Face recognition is impaired in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), but the reason for this remains unclear. One possibility is that impairments in the ability to visually detect faces might be a factor. As a preliminary study in this vein, we measured face detection ability as a function of visual contrast level in 13 individuals with ASD, aged 13–18, and 18 neurotypical controls (NCs) in the same age range. We also measured contrast sensitivity, using sinusoidal grating stimuli, as a control task. Individuals with ASD did not differ from controls in face detection (p > 0.9) or contrast detection (p > 0.2) ability. Performance on contrast and face detection was significantly correlated in ASD but not in NC. Results suggest that the ability to visually detect faces is not altered in ASD overall, but that alterations in basic visual processing may affect face detection ability in some individuals with ASD.
Nonsuicidal self-injury is a common development among adolescents that varies in severity, frequency, and associated psychiatric vulnerability. A key challenge is to understand how clinicians can identify those at greater risk, specifically for transition to suicide attempts. Shared functions (eg, to escape negative emotions) and risk factors in selected domains (eg, exposure to self-harm in others, impulsivity, cannabis and other drug use, diminished social connections, and history of bullying) between self-injury and suicide can explain this association and guide interventions. General guidelines for nonsuicidal self-injury and comorbid suicidal behavior in youth include mapping its predisposing factors and psychological functions, assessing severity and acute risk, and elucidating context (eg, interpersonal stressors). No medication has proven effective in reducing self-harm. Outpatient psychological treatment is the first option to address relevant emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal vulnerabilities, and evidence-based treatments can be effective (eg, dialectical behavior therapy, mentalization-based treatment, and cognitive-behavioral therapy).
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Psychiatr Ann.
2022;52(8):311–317.]
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