Contents
Robert W. Wisner-Carlson, Scott R. Pekrul, Thomas Flis, and Robert Schloesser (Source: The Psychiatric Clinics of North America)
Source: The Psychiatric Clinics of North America - January 30, 2021 Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research

Forthcoming Issues
Psychiatric Education (Source: The Psychiatric Clinics of North America)
Source: The Psychiatric Clinics of North America - January 30, 2021 Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research

Acts of Medical Kindness for People with Autism
April 2020 began a “Year of Kindness” for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with a call for “one million acts of kindness, big and small.”1 Acts of kindness are needed more than ever for everyone, particularly our patients with ASD, amid the increased anxiety, uncertainty, and even terror inflicted b y a pandemic that has dramatically altered daily routines and mandated social distancing. For physicians and other mental health clinicians, medical acts of kindness must be underpinned by professional knowledge and humanizing clinical experiences for this growing patient population. (Source: The Psychiatric ...
Source: The Psychiatric Clinics of North America - January 30, 2021 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Robert W. Wisner-Carlson, Scott R. Pekrul, Thomas Flis, Robert Schloesser Tags: Preface Source Type: research

Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder Across the Lifespan
We present those elements that should be included in any assessment for ASD and describe the ways in which ASD typically manifests itself at various developmental stages. The implications and challenges for assessment at different ages and levels of functioning are discussed. (Source: The Psychiatric Clinics of North America)
Source: The Psychiatric Clinics of North America - October 28, 2020 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Cory Shulman, Amy Esler, Michael J. Morrier, Catherine E. Rice Source Type: research

The Role of Diagnostic Instruments in Dual and Differential Diagnosis in Autism Spectrum Disorder Across the Lifespan
The heterogeneity inherent in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) makes the identification and diagnosis of ASD complex. We survey a large number of diagnostic tools, including screeners and tools designed for in-depth assessment. We also discuss the challenges presented by overlapping symptomatology between ASD and other disorders and the need to determine whether a diagnosis of ASD or another diagnosis best explains the individual ’s symptoms. We conclude with a call to action for the next steps necessary for meeting the diagnostic challenges presented here to improve the diagnostic process and to help understand each indiv...
Source: The Psychiatric Clinics of North America - October 28, 2020 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Cory Shulman, Catherine E. Rice, Michael J. Morrier, Amy Esler Source Type: research

Current Approaches to the Pharmacologic Treatment of Core Symptoms Across the Lifespan of Autism Spectrum Disorder
There are no approved medications for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) core symptoms. However, given the significant clinical need, children and adults with ASD are prescribed medication off label for core or associated conditions, sometimes based on limited evidence for effectiveness. Recent developments in the understanding of biologic basis of ASD have led to novel targets with potential to impact core symptoms, and several clinical trials are underway. Heterogeneity in course of development, co-occurring conditions, and age-related treatment response variability hampers study outcomes. Novel measures and approaches to AS...
Source: The Psychiatric Clinics of North America - October 28, 2020 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Gahan Pandina, Robert H. Ring, Abigail Bangerter, Seth Ness Source Type: research

Autism and Education
This article discusses current methods, techniques, evidence, and controversies for educating individuals diagnosed with autism. (Source: The Psychiatric Clinics of North America)
Source: The Psychiatric Clinics of North America - October 28, 2020 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Kathleen A. Flannery, Robert Wisner-Carlson Source Type: research

The Transition to Adulthood for Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder
The transition to adulthood for individuals with autism spectrum disorder is difficult and outcomes are suboptimal. Social cognition deficits and executive dysfunction continue to be barriers to young people ’s success, lack of societal acceptance and loss of previous support can exacerbate the condition, and mental health issues increase. All areas of adult functioning are affected. To help manage the transition and improve outcomes for this population, psychiatrists and other health care providers n eed to be aware of the issues and possible interventions, including social skills training, educational transition progra...
Source: The Psychiatric Clinics of North America - October 28, 2020 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Robert Wisner-Carlson, Sara Uram, Thomas Flis Source Type: research

