Temporal synchrony in autism: A systematic review

A large number of studies have reported that autistic individuals show differences in their performance on temporal asynchrony tasks as compared to neurotypical individuals. Specifically, autistic individuals appear to show a reduced tendency towards synchrony. However, the evidence has hitherto not been reviewed in a systematic way, making it difficult to be sure of the magnitude and generalisability of the difference across different tasks and contexts. The present review aimed to systematically collect and synthesise the data on various types of temporal synchrony in autism across all ages in order to address this gap. A systematic search of the EBSCO, OVID, Web of Science, and Scopus databases was conducted, and the search strategies involved keywords and synonyms for “autism”, “temporal” and “synchrony”. Thirty-two studies were identified that met our inclusion criteria: 13 in the domain of audio-visual; three in audio-motor; three in visuo-tactile; three in visuo-motor; three in social motor; and five in conversational synchrony. An additional two studies focused on adapting an intervention method to improve interpersonal temporal synchrony in autistic individuals. The findings suggest that autistic participants showed reduced synchrony tendencies in every category of temporal synchrony that was reviewed. The findings are discussed in relation to existing knowledge of temporal processing and integration differences in autism. Limitations, future directions and potential clinical implications are also discussed

The impact of childhood psychological maltreatment on mental health outcomes in adulthood:A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Research suggests that childhood psychological maltreatment (i.e., emotional abuse and emotional neglect) is associated with mental health problems that persist into adulthood, for example anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal ideation, and aggression; however, a systematic review and meta-analysis of the existing literature would help clarify the magnitude and moderators of these associations, and the extent to which they may be affected by publication bias, as well as the methodological strengths and weakness of studies in this area. Method The reporting of this protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) Statement. Searches will be carried out via several databases, including Web of Science, Medline, PubMed, PsycINFO, Applied Social Science Index and Abstract, ERIC and EMBASE. Empirical peer-reviewed research articles that fit pre-specified eligibility criteria will be included in the review. Studies will be eligible if they include participants age 18 or over at time of mental health assessment, include information on childhood psychological maltreatment (emotional abuse and/or neglect) perpetrated by a primary caregiver or adult in the same household, and provide quantitative information on the association between these factors. Studies using prospective and retrospective designs and written in either English or Chinese will be eligible. Two independent reviewers will screen and assess studies for inclusion in the review as well as extract the data, with consensus reached through discussion in cases of discrepancy. A third reviewer will be consulted to resolve any discrepancies that remain. The relevant Newcastle–Ottawa scales will be used for assessing the quality of studies. If a sufficient number of comparable studies are retrieved, a meta-analysis will be conducted using a random effects model. Study-level moderators (i.e., year of publication, quality of the study and study geographical location) will be examined in the meta-analyses. Discussion This systematic review will provide an understanding of the long-term effects of childhood psychological maltreatment on adult mental health, which adds to previous reviews focusing primarily on the effects of physical and sexual abuse. The results of the review will help inform clinical practice in approaches to treating those with a history of psychological maltreatment in childhood. The gaps and weaknesses in the evidence identified will also inform recommendations for future research

Temporal Synchrony in Autism: A Systematic Review

A large number of studies have reported that autistic individuals show differences in their performance on temporal asynchrony tasks as compared to neurotypical individuals. Specifically, autistic individuals appear to show a reduced tendency towards synchrony. However, the evidence has hitherto not been reviewed in a systematic way, making it difficult to be sure of the magnitude and generalisability of the difference across different tasks and contexts. The present review aimed to systematically collect and synthesise the data on various types of temporal synchrony in autism across all ages in order to address this gap. A systematic search of the EBSCO, OVID, Web of Science, and Scopus databases was conducted, and the search strategies involved keywords and synonyms for “autism”, “temporal” and “synchrony”. Thirty-two studies were identified that met our inclusion criteria: 13 in the domain of audio-visual; three in audio-motor; three in visuo-tactile; three in visuo-motor; three in social motor; and five in conversational synchrony. An additional two studies focused on adapting an intervention method to improve interpersonal temporal synchrony in autistic individuals. The findings suggest that autistic participants showed reduced synchrony tendencies in every category of temporal synchrony that was reviewed. The findings are discussed in relation to existing knowledge of temporal processing and integration differences in autism. Limitations, future directions and potential clinical implications are also discussed

Brief Report: Predictors of Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose: This study explored predictors of COVID-19-related stress and wellbeing of Scottish adolescents during the COVID-19 lockdown to identify potentially malleable risk and protective factors. Methods: 5,548 participants were surveyed regarding stress, loneliness, wellbeing, schoolwork, support from school, and interaction with friends and family. Multiple linear regressions within a structural equation modelling framework were fit to predict COVID-19-related stress and wellbeing during the UK’s first lockdown. Results: Loneliness, variables related to the ability to continue with schoolwork, and perceived support from school were important predictors of greater COVID-19-related stress and wellbeing during the first lockdown. Female adolescents were also more likely to show higher stress and poorer wellbeing. Conclusions: Facilitating meaningful social interaction and ensuring the ability to continue with schoolwork, and providing social support from school should be priority strategies to help protect the mental health and wellbeing of secondary school students during lockdowns and other disruptions to school attendance