Mortality risk among Autistic children and young people: A nationwide birth cohort study.

LAY ABSTRACT: Existing literature indicates that Autistic people have shorter life expectancy, but little is known about the mortality risk among Autistic children and young people (0-24 years). We used a 15-year nationwide birth cohort study to estimate the mortality risk among Autistic children and young people in Aotearoa/New Zealand. The study included 895,707 children and 11,919 (1.4%) were Autistic. We found that autism was associated with a significantly higher mortality risk compared to the non-Autistic population. In addition, we found that this risk was significantly higher among females compared to males and for those with a co-occurring intellectual disability. Increased efforts are required to better meet the health needs of this population.

Supporting tamariki takiwatanga Maori (autistic Maori children): Exploring the experience of early childhood educators.

LAY ABSTRACT: The knowledge and attitudes of educators can have a strong influence on the experiences of autistic children who attend inclusive early childhood settings. Autistic children from under-represented ethnic groups, for example, tamariki takiwatanga Maori (autistic Maori children), are likely to face extra challenges and educators need to consider ways to support their cultural development. For this study, we interviewed 12 educators with recent experience supporting tamariki takiwatanga Maori in inclusive early childhood settings. We constructed three themes and seven subthemes from the interview data. We found that educators' understandings of autism were mostly in line with the neurodiversity perspective, which views autism as a difference, not a disorder. We also found similarities between the neurodiversity perspective and Maori perspectives of autism and a need for more training and resources based upon a Maori world view and available in te reo Maori (the Maori language).

Effects of a low-intensity Early Start Denver Model-based intervention delivered in an inclusive preschool setting.

The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a promising early intervention for promoting improved social, cognitive, and communication outcomes for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, most studies evaluating group-based delivery of this program have used 15-25 h per week of intervention in specialized ESDM preschools with low child-teacher ratios. Thus, the positive results from such studies might not be obtained when this intervention model is evaluated in more typical inclusive preschool settings. In this study, a low-intensity version of the ESDM was delivered to three young children with ASD in their regular inclusive preschool by a certified therapist who did not typically work at any of the preschools. The intervention procedures were implemented for 3 h per week over an 8- to 10-week period. Data were gathered on children's levels of participation, imitation, and communication from weekly 10-min video recordings. The effects of the intervention were evaluated using a multiple probe across participants design with 3 weekly follow-up probes, 3 weeks after the intervention ended. All participants showed improvement in active participation, imitation and either intentional vocalizations or spontaneous functional utterances. These results were generally maintained at follow-up. This low-intensity version of the ESDM would seem effective for use in real-world preschool environments.

Maori and autism: A scoping review.

LAY ABSTRACT: Most current approaches to identifying, researching and managing autism are based on Western views and understandings. However, different cultural groups may understand and approach autism differently. We searched a wide range of websites, academic journals and other sources for published information related to autism and Maori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Our search identified 13 publications that addressed questions related to Maori understandings of autism, Maori prevalence rates and diagnostic and support services for Maori. Overall, we found broad differences in Maori and Western understandings of autism and slightly higher autism prevalence rates for Maori than for non-Maori New Zealanders. Findings also highlighted a need for diagnostic and support services that are both effective and culturally appropriate for Maori. We discuss what these findings might mean for future research and the provision of services for Maori with autism.