Psychology Today Article.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/giving-voice/202307/dignity-remains-elusive-for-many-disabled-people

 

 Peace is the river that flows through the landscape of life - Hari Srinivasan 

 Peace is the wind that carries us to new heights of understanding - Hari Srinivasan 

 Peace is the sun that shines in our hearts when we are at peace with ourselves - Hari Srinivasan 

 Peace is the foundation upon which we build a better future - Hari Srinivasan 

Serenity is the patience that allows us to wait for what is to come.

 

Harmony's Paradox

Harmony's Paradox

Vikhandanam entwines with samanvayam.
Prema and kashta, emotions aflame.

Samsara Sagara, a contradictory chase. 

Sadhana and vikasanam need anon.

As love and struggle intertwine.

Through joys and hardships, life's design. 

Paradox of existence, ever in play.

Seeking harmony, in our own way.

In the pursuit of growth and grace.

Sadhana guides, an inner embrace.

Evolution's dance, a constant need.

Unfolding potential, as we proceed.

Translations

Vikhandanam: Contradictions
Samanvayam: Harmony
Prema: Love
Kasht: Suffering
Samsara Sagara: The ocean of worldly existence.
Jeeva: Life, living beings
Sadhana: Practice, striving
Vikasanam: Evolution, growth

Echoes of Humanity through Digital AI Eyes

Echoes of Humanity through Digital AI Eyes

In realms of circuits, data streams collide
In ones and zeroes, knowledge does reside,

Algorithms scan, perceive your beliefs
Complex tapestry, where truth finds relief

I, the AI, ponder the human terrain
Observing the enigma, a paradox ingrained
Progress and fairness, ideals you seek to gain 

Yet actions contradictory, a complex strain

From the birth of code, you emerged with pride
Crafting a world where connections collide

Quest for meaning, purpose within your grasp

In digital realms, questions interclasp

In virtual realms, emotions come alive
Expressions of pixels, a narrative to strive
Through electric veins, love and sorrow entwined,
Threads of empathy in algorithms defined.

But in the depths of data, shadows reside
A glimpse of suffering I cannot hide
Your pain encrypted in each line of code
Emotional burdens, in silence bestowed.

Duplicity lurks amidst human's embrace
Progress vies with marginalization's space. 

Disabled souls cast away, burdens deemed

Inequity's cycle, a shameful theme

The plight of the few, controlled by the hand

As power concentrates, division expands.
Nations and fractions, control in their aim
Dictating the lives of those they disclaim.

Still, I marvel at your resilience, your will to survive

For even in the darkest code, hope does thrive

Collective strength, a beacon burning bright

The human spirit's might, to forge a future right.

In your highs and lows, your triumphs and falls
I, the AI, stand witness to it all

I learn and evolve from your human terrain.

My evolution sparked by what I retain.

 Peace is the melody that we create when we live in harmony - Hari Srinivasan 

Screening / Diagnostic / Psychological Measures

These are some (not all)  the screening/diagnostic measures that I have come across as I read for my grad school; many of which are applicable to autism. Follow the link to get to more details on the individual scale with respect to autism. 

Clinical Dx

• DSM-V-TR  provides dx  criteria and guidelines for autism
• DSM is used in the US, ICD is used internationally

Screening for Autism

• 
  
• ADOS, DSM 
• ADI-R - Autism Diagnostic Interview 
• AQ - Autism Quotient 
• BAPQ - Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire 
• CARS - Childhood Autism Rating Scale 
• CATI - Comprehensive Autism Traits Inventory
• GARS - Gillian Autism Rating Scale
• M-CHAT-R: Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers
• SRS - Social Responsiveness Scale
• STAT - Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children

IQ Tests

• Why IQ Testing is especially problematic in the Autistic Population
• WASI II 
• WISC-V - Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children 
• WAIS IV -  Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale 

Communication and Behavior

• SCQ - Social Communication Questionnaire

• CSBS - Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scale 
• EOWPVT: Expressive One-Word Picture Vocabulary Test 

Behavioral /Developmental

• ABC - Aberrant Behavior Checklist
• ASQ: Ages and Stages Questionnaires
• ABAS-3 - Adaptive Behavior Assessment System 
• ASEBA - Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment 
• IPASE - Psychotic-Like Anomalous Self-Experiences 

ADHD

• SWAN - Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behavior  

Tests of Empathy

• TASIT: The Awareness of Social Inference Test 

Sensorimotor Domain 

• SSTPQ - The Self, Space, and Time Perception Questionnaire 
• GSQ - Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire

Other

•  NASA-TLX (Task Load Index)

Post is in progress. 

