26 research outputs found
Effects of Violent Video Game Exposure on Aggressive Behavior, Aggressive thought Accessibility, and Aggressive Affect among Adults with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder
Recent mass shootings have prompted the idea among some members of the public that exposure to violent video games can have a pronounced effect on individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Empirical evidence for or against this claim currently is absent. To address this issue, adults with and without ASD were assigned to play a violent or nonviolent version of a customized first-person shooter video game, after which responses on three aggression-related outcome variables (aggressive behavior, aggressive thought accessibility, and aggressive affect) were assessed. Results showed strong evidence that adults with ASD are not differentially affected by acute exposure to violent video games compared to typically developing adults. Moreover, model comparisons showed modest evidence against any effect of violent game content whatsoever. Findings from the current experiment suggest that societal concerns over whether violent game exposure has a unique effect on adults with autism are not supported by evidence
Associations between cytokines, endocrine stress response, and gastrointestinal symptoms in autism spectrum disorder
PosterAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairments in social communication and abnormal repetitive behavior patterns. Recent studies have shown a strong association between ASD and gastrointestinal (GI) symptomatology. Some individuals with ASD show altered reactivity to stress, as well as altered immune markers, particularly stress responsive cytokines including TNF-alpha and IL-6. To assess potential relationships between GI symptoms and stress response, we examined whether GI symptoms are associated with increases in stress-associated endocrine markers and cytokines in ASD. We also conducted exploratory analyses the examine the relationship between IL-6, TNF-alpha, cortisol, and intelligence, as well as the effects of the presence or absence of co-occurring medical conditions on the relationship between IL-6, TNF-alpha, cortisol, and GI symptoms. Given the aforementioned findings, we expected to find positive relationships between GI symptoms and biomarkers of stress, including cortisol levels, IL-6, and TNF-alpha
Pathological game use in adults with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder
This study tested whether adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at higher risk for pathological game use than typically developing (TD) adults. Participants included 119 adults with and without ASD. Participants completed measures assessing daily hours of video game use, percent of free time spent playing video games, and symptoms of pathological game use. The results indicated that adults with ASD endorsed more symptoms of video game pathology than did TD adults. This relationship was strong, enjoying 300,000-to-1 odds in Bayesian model comparison. Results also showed that adults with ASD spent more daily hours playing video games and spent a higher percent of their free time playing video games than did TD adults. Even after adjustment for these differences in daily video game hours and proportion of free time spent on games, model comparisons found evidence for a difference in game pathology scores associated with ASD status. Additionally, escapism motives for playing video games was associated with game pathology scores in both ASD and TD adults, replicating and extending a previous report. In conclusion, the risk for pathological game use appears larger in adults with ASD compared with TD adults. These findings point to pathological game use as a potentially important focus of clinical attention in adults with ASD
Roundtable discussion: game interventions for autism spectrum disorder
It is nearly impossible to spend a day without hearing news or personal stories regarding autism. To Google ‘‘autism + health games’’ yields thousands of postings. The disorder is so broad in its symptoms and manifestations that it is referred to as autism spectrum disorder or ASD. It is of such a high priority that research on reward circuitry, autism,and games teaching social perceptual skills was one of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Pioneer Fund’s first projects.Earlier this year I read an interesting article by Dr. Micah Mazurek of the University of Missouri stating children with ASD tend to be fascinated by screen-based technology (SBT)and spend the majority of their free time using nonsocial media,including television and videogames. I asked Dr. Mazurek if she could assemble a panel of experts to discuss ASD and how those with the disorder can benefit from their fascination of videogames. To that end, the following roundtable discussion shares the expertise of Dr. Mazurek and her fellow ASD research leaders, Dr. Cay Anderson-Hanley, Dr. Zachary Warren, and Dr. Sarah Parsons
ECHO Autism STAT: Accelerating Early Access to Autism Diagnosis.
Although early diagnosis of autism is critical for promoting access to early intervention, many children experience significant diagnostic delays. Shortages of healthcare providers, limited capacity at autism centers, and geographic and socioeconomic challenges contribute to these delays. The current pilot study examined the feasibility of a new model for training community-based primary care providers (PCPs) in underserved areas in screening and diagnosis of young children at highest risk for autism. By combining hands-on training in standardized techniques with ongoing virtual mentorship and practice, the program emphasized both timely diagnosis and appropriate referral for more comprehensive assessment when necessary. Results indicated improvements in PCP practice and self-efficacy, and feasibility of the model for enhancing local access to care
Lay_Abstract, AUT775541_Lay_Abstract – Relations among activity participation, friendship, and internalizing problems in children with autism spectrum disorder
<p>Lay_Abstract, AUT775541_Lay_Abstract for Relations among activity participation, friendship, and internalizing problems in children with autism spectrum disorder by Kristen N Dovgan and Micah O Mazurek in Autism</p