Purpose of Review
Elevated prevalence of autism characteristics is reported in genetic syndromes associated with intellectual disability. This review summarises recent evidence on the behavioural heterogeneity of autism in the following syndromes: Fragile X, Cornelia de Lange, Williams, Prader-Willi, Angelman, Down, Smith-Magenis, and tuberous sclerosis complex. Key considerations for assessment and support are discussed.
Recent Findings
The profile and developmental trajectory of autism-related behaviour in these syndromes indicate some degree of syndrome specificity which may interact with broader behavioural phenotypes (e.g. hypersociability), intellectual disability, and mental health (e.g. anxiety). Genetic subtype and co-occurring epilepsy within syndromes contribute to increased significance of autism characteristics. Autism-related strengths and challenges are likely to be overlooked or misunderstood using existing screening/diagnostic tools and criteria, which lack sensitivity and specificity within these populations.
Summary
Autism characteristics are highly heterogeneous across genetic syndromes and often distinguishable from non-syndromic autism. Autism diagnostic assessment practices in this population should be tailored to specific syndromes. Service provisions must begin to prioritise needs-led support.
A sectarian family service agency confronts an ethical dilemma with regard to sexual behavior of clients in supervised group residences. The analysis undertaken by staff considers a wide range of values affecting this issue—the values of the client, traditional Judaism, the law, parents, community, clinical professionals, and the agency. Conflicts among these values are examined.
The FFA, an American agricultural educational organization, was studied to determine its influence on the meat paradox, an ambivalent response towards eating meat while being troubled about its moral consequences. The study was completed using survey research, which involved asking FFA and non-FFA members about their feelings towards eating different types of meat, such as cows and rabbits. Participants were asked whether they would eat a particular animal and then their reasoning when choosing not to. The results were collected and compared between the FFA and non-FFA members’ responses. Overall, FFA members were more likely to eat abnormal animals. However, whenever participants decided that they were unwilling to eat an animal, FFA members reasoned that they wouldn’t like its taste while non-FFA members chose that it was against their morals. This may reveal a lower moral connection to animals when FFA members, or other individuals who work with animals regularly, spend more time with specific species. This study has implications in the field of psychology, but more specifically paradox, cognitive dissonance, and dehumanization studies. These results suggest for further research into the influence of other variables on ambivalence as well as additional maintenance strategies involved in paradoxes.
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