Research summaries for autism therapy: adults with autism

definition of adults with autism: Many children with autism grow up to become adolescents and adults with autism. The transition to adulthood generally begins around the age of 14 when preparation for adulthood begins. Adults with autism may be
high-functioning (leading relatively normal lives) or low-functioning (needing constant care). One program that helps children make the transition to adulthood is Fast Forward.
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Effective Methylphenidate Treatment of an Adult Aspergers Syndrome and a Comorbid ADHD: A Clinical Investigation with fMRI, Summarized Nov 9, 2010

Methylphenidate may help adults who are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Asperger syndrome.

This case study presents an adult patient with ADHD and Aspergers syndrome. The 26-year old man had had problems since childhood with making and keeping social contacts. The authors note that when an adult has both ADHD and Aspergers syndrome the case may be complex and hard to diagnose. This is because both ADHD and Aspergers syndrome may result in poor social skills and lack of attention. In the case of this patient, treatment with methylphenidate improved his ability to function and reduced his ADHD symptoms.

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Sensory Processing in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Summarized Oct 19, 2010

Sensory processing disorder may persist in adults with autism and perhaps should be addressed with treatment.

The aim of this study was to see if sensory processing disorder was common in adults with autism. This study compared levels of sensory processing in adults with autism with an age and IQ score matched group using a self-report measure of sensory processing (Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile – AASP). The authors found that adults with autism report high levels of sensory response compared to the control group. This is in contrast to a study that found that sensory processing issues decreased as children with autism became adults. The authors note that people with autism varied quite a bit with regards to their sensory processing disorder.

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Enhanced Independence and Quality of Life Through Treatment with Flotation-Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique of a Patient with Both Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Asperger Syndrome: A Case Report, Summarized Sep 7, 2010

Flotation tanks may be a useful tool for calming the nervous system and helping with sensory integration in adults with Asperger syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

This case study describes an adult with Asperger syndrome and ADHD who was treated with flotation-Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique (flotation-REST). The 36-year old woman from Sweden also had depression. She was given 19 sessions over a year and at the end felt that she was better able to live life on her own. With time she learned to control how alert she was (arousal control). She also learned to control how active she was (activity regulation). Her senses relaxed and she became better at sensory integration.

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Use of Peer-mediated Interventions in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review, Summarized Sep 2, 2010

Peer-mediated intervention (PMI) may be very helpful for children with autism, and a strong research base supports use of PMI.

This review article was designed to describe all research in which therapy for children with autism was performed by the child’s peers. The review covered 42 studies that used PMI in the treatment of people with autism. Many of the studies did not measure whether or not the studied treatment plan was followed by the peers. Some studies did ask the questions: Did the treatment occur for at least 10 minutes? Are there at least 1 or 2 peers in the treatment? Was an adult there to watch the session? The authors note that future studies should focus on what level of PMI can be performed by children at each age.

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Synonyms for adults with autism include: adult, adult with autism, adulthood, adults, Fast Forward, young adult, young adults
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