Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Conditions
Keywords
ASD coping
Brief summary
Introduction: Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have more mental health problems than typically developping adolescents (without ASD). Coping strategies are a key concern for adolescents with ASD in managing depressive and anxiety symptoms. Currently, few studies have examined the coping strategies used by adolescents with ASD. The methodological considerations underscore the need for an assessment method tailored to adolescents with ASD. Finally, although current data are still limited, the results suggest that there may be differences between the coping strategies used by adolescents with ASD and typically developing adolescents, thus calling for more in-depth comparative research. Objectives: This study aims to validate a coping strategies assessment method adapted for adolescents with ASD (1) and to examine coping strategies associated with internalizing symptoms (2) Population: 252 participants: 84 adolescents with ASD (1), 84 adolescents with autistic traits but no clinical diagnosis of ASD (2), and 84 typically developing adolescents (3). The age range is 12-17 years. Study design: The study is divided into two parts: a cross-sectional part (T) and a longitudinal part (L). * The cross-sectional part will include three meetings spread over a period of approximately three months (approximately one meeting per month). * The longitudinal part will consist of a meeting scheduled one year after the last meeting of the cross-sectional part.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALQuestionnaire and interview
Participants will complete questionnaires and take part in a semi-structured interview
Sponsors
Université Catholique de Louvain
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
12 Years to 17 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* 12-17 years * speak french fluently
Exclusion criteria
* Intellectual disability
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Coping strategies | Throughout the entire study, approximately during 5 years | Measure by questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Questionnaire : Coping Strategies Inventory (CSI) The questionnaire is designed to identify coping strategy profiles. It includes 8 sub-strategies (Problem solving, Cognitive restructuring, Express Emotions, Social Support, Problem avoidance, Wishful thinking, Self-Criticism, Social Withdrawal) and does not have strict minimum or maximum scores. Instead, it provides an overview of the relative use of each coping strategy |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Anxious, depressive and somatic symptoms | Throughout the entire study, approximately during 5 years | Measure by questionnaire Questionnaire : Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) T-score \< 65 → Non-clinical range. Symptoms are minimal or within the typical range compared to the normative population. No clinical concern is indicated T-score ≥ 65 → Borderline/clinically elevated Symptoms are higher than average and may indicate potential anxiety or depression issues. T-score ≥ 70 → Clinically significant range Symptoms are substantially elevated compared to peers. There is a high likelihood of clinically meaningful anxiety or depression |
Contacts
CONTACTHéloïse HL Louvegny, PhD Student
CONTACTStéphanie SM Mazzone, Postdoctoral
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORNathalie NNG Nader-Grosbois, Professor
Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain)
Outcome results
None listed