AutismPub Date : 2025-06-28DOI: 10.1177/13623613251351344
James D Lee, Adriana Kaori Terol, Jessica E Tschida, Anamiguel Pomales-Ramos, Scott McEathron, Anna Wallisch, Brian A Boyd
{"title":"Examining the use of implementation science in autism intervention research: A scoping review.","authors":"James D Lee, Adriana Kaori Terol, Jessica E Tschida, Anamiguel Pomales-Ramos, Scott McEathron, Anna Wallisch, Brian A Boyd","doi":"10.1177/13623613251351344","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613251351344","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Although the field of autism intervention has strived to identify evidence-based practices, translating these interventions into real-world settings remains a significant challenge. This gap particularly impacts marginalized communities, where access to and quality of services are often inferior. Implementation science addresses these gaps by promoting the adoption and integration of evidence-based practices in community-based settings, thereby helping reduce disparities. While various frameworks and strategies have emerged to guide the successful implementation of autism evidence-based practices, the application of implementation science within autism intervention research remains underexplored. To address this gap, we conducted this scoping review that included 13 studies to examine how implementation science is applied in autism intervention research delivered in community-based settings. Specifically, we aimed to (1) describe the characteristics of implementation-focused studies (e.g. study design, participant types, intervention contexts); (2) examine how implementation frameworks, strategies, and outcomes were used to guide and evaluate intervention efforts; and (3) analyze how studies align with phases of the autism-specific implementation framework developed by Boyd et al. (<i>Autism</i>). Most studies were conducted in school settings. Fidelity was the most frequently assessed implementation outcome, while acceptability, adoption, and appropriateness were also commonly measured. Nearly all studies focused on early-phase implementation (e.g. exploration, initial implementation), with limited attention to sustainment or scale-up. The findings offer a starting point for future research to better implement autism evidence-based practices in community settings.Lay AbstractThis study looks at ways to improve how autism support programs are used in everyday community settings like schools and clinics. These programs are approaches that research has shown can help autistic individuals develop important skills, such as communication, social interaction, and managing behavior. Many of these are psychosocial programs, which means they focus on emotional, social, and behavioral support rather than medication or medical treatment. However, there is a challenge in implementing these interventions in real-world settings, especially in marginalized communities where services are often lacking or lower in quality. The field of implementation science helps bridge this gap by guiding and encouraging the use of evidence-based practices in community settings, aiming to reduce disparities. To better understand this, we did a scoping review that included 13 studies that used implementation science to support autism interventions. We looked at what types of strategies were used, how success was measured, and how well the programs fit into the communities where they were used. Most of the studies took place in schools and involved teachers, school staff, o","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"13623613251351344"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144526313","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}
AutismPub Date : 2025-06-26DOI: 10.1177/13623613251346885
Kirsten L Spaargaren, Yvette Roke, Sander M Begeer, Annemieke van Straten, Heleen Riper, Kirstin Greaves-Lord, Anke M Scheeren
{"title":"A randomized controlled trial into the effectiveness of a mobile health application (SAM) to reduce stress and improve well-being in autistic adults.","authors":"Kirsten L Spaargaren, Yvette Roke, Sander M Begeer, Annemieke van Straten, Heleen Riper, Kirstin Greaves-Lord, Anke M Scheeren","doi":"10.1177/13623613251346885","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613251346885","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Autistic adults experience more daily stress compared to non-autistic adults. However, stress recognition is often delayed, potentially leading to chronic stress and significant (mental) health risks. We evaluated the effectiveness of Stress Autism Mate (SAM), a stress-monitoring mobile health application co-created with autistic individuals. We ran a two-arm, parallel, superiority randomized controlled trial. Autistic adults (<i>n</i> = 214) (mean age: 50.5 years; 66.4% female) were randomized to 1-month SAM usage or waitlist control. Participants self-reported on primary (Perceived Stress Scale; Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale), and secondary outcomes (Coping Self-Efficacy Scale) at baseline and 4 weeks later, after which the control group could start using the app. