Department of Psychology

Permanent URI for this collection

https://hdl.handle.net/10315/2875

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 399

Open Access
Altered white matter structure in auditory tracts following early monocular enucleation
(Elsevier Inc., 2019-09-16) Wong, Nikita; Rafique, Sara; Moro, Stefania S.; Kelly, Krista; Steeves, Jennifer Kate Evelyn
Purpose: Similar to early blindness, monocular enucleation (the removal of one eye) early in life results in crossmodal behavioral and morphological adaptations. Previously it has been shown that partial visual deprivation from early monocular enucleation results in structural white matter changes throughout the visual system (Wong et al., 2018). The current study investigated structural white matter of the auditory system in adults who have undergone early monocular enucleation compared to binocular control participants. Methods: We reconstructed four auditory and audiovisual tracts of interest using probabilistic tractography and compared microstructural properties of these tracts to binocularly intact controls using standard diffusion indices. Results: Although both groups demonstrated asymmetries in indices in intrahemispheric tracts, monocular enucleation participants showed asymmetries opposite to control participants in the auditory and A1-V1 tracts. Monocular enucleation participants also demonstrated significantly lower fractional anisotropy in the audiovisual projections contralateral to the enucleated eye relative to control participants. Conclusions: Partial vision loss from early monocular enucleation results in altered structural connectivity that extends into the auditory system, beyond tracts primarily dedicated to vision.
Open Access
Overtone focusing in biphonic tuvan throat singing
(eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd, 2020-02-17)
Khoomei is a unique singing style originating from the republic of Tuva in central Asia. Singers produce two pitches simultaneously: a booming low-frequency rumble alongside a hovering high-pitched whistle-like tone. The biomechanics of this biphonation are not well-understood. Here, we use sound analysis, dynamic magnetic resonance imaging, and vocal tract modeling to demonstrate how biphonation is achieved by modulating vocal tract morphology. Tuvan singers show remarkable control in shaping their vocal tract to narrowly focus the harmonics (or overtones) emanating from their vocal cords. The biphonic sound is a combination of the fundamental pitch and a focused filter state, which is at the higher pitch (1–2 kHz) and formed by merging two formants, thereby greatly enhancing sound-production in a very narrow frequency range. Most importantly, we demonstrate that this biphonation is a phenomenon arising from linear filtering rather than from a nonlinear source.
Open Access
Brain Activation for Audiovisual Information in People With One Eye Compared to Binocular and Eye-Patched Viewing Controls
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2020-05-21) Moro, Stefania S.; Gorbet, Diana; Steeves, Jennifer Kate Evelyn
Blindness caused by early vision loss results in complete visual deprivation and subsequent changes in the use of the remaining intact senses. We have also observed adaptive plasticity in the case of partial visual deprivation. The removal of one eye, through unilateral eye enucleation, results in partial visual deprivation and is a unique model for examining the consequences of the loss of binocularity. Partial deprivation of the visual system from the loss of one eye early in life results in behavioral and structural changes in the remaining senses, namely auditory and audiovisual systems. In the current study we use functional neuroimaging data to relate function and behavior of the audiovisual system in this rare patient group compared to controls viewing binocularly or with one eye patched. In Experiment 1, a whole brain analysis compared common regions of cortical activation between groups, for auditory, visual and audiovisual stimuli. People with one eye demonstrated a trend for increased activation for low-level audiovisual stimuli compared to patched viewing controls but did not differ from binocular viewing controls. In Experiment 2, a region of interest (ROI) analysis for auditory, visual, audiovisual and illusory McGurk stimuli revealed that people with one eye had an increased trend for left hemisphere audiovisual activation for McGurk stimuli compared to binocular viewing controls. This aligns with current behavioral analysis and previous research showing reduced McGurk Effect in people with one eye. Furthermore, there is no evidence of a correlation between behavioral performance on the McGurk Effect task and functional activation. Together with previous behavioral work, these functional data contribute to the broader understanding of cross-sensory effects of early sensory deprivation from eye enucleation. Overall, these results contribute to a better understanding of the sensory deficits experienced by people with one eye, as well as, the relationship between behavior, structure and function in order to better predict the outcome of early partial visual deafferentation.
