4,144 research outputs found
Case report : autism spectrum disorder symptomology and child pornography
No full textPurpose: Allely and Dubin (2018) and Allely et al. (2019) have emphasised that there are a range of innate vulnerabilities in many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are charged with the viewing of indecent images of children (IIOC). Currently, the association between ASD and the viewing of IIOC is poorly recognised and understood both by the general public and clinical and legal professionals. Design/methodology/approach:This is a detailed case study exploring the contributory role of ASD symptomology in the viewing of IIOC. In this case study, the experience of the criminal justice system is also explored. Findings: It is hoped that this case study will provide insight into and understanding of the association and raise awareness of the need to consider this at all stages of the criminal justice system, including in sentencing decisions. It will also more effectively inform the development of appropriate preventative strategies and timely interventions. Originality/value: To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first detailed case study which explores the contributory role of ASD symptomology in the viewing of IIOC in the academic peer-reviewed literature
The contributory role of autism symptomology in child pornography offending : why there is an urgent need for empirical research in this area
No full textPurpose As recently highlighted by Creaby-Attwood and Allely (2017) it is crucial that the possible innatevulnerabilities that contributed to sexual offending behaviour in an individual with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are taken into consideration for the application of a diversion program to avoid the stigma of a criminal conviction or during sentencing for a non-custodial outcome. Specifically, in those defendants with a diagnosis of what used to be referred to as Asperger's Syndrome (AS) and now is recognised as an ASD and who are charged and convicted of a non-contact sexual offence, education and mental health intervention will best serve the interests of justice. Design/methodology/approach This paper focuses on one particular type of sexual offending behaviour, namely, possession of childpornography. A systematic PRISMA review was conducted. Findings The authors linked examples of child pornography in the research literature to the ASD symptomology and describe how the symptomology explains such behaviour as not reflecting actual sexual deviance. Originality/value Downloading and viewing of child pornography by individuals with ASD has received relatively little research outside the mental health field. This review is of particular importance to those in the criminal justice system who may not have much knowledge and understanding of ASD. It is suggested that diversion programmes and mental health courts should be set up for this particular population charged with this particular crime in mind so that the necessary treatment/intervention/support and care can be given to this particular group. Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Asperger’s syndrome; child pornography; child exploitative material; pretrial diversio
PiLa-CS Professional Learning Community - Workshop 2 Resources
No full textDuring the Summer of 2021 and 2022, the Participating in Literacies and Computer Science (PiLa-CS) Research Practice Partnership convened and supported a community of practice to learn more about how to enable better CS teaching for emergent bilinguals. These are materials from Workshop 2 of the PLC.Sponsored by the National Science Foundation under NSF grant CNS-1738645 and DRL-1837446. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation
Investigating the perceived effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) treatment in adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and the impact on neuropsychological, emotional and behavioural functioning and quality of life : a case series analysis
No full textChildhood sexual abuse (CSA) is an ongoing issue (WHO, 2017) with 1 in 20children annually reported as being abused in the UK (NSPCC, 2019; Radford et al,2011). Many child survivors are of adolescent or young adult age before they requesthelp from relevant services (HAVOCA, 2021; NSPCC, 2018; Noel, Dogaru, and Ellis,2015; Flatley, 2017). The aim of this study was to investigate the perceivedexperiences of six young adult female survivors of CSA of their EMDR treatment aswell as an assessment of the changes in the individual trauma stress response. Thiscase series analysis explored (a) neuropsychological, emotional (namely low selfesteem, anxiety and depression), behavioural functioning and quality of life issuesusing descriptive statistics via outcome measures conducted before, during and aftertreatment and (b) client perspectives through qualitative interviewing at one-monthfollow-up to ensure adequate time was allowed to monitor changes using ThematicAnalysis [TA]. The study setting was within the Improving Access to PsychologicalTherapies (IAPT) program framework, established to ensure service users accessingNHS treatment are presented with choice in their treatment.The triangulation of data in this study allowed for a deeper analysis of theexperiences of adult CSA survivors undergoing EMDR treatment beyond anexamination of differences in pre and post outcome measures. The descriptivestatistics suggested overall positive changes in participant functioning in allmeasured domains (three positive, two moderate outcome cases and one scepticalno-improvement case; based on independent research rater feedback) howevervariable differences in neuropsychological processing from pre- to post-treatment.The descriptive statistics were limited in their generalisability because of certainlimitations in data collection as inhibited by COVID-19 restrictions and because ofthe small sample size. Three key themes were identified in the qualitative analysiswhich contributed to the literature on treatment of adult CSA survivors by identifyingwhich factors the clients identified as helpful and unhelpful to their treatment. Thesethemes were identified as being an ‘Unhelpful’ process (service time restrictions, fearof the lack of confidentiality, fear of emotional reprocessing), ‘Helpful’ aspects oftherapy (client choice in treatment, therapist interpersonal and professional skills,psychological resourcing, idiosyncratic approaches) and ‘Mixed Responses’ due to COVID-19 (face-to-face vs remote working). Overall, this study contributed to theliterature about EMDR treatment for adult CSA survivors by shedding insight into theperceived experiences of clients and providing further evidence for the efficacy ofthis treatment.Importantly, further research could investigate a potentially larger sample, emphasison neuropsychological functioning, and within differing settings, to understanddeficits within the current study. A qualitative study of the perceptions andexperiences of childhood sexual abuse survivors who opt for CBT over EMDR mightlead to recommendations for changes in protocol that would make EMDR moreacceptable. There is scope to further investigate EMDR as a reliable and validtreatment option within NHS IAPT settings, alongside essential service developmentin therapist training programmes to support the growing need for treatment ofmultiple-trauma and/or Complex-PTSD (ICD-11, International Classification ofDiseases-11, 2018)
Translanguaging Pedagogy in CS Ed
No full textEpisode 3: Translanguaging pedagogy in CS Education
This video looks at how multilingual students already use translanguaging in their computer science classes and discusses how CS educators can further support them with translanguaging pedagogy, a framework that prompts teachers to consider their stance, design, and shifts.
