Compassion is the anchor that keeps us grounded in the face of adversity

Towards a more Humane Society. Contemplating an emotion, 1 line a day. 

Our divided and conflicted world needs compassion more than ever.  #MentalHealth. 

Mental Age

The concept of "mental age" in assessments has been subject to criticism and limitations. Here are some reasons why

• Normative Bias: Mental age is based on comparing an individual's performance to the average performance of a specific age group. However, these age norms may not adequately account for cultural, linguistic, or socioeconomic differences. The concept assumes that all individuals progress at the same rate, which may not be true or fair across diverse populations.
• Arbitrary Cutoffs: Mental age relies on the notion of discrete age categories, which can lead to arbitrary cutoffs and potential misclassifications. Development is a continuous process, and individuals may display a range of abilities that do not neatly align with specific age groups.
• Lack of Sensitivity: The concept of mental age does not capture the full complexity and multidimensionality of human intelligence. It may oversimplify and overlook individual strengths, weaknesses, and variations in cognitive abilities across different domains.
• Limited Predictive Value: Mental age alone may not provide sufficient information about an individual's future development or functional outcomes. It does not account for the dynamic nature of cognitive abilities and the potential for growth and change over time.
• Reinforcement of Deficit-Based Approaches: The focus on mental age as a deficit-oriented measure may perpetuate stigmatization and negatively impact individuals' self-perception and opportunities for growth.

It is essential to approach assessments and diagnostic criteria with a comprehensive and nuanced perspective, considering multiple factors beyond a single measure like mental age to ensure a holistic understanding of an individual's abilities and needs.

Adult Autism RSS Feed

For what its worth, came across this. This blog is #2 in a top Autism RSS feed list.  

EOWPVT - Expressive One-Word Picture Vocabulary Test

Lexicon [Measures] - EOWPVT 

The EOWPVT (Expressive One-Word Picture Vocabulary Test) is an assessment tool used to measure expressive vocabulary skills in individuals (ages 2.5 years - 90 years). It requires the examinee to identify and name pictures presented to them. It is commonly used in educational, clinical, and research settings to assess language development and vocabulary skills including in the autistic population.

The sub-measures of the EOWPVT include a basal level and a ceiling level, which determine the starting and stopping points of the assessment based on the individual's performance. The test presents a series of pictured items, and the examinee is asked to name each picture.

Scoring and interpretation of the EOWPVT involve calculating raw scores, standard scores, and percentile ranks. These scores provide an indication of the individual's expressive vocabulary skills compared to their peers.

Limitations re Autism

• Limited assessment of other language domains: Thought it focuses on expressive vocabulary skills, it does not comprehensively evaluate other language domains such as grammar, syntax, or pragmatics.
• Limited cultural and linguistic representation: The picture stimuli used may not be culturally or linguistically appropriate for all individuals, potentially impacting their performance and scores.
• Lack of context and functional language use: The test assesses isolated one-word responses and does not capture the individual's ability to use language in context or in functional communication situations.
• Potential reliance on rote memorization: Some autistics may excel at memorizing labels for pictures without fully grasping the meaning or generalizing the vocabulary to other contexts

Compassion is the song that sings in our hearts when we reach out to help others

Towards a more Humane Society. Contemplating an emotion, 1 line a day. 

Our divided and conflicted world needs compassion more than ever.  #MentalHealth. 

 

Media Mention

Thank you for the kind words. 

IQ Testing

IQ is a measure designed to assess an individual's cognitive abilities and intellectual functioning; specifically it aims to assess various aspects of intelligence, including verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, processing speed, and problem-solving abilities. These tests typically cover domains such as language, math, spatial reasoning, and logical thinking.

IQ scores are derived by comparing an individual's performance on the test to a representative sample of the population. The scores are standardized and follow a bell curve distribution, with the average score set at 100. Scores above 100 indicate above-average intelligence, while scores below 100 indicate below-average intelligence. The standard deviation is typically 15 points, meaning that about 68% of the population falls within the range of 85-115.