Open Access
Assessing differential effects of single and accelerated low-frequency rTMS to the visual cortex on GABA and glutamate concentrations
(Wiley Periodicals, LLC., 2020-09-29) Rafique, Sara; Steeves, Jennifer Kate Evelyn
Background: The application of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for therapeutic use in visual-related disorders and its underlying mechanisms in the visual cortex is under-investigated. Additionally, there is little examination of rTMS adverse effects particularly with regards to visual and cognitive function. Neural plasticity is key in rehabilitation and recovery of function; thus, effective therapeutic strategies must be capable of modulating plasticity. Glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated changes in the balance between excitation and inhibition are prominent features in visual cortical plasticity. Objectives and method: We investigated the effects of low-frequency (1 Hz) rTMS to the visual cortex on levels of neurotransmitters GABA and glutamate to determine the therapeutic potential of 1 Hz rTMS for visual-related disorders. Two rTMS regimes commonly used in clinical applications were investigated: participants received rTMS to the visual cortex either in a single 20-min session or five accelerated 20-min sessions (not previously investigated at the visual cortex). Proton (1H) magnetic resonance spectroscopy for in vivo quantification of GABA (assessed via GABA+) and glutamate (assessed via Glx) concentrations was performed pre- and post-rTMS. Results: GABA+ and Glx concentrations were unaltered following a single session of rTMS to the visual cortex. One day of accelerated rTMS significantly reduced GABA+ concentration for up to 24 hr, with levels returning to baseline by 1-week post-rTMS. Basic visual and cognitive function remained largely unchanged. Conclusion: Accelerated 1 Hz rTMS to the visual cortex has greater potential for approaches targeting plasticity or in cases with altered GABAergic responses in visual disorders. Notably, these results provide preliminary insight into a critical window of plasticity with accelerated rTMS (e.g., 24 hr) in which adjunct therapies may offer better functional outcome. We describe detailed procedures to enable further exploration of these protocols.
Open Access
Lack of affective priming indicates attitude-behaviour discrepancy for COVID-19 affiliated words
(2021-11-09) Moro, Stefania S.; Steeves, Jennifer Kate Evelyn
The ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in the enforcement of national public health safety measures including precautionary behaviours such as border closures, movement restrictions, total or partial lockdowns, social distancing, and face mask mandates in order to reduce the spread of this disease. The current study uses affective priming, an indirect behavioural measure of implicit attitude, to evaluate COVID-19 attitudes. Explicitly, participants rated their overall risk perception associated with contracting COVID-19 significantly lower compared to their perception of necessary precautions and overall adherence to public health measures. During baseline trials, participants explicitly rated COVID-19 affiliated words as unpleasant, similar to traditional unpleasant word stimuli. Despite rating the COVID-19 affiliated words as unpleasant, affective priming was not observed for congruent prime-target COVID-19 affiliated word pairs when compared to congruent prime-target pleasant and unpleasant words. Overall, these results provide quantitative evidence that COVID-19 affiliated words do not invoke the same implicit attitude response as traditional pleasant and unpleasant word stimuli, despite conscious explicit rating of the COVID-19 words as unpleasant. This reduction in unpleasant attitude towards COVID-19 related words may contribute towards decreased fear-related behaviours and increased incidences of risky-behaviour facilitating the movement of the virus.
Open Access
Continuous and intermittent theta burst stimulation to the visual cortex do not alter GABA and glutamate concentrations measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy
(Wiley Periodicals, LLC., 2022-01-14) Stoby, Karlene; Rafique, Sara; Oeltzschner, Georg; Steeves, Jennifer Kate Evelyn
Background: Theta burst stimulation (TBS), a form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), uses repeated high-frequency bursts to non-invasively modulate neural processes in the brain. An intermittent TBS (iTBS) protocol is generally considered “excitatory,”while continuous TBS (cTBS) is considered “inhibitory.” However, the majority of work that has led to these effects being associated with the respective protocols has been done in the motor cortex, and it is well established that TMS can have variable effects across the brain. Objectives and method:We investigated the effects of iTBS and cTBS to the primary visual cortex (V1) on composite levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid+co-editedmacromolecules (GABA+) and glutamate + glutamine (Glx) since these are key inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters, respectively. Participants received a single session of cTBS, iTBS, or sham TBS to V1. GABA+ and Glx were quantified in vivo at the stimulation site using spectral-edited proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) at 3T. Baseline pre-TBS GABA+ and Glx levels were compared to immediate post-TBS and 1 h post-TBS levels. Results: There were no significant changes in GABA+ or Glx following either of the TBS conditions. Visual cortical excitability, measured using phosphene thresholds, remained unchanged following both cTBS and iTBS conditions. There was no relationship between excitability thresholds and GABA+ or Glx levels. However, TBS did alter the relationship between GABA+ and Glx for up to 1 h following stimulation. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that a single session of TBS to the visual cortex can be used without significant effects on the tonic levels of these key neurotransmitters; and add to our understanding that TBS has differential effects at visual, motor, and frontal cortices.