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that the intervention group had significantly lower perceived stress (<i>d</i> = 0.27), greater mental well-being (<i>d</i> = 0.35), and improved coping self-efficacy (<i>d</i> = 0.16) compared to the control group after 1 month. No intervention effect moderators could be identified. More frequent app usage was significantly associated with a stronger decrease in perceived stress (<i>r</i> = -0.293). However, 42.9% of app users indicated increased stress from app use, warranting further investigation. Our results suggest that SAM may be effective in reducing perceived stress and improving mental well-being for some autistic individuals. Further refinement and investigation are recommended.Lay abstractAutistic adults often experience more daily stress than non-autistic individuals, but they may not always recognize this stress timely, which can lead to long-term health problems. To help address this, we tested an app called Stress Autism Mate (SAM), which was designed together with autistic individuals to help autistic adults monitor and manage their stress. In our study, 214 autistic adults (average age: 50.5 years; 66.4% female) were randomly assigned to either use the app for 1 month or wait before using it. We asked participants to complete surveys before and after the 1-month period to measure changes in their stress levels, mental well-being, and confidence in coping. Results showed that participants who used the app reported lower stress, improved mental well-being, and better coping skills compared to those who did not use the app. We also found that the more often someone used the app, the more their stress levels decreased. However, 42.9% of users felt more stressed using the app, which needs further study. Overall, our findings suggest that SAM can help reduce stress and improve well-being for some autistic adults, but more work is needed to improve the app and better understand its effects.<i>Trial registry</i> ISRCTN Registry: ISRCTN17394910.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"13623613251346885"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12417602/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144493837","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}
AutismPub Date : 2025-06-25DOI: 10.1177/13623613251346336
Sophie Rumsa, Bahareh Afsharnejad, Elinda Ai Lim Lee, Sven Bölte, Tele Tan, Sonya Girdler
{"title":"A scoping review of current approaches to strengths-based transition practices for autistic adolescents.","authors":"Sophie Rumsa, Bahareh Afsharnejad, Elinda Ai Lim Lee, Sven Bölte, Tele Tan, Sonya Girdler","doi":"10.1177/13623613251346336","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613251346336","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This review aimed to map the literature surrounding strengths-based approaches in studies with autistic adolescents focusing on adult transition outcomes, by describing the active ingredients of interventions and the properties of assessment tools. Relevant databases were searched for articles surrounding strengths-based practices, which met the following criteria: (a) written in English, (b) published since 1990, and (c) involving adolescent participants with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Data extraction included sample, aim, intervention description, outcome measures, and results. Data were synthesised using a descriptive approach and thematic analysis was conducted to identify active ingredients, practice strategies, outcomes, and assessment properties. Overall, 35 articles met the inclusion criteria, including 26 studies evaluating strengths-based interventions and 9 articles relating to general transition outcomes. Five types of interventions were classified according to their active components: transition planning, employment preparation and training, technology programmes, peer mentoring, and cognitive skills training. The best practice themes highlighted the importance of leveraging each individual's interests and skills, developing individualised processes, and accommodating participant's needs through a holistic approach. Analysis of the outcome measures highlighted a gap in standardised strengths-based assessments, but uncovered primary outcome themes of self-determination, social skills, confidence, and work-related skills.Lay abstractThis review explores research on strengths-based approaches for autistic adolescents, particularly focusing on outcomes related to transitioning into adulthood. The goal was to identify and describe the key components of strengths-based interventions and assessment tools. The review looked at studies published since 1990 that involved adolescents with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and included a variety of approaches aimed at promoting positive adult outcomes. After analysing 35 relevant articles, the review categorised five types of interventions based on their key components: transition planning, employment preparation, technology programmes, peer mentoring, and cognitive skills training. The review also identified fewer strengths-based measures than expected, with many studies employing custom measures. This points to a gap in reliable strengths assessments for autistic adolescents, which would be useful in transition planning and improving self-image. Despite the lack of standardised tools, the review highlighted several common strengths-based outcomes, such as improvements in self-determination, social skills, confidence, and work-related skills.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"13623613251346336"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144482930","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}
