Scientific articles

Authors : Claude L. Normand, Marisa H. Fisher, Stéphanie-M. Fecteauc, Kelly Tremblay, Evelyne Roya, Marie-Hélène Poulin

Publication date : 2022

Access : https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.09.16.22279979

This article concerns the problematic usage of Internet and videos games in young autistic adults. Caracteristics such as gender, age and potential co-occurring diagnoses are taken into account.

Authors: Marie-Hélène Poulin, Myriam Laventure, Kelly Tremblay and Emma Beuchot 

Publication date: 2020

Access : https://doi.org/10.7202/1075337ar

As the legalization of cannabis is recent in Canada, autism stakeholders are concerned about the substance use of autistic adults who are at higher risk of developing addiction. Self-medication of anxiety and social inclusion difficulties can encourage cannabis use. The purpose of this study is to describe substance use habits (tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, other drugs) and their consequences for persons diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) aged 16 to 30. An online questionnaire was completed by 65 autistic adolescents and adults (mean age = 21.4 years) (32 men and 33 women). Substance use was measured using the adapted version 3.3 of the DEP-ADO questionnaire (Germain et al., 2016). Significantly, 24 persons with ASD (12 men and 12 women) report having consumed nothing (alcohol, tobacco and drugs) in the past 12 months. Persons with ASD who use cannabis report more frequent (daily) use and other drugs. However, the severity of their use is similar to that of their non-autistic peers. In addition, the prevalence of problematic use is very low in the autistic population (7.7%). The main consequences reported concern loss of money, health problems and risky behavior. Autistic girls say they experience more consequences for risky behaviors related to their psychoactive substance use (PAS). Clinical recommendations for services to autistic people as avenues for future research are discussed.

Reference: Poulin, M. H., Laventure, M., Tremblay, K., & Beuchot, E. (2020). Psychoactive substance use in autistic adolescents and young adults. Drogues, santé et société, 18(2), 120-142.

Authors: Stéphanie-M. Fecteau, J.-C. Kalubi, P. Plusquellec, M. Piché and I. Savard.

Publication date: 2018

Access : https://www.revuerics.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/rics-2018-vol-5-2-fecteau-destresse-et-progresse-vf-01-03-19.pdf;

The De-stress for Success program was made available to autistic people; it will be tested in the field through practical experience, in preparation for later implementation. Developed for adolescents, it focuses on managing stressful situations and is a tool that helps them prevent the harmful effects of stress. Its adaptation enabled many autistic adolescents to better handle their specific challenges. The project relied on a sample of 16 participants: 2 psychoeducators, 7 adolescents and 7 parents. Research was collected using semi-structured interviews and observations with a logbook. In addition, participants filled out a satisfaction questionnaire. The results show that the parents had high levels of satisfaction with the program. Results also show how this program can help identify specific needs in autistic adolescents. The interactions that were encouraged throughout the program helped build bridges between different environments and create better visual supports and exercises to encourage social participation among adolescents.

Reference: Fecteau, S., Kalubi, J.C., Plusquellec, P., Piché, M. and Savard I. (2018). De-stress and progress: Adapting a program designed for teens on the autism spectrum. Revue internationale de communication et de socialisation, 5(2), 84-106.