Open Access
Modulating intrinsic functional connectivity with visual cortex using low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
(Wiley Periodicals, LLC., 2022-01-20) Rafique, Sara; Steeves, Jennifer Kate Evelyn
Introduction: Intrinsic network connectivity becomes altered in pathophysiology. Noninvasive brain stimulation can modulate pathological functional networks in an attempt to restore the inherent response. To determine its usefulness for visual-related disorders, we developed procedures investigating repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) protocols targeting the visual cortex on modulating connectivity associated with the visual network and default mode network (DMN). Methods: We compared two low-frequency (1 Hz) rTMS protocols to the visual cortex (V1)—a single 20 min session and five successive 20 min sessions (accelerated/within-session rTMS)—using multi-echo resting-state functional magnetic resonance whole-brain imaging and resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC). We also explored the relationship between rsFC and rTMS-induced changes in key inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate. GABA (GABA+) and glutamate (Glx) concentrations were measured in vivo using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Results: Acute disruption with a single rTMS session caused widespread connectivity reconfiguration with nodes of interest. Changes were not evident immediately post-rTMS but were observed at 1 h post-rTMS. Accelerated sessions resulted in weak alterations in connectivity, producing a relatively homeostatic response. Changes in GABA+ and Glx concentrations with network connectivity were dependent on the rTMS protocol. Conclusions: This proof-of-concept study offers new perspectives to assess stimulation-induced neural processes involved in intrinsic functional connectivity and the potential for rTMS to modulate nodes interconnected with the visual cortex. The differential effects of single-session and accelerated rTMS on physiological markers are crucial for furthering the advancement of treatment modalities in visual cortex related disorders.
Open Access
Continuous and intermittent theta burst stimulation of primary visual cortex do not modulate resting state functional connectivity: A sham-controlled multi-echo fMRI study
(Wiley Periodicals, LLC, 2023-04-16) Cohan, Remy; Rafique, Sara; Stoby, Karlene; Gorbet, Diana; Steeves, Jennifer Kate Evelyn
Introduction: Theta burst stimulation (TBS) is a type of rTMS protocol which has the advantage of a shorter delivery time over traditional rTMS. When applied to motor cortex, intermittent TBS (iTBS) has been shown to yield excitatory aftereffects, whereas continuous TBS (cTBS) may lead to inhibitory aftereffects, both lasting from minutes to hours. The majority of TBS research has targeted motor, frontal, and parietal regions, and to date very few studies have examined its efficacy at visual areas. We designed a sham-controlled study to investigate the immediate poststimulation and short-term (1 h post-stimulation) effects of iTBS and cTBS to V1. Methods: Using multiecho functional magnetic resonance imaging, we measured the direct and indirect effects of TBS by comparing resting state functional connectivity (FC) before and after stimulation in whole brain networks, and seeds from V1 (stimulation site) and neighboring occipital and parietal visual networks. In addition, we also measured pre- and post-TBS phosphene thresholds (PTs) to examine the modulatory effects of TBS on cortical excitability. Results: We found no changes in FC for iTBS, cTBS or sham stimulation conditions from baseline to poststimulation timepoints. Additionally, cTBS and iTBS had no effect on visual cortical excitability. Conclusions: Our results indicate that unlike our previous low frequency rTMS to V1 study, which resulted in widespread FC changes up to at least 1 h after stimulation, TBS to V1 does not affect FC. Contrary to the studies showing comparable TBS and rTMS aftereffects in motor and frontal regions, our findings suggest that a single session of cTBS or iTBS to V1 at 80% PT using a standard protocol of 600 pulses may not be effective in targeting FC, especially in clinical settings where therapy for pathological networks is the goal.
