The transition to secondary school is important for all students. For students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who have difficulty with changes in routine (WHO, 1992), it is especially important that the transition is carefully managed. This report aims to contribute to the understanding of this process. The first study involved a systematic investigation and critique of literature on this transition with a specific focus on students with ASD. The second study comprised the development, implementation and evaluation of a transition programme for nine students with ASD. All were in their final year at mainstream primary schools in a Scottish city. The final study followed up the progress of eight of these students during their first year at secondary school. The empirical studies utilised a range of process and outcomes measures, including questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and discussion activities. There was a paucity of scholarly literature on the transition of students with ASD indicating the need for further research. The programme received positive student and parent evaluations and there was some evidence of impact using outcome measures. Feelings of anxiety mixed with excitement were associated with the transition. Students reported higher than normal anxiety levels before and after transfer, although there was evidence of a slight reduction over this period. Students and parents provided a positive evaluation of the students’ social functioning in secondary school, in contrast to the mixed perspective of secondary school staff. Findings are discussed with reference to the literature. Limitations of the present research are considered. Finally, implications for practice and possible areas for future research are proposed.

Previous studies have reported altered glutamate (Glu) concentrations in the blood and brain of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to neurotypical controls (NC), but the direction (increased or decreased) of metabolite differences is still unclear. Moreover, the relationship between Glu and both brain function and clinical manifestations of the disorder require further investigation. Within this study, we investigated metabolite concentrations within the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), a brain region functionally associated with inhibitory executive control tasks and also part of the salience network. There were 19 participants with ASD and 20 NCs between the ages of 23 and 58 years who participated in this study. A study clinician administered the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) to individuals with ASD to further confirm their diagnosis. In addition, all participants in this study completed assessments of general intelligence and attention, which included an inhibitory executive control task. Researchers also acquired in vivo single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) in the dACC to quantify both Glu and combined Glu and glutamine (Glx) concentrations. We hypothesised that these metabolite concentrations would be altered (decreased or increased) in adult participants with ASD compared to NCs and would correlate with inhibitory performance and ASD severity in individuals with ASD. Participants also underwent a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan to assess the relationship between functional connectivity and Glu and Glx concentrations. We also hypothesised that there would be an altered relationship between local Glu and Glx concentrations and seed-based functional connectivity in adults with ASD compared to NCs. There were no significant group differences in Glu or Glx concentrations between individuals with ASD and NCs. Furthermore, we did not find any relationship between metabolite concentrations and either inhibitory performance or clinical symptoms of the disorder. This evidence suggests that increased or decreased Glu and Glx concentrations were not a core marker of altered brain function in the dACC in this group of adult individuals with ASD. When individuals taking psychotropic medications were excluded from the analysis, there was a significant interaction between age and group for Glx concentrations. This evidence weakly suggests disease-specific variations in Glx concentrations over the lifespan of an individual with ASD. Nevertheless, this result did not survive correction for multiple comparisons and requires further replication. In our final experiment, we reported that Glu concentrations were negatively correlated with right and left dACC seed-based resting-state functional connectivity to the left medial temporal lobe only in individuals with ASD. We also reported an interaction between groups in the association between Glx concentrations and both left and right dACC functional connectivity to other salience network regions including the insular cortex. This evidence suggests that local Glu and Glx concentrations were incongruent with long-distance functional connectivity in individuals with ASD. This analysis was largely exploratory, but further investigation and replication of these relationships may further explain the pathophysiology of the disorder as well as provide a useful marker for therapeutic intervention.

Prior research has suggested that any cortical volume (CV) abnormalities in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) need to be further explored by examination of the two determinants of CV, that being cortical thickness (CT) and pial surface area (PSA; Murphy, Beecham, Craig, & Ecker, 2011). The current study suggests that the two determinants of CV should be explored even in the presence of null CV findings, if structure-function analyses are significant (i.e., bi-lateral precentral gyrus and neuropsychological motor test) as demonstrated in the current sample (see Duffield et al., 2013). The only significant anatomic finding was reduced CT in the left frontal motor regions (primarily left precentral gyrus), which also corresponded to the only significant relationship between a motor variable (i.e., grooved pegboard test) and motor region-of-interest (ROI) where ASD had a stronger relationship than typically developing controls (TDC; ASD > TDC). Left hemisphere biased CT group differences has been shown to have the highest classification accuracy (i.e., designation of ASD versus TDC) of morphological parameters (Ecker et al., 2010), yet PSA has been shown to have far greater modulation of CV abnormalities. This is particularly true for subthreshold PSA (Ecker et al., 2013). These prior findings are not only consistent with the current motor ROI findings, but also provide an explanatory framework for the functional neuroanatomy of a generally worse left handed performance (i.e., non-dominant hand) for ASD compared to controls in a generally right handed dominant sample (no significant group differences on handedness). The only significant motor ROI finding was in the left hemisphere (i.e., ipsilateral to worse left handed performance), but subthreshold PSA findings in the right precentral were found and likely provide explanatory power of motor performances in the aggregate, despite a lack of significant statistical differences in a specific motor ROI individually.

