Authentic Perspectives on Autistic Resilience: Implications for Schools and Society

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Authentic Perspectives on Autistic Resilience: Implications for Schools and Society Marshall University Marshall Digital Scholar Theses, Dissertations and Capstones 2020 Authentic Perspectives on Autistic Resilience: Implications for Schools and Society Andrew Nelson Marshall University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://mds.marshall.edu/etd Part of the Developmental Psychology Commons, Development Studies Commons, Disability Studies Commons, and the Education Commons Recommended Citation Nelson, Andrew, "Authentic Perspectives on Autistic Resilience: Implications for Schools and Society" (2020). Theses, Dissertations and Capstones. 1279. https://mds.marshall.edu/etd/1279 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by Marshall Digital Scholar. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses, Dissertations and Capstones by an authorized administrator of Marshall Digital Scholar. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. AUTHENTIC PERSPECTIVES ON AUTISTIC RESILIENCE: IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOLS AND SOCIETY A dissertation submitted to the Graduate College of Marshall University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education In Leadership Studies by Andrew Nelson Approved by Dr. Dennis M. Anderson, Committee Chairperson Dr. Charles Bethel Dr. Edna Meisel Marshall University May 2020 © 2020 Andrew Joseph Nelson ALL RIGHTS RESERVED iii DEDICATION I dedicate this dissertation to my friend and mentor Dr. Valerie Paradiz. Val, without your guidance, creativity, and kindness I would still be in the dark; thank you for all you have taught me and for bringing me into the light. iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Sincere gratitude and appreciation go out to several of my professors, colleagues, neighbors, and loved ones. The doctoral faculty of the College of Education and Professional Development at Marshall University deserve countless thanks for creating a program that maintains the essential elements of community despite the many miles between its participants. I am proud to be one of the Daughters and Sons of Marshall. Specifically, I thank Dr. Dennis Anderson, my committee Chair, for his wisdom and guidance. Dr. Anderson provided the kind of discernment and support one needs to complete a project of this scope. Committee members Dr. Charles Bethel and Dr. Edna Meisel brought unique perspectives and encouragement to the committee; I tremendously value their role in helping this research become a reality. Dr. Bobbi Nicholson was also an excellent professor and guide, and I thank her for her gracious help in preparing this dissertation. I acknowledge Dr. David Moran and Ms. Lori Wall for providing the sparks of creativity and support that reinvigorated my life-long dream of completing a doctoral course of study. My boss and great friend Dr. L. Marc Ellison essentially gave the final nudge to let me know it was time to commit to pursuing this dream. I am forever grateful for his guidance and for the unending encouragement from my colleagues at the West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University. Pranav Rajgopal, Brandon Stump, Steven George, WV ATC Leadership Institute participants, members of the Autistic Global Initiative, and other friends with ASD have played an immeasurable role in my growth and understanding. Thank you for your openness, passion, and exemplary narratives. Together we can make the world a place where autistics can more freely exist and flourish. v My family deserves the highest level of thanks. They have been with me from the time I left my driveway to interview for the Educational Leadership doctoral program to the moment I completed my research; their support and patience have made all of the difference. Thank you for being onboard for every phase of this process. I vow to use the knowledge this experience has afforded to do what I can to improve the world around us. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Tables ................................................................................................................................. xi List of Figures ............................................................................................................................. xiiii Abstract ........................................................................................................................................ xiii Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1 Background ....................................................................................................................... 1 Resilience Definitions and TheoryBackground ......................................................... 1 Risk and Protective Factors ....................................................................................... 4 Resilience and Positive Psychology........................................................................... 5 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Adversity ..................................................... 6 Statement of Problem ........................................................................................................ 7 Purpose .............................................................................................................................. 8 Research Questions ........................................................................................................... 8 Significance....................................................................................................................... 9 Definitions of Terms ....................................................................................................... 10 Limitations and Delimitations......................................................................................... 12 Methods........................................................................................................................... 12 Chapter 2: Review of Literature ................................................................................................... 14 Resilience Definitions and Theory .................................................................................. 14 History...................................................................................................................... 14 Essential Definitions ................................................................................................ 15 Adversity, Risks, and Protections ............................................................................ 16 Common Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Adversity Factors .................................... 17 vii Suicidality ................................................................................................................ 18 Early Mortality ......................................................................................................... 18 Maltreatment ............................................................................................................ 19 Challenges with Transition to Adulthood ................................................................ 20 Exisiting Literature on Autistic Resilience ..................................................................... 20 Resilience Approaches to ASD ....................................................................................... 22 Positive Psychology and Resilience......................................................................... 22 Authentic Input from ASD Community ......................................................................... 24 Chapter 3: Research Methods ....................................................................................................... 26 Data Overview ................................................................................................................ 26 Research Design.............................................................................................................. 26 Connection to Research Questions ................................................................................. 27 Sample Population .......................................................................................................... 27 Instrumentation ............................................................................................................... 29 Data Collection ............................................................................................................... 29 Data Analysis .................................................................................................................. 30 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................... 31 Chapter 4: Presentation and Analysis of Data .............................................................................. 32 Data Collection ............................................................................................................... 32 Participant Characteristics .............................................................................................. 33 Major Findings ................................................................................................................ 33 Research Question 1 ................................................................................................ 34 viii Internal Protective Factors ................................................................................ 34 External Protective Factors ..............................................................................