AutismPub Date : 2025-06-21DOI: 10.1177/13623613251345532
Jennifer Baumbusch, Jennifer Ev Lloyd, Vanessa C Fong
{"title":"Population-level gender-based analysis of the educational journeys of students with autism spectrum disorder in British Columbia, Canada.","authors":"Jennifer Baumbusch, Jennifer Ev Lloyd, Vanessa C Fong","doi":"10.1177/13623613251345532","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613251345532","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Research examining the impact of gender on educational outcomes in autistic students has been sparse. To address this gap, this study investigated the educational journeys of students with autism spectrum disorder in British Columbia, Canada. We examined (1) the time it takes for students to receive an initial autism spectrum disorder designation; and the frequency and percentage of students who (2) stay longitudinally in the Kindergarten-to-Grade 12 school system; (3) complete high school and the credential earned; and (4) proceed to public post-secondary education within British Columbia. We conducted secondary analyses of administrative data. The autism spectrum disorder student population was divided into eight longitudinal cohorts with a combined final sample size of 4282 students with autism spectrum disorder: 738 female (17.2%) and 3544 (82.8%) male. Descriptive analyses indicated statistically significant gender differences in students' time to initial autism spectrum disorder designation, rates of high school completion and the specific high school credential earned. No gender differences were found in post-secondary transition rates. During their formative education years, gender differences, particularly the delay in autism spectrum disorder diagnosis among girls, may have implications with respect to educational outcomes. Results emphasize the need to provide educators with greater information about recognizing gender differences in autism spectrum disorder.Lay Abstract<u>a. What is already known about the topic?</u>Over the past several years, there is growing acknowledgement of gender inequities among people with autism spectrum disorder. The inequity is evidenced, in part, by gender differences in diagnosis. Although the gender gap is narrowing, until recently the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder has largely favoured and is more sensitive to detecting autism spectrum disorder in boys.<u>b. What does this paper add?</u>Research examining the impact of gender on educational outcomes in autistic students has been sparse. To address this gap in the literature, the current study investigated the educational journeys of students with autism spectrum disorder in British Columbia, Canada.We found statistically significant gender differences in students' time to initial autism spectrum disorder designation, rates of high school completion and the specific high school credential earned. There were, however, no significant differences in whether or not students stayed longitudinally in the K-12 school system over time, whether students transitioned into post-secondary or not (non-developmental or developmental), nor in students' transition times into the respective post-secondary education programmes.This study highlights the value of longitudinal, population-based and student-level data in conducting gender-based analyses in autism spectrum disorder research.<u>c. Implications for practice, research or policy</u>Underst","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"13623613251345532"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12417614/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144339877","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}
AutismPub Date : 2025-06-19DOI: 10.1177/13623613251348555
Victoria Newell, Caroline Richards, Sarah Cassidy
{"title":"'Picking the best of a bad bunch': Exploring stakeholder perspectives of self-harm assessment tools for autistic adults.","authors":"Victoria Newell, Caroline Richards, Sarah Cassidy","doi":"10.1177/13623613251348555","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613251348555","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Autistic people are at greater risk of self-harm than non-autistic people, yet no tools exist specifically for assessing self-harm in this population. We therefore conducted two focus groups with autistic adults (n = 5) and professionals (n = 4) to examine their perspectives on three existing self-harm assessment tools (Non-Suicidal Self-Injury - Assessment Tool, Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury and Questionnaire for Non-Suicidal Self-Injury). Using a reflexive thematic analysis, we found one overarching theme - 'picking the best of a bad bunch' - where participants acknowledged some strengths of the tools, but multiple limitations outweighed these. Subthemes included cognitive considerations (e.g. complexity, length, working memory demands, introspection), missing elements (e.g. broader self-harm behaviours, functions, context, support) and challenges in conceptualising self-harm, particularly around intentionality and stimming. Participants also stressed the importance of addressing stigma, considering co-occurring conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and intellectual disabilities and upholding a duty of care. Overall, findings show that existing self-harm assessment tools are not appropriate or acceptable for autistic adults who self-harm, indicating a clear need for a new self-harm assessment tool developed with and for autistic people.Lay abstract<b>The perspectives of autistic adults and professionals on existing self-harm assessment tools</b>Self-harm is defined as when someone intentionally hurts or poisons themselves, regardless of the reason. This can include suicide attempts as well as behaviours such as cutting, hitting or burning as a way to express or manage difficult feelings. Concerningly, autistic people are more likely to self-harm than non-autistic people, but there are currently no tools specifically designed to assess self-harm in this group. This makes it harder for researchers and service providers to identify autistic people who self-harm and offer the right support or treatment. Previous studies have suggested that three existing self-harm assessment tools could be adapted for autistic people, but it is unclear what autistic adults and professionals think about these tools. We conducted two focus groups: one with autistic adults who have self-harmed and another with professionals who work with autistic people who self-harm. Both groups felt that none of the three tools were suitable for autistic people. They explained that some questions might be harder for autistic people to answer, such as those requiring them to remember specific details or identify their emotions. They also noted the tools missed out on important aspects of the autistic experience, like managing sensory and social overload. Both groups highlighted that self-harm is complex and discussed the overlap with behaviours such as stimming (e.g. repetitive movements or sounds). They emphasised the importance of a supportive a","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"13623613251348555"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144324418","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}
AutismPub Date : 2025-06-18DOI: 10.1177/13623613251348271
Luisa Weiner, Doha Bemmouna
{"title":"'I live with my emotions much better now': A qualitative study of autistic adults' subjective experience of dialectical behaviour therapy.","authors":"Luisa Weiner, Doha Bemmouna","doi":"10.1177/13623613251348271","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613251348271","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Many Autistic adults without intellectual disability experience emotion dysregulation, which is associated with non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal behaviour. Dialectical behaviour therapy has been shown to be feasible, acceptable and potentially effective is supporting Autistic adults without intellectual disability with improved emotion regulation. Since dialectical behaviour therapy research is in its early stages in the field of autism, it is crucial to better understand the subjective experience of Autistic adults who received dialectical behaviour therapy to improve its pertinence for this population. Twenty-two Autistic adults presenting with emotion dysregulation with non-suicidal self-injury and/or suicidal behaviour/ideation who received a comprehensive dialectical behaviour therapy were interviewed using a semi-structured approach. A reflexive thematic analysis was conducted. Three superordinate themes were identified from the thematic analysis: (1) dialectical behaviour therapy is highly useful, structured and demanding; (2) dialectical behaviour therapy leads to changes in emotion labelling, emotion regulation and relationships; and (3) self-acceptance and feeling empowered to handle life's challenges. Ideas to foster the pertinence of dialectical behaviour therapy for Autistic adults were also collected. Our findings indicate that dialectical behaviour therapy was experienced as highly helpful despite the effort it requires. Participants reported changes in emotion experience, social relationships, self-concept and quality of life, probably due to increased emotion awareness, emotion control and self-regulation. Suggestions include the increased use of modelling to foster skills acquisition.Lay AbstractMany Autistic adults struggle with their emotion regulation. Dialectical behaviour therapy is the main therapy available to teach emotion regulation skills to people with this kind of struggle. Prior work has shown that dialectical behaviour therapy might be effective for Autistic people. Yet interest in dialectical behaviour therapy is new in the field of autism, so it is important to understand whether and how the therapy may help Autistic adults better live with their emotions. This article uses interviews conducted with 22 Autistic people following dialectical behaviour therapy. We outline several factors that might make dialectical behaviour therapy effective for Autistic people. For instance, dialectical behaviour therapy seems to help Autistic people better label and understand their emotions, but also accept and respect themselves. Nevertheless, dialectical behaviour therapy is demanding and some changes are suggested to improve the effects of dialectical behaviour therapy, such as providing a less intensive format to diminish fatigue. Our article provides evidence for the usefulness of dialectical behaviour therapy to help Autistic adults better deal with their emotions and improve their quality of life. Building from","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"13623613251348271"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144324417","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}