Social Skills Training in Autism Spectrum Disorder Across the Lifespan
Social skills training programs for individuals with autism spectrum disorder are effective in improving social competence, although effects are frequently not robust across all outcomes measured. When aggregating across the social skills training programs with the strongest evidence, common elements can be identified in both the treatment delivery method and the social skills content targeted. However, social skills training programs continue to remain limited in their generalizability and scope. Existing research has primarily tested programs designed for school-aged children with autism spectrum disorder, who have avera...
Source: The Psychiatric Clinics of North America - October 28, 2020 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Christine T. Moody, Elizabeth A. Laugeson Source Type: research

Competitive Integrated Employment for Youth and Adults with Autism
A scoping review was conducted to map existing literature on effective interventions for competitive employment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Empirical database searches were conducted. A filter for level of methodological rigor was implemented. A total of 25 articles met inclusion criteria. Findings were categorized by level of evidence. Findings revealed strong empirical support for a transition-to-work program called Project SEARCH plus ASD Supports and traditional supported employment services. Receipt of specific vocational rehabilitation and transition services in high school were also identified as ...
Source: The Psychiatric Clinics of North America - October 28, 2020 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Carol Schall, Paul Wehman, Lauren Avellone, Joshua P. Taylor Source Type: research

Transitioning from Adolescence to Adulthood with Autism Spectrum Disorder
This article discusses how existing legal and social constructs may exacerbate rather than diminish barriers and access for autistic adults and identifies current and potential legal and policy solutions to reducing current systemic barriers. This article ultimately supports a supported decision-making model for autistic adolescents transitioning into adulthood. (Source: The Psychiatric Clinics of North America)
Source: The Psychiatric Clinics of North America - October 28, 2020 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Nanette Elster, Kayhan Parsi Source Type: research

Intersection of Eating Disorders and the Female Profile of Autism
There is a moderate degree of comorbidity between autism and eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa in female individuals. Research indicates that up to 30% of patients with anorexia are autistic, or display high levels of autistic traits. Frequently, an autism diagnosis is secondary to an eating disorder diagnosis, which brings concomitant issues into treatment efficacy and outcomes for both conditions. Less is known about comorbidity with other eating disorder subtypes. Autistic traits can impede standard approaches to eating disorder treatment. Treatment options and settings may need to be modified to better ac...
Source: The Psychiatric Clinics of North America - October 28, 2020 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Claire M. Brown, Mark A. Stokes Source Type: research

Obsessive –Compulsive Disorder in Autism Spectrum Disorder Across the Lifespan
This article is a review of the current literature with the goal of helping the clinician to diagnose and treat obsessive–compulsive disorder in a patient with autism spectrum disorder. (Source: The Psychiatric Clinics of North America)
Source: The Psychiatric Clinics of North America - October 28, 2020 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Markian Pazuniak, Scott R. Pekrul Source Type: research

Autism Spectrum Disorder Grows Up
Imagine arriving at early adulthood and yearning for independence, yet still struggling to comprehend what it means when someone raises their eyebrows or rolls their eyes, or even worse, being baffled when a coworker is offended by your bluntness. Most young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) lack an understanding of basic social cues and the nuances of communication. They may find it difficult or impossible to behave in acceptable ways at a time of their life when societal expectations are rising and support services are declining. (Source: The Psychiatric Clinics of North America)
Source: The Psychiatric Clinics of North America - October 28, 2020 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Robert Wisner-Carlson, Scott R. Pekrul, Thomas Flis, Robert Schloesser Tags: Preface Source Type: research

Autism Spectrum Disorder Across the Lifespan: Part I
PSYCHIATRIC CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA (Source: The Psychiatric Clinics of North America)
Source: The Psychiatric Clinics of North America - October 28, 2020 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Robert Wisner-Carlson, SCOTT R. PEKRUL, THOMAS FLIS, ROBERT SCHLOESSER Source Type: research