Featuring team members from Participating in Literacies and Computer Science (PiLa-CS), https://www.pila-cs.orgEpisode 3: Translanguaging pedagogy in CS Education
This video looks at how multilingual students already use translanguaging in their computer science classes and discusses how CS educators can further support them with translanguaging pedagogy, a framework that prompts teachers to consider their stance, design, and shifts.
Featuring team members from Participating in Literacies and Computer Science (PiLa-CS), https://www.pila-cs.orgSponsored by the National Science Foundation under NSF grant CNS-1738645 and DRL-1837446. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in incarcerated populations : current clinical considerations and recommendations
No full textPurpose: Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may have a detrimental impact on the individual’s ability to benefit from rehabilitative prison-based programmes and studies have also found that there is an association between PTSD and higher rates of re-offending. Studies have also found that a significant number of cases of trauma and PTSD go undetected and therefore untreated in individuals who are incarcerated. Approach: A literature review was carried out exploring studies which have investigated PTSD in incarcerated populations in order to identify current clinical considerations and recommendations. Findings: This paper explores the key findings from the literature and highlights the important clinical implications and recommendations. Value: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first paper to focus specifically on how the findings from the literature can inform clinical practice and also what factors need to be given greater consideration, going beyond current systematic reviews and literature reviews in the field
PiLa-CS Professional Learning Community - Design Journal Template
No full textDuring the Summer of 2021 and 2022, the Participating in Literacies and Computer Science (PiLa-CS) Research Practice Partnership convened and supported a community of practice to learn more about how to enable better CS teaching for emergent bilinguals. These are materials from from the PLC for a Design Journal to act as a planing template for teachers.Sponsored by the National Science Foundation under NSF grant CNS-1738645 and DRL-1837446. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation
The development and evaluation of the Cognitive Behavioural Social Competence Therapeutic Intervention for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder without an Intellectual Disability (CBSCTI-ASD)
No full textMany young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can have an average or above average IQ yet still struggle with the social competencies needed to successfully navigate into adulthood. Despite many individuals with ASD experiencing significant challenges during their transition into adulthood, evidence-based social skills interventions to support individuals with ASD during this transition are rather limited. There is growing evidence to suggest that social competencies in adults with ASD without an intellectual disability (ID) can be enhanced through both individual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and group CBT. However, little is known about the benefit of combining these modalities for individuals with ASD transitioning into adulthood. Moreover, there are no studies which have investigated the neural plasticity of a multimodal CBT intervention for adults with ASD without ID. The first stage of this PhD project involved developing and writing the Cognitive Behavioural Social Competence Therapeutic Intervention (CBSCTI-ASD) manual for Adults with ASD without ID. This PhD project includes a total of three studies: Study 1 Evaluation of CBSCTI-ASD; Study 2 Neuroplasticity of the Social Brain Following CBSCTI-ASD and Study 3 Exploring the Experiences of Parents’ with an Adult Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder. For Study 1, CBSCTI-ASD was developed and delivered to five young adults with ASD without ID. The aims of the first study were to evaluate intervention feasibility and efficacy by triangulating data findings. Feasibility was supported and CBSCTI-ASD received high user satisfaction ratings. Adherence to the intervention were high, recorded at ~90% and fidelity to treatment were also high ranging from ~86% to ~100%. Quantitative findings from study 1 indicates that over an eight-week time period the intervention group experienced significant improvements with regard to their social motivation, non-verbal conversation, emotional empathy, assertiveness, interpersonal relationships and self-control. Qualitative findings provide further anecdotal support towards intervention feasibility and efficacy. After the completion of CBSCTI-ASD, four participants who received CBSCTI-ASD and two of their parents completed semi-structured interviews. Thematic Analysis (TA) revealed four main themes: satisfaction with CBSCTI-ASD, important components of CBSCTI-ASD, challenges and critiques and recommendations. Two qualified cognitive behavioural therapists helped with the delivery of CBSCTI-ASD. Their opinions and experiences of CBSCTI-ASD delivery were explored during a focus group. Findings from TA revealed three themes: training and delivery, successes and challenges, and therapist recommendations. The qualitative findings from study 1 also highlight factors which those involved in delivering and receiving CBSCTI-ASD believed could be effective in guiding the further development of the intervention. Study 2 involved applying functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to explore neurological function and changes in neural activity in cortical regions of the Prefrontal Cortex (PFC), an area associated with the social