Open Access
Coherence of Parental Representations Following Therapy for Autistic Children
(Springer Nature, 2024-01-28) Vashi, Nisha; Ibrahim, Alaa; Pouyandeh, Ava; Weiss, Jonathan A
Autistic children experience high rates of mental health challenges, and links have been found between child mental health and the parent-child relationship. As parents of autistic children are often actively involved in their child’s treatment, it is important to consider aspects of the parent-child relationship within this context. The present study investigated changes in a component of the parent-child relationship, the coherence of parental representations, following participation in a 10-week cognitive behavioural therapy intervention designed to address autistic children’s mental health challenges. Relationships were examined between coherence and child characteristics (i.e., autism symptoms, mental health), and associations with child treatment outcomes (i.e., mental health). Participants included 81 children (89% boys) aged 8 to 13 years and their parents (85% mothers) aged 35 to 54 years. Baseline levels of coherence were related to children’s mental health symptoms but not autism symptoms. Although there were no significant changes in overall coherence across therapy, subscale-level improvements (i.e., concern, acceptance) emerged. Changes in coherence across therapy were linked with children’s post-intervention behavioural symptoms and were approaching significance for internalizing problems, but were not associated with externalizing problems. It is critical to investigate factors that shape the coherence of parents’ representations of their children, as this may provide insight into potential targets for intervention. Ascertaining whether participation in therapy improves parental coherence, and consequently child treatment outcomes, can advocate for parent-involved therapy, which will ultimately benefit the well-being of autistic children.
Open Access
Transdiagnostic Symptoms in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Perceived Parent-Child Relationship Quality: A Pilot Study
(Springer Nature, 2023-04-27) Vashi, Nisha; Bohr, Yvonne; Weiss, Jonathan A
This pilot study examined associations between transdiagnostic symptoms and parent-perceived parent-child relationship quality in treatment-seeking families of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, and interactions among clinical symptoms and cognitive functioning. Sixty-three children between 8 to 13 years of age and their caregivers were assessed at baseline while seeking cognitive behaviour therapy for emotion regulation and mental health difficulties. Diagnoses included autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and learning disability, with 52% of children having multiple diagnoses. Parent-perceived parent-child relationship quality was assessed by the Positive Affect Index, autism symptoms (e.g., social communication, repetitive behaviours) by the Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition, mental health (i.e., internalizing problems, externalizing problems, behavioural symptoms) by the Behaviour Assessment Scale for Children, Third Edition, and IQ by the Weschler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence, Second Edition. Results revealed that higher IQ scores and greater social communication challenges, externalizing problems, and behavioural symptoms, were associated with lower parent-child relationship quality. Interaction effects were found between IQ and social communication challenges, reflecting significantly stronger relationships between social communication challenges and lower parent-child relationship quality in the context of higher IQ. Understanding the interactions between cognitive functioning and social communication challenges can help to inform individualized supports, and advocate for a transdiagnostic approach to intervention.
Open Access
Clinician Knowledge, Confidence, and Treatment Practices in Their Provision of Psychotherapy to Autistic Youth and Youth with ADHD
(Springer Nature, 2022-09-09) Gallant, Caitlyn; Roudbarani, Flora; Ibrahim, Alaa; Maddox, Brenna B; Weiss, Jonathan A
Autistic youth have an increased risk of mental health problems. Despite the efficacy of various psychotherapeutic approaches for autistic youth, they often do not receive these interventions. Research is needed to identify patterns of effective treatment for autistic youth and whether they differ from those used for youth with other neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g., attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; ADHD). We compared clinicians’ (N = 557) knowledge, confidence and practices when treating autistic youth and youth with ADHD. Although ratings were moderately high overall and similar interventions were used for both groups, clinicians were significantly less knowledgeable and confident when supporting autistic clients compared to clients with ADHD. Thus, improving clinician perspectives may help facilitate treatment for autistic youth with mental health problems.
