Predictors of autism spectrum disorder diagnosis in a spanish sample of preterm children with very low birthweight: A cross-sectional study.

Background and Aims: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a higher likelihood of being diagnosed in preterm populations. Likewise, low birthweight has also been connected with an increased likelihood of ASD. The objectives were to study the frequency and define the relationship between ASD, gestational age, birthweight, and growth percentiles for preterm children. Methods: A sample of preterm children with very low birthweight was selected from the Spanish population at 7-10 years old. Families were contacted from the hospital, and they were offered an appointment to conduct a neuropsychological assessment. The children who showed signs of ASD were referred to the diagnostic unit for differential diagnosis. Results: A total of 57 children completed full assessments, with 4 confirmed ASD diagnoses. The estimated prevalence was 7.02%. There were statistically significant weak correlations between ASD and gestational age (τb = -0.23), and birthweight (τb = -0.25), suggesting there is a higher likelihood of developing ASD for those born smaller or earlier in their gestation. Conclusion: These results could improve ASD detection and outcomes for this vulnerable population while also supporting and enhancing previous findings.

Perceptions of Older People with Cognitive Impairment, Caregivers, and Professionals about ehcoBUTLER (Tablet Health Care Platform): A Qualitative Focus Group Study.

EhcoBUTLER is a tablet platform mainly aimed at the elderly with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to promote their well-being and health. The main objective of this study was to explore the perceptions and feedback level of the ehcoBUTLER potential users and stakeholders to improve its development. Through this exploration, the secondary objective was to contribute to the development of software/apps that promote their integral health. Focus groups were conducted (13 elderly with MCI, 13 with dementia, 12 caregivers, 11 professionals). The content and feedback level were analyzed. Participants liked the appearance of ehcoBUTLER, would like to use it, and were mainly interested in the emotional, healthy lifestyle, cognitive, and ergonomic tools. It is necessary to have prior training, more intuitive/customizable apps, low-price/free, offline/USB content, and add other activities/features. EhcoBUTLER is well-oriented to meet the needs and preferences of potential users. However, improvements in its usability, accessibility, and sustainability are needed. The participants' perspectives provided a comprehensive view to improve ehcoBUTLER, so that in the future, it can benefit the elderly to be active agents in their health; support caregivers in their role and to have a respite; and professionals to have a multi-intervention platform. The present findings can contribute to the development of tablet software/apps that promote the integral well-being of this population.

Determinants of satisfaction with the detection process of autism in Europe: Results from the ASDEU study.

LAY ABSTRACT: Professional guidance and support in response to first concerns appears to be an important predictor of the level of satisfaction with the detection process of autism in young children. In this study, we analyzed the views of 1342 family members, including 1278 parents, who completed an online survey form collecting information about their experience and satisfaction with the early detection of autism in their child. Specifically, we were interested in how specific experiences with the detection process relate to the satisfaction with it and whether we could identify important predictors of satisfaction. The detection process is an emotionally charged period for parents, often described as painful, chaotic, and lengthy. A better understanding of their experiences is important to take appropriate action to improve the detection process. In our sample, the level of satisfaction with the detection process varied greatly from one respondent to another. Among the different experiences we considered, whether or not respondents received professional guidance and support in response to first concerns explained most of this variation. We also found that difficulty finding information about detection services, lack of professional guidance and support in response to first concerns, having to find a diagnostic service on one's own, and longer delays between confirmation of concerns and first appointment with a specialist were experiences associated with a greater likelihood of being unsatisfied. The findings of this study highlight the importance of the parent-professional relationship in the detection process and have important practical implications for health administrations to improve the detection process.

Correction to: Early Detection, Diagnosis and Intervention Services for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the European Union (ASDEU): Family and Professional Perspectives.

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake in one of the co-author's family name. The correct name should be María Victoria Martín-Cilleros instead of María Victoria Cilleros-Martín.