AutismPub Date : 2025-06-18DOI: 10.1177/13623613251345855
Krista N Drapalik, Daniel J Magin, Melissa L Rinaldi, Kristin V Christodulu
{"title":"Camouflaging and identity development among autistic female and gender-diverse youth: A qualitative exploration.","authors":"Krista N Drapalik, Daniel J Magin, Melissa L Rinaldi, Kristin V Christodulu","doi":"10.1177/13623613251345855","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613251345855","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Adolescence is a vulnerable developmental period for autistic youth. Autistic adolescents often use camouflaging to combat social challenges, perceived differences, and stigmatization. Although adolescence is an integral period for identity development, integration of these topics remains understudied in current literature. Evidence of elevated camouflaging rates among autistic females and gender-diverse adults underscores the need to examine the developmental trajectory of these topics. The present study qualitatively explored first-person perspectives on camouflaging and identity formation among autistic female and gender-diverse youth. Ten autistic adolescents (female: <i>n</i> = 7; gender diverse: <i>n</i> = 3) and their caregivers were enrolled in the present study. Youths completed a semi-structured interview or focus group discussion. Data were qualitatively analyzed and produced several prominent themes in three domains of investigation: (1) the nuts and bolts of camouflaging, (2) the aftermath of camouflaging, and (3) understanding being autistic. Identified themes and subthemes are discussed. Results demonstrated that autistic youth employ complex camouflaging strategies, motivated and reinforced by their experiences within society, that hold damaging consequences for their self-understanding and well-being. These findings reinforce the harmful implications of camouflaging on youths' positive identity development, mental health, and well-being. Implications and future directions are discussed.Lay AbstractAdolescence is a challenging time for autistic youth. Many autistic adolescents change their behavior in social situations to adapt or cope with social challenges, feeling different, and/or stigma. We conducted in-depth discussions with autistic adolescents who identify as female or gender-diverse to understand how changing their behavior in social situations impacts their identity, or self-understanding. Ten autistic adolescents and their caregivers were included in the study. Discussions were analyzed to understand how and why youths change their social behavior and the impact it has on their self-understanding. Participants described using many complex strategies to change their social behavior that are influenced by negative views our society has about people's differences. The strategies often harmed participants' self-understanding and negatively affected their overall well-being. The results are important for understanding how to support autistic adolescents' self-understanding, mental health, and well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"13623613251345855"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144324416","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}
AutismPub Date : 2025-06-17DOI: 10.1177/13623613251345334
Maria Cecilia Montenegro, Gabriela Garrido, Leyla Feize, Liza Talavera-Garza, Bianca T Villalobos, Cecilia Montiel-Nava
{"title":"\"There is nothing\"-Exploring diagnostic and service access for autistic individuals in Uruguay: A qualitative study.","authors":"Maria Cecilia Montenegro, Gabriela Garrido, Leyla Feize, Liza Talavera-Garza, Bianca T Villalobos, Cecilia Montiel-Nava","doi":"10.1177/13623613251345334","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613251345334","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Due to the higher autism research presence of higher-income countries, the known social and cultural experiences of families raising a child with autism are centered on their realities. This narrative overlooks the experiences of many families who do not fit this archetype, such as those residing in low- and middle-income countries, who are particularly challenged by the limited availability of trained professionals and barriers to accessing diagnosis and evidence-based treatments. That is the case in Latin American countries, such as Uruguay, where the present project transpires. By utilizing a Theory of Change framework, specifically developed to be used in low- and middle-income countries, the present study explores diagnostic and service barriers in Uruguay. The study included semi-structured interviews with caregivers of autistic individuals and key informants residing in Uruguay. Participants were selected using a purposive sample technique. Data analysis consisted of reflexive thematic analysis. Salient themes consisted of multiple barriers to diagnostic and service access due to a multistep process, limited awareness of autism characteristics, a hesitancy to provide a diagnosis, and few