Open Access
Parent Involvement in Mental Health Treatment for Autistic Children: A Grounded Theory-Informed Qualitative Analysis
(Springer Nature, 2023-10-17) Chan, Victoria; Albaum, Carly S; Khanlou, Nazilla; Westra, Henny; Weiss, Jonathan A
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for many autistic children experiencing mental health problems, and parents are particularly involved in their psychotherapy. This study presents a conceptual framework of successful parent involvement in CBT for autistic children. Seventeen therapists (94% female) and 11 mothers were interviewed about their involvement in a CBT program for autistic children ages 8–13 years. The conceptual framework depicts how parent involvement varies depending on child, parent, and environmental factors. Parents’ contributions to therapy were grouped into five main roles. Parents’ beliefs and attitudes toward therapy also influenced their involvement. This is the first study to empirically investigate how parents of autistic children contribute to the therapeutic process in CBT.
Open Access
Treatment Engagement as a Predictor of Therapy Outcome Following Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Autistic Children
(Springer Nature, 2023-08-29) Albaum, Carly S; Sellitto, Teresa; Vashi, Nisha; Bohr, Yvonne; Weiss, Jonathan A
Purpose: Active engagement in one’s therapy is a key contributor to successful outcomes. Research on child engagement in cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) has largely focused on youth without autism. This longitudinal study examined multiple indicators of child engagement in relation to outcomes for autistic children who took part in CBT for emotion regulation. Method: Data were collected from 60 autistic children who were between 8 and 13 years of age (86.7% male; Mage = 9.58 years, SD = 1.44 years; 75% White). Indicators of child engagement included independent observer ratings of in-session involvement, as measured by the Child Involvement Rating Scale, and therapist ratings of the therapeutic relationship and homework completion using single-item measures. Indicators of engagement were measured at early (i.e., first third), middle (i.e., mid third), and late (i.e., final third) stages of treatment. Parent-reported emotion regulation was the primary treatment outcome, as measured by the Emotion Regulation Checklist. Results: After controlling for pre-treatment scores, in-session involvement significantly predicted some aspects of post-treatment emotion regulation, whereas therapeutic relationship and homework completion did not. Conclusions: Child in-session involvement throughout therapy may be particularly relevant for treatment change. Addressing issues related to in-session involvement early in treatment may help to promote therapeutic success for autistic children.
Open Access
A Systematic Review of Therapeutic Process Factors in Mental Health Treatment for Autistic Youth
(Springer Nature, 2022-08-24) Albaum, Carly S; Vashi, Nisha; Bohr, Yvonne; Weiss, Jonathan A
Understanding the role of therapeutic process factors in treatment change may prove useful for discerning why some autistic youth benefit from psychosocial interventions that target emotional and psychological aspects of mental health, while others do not. The aim of the current study was to synthesize what is currently known about therapeutic process factors in mental health treatment of emotional and psychological challenges for autistic youth, regarding how process factors have been measured in past research, and the relation between process factors and treatment outcome. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to narratively synthesize all articles published up until June 2021. Methodological quality of included studies was appraised. Twenty-five studies met inclusion criteria. Process factors assessed across studies included relational factors; treatment expectations, readiness, and satisfaction; and treatment engagement from youth and their parents. Process-outcome associations were reported for a limited number of constructs. There is a limited, albeit growing, body of high-quality research evaluating the role of process factors in the treatment of mental health issues for autistic youth. Future research should continue to examine process factors in relation to treatment outcome, and validate measures to accurately capture process-related constructs in mental health treatment for this population. Greater understanding of therapy processes can lead to developing evidence-informed strategies that clinicians can implement to promote positive expectations, relationships, and engagement.
