Autism最新文献

{"title":"Whose Outcomes Count? Rethinking Measurement in Global Autism Research.","authors":"Shoba S Meera, Mirko Uljarević, Rosa A Hoekstra","doi":"10.1177/13623613261480175","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613261480175","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"2437-2442"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148787635","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":"Sense of Coherence and the Relation to Autistic Traits in Autistic Adults.","authors":"Britta Westerberg, Susanne Bejerot, Ann Langius-Eklöf, Fredrik Holländare","doi":"10.1177/13623613261469916","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613261469916","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sense of coherence reflects the ability to comprehend and interpret one's environment as coherent and to experience life as manageable and meaningful. Sense of coherence is predictive of quality of life in several populations, but this relation has not been investigated among autistic individuals. Even though autistic individuals often describe difficulties perceiving the world in a coherent way, the sense of coherence concept is relatively unexplored in autism. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between autistic traits, sense of coherence and quality of life in autistic individuals in Sweden. A total of 81 adults with autism completed questionnaires covering their sense of coherence, quality of life and autistic traits. The results showed that sense of coherence predicted quality of life and that autistic traits predicted sense of coherence levels in our sample. Based on the results, we suggest that sense of coherence may be important for the understanding of autistic functioning and that sense of coherence is essential for quality of life in this group. The study contributes to the understanding of autistic functioning and adds useful knowledge for the development of appropriate interventions for autistic individuals. Interventions that address aspects aimed at increasing the individual's sense of coherence may therefore be warranted.Lay AbstractSense of coherence reflects a person's sense that their environment is understandable, that they can manage life's challenges and that they judge it to be meaningful. In many populations, a strong sense of coherence is linked to a higher quality of life, but this relation has not been studied among autistic individuals. Even though autistic individuals often describe difficulties perceiving the world in a coherent way, the concept of sense of coherence is relatively unexplored among individuals with autism. This study explored the links between autistic traits, sense of coherence and quality of life in 81 autistic adults in Sweden who completed a series of questionnaires. We found that sense of coherence was a strong predictor of quality of life. We also discovered that having more autistic traits was linked to a weak sense of coherence. Based on our results, we suggest that sense of coherence may be important to understand autistic functioning. We also conclude that sense of coherence is important for quality of life in this group. This suggests that interventions designed to help individuals see their world as more coherent and manageable could be a valuable way to improve their quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"2505-2515"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148648132","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":"Health Care Transition Experiences for Rural and Urban Autistic Adolescents and Young Adults: A Qualitative Analysis.","authors":"E Zhang, Makenna Snyder, Wafaa Alduraidi, Spencer Hunley, Kristin Sohl, Nancy Cheak-Zamora, Eve-Lynn Nelson","doi":"10.1177/13623613261472991","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613261472991","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Health care transition (HCT) is underexplored among autistic adolescents and young adults (AYAs). We explored autistic AYAs' HCT experiences through virtual semi-structured interviews with 19 participants (mean age = 21.4 years; range = 15-25). Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and interpreted through self-determination theory (SDT). Participants described HCT as marked by increased expectations for independent health care management without commensurate preparation, relational continuity, or structural support. Findings were organized around SDT domains of competence, autonomy, and relatedness, which were interconnected. Gaps in competence constrained autonomy and contributed to stress and care avoidance. Autonomy was negotiated and situational, often supported through ongoing caregiver involvement rather than full independence. Relatedness was undermined by fragmented care, limited continuity, and experiences of being dismissed by providers. Structural factors (transportation, insurance acceptance, provider availability, and rurality) shaped when and how these psychological needs could be met, amplifying transition-related challenges. Autistic AYAs want to take ownership of their care, but successful HCT depends on developmentally scaffolded skill-building, supportive interdependence, and health systems that foster competence, autonomy, and relatedness. Findings highlight the need for autism-responsive HCT models that incorporate gradual preparation, provider training, caregiver-supported autonomy, and structural accommodations, particularly in rural communities.Lay AbstractMoving from pediatric to adult health care can be challenging for autistic adolescents and young adults, especially in rural areas. We interviewed 19 autistic participants ages 15 to 25 to understand their experiences of health care transition. We analyzed interviews to identify themes and organized findings around three needs: feeling capable of managing health care (skills and confidence), having appropriate choice and control, and feeling supported and taken seriously by health care providers. Participants often described being expected to manage