How sensory difficulties are associated with depression in boys on the autism spectrum
Richard Mills
Department of psychology, University of Bath
Richard Mills is Senior Research Fellow CASD Bond University, QLD Australia and Department of Psychology University of Bath, UK. Research Director, Research Autism, London. Expert Advisor NICE; Editor Autism International Journal, Research and Practice, Editor Advances in Autism.Associate Tizard Centre at University of Kent, Advisor AT-Autism, London; Expert Member National Autism Project. Consultant ARC Singapore, Aarhus Kommune Denmark. Current research interests; stress, offending behaviours in particular cyber crime, behaviours that challenge, programme evaluation, Quality of life outcomes.
Abstract
Abstract Background: Sensory difficulties (SD) represent an aspect of autism which is significantly associated with psychological distress, difficulties in meeting daily life demands and participating in social and other... [ view full abstract ]
Abstract
Background: Sensory difficulties (SD) represent an aspect of autism which is significantly associated with psychological distress, difficulties in meeting daily life demands and participating in social and other activities. Because children on the autism spectrum have higher prevalence of depression than their typically developing peers, the possible association between SD and depression represents a potential important clinical phenomenon, but has received only rudimentary attention in previous research.
Methodology: Participants were 140 boys (mean age = 11.2 years) with a confirmed autism diagnosis, plus one of their parents. The boys’ depression was measured via self- and parent-report using the Childhood and Adolescent Symptom Inventory-Depression Subscale (CASI-D). CASI-D was measured via total scores and scores for three underlying factors (Depressed Mood, Anhedonia/Fatigue, Changes in Functioning). The presence and nature of SD was examined by asking parents to complete the Dunn Sensory Profile (Caregiver version) about their sons.
Results: Boys’ self-report data identified SD Low Registration as the single indicator of total depression score. Deficits in the SD Visual Sensory area predicted Depressed Mood, Low Registration predicted Changes in Functioning, and the combination of Sensation Seeking and Sensation Avoiding predicted Anhedonia/Fatigue.
Conclusions/Perspectives: Assessment of boys on the autism spectrum who experience moderate-severe levels of SD should explore the possible onset/maintenance of depression arising from those difficulties. Assistance should be provided for children/adolescents via targeted treatments which identify those aspects of SD most strongly associated with aspects of depression and examine how sensory difficulties affect cognitive and social functioning in key environments.
Ethics and permissions statement and / or disclosure of potential conflict of interest (if relevant)
Approved by Bond University Research Ethics Committee. Written consents to participation obtained. No conflicts of interest to declare. [ view full abstract ]
Approved by Bond University Research Ethics Committee. Written consents to participation obtained. No conflicts of interest to declare.
Authors
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Richard Mills
(Department of psychology, University of Bath)
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Vicki Bitsika
(Centre for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Bond University)
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Christopher Sharpley
(department of neuroscience, University of New England (UNE))
Topic Area
Topics: Research
Session
S17 » Symposia: Housing and environments; sensory issues (16:20 - Saturday, 17th September, Fintry Auditorium)
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