Recommended publications
  • The Experiences of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants Encountering Workplace Incivility
    Resilience, Dysfunctional Behavior, and Sensemaking: The Experiences of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants Encountering Workplace Incivility by James P. McGinnis B.S. as Physician Associate, May 1995, The University of Oklahoma MPAS in Emergency Medicine, May 2002, The University of Nebraska A Dissertation submitted to The Faculty of The Graduate School of Education and Human Development of The George Washington University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education May 16, 2021 Dissertation directed by Shaista E. Khilji Professor of Human and Organizational Learning and International Affairs The Graduate School of Education and Human Development of The George Washington University certifies that James Patrick McGinnis, II has passed the Final Examination for the degree of Doctor of Education as of December 7, 2020. This is the final and approved form of the dissertation. Resilience, Dysfunctional Behavior, and Sensemaking: The Experiences of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants Encountering Workplace Incivility James P. McGinnis Dissertation Research Committee: Shaista E. Khilji, Professor of Human and Organizational Learning, Dissertation Director Ellen F. Goldman, Professor of Human and Organizational Learning, Committee Member Neal E. Chalofsky, Associate Professor Emeritus, Committee Member ii Dedication To the unheralded Spartans of emergency medicine, themselves committed to the art of healing, who willingly stand in the breech between sickness and health, between life and death, and ultimately between chaos and order. iii Acknowledgement No person stands as an island. Despite our cries of independence, rugged individualism, and self-sufficiency, none of us attain success wholly upon our singular efforts. We are intimately intertwined with those who surround us and the relationships that we encounter throughout our lived experiences.
    [Show full text]
  • Collaborative and Inclusive Process with the Autism Community: a Case Study in Colombia About Social Robot Design
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Ghent University Academic Bibliography International Journal of Social Robotics https://doi.org/10.1007/s12369-020-00627-y Collaborative and Inclusive Process with the Autism Community: A Case Study in Colombia About Social Robot Design Andrés A. Ramírez-Duque1,6 · Luis F. Aycardi2 · Adriana Villa3 · Marcela Munera2 · Teodiano Bastos1 · Tony Belpaeme4,5 · Anselmo Frizera-Neto1 · Carlos A. Cifuentes2 Accepted: 18 January 2020 © Springer Nature B.V. 2020 Abstract One of the most promising areas in which social assistive robotics has been introduced is therapeutic intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders (CwASD). Even though there are promising results in therapeutic contexts, there is a lack of guidelines on how to select the appropriate robot and how to design and implement the child–robot interaction. The use of participatory design (PD) methods in the design of technology-based processes for CwASD is a recognition of the stakeholders as “experts” in their fields. This work explores the benefits brought by the use of PD methods in the design of a social robot, with a specific focus on their use in autism spectrum disorders therapies on the Colombian autism community. Based on what proved to be effective in our previous research, we implemented participatory methods for both the CwASD and the stakeholders. The process leverages the active role of participants using a focus group approach with parents and specialists, and scene cards, narrative and handmade generative methods with the children. To overcome some challenges of traditional PD processes, where not all community actors are considered, we included a Colombian community consisting of therapists, nurses, caregivers and parents.
