In recent years, a shift in focus has seen researchers seek to identify the priorities and preferences of key stakeholders to shape the direction of future research for those on the autism spectrum. The process of synthesising the views, knowledge and expertise of key stakeholders with either a lived or shared experience of autism is invaluable and can inform future research to ensure that it is meaningful and has the greatest impact. A number of studies have reported on the research priorities of groups within the autism community, but to date, these studies stand alone and priorities have not been considered collectively. This systematic review identified seven studies that reported on key stakeholders’ priorities for autism research. Studies were synthesised according to (a) the target participant group and method of recruitment, (b) the methodology used to elucidate the viewpoint of stakeholders, (c) the country of stakeholders and (d) commonly identified priorities. Common features across studies note the importance of prioritising initiatives that will result in real-world changes in the lives of the autism community and more research across the lifespan. There is an identified need for more diverse stakeholder voices to influence the identification of priorities for future research foci. Continued inclusion of the autistic and autism communities in priority-setting research is imperative for achieving significant outcomes in autism research and to progress the field in an effective and socio-ethical way. Lay abstract It has become very important in autism research to ask the autistic community about what kinds of research they think should be done in order to improve the lives of people with autism. Many studies have reported on research goals from people within the autism community, such as parents of people on the autism spectrum, and practitioners and clinicians who support people on the autism spectrum. So far, the research goals from all of these studies have not been considered together, which is important so that all autism research can be working towards the same goals. We reviewed seven studies that looked at the priorities for autism research from key people within the autism community. Each of the reviewed studies are described according to (a) the types of people involved in the study, (b) the way the research goals from each group of people were identified, (c) the country where they were from and (d) the most common research goals from across all of the studies. Within these seven studies, research that will lead to real-world changes in the daily lives of the autism community and a greater focus on skill training for people with autism across their lives were found to be very important. From this review, we found that it is also very important to include a range of different people from the autism community when deciding what autism research goals should be focused on so that future research can be more helpful for the autism community.
Early diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder is considered best practice, increasing access to early intervention. Yet, many children are diagnosed after 3-years. The current study investigated the school age outcomes of children who received an early and later diagnosis of ASD. The cognitive and behavioural outcomes of children diagnosed early (n = 48), were compared to children diagnosed after 3-years (n = 37). Children diagnosed early accessed more intervention, demonstrated better verbal and overall cognition at school age, were more likely to attend mainstream school and required less ongoing support than children diagnosed later. Behavioural differences were not found between groups. Earlier diagnosis is important and is likely to promote more positive outcomes at school age due to increased opportunity for EI.
One of most notable features of existing body of research in transition seems to be the absence of a theoretical model. The suggestion we present in this paper-to view and understand the high school to university transition in mathematics as a modern-day rite of passage-is an attempt at defining such framework. Although dominantly reflecting North-American reality, we believe that the model could be found useful in other countries as well. Let us emphasize that our model is not new in the sense that it recognizes the transition as such. In this paper, we try to determine whether (and, if so, how) the notion of a rite of passage-which is a wellunderstood concept in anthropology, as well as in some other disciplines (e.g. culture shock in cultural studies)-can help us understand mathematics transition issues better. Can it help us systematize existing body of research, and enhance our understanding of transition in mathematics; does it point at something new? We believe so, and by elaborating some traditional aspects of rites of passage, we hope to provide a useful lens through which we can examine the process of transition in mathematics, and make suggestions for improved management of some transitional issues.
In Clark and Lovric (Suggestion for a theoretical model for secondarytertiary transition in mathematics, Math. Educ. Res. J. 20(2) (2008), pp. 25-37) we began developing a model for the secondary-tertiary transition in mathematics, based on the anthropological notion of a rite of passage. We articulated several reasons why we believe that the educational transition from school to university mathematics should be viewed (and is) a rite of passage, and then examined certain aspects of the process of transition. Present article is a continuation of our study, resulting in an enhanced version of the model. In order to properly address all aspects of transition (such as a number of cognitive and pedagogical issues) we enrich our model with the notions of cognitive conflict (conceptual change) and culture shock (although defined and used in contexts that differ from the transition context, nevertheless, we found these notions highly relevant). After providing further justification for the application of our model to transition in mathematics, we discuss its many implications in detail. By critically examining current practices, we enhance our understanding of the many issues involved in the transition. The core section 'Messages and implications of the model' is divided into subsections that were determined by the model (role of community, discontinuity of the transition process, shock of the new, role of time in transition, universality of transition, expectations and responsibilities, transition as a real event). Before making final conclusions, we examine certain aspects of remedial efforts.
Diagnoses at 24-months, appear to be reliable and stable. Further research is needed to investigate whether early identification, which provides more opportunity to access early intervention, may in turn facilitate cognitive development over time.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.