The purpose of this study was to explore self-care strategies among parents with a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The study used a survey design to detect the extent to which respondents used self-care strategies to alleviate high stress levels associated with caring for an ASD child. The study was comprised of twenty eight respondents. The study found that the higher the level of education completed by the parent the greater the likelihood that self-care strategies were utilized. The study also found that the age of the ASD child was a factor in the level of physical self-care being incorporated among parents. Psychological self-care was also found to affect other categories of self-care. Both females and males listed lack of time as the greatest obstacle in implementing self-care. The study recommends that viewing self-care as important and finding small ways to incorporate self-care strategies might well improve other areas of parent well-being.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental syndrome characterized by impairment to social communication adjoined by the presence of rigidity, restricted interests, and/or repetitive behaviors. Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder recently shifted from a series of pervasive developmental disorders recognized in the 4th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR; American Psychiatric Association, 2000) to a single, comprehensive diagnosis in the 5th edition of the same manual (DSM-5; APA, 2013). To evaluate the appropriateness in this shift in diagnostic practice, the current study evaluates the consistency in symptom presentation amongst the previous DSM-IV-TR diagnoses. Additionally, this study identifies several novel considerations for Autism Spectrum Disorder symptom presentation in high ability youth. Thus, the current study addresses broad considerations for discrete versus continuous symptom presentation in Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as contributes to the limited literature addressing Autism Spectrum Disorder symptom presentation features in high ability youth. A review of literature on theory, conceptualization, and assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder is provided, as well as a review of relevant literature for high ability youth diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Progression of Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis is discussed, with emphasis upon the current debate regarding shifts from utilization of many diagnoses to a single, comprehensive diagnosis. Next, unique challenges associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder in high ability youth are identified, including current conceptualization, assessment, and treatment considerations. Due to identified gaps in consistent understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder presentation, including Autism Spectrum Disorder in high ability youth, the author conducted two complementary studies. The first of these studies evaluated consistency in parent ratings on Autism Spectrum Disorder screening tools across previously used diagnostic labels (i.e., Autistic Disorder (AD), Asperger's Syndrome (AS), and Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)) now subsumed under Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5. The second study analyzed Autism Spectrum Disorder symptoms reported by parents of high ability youth. Data collection for this latter study included a novel research measure intended for identifying symptoms associated with high ability Autism Spectrum Disorder. Items on this form were derived through a card sort of items included in current symptom screening tools completed by content area experts. Additionally, this novel research measure included an open-ended item for parents of high ability youth to report additional symptoms. Results from the first study suggest that parents of children diagnosed with AD, AS, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified do not differentially report symptoms on two current Autism Spectrum Disorder screening tools: (1) The Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS; Constantino & Gruber, 2005) and (2) the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ; Ehlers, Gillberg, & Wing, 1999). Results from the second study provide evidence of parental perceptions of several nuances in symptom presentation associated with high ability youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Specifically, parents frequently endorsed impairment in development and maintenance of social relationships; however, insight into these weaknesses was not consistently reported as impaired. Additionally, restricted interests were acknowledged, with some parents identifying academic or pseudo-academic subjects as common areas of interest. The collective findings from these studies provide evidence of broad consistency in Autism Spectrum Disorder symptom presentation across previously used diagnoses, yet also unique symptom features for high ability youth. Implications for education, clinical practice, and research in both Autism Spectrum Disorder and twice-exceptionality are discussed.

The discovery of mirror neurons and the mirror neuron system is one of the most interesting breakthroughs in the field of neuroscience in recent years. The topic stretches over a wide spectrum of research fields but one of the more prominent areas is concerned with the role of mirror neurons in autism spectrum disorder. It is hypothesized that an impaired mirror neuron system may be one of the main causes underlying the deficits seen in autistic individuals. Parallel to the broken mirror theory of autism there are critical voices claiming there is not enough empirical evidence to support such a theory. Research carried out in the area seems to offer support for both contradictory approaches making it hard to conclude the definite role of mirror neurons in this developmental disorder. Future research may offer conclusive answers concerning the role of the mirror neuron system in autism spectrum disorder as well as other important questions regarding the functional properties of the brain areas under question.