Open Access
Clinician factors related to the delivery of psychotherapy for autistic youth and youth with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
(SAGE Publications, 2022-07-02) Roudbarani, Flora; Modica, Paula Tablon; Maddox, Brenna B; Bohr, Yvonne; Weiss, Jonathan A
Autistic children and adolescents are more likely than non-autistic youth to experience mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression, but less likely to receive psychotherapy to address these concerns. Recent research indicates that clinician factors, such as knowledge, attitudes, confidence and beliefs, can impact their decisions to provide care, though this work has primarily focused on adults or within the context of one kind of treatment (cognitive behaviour therapy). The current study examined psychological predictors (e.g. attitudes and confidence) of clinicians’ intention to deliver psychotherapy to autistic youth and those with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Participants included 611 clinicians across publicly funded agencies in Ontario, Canada. Multiple mediation analyses revealed that clinician knowledge on mental health-related topics (e.g. core symptoms, developing treatment plans and identifying progress towards treatment goals) was associated with intention to treat autistic clients or clients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and normative pressures and attitudes partially mediated this association. Clinicians felt less likely to treat autistic clients than clients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, partly because of differences in attitudes, normative pressures and knowledge. This research suggests that targeted training around autism and mental health care may be a useful initiative for agency staff. Lay abstract: Autistic children and youth often experience mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression and behavioural challenges. Although there are therapy programmes that have been found helpful in reducing these issues, such as cognitive behaviour therapy, autistic children often struggle to receive adequate mental health care. Clinicians’ knowledge, attitudes, confidence and beliefs about treating mental health problems in autistic people may be related to their choices in providing psychotherapy. Across Ontario, Canada, 611 mental health clinicians, working in publicly funded agencies, completed an online survey about their experiences and opinions on delivering therapy for autistic clients compared to those with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Clinician knowledge was associated with their intention to treat autistic clients or clients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, partly because of their attitudes and the social pressures or values they felt. Clinicians reported feeling less intent on providing therapy to autistic youth compared to youth with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder because of differences in their attitudes, social pressures and knowledge. This research can inform the training and educational initiatives for mental health practitioners.
Open Access
Virtual Group–Based Mindfulness Intervention for Autistic Adults: a Feasibility Study
(Springer Nature, 2022-06-13) Lunsky, Yona; Redquest, Brianne; Albaum, Carly; Hutton, Sue; Share, Maxine; Share-Strom, Daniel; Weiss, Jonathan
Objectives: Although mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to be helpful in reducing psychological distress in autistic adults, limited research has explored virtual delivery in the autism community. We designed an adapted virtual group–based mindfulness intervention, based on input from autistic adults, and evaluated its feasibility in terms of demand, acceptability, implementation, practicality, adaptation, and limited efficacy testing. Methods: Informed by an online needs assessment survey of 77 autistic adults, 37 individuals completed a six-week autism informed manualized course delivered virtually. Participants completed pre, post, and 12-week follow up, and also provided qualitative feedback. Results: There was a demand for the course, adaptations were successful, and participants indicated good acceptability of the intervention. Open-ended feedback highlighted advantages and challenges with the technology, the benefits of connecting with other autistic adults, and unique aspects of the mindfulness instruction. Participants reported reduced levels of distress which were maintained at three-month follow-up, and increased mindfulness, and self-compassion. Conclusions: Autism-informed adaptations to standard mindfulness-based interventions can lead to self-reported improvements in mindfulness, self-compassion, and distress by autistic adults. Continued research with outcome measures tailored toward autistic adults will be important, during and post-pandemic.
Open Access
Emotion dysregulation in children with autism: A multimethod investigation of the role of child and parent factors
(Elsevier, 2022-01-18) Mills, Annie S; Tablon-Modica, Paula; Mazefksy, Carla A; Weiss, Jonathan A
Background: Children with autism have been found to experience greater difficulties with emotion regulation than peers without autism. Characteristics related to autism (i.e., social communication challenges, restricted repetitive behaviours, inhibitory control difficulties) and external parent factors (i.e., parent stress, mindful parenting) have been suggested to contribute to the emotion dysregulation (ED) experienced by youth with autism. Method: The current study evaluated associations between child and parent factors and two indices of child ED (parent report and observational behaviour coding), in 44 children with autism, ages 8–13 years. Results: Child autism symptomology, inhibitory control difficulties, parental stress and mindful parenting were all associated with parent reported ED, but not with observed ED. Similarly, linear regressions revealed that these factors jointly predicted parent reported ED, but not observed ED. Restricted interests/repetitive behaviours and inhibitory control difficulties emerged as unique positive predictors of parent reported ED. Conclusions: Findings highlight the importance of using a multimethod approach and of considering child- and parent-level factors when investigating ED in children with autism.