appointments, medications, and communication with providers more independently, without enough preparation or clear guidance. Many reported that limited skills or confidence made it harder to take charge of their care and contributed to stress and sometimes avoiding care. Independence was not \"all-or-nothing\": participants described sharing responsibilities with caregivers in ways that changed across situations, rather than becoming fully independent at once. Participants also described challenges with continuity and relationships such as switching providers, fragmented services, and feeling dismissed, making it harder to feel understood and supported. Practical barriers shaped these experiences, including transportation, whether providers accepted insurance, limited local providers, and rural distance. O","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"2584-2595"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13523849/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148700611","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":"'For the First Time, I Felt Seen': Understanding What Helps Autistic Emerging Adults Feel Safe and Included on Social Media.","authors":"Asha Dawson, Alexandra Street, Rebecca L Flower","doi":"10.1177/13623613261489306","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613261489306","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Social media is a prominent part of everyday life and is used regularly to connect users with a diverse network of content and people from around the world. Research on social media among autistic individuals has largely focused on online risks (e.g., cyberbullying) among children and adolescents, with limited attention to the perspectives of autistic emerging adults (i.e., aged 18-29), particularly regarding social media safety and inclusion. The aim of this qualitative study was to understand what helps autistic emerging adults feel safe and included on social media, focusing on their lived experience and recommendations for improvement. Data was collected from 50 autistic emerging adults (<i>M_age</i> = 24.57, <i>SD</i> = 3.01) through an online open-ended survey. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we generated three key themes: (a) Welcomed by a community of allies, (b) Curating my experience and (c) Communicating in ways that work for me. The findings offer insight into the features and strategies used by autistic emerging adults to feel safe and included when using social media, and provides practical recommendations to foster a safer and more inclusive online environment for neurodivergent individuals.Lay AbstractSocial media is a part of everyday life and is used by many people to connect with others around the world. To our knowledge, no research has looked at what helps autistic emerging adults (people aged between 18-29 years) feel safe and included on social media. We wanted to understand this. We created an online survey with open-ended questions about social media use, asking 50 autistic emerging adults questions regarding their thoughts on what helps them to feel safe and included when using social media. We also asked for their ideas about what could be improved. We used a type of process called reflexive thematic analysis to look at patterns in what people said. We created three themes that we feel represented these patterns, which we called (a) Welcomed by a community of allies, (b) Curating my experience and (c) Communicating in ways that work for me. Participants spoke about feeling seen and accepted among others who shared they were autistic online. They also spoke about strategies they used to control what they experienced, and appreciated the different ways in which they could interact with others using social media. Participants felt more autism education was needed online, and made suggestions relating to more safety and custom settings on social media platforms. The findings of this study give insight into what helps autistic emerging adults feel safe and included when using social media.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"13623613261489306"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149079498","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":"Depression Screening Tools for Non- and Minimally Speaking Autistic Adults: Feasibility, Psychometrics, and Wider Validity.","authors":"Ellen Wilkinson, Keya Pai, Andrew Jahoda, Richard P Hastings, Vanessa H Bal","doi":"10.1177/13623613261480395","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613261480395","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Depression remains underdiagnosed in non- and minimally speaking (NMS) autistic adults, despite caregiver concerns suggesting high rates of mood-related difficulties, as such this study evaluates the validity, reliability, and feasibility of three established caregiver-report depression measures (Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Scale-ADAMS; Glasgow Depression Scale-Caregiver Supplement-GDS-CS; Mood, Interest, and Pleasure Questionnaire-MIPQ) with 160 caregivers of NMS autistic adults. Participants completed surveys, and a subset engaged in cognitive interviews to assess content validity and usability. Psychometric analyses included confirmatory factor analyses, internal consistency estimation, and exploratory cut-off scores based on parent-reported concern about depression. Results indicated that the GDS-CS had the strongest support, showing acceptable model fit, fair reliability, and high caregiver acceptability. The ADAMS also demonstrated strong psychometric properties and feasibility, with the added benefit of capturing related symptoms such as anxiety. The MIPQ, while designed for individuals with limited language, showed poor model fit and lower caregiver usability. Findings support the use of the GDS-CS and ADAMS as promising tools for screening depression in NMS autistic adults and highlight the need for further validation and tailored mental health assessment approaches for this underserved population.Lay AbstractSome