    [Show full text]
  • Resilience in Health and Illness
    Psychiatria Danubina, 2020; Vol. 32, Suppl. 2, pp 226-232 Review © Medicinska naklada - Zagreb, Croatia RESILIENCE IN HEALTH AND ILLNESS 1,2 3 1,4 2 1 Romana Babiü , Mario Babiü , Pejana Rastoviü , Marina ûurlin , Josip Šimiü , 1 5 Kaja Mandiü & Katica Pavloviü 1Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina 2Department of Psychiatry, University Clinical Hospital Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina 3Faculty of Science and Education University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina 4Department of Surgery, University Clinical Hospital Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina 5Department of Urology, University Clinical Hospital Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina received: 11.4.2020; revised: 24.4.2020; accepted: 2.5.2020 SUMMARY Resilience is a relatively new concept that lacks clarity although it is increasingly used in everyday conversation and across various disciplines. The term was first introduced into psychology and psychiatry from technical sciences and afterwards thorough medicine and healthcare. It represents a complex set of various protective and salutogenic factors and process important for understanding health and illness, and treatment and healing processes. It is defined as a protective factor that makes an individual more resilient to adverse events that lead to positive developmental outcomes. Resilience is a positive adaptation after stressful situations and it represents mechanisms of coping and rising above difficult experiences, i.e., the capacity of a person to successfully adapt to change, resist the negative impact of stressors and avoid occurrence of significant dysfunctions. It represents the ability to return to the previous, so-called "normal" or healthy condition after trauma, accident, tragedy, or illness. In other words, resilience refers to the ability to cope with difficult, stressful and traumatic situations while maintaining or restoring normal functioning.
    [Show full text]
  • How Educators Can Nurture Resilience in High-Risk Children and Their Families
    HOW EDUCATORS CAN NURTURE RESILIENCE IN HIGH-RISK CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES Donald Meichenbaum, Ph.D. Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of Waterloo Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and Research Director of The Melissa Institute for Violence Prevention and Treatment Miami, Florida www.melissainstitute.org and www.TeachSafeSchools.org University of Waterloo Contact: (Oct. – May) Department of Psychology Donald Meichenbaum Waterloo, Ontario 215 Sand Key Estates Drive Canada N2L 3G1 Clearwater, FL 33767 Phone: (519) 885-1211 ext. 2551 Email: [email protected] Meichenbaum 2 WAYS TO BOLSTER RESILIENCE IN CHILDREN In the aftermath of both natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes), and man-made trauma (e.g., terrorist attacks), educators are confronted with the challenging question of how to help their students and families cope and recover from stressful events. There are lessons to be learned from those children and families who evidence “resilience” in the face of stressful events. To introduce this topic, consider the following question: “Are there any children in your school who, when you first heard of their backgrounds, you had a great deal of concern about them? Now when you see them in the hall, you have a sense of pride that they are part of your school. These children may cause you to wonder, ‘How can that be?’” This question has been posed to educators by one of the founders of the research on resilience in children, Norman Garmezy. It reflects the increasing interest in how children who grow up in challenging circumstances and who have experienced traumatic events “make it” against the odds.
    [Show full text]
  • Measuring Post-Secondary Student Resilience Through the Child & Youth Resilience Measure and the Brief Resilience Scale
    Measuring Post-Secondary Student Resilience Through the Child & Youth Resilience Measure and the Brief Resilience Scale by Hany Soliman A thesis submitted in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Higher Education Graduate Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education The Ontario Institute for Studies in Education University of Toronto © Copyright by Hany Soliman 2017 Measuring Post-Secondary Student Resilience Through the Child & Youth Resilience Measure and the Brief Resilience Scale Master of Arts 2017 Hany Soliman Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education University of Toronto Abstract This thesis examines how the Child & Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM-12) and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) measure post-secondary student resilience as viewed by the University of Toronto in Toronto, Canada, which breaks down resilience into competence domains and adaptive resources. Cognitive interviews were conducted to assess item comprehension, with some items causing confusion with students. The two scales were administered in a survey instrument for a sample of 87 second- and third-year undergraduate students. Internal consistency reliability is high for both the CYRM-12 (Cronbach’s alpha = .82) and the BRS (Cronbach’s alpha = .83). Exploratory Factor Analysis yielded a 3-factor solution for the CYRM-12 representing family, friends and community, and a 1-factor solution for the BRS representing the ability to recover from stress. Scores from both scales indicate strengths in motivation and achievement orientation with more variability in familial relations and community belongingness. Limitations include a low response rate. ii Acknowledgments I am both grateful for and humbled by this opportunity to conduct a master’s thesis project.