professionals who specialize in autism. For those residing outside the capital, additional difficulties were experienced.Lay AbstractCountries with higher monetary means to conduct research are able to have not only better knowledge of the realities of autistic individuals and their families but also better access to diagnostic and intervention services. In countries with lower income, there is limited understanding of autistic experiences and also issues with access to services due to multiple reasons, like services only being accessible in certain regions, few trained professionals, and long waitlists. This study seeks to understand possible diagnostic and service barriers experienced by autistic individuals residing in Uruguay. To understand the local realities, parents and specialists working with autistic individuals were interviewed, and the information gathered was analyzed by finding patterns that were used to form themes that included the shared experiences among participants. Some of the themes that were identified included reports of difficulties in accessing diagnosis and interventions, either because there were many steps needed to guarantee these services or because there was a limited awareness of autism spectrum disorder and its characteristics by providers, which resulted in a hesitation to diagnose. Also, participants described very few professionals who specialize in autism spectrum disorder. For those residing outside the capital, additional difficulties were experienced.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"13623613251345334"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12417604/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144315848","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}
AutismPub Date : 2025-06-11DOI: 10.1177/13623613251345345
Martin O'Flaherty, Jessica Hill, Matthew Bourke, Sjaan Gomersall, Sean Tweedy, John Cairney
{"title":"Comparing trajectories of sport participation for autistic- and non-autistic-youth: A group-based multi-trajectory modelling approach.","authors":"Martin O'Flaherty, Jessica Hill, Matthew Bourke, Sjaan Gomersall, Sean Tweedy, John Cairney","doi":"10.1177/13623613251345345","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613251345345","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Autistic children are less likely to participate in sport than non-autistic children, but we know little about how patterns of participation in team and individual sport change across childhood. Drawing on a nationally representative cohort of Australian children, this study analysed trajectories of participation in team and individual sport between the ages of 8 and 15 using a group-based multiple trajectory modelling approach. A five-group solution was found to be the best fit to the data, identifying distinct patterns of sport participation over time. In comparison with non-autistic children, autistic children were more likely to belong to the 'sport avoider' group with low participation in both team and individual sport at all ages. Conversely, autistic children were less likely to be classified in the 'team sportsperson', 'ex-team sportsperson' or 'mixed sportsperson' groups. No difference in the likelihood of belonging to the 'individual sportsperson' group was found. Risk factors for trajectory group membership were similar for autistic and non-autistic children. Our findings indicate that autistic children are particularly likely to experience exclusion from team sport environments, and this exclusion persists over time. Similar rates of participation in individual sport for autistic and non-autistic children indicate that these environments may be more supportive for autistic children.Lay abstractAutistic children are less likely to participate in sport than non-autistic children, but we know little about how patterns of participation in team and individual sport change across childhood. Drawing on data for a group of Australian children whose families were reinterviewed between ages 8 and 15, the present study patterns of participation in team and individual sport over time. Findings from the analysis suggested that children could be grouped into five patterns of participation in team and individual sport between the ages of 8 and 15. In comparison with non-autistic children, autistic children were more likely to belong to the 'sport avoider' group with low participation in both team and individual sport at all ages. Conversely, autistic children were less likely to belong to the 'team sportsperson', 'ex-team sportsperson' or 'mixed sportsperson' groups. Similar numbers of autistic and non-autistic children belonged to the 'individual sportsperson' group. Factors linked to patterns of participation over time were similar for autistic and non-autistic children. Our findings indicate that autistic children are particularly likely to experience exclusion from team sport environments, and this exclusion persists over time. Similar rates of participation in individual sport for autistic and non-autistic children indicate that these environments may be more supportive for autistic children.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"13623613251345345"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12417603/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144274127","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}