Commonly used IQ tests in Autism 

• WAIS: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (ages 16-90)
• WISC-V: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (ages 6-16)
• KABC-II: Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (ages 3-18)
• MSEL: The Mullen Scales of Early Learning (ages birth - 5)
• DAS: The Differential Ability Scales (ages 2-17)
• Leiter-R (ages 2-20+)
• RIAS (ages 3-94)
• CAS Cognitive Assessment System (ages 5-17)

See Post: Why is IQ Testing especially problematic in the Autistic Population

Other general problems and limitations of IQ Testing:

• Narrow Assessment: IQ tests primarily measure cognitive abilities related to academic success and may not capture the full range of human intelligence, such as creativity, emotional intelligence, or practical skills.
• Cultural Bias: IQ tests have been criticized for potential cultural bias, as they may reflect the experiences, values, and knowledge of specific cultural or socioeconomic groups. Some questions or tasks may be more familiar or relevant to individuals from certain backgrounds, leading to potential disparities in scores.
• Limited Contextualization: IQ tests provide a snapshot of an individual's abilities at a specific point in time and may not account for the influence of environmental or socio-economic factors, educational opportunities, or individual motivation on test performance.
• Interpretation Challenges: IQ scores are often misinterpreted or used as a sole indicator of an individual's worth or potential, neglecting the complexity of human intelligence and the importance of other factors such as motivation, personality traits, or social and emotional skills.

History: The concept of IQ testing dates back to the early 20th century. Alfred Binet and Theodore Simon developed the first modern intelligence test in 1905. Over time, numerous IQ tests have been developed, revised, and standardized. 

Why IQ Testing is Problematic in Autistics

 

Some reasons why  IQ Testing is Problematic in Autistics.[What is IQ Testing]

• Communication, Language and Social Challenges: Many IQ tests heavily rely on verbal and social interaction (including comprehension, vocabulary, & verbal reasoning), which can be challenging for autistics who may experience difficulties with language, communication, (eg: difficulties with expressive and receptive language, pragmatics, and understanding abstract or ambiguous language) and social skills. This can lead to misinterpretations of their abilities.

Compassion is the mirror that reflects the beauty of our own souls

 

Towards a more Humane Society. Contemplating an emotion, 1 line a day. 

Our divided and conflicted world needs compassion more than ever.  #MentalHealth. 

ADOS - Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule

Lexicon [Measures] - ADOS

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is a semi-structured assessment for diagnosing autism. It consists of various social and play-based activities designed to observe behaviors related to autism. [See posts on other Screening/Diagnostic Measures]

Limitations of ADOS as a dx tool

1. Not a Standalone Diagnostic Tool: It is intended to be part of a comprehensive evaluation, which should also include other assessments and detailed developmental history.
2. Snapshot in Time: ADOS provides a snapshot of an individual's behavior during the time of the assessment, which may not capture the full range of behavior or abilities.
3. Limited Scope: It primarily focuses on two areas: social interaction and communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviors. Other aspects of autism, such as sensory issues or co-occurring conditions, are not part of the primary scoring system.
4. Language and Age Constraints: While ADOS offers different modules for different developmental stages and language abilities, it may not be entirely suitable for all individuals, particularly those with complex profiles or co-occurring conditions.
5. Requires Specialized Training: to ensure accurate administration and interpretation of the results. This requirement can limit its accessibility and use.
6. Culture and Context: The ADOS was developed in English-speaking countries and may not fully account for cultural differences in behavior and communication. Translated versions are available, but they may not capture all nuances.
7. Reliability of Diagnosis over Time: Some studies have questioned the reliability of the ADOS over time, especially in younger children, where symptoms and behaviors can change significantly as the child grows and develops.

Discussion on Epilepsy in Autism

 

https://brainfoundation.org/empowering-voices-epilepsy-in-autism/

on 6/2/23. 

Registration https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Y_T4XhL8SqazIsqfkg4AjA#/registration

Grandma at Vandy

Saroja Paati (Grandma) visiting from India

and a visit to Vandy

A proud and beaming grandma at the Frist Center and outside my office space at the LASR Research Lab.

 

Compassion is the light that shines in the eyes of those who care

Towards a more Humane Society. Contemplating an emotion, 1 line a day. 

Our divided and conflicted world needs compassion more than ever.  #MentalHealth. 

 

Egocentric spatiotemporal perception

Concepts in Sensorimotor Research. 

Egocentric spatiotemporal perception refers to the perception of one's self and body in time and space. 

It is a fundamental aspect of self-consciousness and scaffolds our subjective experience of being present, in the here and now, which is vital for our survival and wellbeing. 

Alterations may lead to feelings of self-detachment, self-fragmentation, and body and world alienation.

Disability in Strength

A new mural titled “Disability is Strength, at Oakland Airport honors visionaries who helped 

build the movement for disability rights and independence, and present a vision for a future of full inclusion, rights and justice.The mural features disability rights pioneers Ed Roberts, Judith Heumann and Brad Lomax.

Judy Heumann, one of the great and recently deceased disability rights early advocates once said, "Independent Living isn't doing everything by yourself – it's being in control of how things are done."

Read on at https://www.oaklandairport.com/mural-exhibit-featuring-disabled-artists-and-disability-rights-activists-hung-at-the-oakland-airport/

Compassion is the key that unlocks the door to forgiveness

Towards a more Humane Society. Contemplating an emotion, 1 line a day. 