    [Show full text]
  • Model Reveals New Links Between Autism and Fragile X
    Spectrum | Autism Research News https://www.spectrumnews.org NEWS Model reveals new links between autism and fragile X BY EMILY SINGER 17 SEPTEMBER 2012 Strange synapses: Mice lacking NLGN3 develop abnormal neuronal connections (yellow) at one end of certain cells (blue) in the cerebellum. Strange synapses: Mice lacking NLGN3 develop abnormal neuronal connections (yellow) at one end of certain cells (blue) in the cerebellum. Mice that lack the autism-linked gene neuroligin-3 (NLGN3) show similar deficits in neurons to those seen in fragile X syndrome, according to research published 13 September in Science1. Specifically, the mice have defects in neuronal plasticity, a brain cell’s ability to alter the strength of synapses, the connections between neurons. Restoring the gene in adolescent mice reverses the problem, suggesting a potential pathway for treatment. The findings add to growing evidence that some aspects of autism may be treatable into adulthood. “A key question with neurodevelopmental disorders like autism is to what extent can dysfunctional circuits formed during development be repaired?” says Peter Scheiffele, professor of cell biology 1 / 4 Spectrum | Autism Research News https://www.spectrumnews.org and biological development at the University of Basel in Switzerland, and the study’s lead investigator. “We see that a substantial amount of inappropriate synapses can be rescued in the adult.” The research also supports the idea that studying so-called syndromic forms of autism, such as fragile X, which are further along in drug development than are more common forms of autism, will shed light on the molecular underpinnings of the disorder. “I was quite excited about this paper because it links what may be very different genetic causes of autism to perhaps similar mechanistic and therapeutic targets,” says Kimberly Huber, associate professor of neuroscience at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
    [Show full text]
  • The Impact of Family, Community, and Resilience on African-American Young Adults Who Had Parents Incarcerated During Childhood" (2011)
    Andrews University Digital Commons @ Andrews University Dissertations Graduate Research 2011 The Impact of Family, Community, and Resilience on African- American Young Adults Who Had Parents Incarcerated During Childhood Marilyn Diana Ming Andrews University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dissertations Part of the Child Psychology Commons, and the Developmental Psychology Commons Recommended Citation Ming, Marilyn Diana, "The Impact of Family, Community, and Resilience on African-American Young Adults Who Had Parents Incarcerated During Childhood" (2011). Dissertations. 583. https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dissertations/583 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Research at Digital Commons @ Andrews University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Andrews University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Thank you for your interest in the Andrews University Digital Library of Dissertations and Theses. Please honor the copyright of this document by not duplicating or distributing additional copies in any form without the author’s express written permission. Thanks for your cooperation. ABSTRACT THE IMPACT OF FAMILY, COMMUNITY, AND RESILIENCE ON AFRICAN-AMERICAN YOUNG ADULTS WHO HAD PARENTS INCARCERATED DURING CHILDHOOD by Marilyn Diana Ming Chair: Sylvia Gonzalez ABSTRACT OF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH Dissertation Andrews University School of Education Title: THE IMPACT OF FAMILY, COMMUNITY, AND RESILIENCE ON AFRICAN-AMERICAN YOUNG ADULTS WHO HAD PARENTS INCARCERATED DURING CHILDHOOD Name of researcher: Marilyn Diana Ming Name and degree of faculty chair: Sylvia Gonzalez, Ph.D. Date completed: July 2011 Problem Parental incarceration affects millions of children, and their numbers continue to rise.
