Community participation in adults with autism: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review aimed to explore how adults with autism participate in the community, the impact of community participation on quality of life and mental health, and factors that support and hinder participation. METHOD: A systematic review was conducted including studies published from inception to 17 January 2021. RESULTS: Sixty-three reports were included, reporting on 58 studies. Solitary activities, organised group activities, community activities, religious groups and online social participation were identified. The relationship between community participation and quality of life was examined. Barriers and facilitators to increased community participation were identified. Most studies had a moderate to high risk of bias. CONCLUSION: Adults with autism participate in a range of independent and community activities. The impact of community participation on quality of life and mental health warrants further exploration. Future studies should find effective ways of supporting adults with autism to participate in the community.

Effects of physical activity on behaviour and emotional problems, mental health and psychosocial well-being in children and adolescents with intellectual disability: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review aimed to explore the effects of sport and physical activity on behaviour and emotional problems, mental health and psychosocial well-being of children and adolescents with intellectual disability. METHOD: Five databases were searched systematically (ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SportDISCUS and SCOPUS), up to 28 February 2021. Thirty-two studies met criteria for inclusion. RESULTS: Studies in this review included case studies (n = 15), treatment trials (n = 14), cross sectional studies (n = 2) and a cohort study (n = 1). Evidence was positive, though high risk of bias in treatment trials (7 of 14 rated high) meant generalisability of results was limited. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence suggests a positive relationship between physical activity and improved behaviour and emotional problems, mental health and psychosocial well-being; however, more robust randomised controlled trials are required to confirm this.

Psychological interventions for depression in children and young people with an intellectual disability and/or autism: systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Children and young people with intellectual disability and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (autism) experience higher rates of mental health problems, including depression, than their typically developing peers. Although international guidelines suggest psychological therapies as first-line intervention for children and young people, there is limited evidence for psychological therapy for depression in children and young people with intellectual disability and/or autism. AIMS: To evaluate the current evidence base for psychological interventions for depression in children and young people with intellectual disability and/or autism, and examine the experiences of children and young people with intellectual disability and/or autism, their families and therapists, in receiving and delivering psychological treatment for depression. METHOD: Databases were searched up to 30 April 2020 using pre-defined search terms and criteria. Articles were independently screened and assessed for risk of bias. Data were synthesised and reported in a narrative review format. RESULTS: A total of 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. Four identified studies were clinical case reports and six were quasi-experimental or experimental studies. All studies were assessed as being of moderate or high risk of bias. Participants with intellectual disability were included in four studies. There was limited data on the experiences of young people, their families or therapists in receiving or delivering psychological treatment for depression. CONCLUSIONS: Well-designed, randomised controlled trials are critical to develop an evidence base for psychological treatment for young people with intellectual disability and/or autism with depression. Future research should evaluate the treatment experiences of young people, their families and therapists.