Open Access
Adaptation of Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Autistic Children During the Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Program Evaluation
(Taylor & Francis, 2021-07-16) Lee, Vivian; Roudbarani, Flora; Modica, Paula Tablon; Pouyandeh, Ava; Weiss, Jonathan A
Distancing requirements due to the pandemic have halted many in-person therapeutic programs, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), increasing the likelihood that autistic children with mental health problems will struggle without adequate access to evidence-based care. Policies meant to limit the spread of COVID-19 have inadvertently exacerbated the difficulties experienced by autistic children and further exposed them to vulnerabilities that will impact their mental health. In response, interventions have been adapted for remote delivery. There is limited evidence of the acceptability, feasibility, and clinical utility for treating mental health challenges in autistic children through an online medium, within the context of a pandemic. The current study used an explanatory sequential mixed methods design to assess parents’ experience as they participated in an adapted manualized CBT program (Secret Agent Society: Operation Regulation, SAS:OR; Beaumont, 2013) with their autistic child. Parents reported child-related behavioral changes in pre- and post-program surveys, and both parents and therapists were interviewed about their experience through the program. The quantitative findings suggest that children learned new emotion regulation through online participation, and parents were satisfied with the program. The qualitative data supported the quantitative findings and provided new insight into factors that facilitated child engagement or made participation challenging. Overall, the findings suggest that adapted online CBT programs for autistic children can have clinical utility, and further research is needed to determine their efficacy.
Open Access
Attitudes Toward People With Intellectual Disability Associated With Integrated Sport Participation
(Human Kinetics, 2021-11-02) Albaum, Carly; Mills, Annie; Morin, Diane; Weiss, Jonathan A
Direct, meaningful contact with people with intellectual disability, such as through integrated sport, may be related to positive attitudes. The current study aimed to compare implicit (unconscious) and explicit (conscious) attitudes between adults involved in integrated sport events and those in a comparison group who were not and examine the association between attitudes and degree of integrated sport involvement. An online survey measuring attitudes was completed by 295 adults without intellectual disability who participated in integrated sport activities and 450 adults who did not. Individuals involved in integrated sport reported less negative behavioral and affective attitudes relative to the comparison group, with mixed results for cognitive attitudes. Groups did not differ on implicit attitudes. Greater integrated sport involvement was related to some aspects of explicit attitudes. Involvement in integrated sport may be linked to how participants view intellectual disability, which has important implications for enhancing social inclusion and informing positive attitudes.
Open Access
The impact of COVID‐19 on the mental health and wellbeing of caregivers of autistic children and youth: A scoping review
(Wiley, 2021-09-30) Lee, Vivian; Albaum, Carly; Modica, Paula Tablon; Ahmad, Farah; Gorter, Jan Willem; Khanlou, Nazilla; McMorris, Carly; Lai, Jonathan; Harrison, Cindy; Hedley, Teresa; Johnston, Pari; Putterman, Connie; Spoelstra, Margaret; Weiss, Jonathan A
Caregivers and families of autistic people have experienced stress and increase in demands due to the COVID-19 pandemic that may have long-term negative consequences for both their own and their children's mental health. A scoping review was conducted to identify pandemic related demands experienced by caregivers and families of autistic children and youth. The review also consolidated information on coping strategies and parenting-related guidelines that have emerged to help parents meet these demands. Search strategies were approved by a research librarian and were conducted in peer-reviewed and gray literature databases between May 2020 and February 2021. Additional resources were solicited through author networks and social media. All articles were published between December 2019 and February 2021. Article summaries were charted, and a thematic analysis was conducted with confirmation of findings with our knowledge users. Twenty-three published articles and 14 pieces of gray literature were included in the review. The majority of articles characterized and highlighted the increase in demands on caregivers of autistic children and youth during the pandemic globally. Both quantitative and qualitative studies suggest that parents have experienced an increase in stress and mental health-related symptoms during lockdown measures. Findings suggest that families are employing coping strategies, but there no evidence-based supports were identified. The review highlighted the potential long-term impact of prolonged exposure to increasing demands on the mental health and wellbeing of caregivers and families of autistic people, and pointed to a need for the rapid development and evaluation of flexible and timely support programs. Lay Summary: Caregivers and families of autistic children and youth have faced increased demands due to pandemic-related lockdown measures. We reviewed the literature to outline sources of stress, links to their influence on caregiver mental health, and if support programs have emerged to help them. Our findings suggest a number of demands have increased caregivers' risk to mental health challenges, and their potential impact on family wellbeing. Ongoing development of evidence-based supports of all families of autistic children and youth are needed.