    [Show full text]
  • 100 Day Kit for Newly Diagnosed Families of School Age Children
    100 Day Kit for Newly Diagnosed Families of School Age Children FAMILY SERVICES DECEMBER 2014 100 DAY KIT FOR SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN The Autism Speaks 100 Day Kit is a tool designed to help assist families of children recently diagnosed with autism during the critical period following an autism diagnosis. The 100 Day Kit for School Age Children was released in 2014 and adapted from the 2010 Asperger Syndrome/High-Functioning Autism Tool Kit after the DSM-5 was published. The kits were created by the Autism Speaks Family Services staff in conjunction with both an advisory committee and the Family Services Committee. Autism Speaks would like to extend special thanks to the Advisory Committee for the time and effort that they put into reviewing this kit: 100 Day Kit for School Age Children Mel Karmazin* Advisory Committee Grandparent Ann Brendel Brian Kelly * ** Parent Geraldine Dawson, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Artie Kempner* Behavioral Sciences Parent Duke University Medical Center Gary S. Mayerson* Lauren Elder, Ph.D. Founding Attorney, Mayerson & Associates Director, Ascent Psychological Services Kevin Murray* Peter F. Gerhardt, Ed.D. Parent Former President, Organization for Autism Research (OAR) Linda Meyer, Ed.D. Kerry Magro, M.A. Executive Director, Autism New Jersey Autism Speaks Social Media Coordinator, Danny Openden, Ph.D., B.C.B.A.-D. Self-advocate President and CEO, Southwest Autism Research and Valerie Paradiz, Ph.D. Resource Center (SARRC) Director, Valerie Paradiz, LLC Valerie Paradiz, Ph.D. Director Autistic Global Initiative Director, Valerie Paradiz, LLC Parent and self-advocate Director Autistic Global Initiative Patricia R.
    [Show full text]
  • Refugee Children Traumatized by War and Violence: the Challenge Offered to the Service Delivery System
    DOCUMENT RESUME 1 ED 326 598 UD 027 845 ; AUTHOR Benjamin, Marva P.; Morgan, Patti C. TITLE' Refugee Children Traumatized by War and Violence: The Challenge Offered to the Service Delivery System. I TnsTITUTION Georgetown Univ. Cnild Development Center, t 3hington, DC. CASSP Technical Assistance Center. SPONS AGENCY Health Resources and Serwces Administration keHHS/PHS), Rockville, MD. Office for Maternal and Child Health Services.; National Inst. of Mental Health (DHHS), Rockville, MD. Child and Adolescent ' Service System Program. PUB DATE Apr 89 NOTE 61p.; Proceedings of the Conference on Refugee Children Traumatized by War and Violence (2ethesda, MD, Jeptember 28-30, 1988). AVAILABLE FROM CASSP Technical Assistance Center, Georgetown University Child Development Center, 3800 Reservoir Rd., N.W., Washington, DC 20007. PUB TYPr Reports - Evaluative/Feasibility (142) -- '7..:lected Works Conference Proceedings (021) EDRS PRICE MF01/PC03 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS *Adjustment (to Environment); Agency Cooperation; *Childhood Needs; *Cooperative Programs; *Cultural Awareness; Educational Needs; Mental HealLn Programs; *Minority Group Children; Models; *Refugses; Urban Programs ABSTRACT This document summarizes issues presented by 16 scholars, researchers, and practitioners from the United States and Canada at a conference on refugee children traumatized by war and 1 violence and suggests a service delivery model for these children and 1 1 their families. A larz,e percentage of the legal and illegal i immigrants who have entered the Uniteu States since the Refugee Act 1 of 198n are children who require assistance from community-based institut:.ons. These children present the following problems to the human services delivery system: (1) lack of a common language; (2) culturally different concepts of illner,s and health; (3) educational deficiencies; and (4) fee- of "foreign" treatment approaches.
    [Show full text]
  • An Investigation of the Resilience of Community College Students with Chronic Physical
    An Investigation of the Resilience of Community College Students with Chronic Physical Health Impairments A dissertation presented to the faculty of The Patton College of Education of Ohio University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy Mary Beth Held August 2017 © 2017 Mary Beth Held. All Rights Reserved. 2 This dissertation titled An Investigation of the Resilience of Community College Students with Chronic Physical Health Impairments by MARY BETH HELD has been approved for the Department of Counseling and Higher Education and The Patton College of Education by Peter C. Mather Professor of Counseling and Higher Education Renée A. Middleton Dean, The Patton College of Education 3 Abstract HELD, MARY BETH, Ph.D., August 2017, Higher Education An Investigation of the Resilience of Community College Students with Chronic Physical Health Impairments Director of dissertation: Peter C. Mather One population of students who are commonly overlooked in research but are a significant population attending community colleges is students living with chronic physical impairments (CPIs) such as irritable bowel syndrome, migraine headaches, and diabetes. To address the gap in scholarly research, I utilized an asset-based approach to understand the lived experiences of students who are persisting at one rural community college in Appalachia. My investigation utilized a phenomenological methodology to form descriptive themes. Through purposeful random sampling and snowball sampling, 14 participants living with CPIs who had a minimum GPA of a 2.0 and had completed two or more semesters of college were interviewed. Through in-depth face-to-face interviews lasting 60 to 90 minutes, participants provided rich data.
