Suchergebnisse

AbstractBackgroundThis systematic review aimed to explore how adults with autism participate in the community, the impact of community participation on quality of life and mental health, and factors that support and hinder participation.MethodA systematic review was conducted including studies published from inception to 17 January 2021.ResultsSixty‐three reports were included, reporting on 58 studies. Solitary activities, organised group activities, community activities, religious groups and online social participation were identified. The relationship between community participation and quality of life was examined. Barriers and facilitators to increased community participation were identified. Most studies had a moderate to high risk of bias.ConclusionAdults with autism participate in a range of independent and community activities. The impact of community participation on quality of life and mental health warrants further exploration. Future studies should find effective ways of supporting adults with autism to participate in the community.

AbstractBackgroundThis systematic review aimed to explore the effects of sport and physical activity on behaviour and emotional problems, mental health and psychosocial well‐being of children and adolescents with intellectual disability.MethodFive databases were searched systematically (ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SportDISCUS and SCOPUS), up to 28 February 2021. Thirty‐two studies met criteria for inclusion.ResultsStudies in this review included case studies (n = 15), treatment trials (n = 14), cross sectional studies (n = 2) and a cohort study (n = 1). Evidence was positive, though high risk of bias in treatment trials (7 of 14 rated high) meant generalisability of results was limited.ConclusionsThe available evidence suggests a positive relationship between physical activity and improved behaviour and emotional problems, mental health and psychosocial well‐being; however, more robust randomised controlled trials are required to confirm this.

AbstractBackgroundBehaviour and emotional problems are highly prevalent in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In typically developing children, attachment quality acts as a risk/protective factor for behavioural outcomes and adjustment, warranting investigation in children with ASD.MethodWe investigated the relationship between attachment and child behaviour and emotional problems in children with ASD and comorbid intellectual disability. Data were collected from parent–child dyads where children were diagnosed with ASD and ID (n = 28) or other developmental disabilities (n = 20).ResultsChildren with ASD had higher levels of behaviour and emotional problems and more attachment difficulties than children with other developmental disabilities. Poorer attachment quality contributed uniquely to the variance in child behaviour and emotional problems.ConclusionsInterventions targeting behaviour and emotional problems in children with ASD may benefit from an attachment model which addresses the child's difficulty in using caregivers as a coregulatory agent of emotions.

ABSTRACTBackgroundFew studies have explored community participation for autistic adults, with or without intellectual disability. This study aims to investigate how autistic adults participate in the community, and the childhood and adulthood factors that predict community participation in adulthood.MethodEighty‐four autistic adults (mean age 34 years; 67% with co‐occurring intellectual disability) initially recruited as children and adolescents, participated in the current study. Community participation frequency and variety were measured in adulthood. Childhood and adulthood predictors of community participation were investigated.ResultsParticipants engaged in the community an average of 18.2 times (range 0–49) over the previous 30‐day period, in an average of 6.3 different activities (range 0–13). Childhood and adulthood factors (autism symptoms, intellectual disability, living arrangements) were associated with community participation.ConclusionAreas for additional support and resources were identified.

Objectives: Parenting is central to children's optimal development and accounts for a substantial proportion of the variance in child outcomes, including up to 40% of child mental health. Parenting is also one of the most modifiable, proximal, and direct factors for preventing and treating a range of children's problems and enhancing wellbeing. To determine the effectiveness of new approaches to parenting intervention, and to evaluate how to optimise reach and uptake, sufficient funding must be allocated for high quality research. Method: We reviewed funding awarded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and Australian Research Council (ARC) for parenting intervention research during 2011-2020. Results: Parenting intervention research received 0.25% of the NHMRC and ARC research budgets. Conclusions: There is a substantial mismatch between the funding of parenting intervention research and the impact of improved parenting on short- and long-term child outcomes. To rectify this, it is critical that Australian Government funding schemes include parenting interventions as priority areas for funding. Implications for public health: Changes in allocation of funding to parenting research will support the establishment of evidence for the effective development, implementation and dissemination of parenting interventions to maximise health outcomes for children and their families.