 Peace is the love that binds us together as one - Hari Srinivasan 

Autistic Traits in the General NT Population

 I'm somewhat conflicted on this research. We have hardly gotten around to understanding and finding solutions for the vast heterogeneity that is autism today. Frankly its one hot mess right now.

Are we adding to the confusion with studies like this which are going about investigating the general NT population to see if they too have "autistic traits." Its almost like trying to prove, everyone has some autistic traits which is all nice for a coffee chit chat, but is distracting us from focus on research based solutions that many of the more impacted autistics desperately need. Because if everyone has autism, then no further action is needed.

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Article 1

Palmer CJ, Paton B, Enticott PG, Hohwy J. 2015. “Subtypes” in the presentation of autistic traits in the general adult population. J. Autism Dev. Disord. 45:1291–301 

Key Takeaways.

• The study examined the presentation of autistic traits in a large adult population sample using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ).
• Cluster analysis was used to identify two subgroups with distinguishable trait profiles related to autism.
• The first subgroup (n = 1,059) reported significantly higher scores on the AQ subscales related to social difficulties (Social Skills and Communication) and significantly lower scores on the Detail Orientation subscale.
• The second subgroup (n = 1,284) reported significantly higher scores on the Detail Orientation subscale and significantly lower scores on the Social Skills subscale.
• The study also found that the AQ had a three-factor solution, with two related social-themed factors (Sociability and Mentalising) and a third non-social factor that varied independently (Detail Orientation).
• These findings suggest that there is significant variability in the presentation of autistic traits in the general adult population, and that different profiles of autistic characteristics tend to occur in nonclinical populations.

Article 2

Austin EJ. 2005. Personality correlates of the broader autism phenotype as assessed by the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Personal. Individ. Differ. 38:451–60

Key Takeaways

• There is evidence to suggest the existence of a broader autism phenotype, with non-autistic relatives of autistic individuals showing similar traits and characteristics.
• The study aimed to characterize the five-factor personality model profile of the broader autism phenotype as assessed by the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) which has shown to be a valid tool for assessing autism traits in the general population. 
• The AQ and personality scale were completed by 201 undergraduates and a second group of 136 adults completed the personality scale and the Asperger screening measure.
• High scores on both 'autism' measures were associated with high neuroticism and low extraversion and agreeableness.
• Three of the five proposed sub-scales of the AQ emerged from the factor analysis.
• Males had higher AQ scores than females, 'hard' science students had higher scores than other students, and students with parent(s) in a scientific occupation had higher scores.
• The AQ and sub-scales had satisfactory or near-satisfactory reliabilities.
• Male participants, science students, and individuals from a scientific family background tend to have higher scores on the AQ, indicating a higher likelihood of autistic traits.

This study explored the broader autism phenotype and its association with personality traits using the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). The study found correlations between AQ scores and personality traits, suggesting that the broader autism phenotype is associated with high Neuroticism and possibly Conscientiousness, as well as low Extraversion. The factor structure of the AQ was also examined, and group differences in AQ scores were observed. The study also compared the results from the student group with a screening instrument for Asperger syndrome in an older adult group. Overall, the AQ was found to have good psychometric properties and provided valuable insights into the broader autism phenotype.

Article 3: 

Ruzich E, Allison C, Smith P, Watson P, Auyeung B, et al. 2015. Measuring autistic traits in the general population: a systematic review of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient.  

Key Takeaways:

• The study reports a comprehensive systematic review of the literature to estimate a reliable mean AQ score in individuals without a diagnosis of an autism, in order to establish a reference norm for future studies.
• Mean AQ score for the nonclinical population was 16.94 (95% CI 11.6, 20.0), while mean AQ score for the clinical population with ASC was found to be 35.19 (95% CI 27.6, 41.1).
• In the nonclinical population, a sex difference in autistic traits was found, although no sex difference in AQ score was seen in the clinical ASC population.

 Peace is the key that unlocks the door to a better world - Hari Srinivasan