Current independent research project

Clinical feasibility study

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Australian Study on Davis Concepts for Life Programs: A Clinical Feasibility Exploration

 

A team of researchers in Australia is conducting the first clinical feasibility study to evaluate the potential effectiveness of the Davis Concepts for Life Programs.  This study aims to investigate whether these programs can help Autistic people or people identifying with or diagnosed with Autistic traits to strengthen their self-perception, enhance functionality, and alleviate co-occurring psychological difficulties such as anxiety, social anxiety, emotional distress, and low mood. This research is conducted through qualitative case studies in a clinical psychology setting, alongside quantitative assessments to evaluate clinical outcomes both immediately post-program and one year following completion.

 

Initiated in 2016, the study represents an independent research collaboration between a Senior Clinical Psychologist at Developing Me Psychology—who is also now a licensed Davis Facilitator—and the School of Behavioral and Health Sciences at the Australian Catholic University (ACU).

 

To date, Davis Life Concepts programs (without the new social-emotional concepts incorporated in the program in 2023-2024) have been provided to more than 60 participants aged 9 to 73. Preliminary qualitative case study data analysis indicates that most participants report “evident developmental gains, improved mental health, and clinically significant changes across multiple aspects of life.”  In addition, a focused sample of 14 adults was selected for detailed analysis by ACU researchers. The initial quantitative analysis is promising as it indicates improved self-concept and psychological wellbeing among the findings. The early analysis may suggest the feasibility of a larger pilot study, with final outcome publication still pending.

 

The study’s progress highlights a significant gap in current interventions for Autistic people. Autistic individuals present to psychologists with significant mental health challenges, alongside chronic functional and social difficulties and this reflects the research indicating there are higher rates of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation,  (Hollocks et al., 2019; Lever & Geurts, 2016). Despite increasing awareness, limited evidence-based interventions exist to directly address these co-occurring mental health needs, underscoring the importance of research into targeted, effective programs. If effective, the Davis Concepts for Life Programs could provide a valuable addition to support tools and interventions for Autistic children, teenagers and adults.

 

To advance to the next research phase, funding partners are being sought to assist with final data analysis and publication, potentially enabling a subsequent pilot study.

 

References:

Hollocks, M. J., Lerh, J. W., Magiati, I., Meiser-Stedman, R., & Brugha, T. S. (2019). Anxiety and depression in adults with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine, 49(4), 559-572.

Lever, A. G., & Geurts, H. M. (2016). Psychiatric Co-occurring Symptoms and Disorders in Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(6), 1916–1930. Certainly, here are the abstracts for the two requested studies:

 

1. Anxiety and depression in adults with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

 

Authors: Matthew J. Hollocks, Jian Wei Lerh, Iliana Magiati, Richard Meiser-Stedman, Traolach S. Brugha

 

Abstract:

“Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are thought to be at disproportionate risk of developing mental health comorbidities, with anxiety and depression being considered most prominent amongst these. Yet, no systematic review has been carried out to date to examine rates of both anxiety and depression focusing specifically on adults with ASD. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the rates of anxiety and depression in adults with ASD and the impact of factors such as assessment methods and presence of comorbid intellectual disability (ID) diagnosis on estimated prevalence rates. Electronic database searches for studies published between January 2000 and September 2017 identified a total of 35 studies, including 30 studies measuring anxiety (n = 26,070; mean age = 30.9, S.D. = 6.2 years) and 29 studies measuring depression (n = 26,117; mean age = 31.1, S.D. = 6.8 years). The pooled estimation of current and lifetime prevalence for adults with ASD were 27% and 42% for any anxiety disorder, and 23% and 37% for depressive disorder. Further analyses revealed that the use of questionnaire measures and the presence of ID may significantly influence estimates of prevalence. The current literature suffers from a high degree of heterogeneity in study method and an overreliance on clinical samples. These results highlight the importance of community-based studies and the identification and inclusion of well-characterized samples to reduce heterogeneity and bias in estimates of prevalence for comorbidity in adults with ASD and other populations with complex psychiatric presentations.”

 

Reference: Hollocks, M. J., Lerh, J. W., Magiati, I., Meiser-Stedman, R., & Brugha, T. S. (2019). Anxiety and depression in adults with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine, 49(4), 559–572. 

 

2. Psychiatric co-occurring symptoms and disorders in young, middle-aged, and older adults with autism spectrum disorder

 

Authors: Anne G. Lever, Hilde M. Geurts

 

Abstract:

“Although psychiatric problems are less prevalent in old age within the general population, it is largely unknown whether this extends to individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We examined psychiatric symptoms and disorders in young, middle-aged, and older adults with and without ASD (Nmax = 344, age 19–79 years, IQ > 80). Albeit comparable to other psychiatric patients, levels of symptoms and psychological distress were high over the adult lifespan; 79% met criteria for a psychiatric disorder at least once in their lives. Depression and anxiety were most common. However, older adults less often met criteria for any psychiatric diagnosis and, specifically, social phobia than younger adults. Hence, despite marked psychological distress, psychiatric problems are also less prevalent in older aged individuals with ASD.”

 

Reference: Lever, A. G., & Geurts, H. M. (2016). Psychiatric co-occurring symptoms and disorders in young, middle-aged, and older adults with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(6), 1916–1930. 

 

These abstracts provide insights into the prevalence and nature of concurrent psychiatric difficulties, such as anxiety and depression, among Autistic adults.