brain. The aim of study 2 was to assess functional regions of the social brain and evaluate the possible neurological effects of CBSCTI-ASD. While applying fNIRS to measure neural functioning, the five participants from the CBSCTI-ASD intervention group from study 1 and a closely matched typically developed control group completed a pre/post-test conversation task. Findings from study 2 show that both the intervention group and the typically developed control group significantly increased neural activity in the Medial PFC (MPFC) during the conversation task, thus confirming a target region of interest for measuring change in neural function. However, no significant differences in brain activity over time between the intervention group and the typically developed control group were identified. Post hoc analysis did shows that the intervention group significantly increased neural activation in the left MPFC from pre-test to post-test. Finally, study 3 aimed to explore the experiences of seven parents with an adult child with ASD without ID. TA was conducted on semi-structured interviews and six main themes emerged: receiving a diagnosis, challenges, parents coping strategies, support and treatment, recommendations for intervention and positive parenting. The findings from study 3 highlight important and complex issues which should be considered when providing support to adults with ASD and their families. The findings from study 1 and 2 indicate that CBSCTI-ASD appears to be a feasible intervention and efficacy is supported at improving social competencies in young adults with ASD without ID. Qualitative findings from study 3 elucidates the intricacies of living with ASD and provides a promising starting point to further the development of CBSCTI-ASD. While these initial findings are promising, additional research is needed to further develop CBSCTI-ASD and provide an assessment of the efficacy of the intervention using larger randomised controlled trials
Autism Spectrum Disorder, bestiality and zoophilia : a systematic PRISMA review
No full textPurposeThere remains a lack of knowledge surrounding paraphilic or deviant arousal sexual behaviours in individuals with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (Kellaher, 2015). The purpose of this paper is to explore the literature for any empirical study, case study or discussion/review paper surrounding individuals with ASD and zoophilia or bestiality. Design/methodology/approachA systematic PRISMA review was conducted. FindingsThis systematic review highlighted only a small number of papers, which have looked at zoophilia or bestiality in individuals with ASD. Only one article was identified as being relevant in the present review, three further articles included a description of a case involving someone with ASD who engaged in zoophilia or bestiality and another paper, although not the focus of the study, found one person with Asperger’s disorder who had several paraphilias including olfactophilia, podophilia and zoophilia in a sample of 20 institutionalised, male adolescents and young adults with Autistic disorder and borderline/mild mental retardation. All the case studies clearly highlight some of the ASD symptomology that can contribute to engaging in bestiality or zoophilia. Practical implicationsIt is important that individuals with ASD have access to appropriate and timely sex education and that parents are supported by healthcare professionals to engage with their children with ASD in such interactions across the autism spectrum irrespective of the parent’s expectations. Originality/valueTo the author’s knowledge, this is the first review of ASD in relation to bestiality and zoophilia
The contributory role of psychopathology and inhibitory control in the case of mass shooter James Holmes
No full textIn this article, the case of Mr Holmes is discussed in detail with a particular focus on the treatment he received when he was at graduate school in the months leading up to the shooting and, primarily, the findings from the sanity evaluation carried out by Dr Metzner. In this chapter the I3 model is applied to the case of Mr Holmes. His attack can be seen as resulting from an increase in dispositional and situational impelling factors and a decrease in inhibiting factors, based on a detailed review on available information, the instigation, impellance and inhibition factors potentially present during the lead up to the shooting (approximately five months) and present at the time of the shooting. Instigation factors included a breakup with his girlfriend and academic failure at graduate school. Impellance factors included chronic (i.e., persistent) and severe mental illness associated with psychotic features (e.g., delusions, hallucinations and disordered thinking); social anxiety disorder (and trichotillomania); chronic suicidal thinking; chronic homicidal thinking and his perceived biological shortcomings. Inhibition factors included experiencing a “loss of fear” or “overcoming fear” of the consequences of killing people; prescription medication which may have increased his inhibition (specifically, antidepressant medication, sertraline – he was eventually prescribed 150 mg of sertraline) and individuals with ASD may be ‘more readier’ compared to others to act on psychotic impulses. This may have been what was happening in the case of Mr Holmes why he was potentially more vulnerable to acting on his psychotic ideas and beliefs. Also, inhibition caused by his severe mental illness associated with psychotic features (later diagnosed by the four psychiatrists before the trial as either schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and schizotypal personality disorder). Keywords: Mass shootings, James Holmes; psychosis; schizophrenia spectrum disorders, I3 model
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