The latest diagnostic criteria according to DSM-5 2013 is very helpful in terms of treating autism as spectrum of different abilities and allow for designing a bespoke individualised interventional approaches to help people with autism.
This study explored the research priorities of autistic adults and families of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder within a hospital-based diagnostic service in Spain. Using a mixed-methods design with interviews and a survey aligned with the Spanish Autism Strategic Plan (2023-2027), 42 participants shared what research they consider most relevant. Both groups prioritized applied research that improves daily life-communication, sensory processing, flexibility, mental health, education, employment, and quality of life. Families also emphasized biomedical topics such as genetics, microbiota, and pharmacological treatments, noting that etiological research should enhance well-being rather than aim to "cure" autism. Autistic adults highlighted the need for more accurate and timely diagnosis, especially for women and late-diagnosed adults, as well as research on masking, autonomy, workplace adaptations, and independent living. Participants perceived limited real-world impact from current autism research due to poor dissemination and scarce practical application, yet interest in future involvement was high, with many willing to collaborate or act as co-researchers. The study shows that participatory research can be successfully embedded in clinical settings and underscores the need for a national research agenda grounded in lived experience and focused on improving everyday well-being.Lay AbstractThis study aimed to identify which research topics are most important to autistic adults and to families of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder in Spain. Participants were also asked for their views on publicly funded autism research projects from 2020 to 2023 in order to assess whether funding priorities align with what they consider most relevant. A total of 42 people took part (23 family members and 19 autistic adults), all invited through a hospital-based autism diagnostic program in Barcelona. Data were collected through interviews and a survey based on the Spanish Strategic Plan for Autism (2023-2027). Both families and autistic adults agreed that the most useful research is that which improves daily life, particularly in areas such as communication, flexibility, sensory processing, education, employment, mental health, and quality of life. Studies on the causes or genetics of autism were also seen as relevant, provided their goal is to improve the quality of life of autistic people and their families, rather than the eradication of autism. Families placed greater importance on professional training and good health care practices, whereas autistic adults emphasized the need for research on independence, aging, and sensory experiences. Nearly all participants had previously taken part in research and showed strong interest in continuing to do so. Many autistic adults expressed a desire to participate not only as subjects but also as collaborators or co-researchers. This study demonstrates that participatory research can be conducted within a clinical setting, integrating the voices of autistic people and their families into the health care system itself. This approach helps build a more inclusive, respectful, and practically useful autism science.
This review systematically summarizes the conceptual definition and clinical phenotypes of profound autism and emphasizes the need to shift the intervention focus toward managing serious comorbidities and establishing augmentative and alternative communication systems.
Yang Xue, Fei-yong Jia· Zhongguo dang dai er ke za z...· 0 citations
There is an urgent need for prospective longitudinal studies to adequately map the aging trajectories of this population of older adults with ASD, which constitute a vulnerable population.
J. P. S. Gontijo, Marcelo H S S Martins, L. M. Alves· Trends in Psychiatry and Psy...· 0 citations
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological state that is marked by difficulties skills and interactions, alongside iterative behaviours and limiting interests. ASD affects around one in the US; one out of every 54 children have a diagnosis. usually coming in early infancy following full assessments by multidisciplinary teams. ASD symptoms vary greatly and are typically shown in two areas: social communication problems and repetitive behaviour. While the actual origins of ASD are unknown, evidence indicates a mix of genetic predispositions and environmental variables. Early intervention with occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and behavioural therapies and support for education is essential for better outcomes. Recent advancements in genetic research, neuroimaging and the growth of innovative ways to treat show promise for improving the understanding and management of ASD. This review seeks to present a complete picture of ASD, including its symptoms, causes and current and developing therapy. It also stresses the need for continued research and raising awareness to help those affected and their families.
The history of autism development proves that the explanation of this diagnosis in the scientific
world has become more systematic since the middle of the 20th century. In the early stages, many
classifications were imprecise and were confused with various mental disorders. In modern scientific
approaches, autism is attributed to the group of neurodevelopmental disorders, where clinical, sociopsychological and behavioral characteristics are more precisely defined. Autism has been formed not
only as a medical diagnosis in the medical world, but also as a term that includes the individual
characteristics of a person in a social and pedagogical context. Such an approach recognizes that
individuals with autism have different profiles in the areas of communication and adaptation. At the
same time, it highlights the importance of individualized education and rehabilitation programs for
individuals with autism and shows that family relationships play a decisive role in this. In this context,
the family finds its place not only as a support structure, but also as an active participant in an
important therapeutic and developmental process. The presence of this approach in the historical
development process currently creates conditions for the family, educational institutions and
specialists to achieve more effective results in the integration of individuals with autism into society.
The U.K.’s National Health Service has a large and growing problem with overdiagnosis of Autism and AD/HD in primary school children (1) Background: General medical practitioners in the U.K. currently undertake the identification and screening of children suspected of having Autism or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, but the recommended screening questionnaires contain far too many extraneous symptoms and are likely to lead to overdiagnosis of the two disorders. The objective of this article is to provide two brief and conservative core symptom-based questionnaires that GPs can use to diagnose Autism and AD/HD. (2) Methods: Expert review of the DSM-IV and revised DSM-5 criteria for childhood Autism and AD/HD together with NHS-recommended diagnostic questionnaires. Preparation of a core symptoms-based Child Autism Questionnaire and Child AD/HD Questionnaire for use by GPs to diagnose these two disorders in children without referral to a pediatrician or psychiatrist. (3) Results: The GPs firstly must conduct a comprehensive physical examination of the child to ensure that the child has no uncorrected hearing or eyesight problems or dyslexia. The GP should also order an IQ test from a qualified psychologist to assess the child’s mental capacity. GPs can then use the Child Autism Questionnaire or the Child AD/HD Questionnaire, as appropriate, to interview the child’s parent or guardian, have the child observed by a nurse in the case of suspected Autism or obtain a report from the child’s primary teacher in the case of suspected AD/HD, then make a clear recommendation to the NHS as to whether the child qualifies for in-home support or in-school support. (4) Conclusion: Accurate screening by GPs will go a long way toward eliminating overdiagnosis of childhood autism and AD/HD at low cost to the NHS and to parents.
John R. Rossiter· British Journal of Healthcar...· 0 citations
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