autistic people do not use speech to communicate, even when they become adults. These individuals are called minimally speaking (or nonspeaking; NMS). Many parents think their NMS autistic adult children may be depressed, but few have a diagnosis from a doctor. One reason for this is that most ways doctors check for depression ask about feelings using spoken words. This does not work well for people who do not speak. This study asked 160 parents of minimally speaking autistic adults to fill out three surveys that may help identify depression. The surveys were the ADAMS, the GDS-CS, and the MIPQ. The parents answered questions about how their adult children behave, how often certain things happen, and whether they think their child is depressed. Some parents also talked in interviews about how easy or hard the surveys were to understand and complete. The results showed that two of the surveys, the ADAMS and the GDS-CS, worked pretty well and were quick to fill out. Parents said the GDS-CS was the easiest to understand. The third survey, the MIPQ, was harder for parents to use and did not work as well. This study shows that it is possible to screen for depression in autistic adults who do not speak by asking caregivers the right kinds of questions. It also shows that more research is needed to make sure these tools work for everyone. Doctors and caregivers can use these tools to find people who may be feeling depressed and need more help. This is an important step toward making sure all autistic adults, including those wh","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"13623613261480395"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149073466","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":"Divergent Patterns of Speaker-Intention Discrimination and Emotional Valence Ratings in Self-Reported Autistic and Non-Autistic Adults.","authors":"Kathrin Rothermich, Mackenzie Rountree, Sungwoo Ahn, Catherine L Caldwell-Harris, Moritz Dannhauer","doi":"10.1177/13623613261487284","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613261487284","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Autistic adults often interpret verbal and non-verbal cues underlying non-literal language differently compared to non-autistic people, reflecting differences in communicative style and shared context. Research on non-literal language in autism in controlled settings has typically depended on static stimuli that lack ecological validity and primarily focused on children, leaving non-literal language processing in autistic adults relatively understudied. The present study examined how self-reported autistic and non-autistic adults infer speaker intentions and emotional valence in dynamic, naturalistic videos. Participants (&lt;i&gt;N&lt;/i&gt; = 66) viewed 50 brief videos from the Relational Inference in Social Communication database, depicting literal, sarcastic, teasing, or prosocial lie scenarios. After each video, they identified the speaker's communicative intent and rated the emotional response of the addressee. Participants also completed two measures of autistic characteristics (Autism Spectrum Quotient; Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory). Self-reported autistic participants showed lower speaker-intention discrimination than non-autistic participants, whereas valence ratings were similar across intentions. Autistic traits predicted lower speaker-intention discrimination in non-autistic adults but were unrelated (Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory) or positively associated (Autism Spectrum Quotient) in self-reported autistic adults. These findings highlight shared and differing aspects of social communication and support combining categorical and trait-based approaches to understand individual differences.Lay AbstractAutistic adults often interpret non-literal language such as sarcasm differently, which can affect everyday communication. However, prior research studies have often used written or static materials that do not reflect real-life conversations. In this study, we examined how self-reported autistic and non-autistic adults understand sarcasm, teasing, and prosocial lies using short, realistic video clips. We used videos showing actors having a short conversation. After each video, we asked participants to identify the intention that was used (literal, sarcastic, teasing, or prosocial lie) and to evaluate how happy the person receiving the statement felt. Participants also reported whether they had an autism diagnosis or self-identified as autistic and completed two questionnaires measuring autistic traits (Autism Spectrum Quotient; Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory). We found that autistic adults were less accurate than non-autistic adults in identifying speaker intentions, but both groups judged the emotional impact of the statements in similar ways. Among non-autistic adults, higher levels of autistic traits were linked to more difficulty identifying speaker intentions. In contrast, autistic traits were not linked, or were even linked to better performance, in autistic adults. These findings suggest that autistic and non","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"13623613261487284"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149069057","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":"Trauma and PTSD Symptoms: Exploring the Experiences of Autistic and Non-Autistic Adults in Midlife and Old Age.","authors":"Ellen McAdams, Alice M G Quinton, Rebecca A Charlton, Francesca Happé, Gavin R Stewart","doi":"10.1177/13623613261486059","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613261486059","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Autistic children and young adults have been found to experience high rates of traumatic life experiences and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when compared to non-autistic peers. Despite the lifelong nature of autism, these issues have yet to be studied in middle-aged and older autistic adults. This study used data from the AgeWellAutism study (autistic <i>n</i> = 446, non-autistic <i>n</i> = 183; aged 40%-90, ~55% female). Participants completed standardised measures of childhood and adulthood trauma, and symptoms of PTSD. The autistic group, particularly autistic women and people in midlife, reported significantly higher rates of childhood and adulthood trauma, including emotional and physical abuse/neglect and sexual abuse. The autistic group reported more PTSD symptoms than the non-autistic group. PTSD symptoms showed stronger associations with childhood and adulthood trauma in the autistic versus non-autistic group. Autism group membership remained a significant predictor of PTSD symptom scores when controlling for differences in reported trauma. These findings provide further evidence to suggest that autistic adults are at higher risk for trauma and developing symptoms of PTSD. Longitudinal studies are required to examine changes in trauma risk, impact and subsequent PTSD symptoms. This study underscores the need to develop evidence-based interventions to prevent trauma and address PTSD symptoms in autistic populations as they age.Lay AbstractAutistic people are more likely than non-autistic people to experience difficult and distressing life events, such as abuse, neglect or bullying. These experiences can lead to long-term emotional difficulties, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, most previous research has focused on autistic children and young adults, and little is known about trauma and PTSD in middle-aged and older autistic adults. This study used information from over 650 adults aged 40 to 90 who took part in an online survey, called the 'AgeWellAutism study'. Everyone completed questionnaires about traumatic experiences in childhood and adulthood and about current PTSD symptoms. The results showed that autistic adults reported more traumatic experiences than non-autistic adults, especially autistic women and people in midlife (adults aged 40-64 years old). They also reported more symptoms linked to PTSD, and the impact of trauma on PTSD symptoms was stronger in autistic adults than in non-autistic adults. Even when differences in reported trauma were taken into account, autistic adults still reported higher levels of PTSD symptoms. These findings suggest that autistic adults may be at greater risk of experiencing trauma across the lifespan and developing symptoms of PTSD than non-autistic adults. The study highlights the need for better prevention efforts and improved mental health support for autistic people across the lifespan.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"13623613261486059"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149036215","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":"Short Report: Autism in Popular Media: A Google Trends Analysis of Public Interest.","authors":"Kevin Rebecchi, Anders Nordahl-Hansen","doi":"10.1177/13623613261489305","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613261489305","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Public interest in autism-related topics can be tracked through online search behaviour, yet little is known about how popular media portrayals structure this interest over time. This study analysed Google Trends data for <i>autism</i> and <i>Asperger</i> between 2004 and 2025, focusing on popular media-related results within the categories <i>Movies</i> and <i>TV & Video</i>. Results showed a progressive increase in search interest for autism and a decline for Asperger in both categories, alongside a marked concentration of attention around a small number of highly recurrent media references. Male-coded characters dominated the sample, although several recent female portrayals generated substantial interest. These findings highlight the role of popular media in shaping the terms, figures and representations through which autism becomes visible online.Lay AbstractThis study looked at how people search online for information about autism and Asperger's, and how popular movies and TV shows influence that interest. By analysing Google Trends data from 2004 to 2025, we found that searches for autism have steadily increased, while searches for Asperger have declined. A small number of media portrayals accounted for most of the search activity, showing that certain portrayals strongly shape public curiosity. Most of these characters were male, although interest in female autistic characters has grown in recent years. Overall, the findings suggest that popular media play an important role in how the public learns about and understands autism, influencing which terms, stories and representations become most visible online.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"13623613261489305"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149036222","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":"A Qualitative Investigation of Therapist and Diagnostician Perspectives on Visual Disorders in Autism Spectrum Disorder.","authors":"Ayelet Baisa, Liat Gantz, Lior Naamati-Schneider","doi":"10.1177/13623613261486405","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613261486405","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Visual behaviors such as reduced eye contact, impaired eye tracking, limited joint attention, delayed responses to visual stimuli, and prolonged visual exploration of objects are central to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis and intervention. However, these behaviors may also result from unrecognized visual impairments, increasing the risk of diagnostic overshadowing and suboptimal intervention planning. This study explored how diagnosticians and therapists perceive and address visual impairments in children with ASD, and how clinical reasoning and systemic factors influence their integration into diagnostic and therapeutic processes. A qualitative design was employed, based on in-depth interviews with 23 health care professionals, including developmental pediatricians, psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech-language