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A Survey of Autistic Adults from New Zealand on the Autism Diagnostic Process During Adolescence and AdulthoodThe diagnostic experiences of autistic adults in New Zealand have not been investigated and little is known globally about autistic adults' satisfaction with the autism diagnostic process. This study describes the diagnostic experiences of 70 autistic adults living in New Zealand and explores how these experiences are related to satisfaction during three stages of the diagnostic process. The results show that autistic adults were reasonably satisfied with the early query and diagnostic assessment stages, but were dissatisfied with the post-diagnostic support stage, with significant unmet needs. Dissatisfaction during the post-diagnostic support stage was also related to satisfaction during previous stages and poor coordination of supports. Suggestions are made on how to improve the autism diagnostic pathway for autistic adults in New Zealand.
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Parent-reported Early Atypical Development and Age of Diagnosis for Children with Co-occurring Autism and ADHDAutism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often co-occur. This survey of 288 New Zealand parents of children diagnosed with autism, ADHD, or both conditions, examined the relations between age of diagnosis and early atypical development, the age specialist consultation was needed and types of specialists seen.
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Exploring the Experience of Seeking an Autism Diagnosis as an AdultEmerging research suggests that seeking an autism diagnosis as an adult is usually difficult and time-consuming but brings relief once a diagnosis is made. This study explored the experience of the pathway to an autism diagnosis during adulthood for adults living in Australia.
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The Brain Basis of Comorbidity in Neurodevelopmental DisordersThis review discusses early brain development and the etiological factors that may give rise to atypical developmental trajectories, along with neuroimaging insights
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Does perinatal exposure to exogenous oxytocin influence child behavioural problems and autistic-like behaviours to 20 years of ageThis study is the first to investigate longitudinal mental health outcomes associated with the use of oxytocin-based medications during labour
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A realist evaluation of peer mentoring support for university students with autismStandard peer mentoring approaches can be enhanced to meet the needs of students with ASD by including training for mentors on ASD
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Effect of Fluoxetine on Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Randomized Clinical TrialTreatment with fluoxetine compared with placebo resulted in significantly lower scores for obsessive-compulsive behaviors at 16 weeks
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Reduced heart rate variability in adults with autism spectrum disorderOur data suggest an overall dysregulation in resting autonomic activity in adults with autism spectrum disorder
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Social impairments in autism spectrum disorder are related to maternal immune history profilethis study is the first to show an association between immune activation history in the mother and increased ASD symptom severity in children with ASD
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Prenatal maternal stress events and phenotypic outcomes in Autism Spectrum DisorderASD, in the context of prenatal maternal stress exposure, may be associated with a more severe phenotype, particularly when there are multiple prenatal exposures