    [Show full text]
  • Materials to Help Convince Your Self-Funded Company to Provide an Insurance Benefit for Autism
    Materials to Help Convince Your Self-funded Company to Provide an Insurance Benefit for Autism Lorri Unumb, Esq. Autism Speaks [email protected] Table of Contents Letter from Lorri . Presentation Slides . Sample Letters to the Company . List of Companies that offer an Autism Benefit . Examples of policy language . Letter from Lorri explaining the issue Sincerely yours, Lorri Shealy Unumb, J.D. Senior Policy Advisor & Counsel Autism Speaks Autism Coverage Benefits The Self-funded Company Lorri Unumb, Esq. Autism Speaks [email protected] What is Autism? • Autism is a medical condition, brought on through no fault of the family. • Autism affects a person’s communication abilities and social skills, and often causes repetitive patterns of behavior. • Autism is diagnosed by a medical doctor (usually a developmental pediatrician). • Treatment is prescribed by a medical doctor. “Autism” • The term “autism” is often used imprecisely: – some people use it interchangeably with “autism spectrum disorder” – others use it to mean one of the autism spectrum disorders. • In fact, there are 3 distinct diagnoses within the family of autism spectrum disorders. (See chart on next slide.) • Across the spectrum, people vary greatly in terms of type and severity of deficits. Pervasive There are 5 Pervasive Developmental Developmental Disorders (PDDs). Disorders Within the 5 PDDs, there are 3 Autism (the umbrella category Spectrum Disorders in the DSM-IV) (ASDs), shown in purple below. Autistic Asperge Pervasive r’s Disorder Developmental Syndro (classic me Disorder – Not autism) Otherwise Specified a/k/a “autism” (PDD-NOS) Less than Approx. ½ of all ASDs 1/3 of all 1/6 ASDs of all ASDs Rett’s Syndrome Curable? Treatable? • Although there is no known cure for autism, it can be treated so that the symptoms are not disabling.
    [Show full text]
  • Disorders and Emotionalitturbances; Treatment, Needs and Mental Health' Services; and Dissemination and Use of Research Results
    DOCUMENT RESUME ED 112 612 EC 080 036 , AUTHOR Segal, Julius, Ed.; Boomer, Donald S.,-Ed. TITLE Research in the Service of Mental Health: Summary Report of the Research Task Force of the National Institute o4 Mental Mealth. INSTITUTION National Inst. of Mental Health (DHEW), Rockville, Md. REPORT NO DHEW-A'DM -75 -237 PUB DATE 75 NOTE 107p.; For the complete report see EC 080 035 AVAILABLE FROM Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 (Order No. ADM-75-237) EDRS PRICE' MF-$0.76 HC-$5.70 Plus Postage DESCRIPTORS Alcoholism; Behavior Patterns; Biological Influences; *Emotionally Disturbed; Exceptional Child Education; Information Dissemination; *Mental: Health; Psychological Characteristics; *Psychological SerVices; *Reseaich Reviews (Publications); Social Adjustment; Social Influences; Therapy ABSTRACT Presented,is a summary of the findings and recommendations of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Task Force on Research in the Service of Mental Health. Research is discussed on topics which include background and organization of NIMH research ptograms; biological, psychological, and s0Ekocultural influences on behavior; role and support of basic research; mental illness and behavior disorders; critical developmental periods; alcohol abuse and alcoholism; drug abuse; social problems; mental disorders and emotionalitturbances; treatment, needs and mental health' services; and dissemination and use of research results. Common report themes are noted which are pervasive substantive needs (such as more information on preventive factors), pervasive needs in the interest ofocontinued research (such as improved methodologies), the need to broaden the use of research findings, the need for synthesis and integration, and the need for better_ communication and' coordination.
    [Show full text]