Our divided and conflicted world needs compassion more than ever.  #MentalHealth. 

 

Depersonalization and Autism

[a poem written many years back that captures the essence of Depersonlization]

What is  Depersonalization Disorder (DPD)

• Loss of body ownership /disembodiment feelings / somatosensory distortions/ loss of agency: distressing feelings of being 'spaced out', detached from one's self, body, and the world (observing yourself from a distance).
• atypical 'flat' time perception (alterations in perception, including disruptions in the perception of time. )

Research findings on DPD and atypical time perception in the NT population

• Distorted perception of time: Tendency to overestimate the duration of time intervals, perceiving time as slower than it actually is which can contribute to the overall sense of detachment (1,2)
• Neural correlates of time perception: fMRI studies show differences in brain activity and connectivity patterns in regions associated with time processing, eg: PFC and parietal cortex (3,4)
• Role of attentional processes: Difficulties in allocating attention appropriately, leading to a reduced ability to accurately perceive and process temporal information (5,6)
• Emotional factors: Emotional states, eg anxiety and stress, can modulate time perception, leading to temporal distortions. DP folks often experience heightened levels of anxiety and emotional distress, which may contribute to their altered perception of time. (1,2)

Caveat: This is a complex phenomena and further research is needed to fully understand underlying mechanisms.

Reasons why DPD may co-occur with autism

• Both involve atypical sensory processing suggesting a potential shared underlying connection. 
• Overlap in Symptoms: Though there are distinct dx criteria, both share some overlapping symptoms, such as a sense of detachment from oneself, difficulties with emotional regulation, and social challenges. 
• Neurobiological Factors: Though the specific mechanisms and neural circuits may differ, both potentially involve alterations in brain functioning and connectivity.
• Impact on Functioning: Co-occurrence may exacerbate the challenges in everyday functioning especially in areas of social interactions and emotional well-being.

Research Findings in Autism and Implications

• 17% autistics met the diagnostic criteria for DPD, compared to 2% non-autistic (7)
• Compared to controls, autism+DPD more likely to have
• higher anxiety and depression (8)
• more difficulty with social interaction and communication (9)
• more repetitive behaviors and special interests (10)

Caveat: Research is all over the place when it comes to autism, so nothing is set in stone.

 

Versions of this article for Academic/Scientific Audience and #PlainSpeak for Lay Reader

PD Soros Fall Conference

 

I went in with a lot of anxiety last year and ended up having a lot of fun.

Looking forward to this year's event in Manhattan, NY on Oct 19-22

Compassion is the thread that weaves the fabric of society

Towards a more Humane Society. Contemplating an emotion, 1 line a day. 

Our divided and conflicted world needs compassion more than ever.  #MentalHealth. 

 

What is Depersonalization Disorder

In Plain Language Version for Lay Reader

What is Depersonalization Disorder (DPD)?

Depersonalization Disorder (DPD) is a condition where people feel disconnected from their own body, self, and surroundings. This might feel like being "spaced out," watching yourself from a distance, or not feeling in control of your own actions. People with DPD may also have strange experiences with their senses and a warped sense of time, like feeling that time is moving slower than it really is.

Time Perception in DPD

• Distorted Time: People with DPD often feel that time moves slower, making them overestimate how long things take. This can add to their feeling of being detached.
• Brain Differences: Brain scans show that people with DPD have different brain activity in areas that process time, like the prefrontal cortex and parietal cortex.
• Attention Issues: People with DPD may have trouble focusing their attention, which makes it hard for them to accurately sense time.
• Emotional Impact: High anxiety and stress can change how people with DPD perceive time, making it feel even more distorted.

Why DPD May Happen Alongside Autism

• Sensory Processing: Both DPD and autism involve unusual ways of processing sensory information, suggesting a possible link.
• Similar Symptoms: While DPD and autism are different, they share some symptoms, like feeling detached from oneself and having trouble with emotions and social situations.
• Brain Function: Both conditions may involve changes in brain function and connectivity, although the specific details differ.
• Impact on Daily Life: Having both DPD and autism can make everyday tasks, social interactions, and emotional well-being more challenging.

Research Findings

• Prevalence: About 17% of autistic people have DPD, compared to 2% of non-autistic people.
• Additional Challenges: Autistic people with DPD are more likely to experience higher anxiety and depression, more difficulty with social interaction and communication, and more repetitive behaviors and special interests.
• Need for More Research: Understanding the connection between autism and DPD is complex, and more research is needed to uncover the full picture.

Versions of this article for Academic/Scientific Audience and #PlainSpeak for Lay Reader