru Ying Cai, Melanie Heyworth, Alexandra Johnston, Fiona Aldridge, Vicki Gibbs","doi":"10.1177/13623613251335070","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613251335070","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Receiving an autism diagnosis in adulthood can be profoundly transformative, yet many newly diagnosed autistic adults experience a lack of accessible, affirming post-diagnostic support. This study explores how a self-guided, neurodiversity-affirming resource-the \"Welcome Pack\"-supports newly diagnosed autistic adults in navigating their evolving identity. Using a qualitative approach, we recruited 11 autistic adults without intellectual disability in Australia who had received a diagnosis within the past 6 months. Participants engaged with the \"Welcome Pack\" over a 2-month period before taking part in semi-structured interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis generated four key themes: (1) a sense of belonging through community and representation, as participants found validation in shared narratives; (2) the \"Welcome Pack\" as one of many tools supporting their self-understanding; (3) emotional reflections, including both relief and grief over years of masking; and (4) challenges in self-advocacy and educating others. While participants described the \"Welcome Pack\" as an important and validating resource, they also highlighted the need for additional structured peer support and practical guidance. These findings underscore the value of integrating self-guided resources within broader post-diagnostic ecosystems, ensuring that newly diagnosed autistic adults receive timely, accessible, and neurodiversity-affirming support as they navigate their identity.Lay Abstract.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"13623613251335070"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143955776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}