therapists. Data were analyzed thematically to capture both theory-driven and emergent insights. Four themes emerged: vision assessment as an unstructured component of diagnosis and treatment; limited professional awareness of the vision - ASD relationship; constraints in applying clinical tools and guidelines; and reflective processes elicited during interviews. A persistent gap exists between professionals' awareness of vision-related difficulties and their systematic integration into ASD care. Structural barriers, including limited follow-up and reliance on parental initiative, hinder translation into practice. Strengthening professional education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and holistic care protocols may improve diagnostic accuracy and intervention effectiveness.Lay AbstractSome behaviors commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), such as reduced eye contact, difficulties with visual tracking, or unusual responses to visual information, may also be linked to undetected vision problems. When these difficulties are overlooked, they may be attributed solely to autism and influence decisions about diagnosis and treatment. This study examined how professionals involved in ASD diagnosis and treatment recognize and manage visual impairments in children with ASD, and how clinical reasoning and systemic factors influence their integration into diagnostic and therapeutic processes. In-depth interviews were conducted with 23 health care professionals, including developmental pediatricians, psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech-language therapists. The interviews were analyzed to identify common themes and shared patterns in professional experiences. Professionals described inconsistent approaches to vision assessment, differences in awareness of the relationship between vision and ASD, limited practical guidance, and gaps in how visual concerns are followed up. These findings suggest that vision should be considered more systematically as part of ASD care. Greater professional awareness, clearer referral and follow-up pathways, and stronger collaboration across disciplines could help","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"13623613261486405"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149036397","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":"Experienced Autism: Contributions of Childhood Adversity and Internal Distress in Adult Autism Assessments.","authors":"Howard Childs, Raja Mukherjee, Tini Riese, Mark Kennedy","doi":"10.1177/13623613261485612","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613261485612","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Adult autism assessments prioritise clinician observations and developmental history, whereas many adults understand autism through lived experience. Within this tension, factors influencing high endorsement of autistic traits remain unclear. We analysed 245 consecutive NHS first adult autism assessments (median age = 33 years, 52% female), including Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (SRS‑2), Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD‑7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ‑9) and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) questionnaire. Although internalising symptoms and childhood adversity were common, neither was significantly associated with clinic-diagnosed autism (CA; 56.7%, &lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 141). We defined 'experienced autism' (EA) as moderate or above scores on both SRS‑2 domains. Thirty‑five per cent of EA adults (64/181) did not meet clinical diagnostic thresholds. Linear models adjusted for sex closely associated EA with elevated internalising symptoms (GAD‑7 and PHQ‑9) regardless of CA (all &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; ⩽ .002). Cumulative ACE scores did not distinguish EA/CA groups but were independently associated with female sex (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = .012). Exploratory multinomial analyses suggested that childhood sensory overwhelm and internalising may contribute to convergence of EA and CA. Associations involving childhood maltreatment were less robust and should be considered hypothesis-generating. These findings support a preliminary hypothesis that elevated autism self-reports may sometimes reflect transdiagnostic associations between adversity and internalising symptoms.Lay AbstractMany adults seeking autism assessments score highly on autism questionnaires, but not all receive an autism diagnosis. This can feel invalidating and may leave people without support. During autism assessments at our NHS clinic, previously unassessed adults completed questionnaires about autism, anxiety, low mood and adverse childhood experiences, including abuse, family difficulties and sensory overwhelm. We reviewed 245 assessment reports (average age 35 years, about half women). We found high levels of childhood adversity, previous mental health diagnoses and current anxiety and depression in our clinic. These levels were similar for adults who received a diagnose of autism (57%) and those who did not (43%). High scores on autism questionnaires were common, yet 35% of adults with moderate or higher scores did not receive a diagnosis. Statistical analyses suggested that high autism questionnaire scores were strongly linked to higher anxiety and depression symptoms for both men and women. Women attending the clinic reported more adverse childhood experiences. When we considered current anxiety and depression, childhood adversity and sex together in the same statistical model, adults who scored highly on the autism questionnaire and were diagnosed autistic at the clinic were more likely to report sensory difficulties in childhood. Some exploratory findings suggested that childhood experiences m","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"13623613261485612"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149023771","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}