ABSTRACT
Individuals on the autism spectrum experience difficulties in social relationships and emotion regulation. The aim of the present exploratory research study was to develop and explore the effectiveness of a manualized emotion regulation group intervention for autistic adults to improve emotion regulation and social communication. The group participants included seven young adults (age > 18 years) on the autism spectrum. Primary outcome measures were the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2) and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ). Group participants reported significant improvements on the Social Communication and Interaction subscale (SCI; t = 2.601, p = .041), the Social Awareness (AWR; t = 3.163, p = .019), and the Social Cognition (COG; t = 4.861, p = .003) subscales of the SRS-2: Self Report. Overall, this study provides preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of a group treatment approach that focuses on emotion regulation to improve social interactions for young adults on the autism spectrum.
Subject(s)
Autism Spectrum Disorder/therapy , Emotional Regulation , Psychotherapy, Group/methods , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Outcome Assessment, Health Care , Young AdultABSTRACT
Previous research indicates that although those with ASD desire sexual relationships, they may not effectively engage in romantic and intimate interactions. The purpose of this study was to compare reports from young adults with ASD and parents from the same families on the young adult's sexual behavior, experiences, knowledge, and communication. 100 young adults (18-30 years) and parents completed an online survey. Results indicated that young adults reported more typical privacy and sexual behaviors, and higher sexual victimization than their parents reported on their behalf. Our findings indicated that individuals with ASD desire and pursue sexual relationships typical of most people and suggest the need for sex education and communication about topics generally covered for neurotypically developing young adults.
Subject(s)
Autism Spectrum Disorder/psychology , Sexual Behavior/psychology , Adolescent , Adult , Crime Victims/psychology , Female , Humans , Male , Parents/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young AdultABSTRACT
The purpose of the present study was to understand how caregiver stress and coping behaviors impact African American and Euro-American families differently when caring for a child with autism. This study used discriminate function analysis to contrast the stress and coping profiles of Euro-American caregivers who are more acculturated with the majority culture with African American caregivers who ascribe to more traditional values. A sample of 103 families was recruited (52 Euro-American, 51 African American). African American families reported significantly more stress and utilizing more varied coping strategies than their Euro-American counterparts. Additional differences were found between the high and low acculturated African American groups such that low acculturated African Americans were more likely to engage in religious coping.
Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Autism Spectrum Disorder/psychology , Black or African American/psychology , Caregivers/psychology , Stress, Psychological/psychology , White People/psychology , Adaptation, Psychological/physiology , Adult , Black or African American/ethnology , Autism Spectrum Disorder/diagnosis , Autism Spectrum Disorder/ethnology , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Socioeconomic Factors , United States/ethnology , White People/ethnologyABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The present study provides pilot data investigating relationships between severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) traits, community supports, and other family variables as reported by caregivers of children with ASD in Chile. METHOD: An anonymous caregiver survey was developed based on previous ASD survey studies conducted in the United States and direct input from collaborators residing in Chile. Participants included Chilean caregivers of individuals with ASD (N = 50; Mchild age = 6.98). The survey addressed topics regarding the child's ASD traits, the caregiver's beliefs and perceptions of ASD, and community supports and engagement. RESULTS: Correlational analyses indicated associations between ASD traits, physician support, family stress, stigma, and community engagement. DISCUSSION: Results from this study highlight the importance of future research to better understand and treat Latin American children with ASD and their families. (PsycINFO Database Record
