Unusual sensory processing has been widely reported in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs); however, the majority of research this area focused on children. The present study assessed adults with ASD using Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile (AASP), a 60-item self-report questionnaire assessing levels everyday life. Results demonstrated that abnormalities were prevalent ASD, 94.4 percent sample reporting extreme at least one quadrant AASP. Furthermore, analysis patterns impairments revealed...

Participatory research methods connect researchers with relevant communities to achieve shared goals. These can deliver results that are people’s lives and thus likely have a positive impact. In the context of large growing body autism research, continued poor implementation, some evidence community dissatisfaction, there is powerful case for participatory research. order develop framework such collaborative working, UK seminar series was organised co-produced by autistic non-autistic people...

A sample of 1047 parents completed an online survey about their experiences and opinions regarding the process attaining a diagnosis autism spectrum disorder for children. The results revealed that usually waited year from when they first had concerns child's development before sought professional help. On average, there was delay around 3.5 years point at which approached health with to confirmation diagnosis. Just over half surveyed were dissatisfied diagnostic as whole. Several factors...

'Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements' are characterised as core features in the diagnosis of autism, yet many autistic adults (and neurodiversity movement) have reclaimed them 'stimming'. Supported by a growing body scientific research, argue that these behaviours may serve useful coping mechanisms, little research has examined stimming from perspective adults. Through interviews and focus groups, we asked 32 to share their perceptions experiences stimming, including reasons they stim,...

There is a high incidence and prevalence of mental health problems among young people, with several barriers to help-seeking noted in this group. High rates have also been reported children adults on the autism spectrum. Taken together, autistic people may be particularly vulnerable group when it comes health. Yet, there has remarkably little work needs experiences (16–25 years). Adopting community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach – which academic researchers collaborated an...

Accessing an autism diagnosis is a key milestone, both for individual and their family. Using qualitative methodology, the current study examined views experiences of ten autistic adults, parents children on spectrum, professionals involved in diagnosis, all based United Kingdom (UK). Interviewing these 30 respondents about diagnostic process subsequent support options, goal was to identify aspects that are working well, areas which improvements needed. thematic analysis, three themes were...

In the UK, GPs play a key role in identification and management of children, young people, adults on autism spectrum, but there is paucity research GPs' perceptions working with these patients.To understand perceived self-efficacy identifying managing their patients factors affecting this.An online self-report survey was developed for completion by across UK.A total 304 UK took part. The collected responses participants' background, training, experience, both as GP regard to autism, included...

Abstract Sixteen adults (diagnosed or self-identified as autistic) participated in one of two iterations a ten-week autistic-led programme, aimed at helping autistic learn more about autism within peer group context. Motivations for taking part the programme included desire for: (1) exploration autism; (2) empowerment; and (3) development practical strategies coping mechanisms. Interviews were conducted upon completion again 6 months later. Using thematic analysis, three themes identified:...

Despite more autism research taking place than ever before, there is a disconnect between the current landscape of and what autistic people their allies want from research. While participatory has been proposed as potential solution, we know little about how researchers (particularly, early career researchers) employ this approach. We interviewed 25 (14 11 established views experiences Through reflexive thematic analysis interview focus group data, identified three themes. First, our...

Camouflaging can be thought of as the process through which autistic people modify their natural social behaviours to adapt to, cope within or influence largely neurotypical (non-autistic) world. Many experience negative reactions intuitive when interacting with non-autistic people. Over time, in response these reactions, people's behaviour often changes. We refer changed 'camouflaging behaviours'. Research exploring camouflaging is still at an early stage. This study investigated used by...

During the COVID-19 pandemic, high levels of depression, anxiety and stress have been reported in general population. However, much less has about impact on mental health autistic people. What we did: In present study, investigated how adults United Kingdom changed during early stages pandemic. total, 133 participants completed an online survey at two different time points. Of participants, 70 first point just before onset national lockdown. This allowed us to look changes their health, from...

Autobiographical memory difficulties have been widely reported in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of the current study was to explore potential correlates autobiographical performance (including depressed mood, rumination, working and theory mind) ASD, relative a group typical matched for age, gender IQ. Results demonstrated that ASD higher levels mood rumination than adults, also received lower scores on measures mind memory. Correlational analysis suggested were...

Recent research has revealed that episodic memory (remembering past experiences) and future thinking (imagining rely on the same underlying neuro-cognitive system. Consistent with this suggestion, individuals autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been shown to experience difficulties in both domains. In present study 18 adults ASD typical performed sentence completion tasks assessing ability generate events. Contrary previous findings, results demonstrated at an equivalent level when...

To date, research exploring experiences of diagnosing autism spectrum disorder has largely focused on parental perspectives. In order to obtain a more complete account the diagnostic process, it is essential that views and professionals are heard. this study, 116 multidisciplinary involved in United Kingdom completed an online questionnaire their opinions three key areas service: accessibility, process post-diagnostic support. Although were satisfied with service around 40% services failing...

Background and aims If a child’s behaviour does not conform to school policy or causes harm either peers staff, they may be temporarily permanently excluded from school. Whilst it is unlawful exclude children due their needs, exclusion common amongst with special educational including autism. Currently, little known about experiences of the perspectives autistic students and/or parents. This particularly case for girls on autism spectrum. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted...