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Research
Does perinatal exposure to exogenous oxytocin influence child behavioural problems and autistic-like behaviours to 20 years of ageThis study is the first to investigate longitudinal mental health outcomes associated with the use of oxytocin-based medications during labour
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A realist evaluation of peer mentoring support for university students with autismStandard peer mentoring approaches can be enhanced to meet the needs of students with ASD by including training for mentors on ASD
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Reduced heart rate variability in adults with autism spectrum disorderOur data suggest an overall dysregulation in resting autonomic activity in adults with autism spectrum disorder
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A Survey of Autistic Adults from New Zealand on the Autism Diagnostic Process During Adolescence and AdulthoodThe diagnostic experiences of autistic adults in New Zealand have not been investigated and little is known globally about autistic adults' satisfaction with the autism diagnostic process. This study describes the diagnostic experiences of 70 autistic adults living in New Zealand and explores how these experiences are related to satisfaction during three stages of the diagnostic process. The results show that autistic adults were reasonably satisfied with the early query and diagnostic assessment stages, but were dissatisfied with the post-diagnostic support stage, with significant unmet needs. Dissatisfaction during the post-diagnostic support stage was also related to satisfaction during previous stages and poor coordination of supports. Suggestions are made on how to improve the autism diagnostic pathway for autistic adults in New Zealand.
Research
Examining Effectiveness and Predictors of Treatment Response of Pivotal Response Treatment in Autism: An Umbrella Review and a Meta-AnalysisThe current study aimed to provide a comprehensive appraisal of the current evidence on the effectiveness of Pivotal Response Training (PRT) for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to explore predictors of treatment response.
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Social impairments in autism spectrum disorder are related to maternal immune history profilethis study is the first to show an association between immune activation history in the mother and increased ASD symptom severity in children with ASD
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Absence of association between maternal adverse events and long-term gut microbiome outcomes in the Australian autism biobankMaternal immune activation and prenatal maternal stress are well-studied risk factors for psychiatric conditions such as autism and schizophrenia. Animal studies have proposed the gut microbiome as a mechanism underlying this association and have found that risk factor-related gut microbiome alterations persist in the adult offspring.
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A comparison of autism prevalence trends in Denmark and Western AustraliaPrevalence statistics for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) vary widely across geographical boundaries. Some variation can be explained by diagnostic methods...
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Narrowing the broader autism phenotype: A study using the Communication ChecklistThis study investigated whether the Communication Checklist - Adult (CC-A) could identify subtypes of social and communication dysfunction in autism probands an
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Friendship, loneliness and depression in adolescents with Asperger's SyndromeThis study investigated the relation between friendship, loneliness and depressive symptoms in adolescents with Asperger's Syndrome (AS).