Reflexiones en torno a la investigación con métodos mixtos / Reflexão sobre pesquisa com métodos mistos / Reflections on research with mixed methods

Objetivo Se presenta una reflexión teórica basada en la experiencia de los autores como investigadores y docentes de unidades curriculares de Metodologías de Investigación. Método reflexión teórica-filosófica. Resultados la dicotomía entre los enfoques cualitativos y cuantitativos dio lugar a la discusión sobre la necesidad de pensar en la posibilidad de combinar estos métodos con el objetivo de responder a los nuevos y complejos problemas de investigación con los que actualmente nos enfrentamos. Esta discusión se transformó en una disputa que algunos autores apodaron "Science War", debido a los desafíos metodológicos y epistemológicos de esta combinación que, por su vez, dio origen a los Métodos Mixtos (Mixed Methods). La reflexión que se propone se centra en algunas de las principales cuestiones que surgen en el ámbito de las actuales discusiones entre investigadores y reflejan/traducen algunas de las inquietudes de los mismos.

Objetivo se presenta una reflexión teórica basada en la experiencia de los autores como investigadores y docentes de unidades curriculares de Metodologías de Investigación. Método reflexión teórica-filosófica. Resultados la dicotomía entre los enfoques cualitativos y cuantitativos dio lugar a la discusión sobre la necesidad de pensar en la posibilidad de combinar estos métodos con el objetivo de responder a los nuevos y complejos problemas de investigación con los que actualmente nos enfrentamos. Esta discusión se transformó en una disputa que algunos autores apodaron "Science War", debido a los desafíos metodológicos y epistemológicos de esta combinación que, por su vez, dio origen a los Métodos Mixtos (Mixed Methods). La reflexión que se propone se centra en algunas de las principales cuestiones que surgen en el ámbito de las actuales discusiones entre investigadores y reflejan/traducen algunas de las inquietudes de los mismos.

Objective this study presents a theoretical reflection based on the experience of the authors as researchers and professors of curricular units of research methodologies. Method theoretical-philosophical reflection. Results the dichotomy between qualitative and quantitative approaches originated the discussion on the need to think about the possibility of combining these methods aiming to answer the new and complex research problems currently facing us. This discussion was transformed into a dispute that some authors nicknamed "Science War", due to the methodological and epistemological challenges of this combination, which, in its turn, originated the Mixed Methods. The proposed reflection focuses on some of the main issues that arise in the scope of the current discussions between researchers and reflecting/translating some of their concerns.

Addressing Suicide Risk According to Different Healthcare Professionals in Spain: A Qualitative Study.

This study analyzes the views of four groups of healthcare professionals who may play a role in the management of suicidal behavior. The goal was to identify key factors for suicide prevention in different areas of the healthcare system. Qualitative research was conducted using focus groups made up of different healthcare professionals who participated in the identification, management, and prevention of suicidal behavior. Professionals included were primary care physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, and emergency physicians. 'Suicide' was amongst the most relevant terms that came up in discussions most of the times it appeared associated with words such as 'risk', danger', or 'harm'. In the analysis by categories, the four groups of professionals agreed that interventions in at-risk behaviors are first in importance. Prevention was the second main concern with greater significance among psychiatrists. Primary care professionals call for more time to address patients at risk for suicide and easier access to and communication with the mental health network. Emergency care professionals have a lack of awareness of their role in the detection of risk for suicide in patients who seek attention at emergency care facilities for reasons of general somatic issues. Mental health care professionals are in high demand in cases of self-harm, but they would like to receive specific training in dealing with suicidal behavior.

Modified checklist for autism in toddlers: cross-cultural adaptation and validation in Spain.

Early detection and treatment have been shown to be effective in reducing disability severity caused by Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). As Spanish pediatricians have no detection tool, the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) was first translated into and culturally adapted to Spanish. Validity and reliability studies were carried out in two different geographical areas of Spain, where M-CHAT was administered to two different samples, namely: 2,480 high- and low-risk children; and 2,055 low-risk children. The results obtained were similar to those yielded by the original M-CHAT studies. Differences were found in positive predictive value, due to the low ASD frequency observed in this study. M-CHAT is still being studied in a large population-based screening program in Spain.