Det uppskattas att ca 2 barn av 1000 har autism (AST) i Sverige idag, vilket innebär genomgripande störningar i utvecklingen. Barn som drabbas av denna störning har ofta ett stort hjälpbehov från sin omgivning och att som förälder få ett barn med denna diagnos innebär stora förändringar i det dagliga livet. Syftet med denna studie var att beskriva föräldrars erfarenheter och upplevelser av att leva med barn med autismspektrumtillstånd. För att besvara studiens syfte har en litteraturöversikt genomförts, där sammanlagt 9 artiklar har analyserats. Vid analysen framkom 5 olika områden: outtalad ansvarsfördelning, att känna sig isolerad, oro, stress och depression, strategier för att kunna hantera situationen och vikten av socialt och professionellt stöd. Det framkom av resultatet att de föräldrar som lever med ett barn med AST upplever att de bär en tung börda som är relaterad till barnets problem och svårighetsgrad. Det är därför viktigt att som sjuksköterska känna till föräldrars upplevelser och erfarenheter för att på bästa sätt kunna möta dessa familjer och ge så god omvårdnad som möjligt. / It is estimated that approximately 2 children by 1000 has autism (AST) in Sweden today, which means major disruption in the development. Children who suffer from this disorder often have a large need of help from their surroundings and parents who have a child with this diagnosis experience major changes in daily life. The purpose of this study is to describe parents' experiences of living with a child with autism spectrum disorder. To answer the purpose of the study, a literature review was made where nine articles were analyzed. The analysis revealed five different areas: unspoken responsibilities, to feel isolated, anxiety, stress and depression, strategies to cope with the situation and the importance of social and professional support. The result of the analysis showed that parents living with a child with ASD experience a though burden which is related to the child's problems and severity of the disorder. It is there for important as a nurse to know parents' experiences, to be able to meet these families and give as good care as possible.

Abstract In 2013, the diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome will be eliminated as a stand-alone diagnosis, to be subsumed into the existing diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. In this paper, a study with the objective of emphasizing current opinions regarding the change in diagnosis is performed. Another objective is to examine the connection between identity and diagnosis. The study therefore targets people with a diagnosis, in this case Asperger’s syndrome. The empirical material of the study has been collected through a quantitative web-based survey. It has thereafter been studied and analyzed using findings from previous research and theoretical concepts. The study concludes that a majority of the respondents have a negative attitude towards the change in diagnosis. The result also suggests that, in this study, there is a correlation between the attitude regarding the change in diagnosis, and the view that the own diagnosis is an important part of one’s identity.

<p>Det uppskattas att ca 2 barn av 1000 har autism (AST) i Sverige idag, vilket innebär</p><p>genomgripande störningar i utvecklingen. Barn som drabbas av denna störning har ofta ett</p><p>stort hjälpbehov från sin omgivning och att som förälder få ett barn med denna diagnos</p><p>innebär stora förändringar i det dagliga livet. Syftet med denna studie var att beskriva</p><p>föräldrars erfarenheter och upplevelser av att leva med barn med autismspektrumtillstånd.</p><p>För att besvara studiens syfte har en litteraturöversikt genomförts, där sammanlagt 9</p><p>artiklar har analyserats. Vid analysen framkom 5 olika områden: outtalad</p><p>ansvarsfördelning, att känna sig isolerad, oro, stress och depression, strategier för att kunna</p><p>hantera situationen och vikten av socialt och professionellt stöd. Det framkom av resultatet</p><p>att de föräldrar som lever med ett barn med AST upplever att de bär en tung börda som är</p><p>relaterad till barnets problem och svårighetsgrad. Det är därför viktigt att som</p><p>sjuksköterska känna till föräldrars upplevelser och erfarenheter för att på bästa sätt kunna</p><p>möta dessa familjer och ge så god omvårdnad som möjligt.</p> / <p>It is estimated that approximately 2 children by 1000 has autism (AST) in Sweden today,</p><p>which means major disruption in the development. Children who suffer from this disorder</p><p>often have a large need of help from their surroundings and parents who have a child with</p><p>this diagnosis experience major changes in daily life. The purpose of this study is to</p><p>describe parents' experiences of living with a child with autism spectrum disorder. To</p><p>answer the purpose of the study, a literature review was made where nine articles were</p><p>analyzed. The analysis revealed five different areas: unspoken responsibilities, to feel</p><p>isolated, anxiety, stress and depression, strategies to cope with the situation and the</p><p>importance of social and professional support. The result of the analysis showed that</p><p>parents living with a child with ASD experience a though burden which is related to the</p><p>child's problems and severity of the disorder. It is there for important as a nurse to know</p><p>parents' experiences, to be able to meet these families and give as good care as possible.</p>

<p>The discovery of mirror neurons and the mirror neuron system is one of the most interesting breakthroughs in the field of neuroscience in recent years. The topic stretches over a wide spectrum of research fields but one of the more prominent areas is concerned with the role of mirror neurons in autism spectrum disorder. It is hypothesized that an impaired mirror neuron system may be one of the main causes underlying the deficits seen in autistic individuals. Parallel to the broken mirror theory of autism there are critical voices claiming there is not enough empirical evidence to support such a theory. Research carried out in the area seems to offer support for both contradictory approaches making it hard to conclude the definite role of mirror neurons in this developmental disorder. Future research may offer conclusive answers concerning the role of the mirror neuron system in autism spectrum disorder as well as other important questions regarding the functional properties of the brain areas under question.</p>