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Author(s): Thomas Bergmann [sup.1] , Manuel Heinrich [sup.2] , Matthias Ziegler [sup.3] , Isabel Dziobek [sup.4] , Albert Diefenbacher [sup.1] , Tanja Sappok [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (Aff1) 0000 0004 0389 [...], Initial studies have presented the Music-based Scale for Autism Diagnostics (MUSAD) as a promising DSM-5-based observational tool to identify autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adults with intellectual disability (ID). The current study is the first to address its clinical utility in a new sample of 124 adults with ID (60.5% diagnosed with ASD). The derived diagnostic algorithm differentiated well between individuals with and without ASD (sensitivity 79%, specificity 74%, area under the curve = 0.81). Inter-rater reliability, assessed by the scorings of four independent experts in 22 consensus cases, was excellent (ICC = 0.92). Substantial correlations with scores from other ASD-specific measures indicated convergent validity. The MUSAD yields accurate and reliable scores, supporting comprehensive ASD diagnostics in adults with ID.

Author(s): Manuel Heinrich [sup.1] [sup.2] , Julia Böhm [sup.2] [sup.3] , Tanja Sappok [sup.2] Author Affiliations: (1) Department of Education and Psychology, Clinical-Psychological Intervention, Freie Universität Berlin, 0000 0000 9116 [...], The study assessed the diagnostic validity of the diagnostic behavioral assessment for autism spectrum disorders-revised (DiBAS-R; 19-item screening scale based on ratings by caregivers) in a clinical sample of 381 adults with ID. Analysis revealed a sensitivity of 0.82 and a specificity of 0.67 in the overall sample (70.3% agreement). Sensitivity (0.79) and specificity (0.84) were balanced in individuals with mild to moderate ID (83.3% agreement), while specificity was lower in individuals with severe to profound ID (sensitivity: 0.83, specificity: 0.34, 51% agreement). The level of ID as well as its interaction with ASD explained a significant proportion of the variance in the DiBAS-R scores. The DiBAS-R is an adequate screening tool, especially in individuals with mild to moderate ID.

Author(s): Tanja Sappok [sup.1] , Whitney Brooks [sup.2] , Manuel Heinrich [sup.1] [sup.3] , Jane McCarthy [sup.4] , Lisa Underwood [sup.4] [sup.5] Author Affiliations: (1) Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and [...], Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is important throughout the lifespan. The objective was to investigate the transcultural diagnostic validity of the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) in a clinical sample of 451 adults with Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD) with and without ASD in Germany, the U.S.A. and Great Britain. Variables associated with higher SCQ sum-scores were higher levels of IDD, male gender, a diagnosis of ASD and the study site (Germany > U.S.A > G.B.). An ROC analysis revealed a cut-score of 13, which resulted in a sensitivity of 0.87 and a specificity of 0.58. It is recommended to adjust the cut-score according to level of IDD and gender. Further research is needed to align diagnostic assignment of ASD across different sites and countries.

Introduction Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) show high point prevalence rates of mental health problems and challenging behaviors, approximately 40 and 20%, respectively (Cooper et al. 2007). In ID, the [...], Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) show high rates of challenging behavior (CB). The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the factors underlying CB in an adult, clinical ID sample (n = 203). Low levels of emotional development (ED), as measured by the Scheme of Appraisal of ED, predicted overall CB, specifically irritability and self-injury, high unemployment and low occupation rates, while severity of ID controlled for ED did not. Autism was the only mental disorder associated with overall CB, stereotypy, lethargy, and predicted antipsychotic drug usage. Given the persistence and clinical significance of CB, evaluation of autism and ED may suggest priority areas for diagnostics and therapy, to provide the prerequisites for participation in society and living up one's potentials. Keywords Intellectual disability * Autism spectrum disorders * Adults * Emotional development * Challenging behavior

Intellectual disability has a prevalence rate of approximately 1% of the population; in Germany, this is around 0.5-1 million people. The life expectancy of this group of people is reduced, with cancer being one of the most common causes of death (approx. 20%). Overall, the risk of cancer and mortality is increased compared to the general population.Certain genetic syndromes predispose to cancer in this vulnerable group, but associated comorbidities or lifestyle could also be risk factors for cancer. People with cognitive impairments are less likely to attend preventive check-ups, and challenges arise in medical care due to physical, communicative, and interactional characteristics. Optimized cooperation between clinical centers for people with disabilities and the respective cancer centers is required in order to tailor the processes to the individual.In Germany, there is a lack of data on the prevalence of cancer entities and the use and need for healthcare services. There is an urgent need to focus attention on cancer prevention, treatment, and research in the vulnerable and heterogeneous group of people with intellectual disabilities suffering from cancer in order to effectively counteract the increase in cancer-related deaths in this population group.The article summarizes specialist knowledge on cancer in people with an intellectual disability, identifies special features of treatment, presents care structures, and derives specific requirements for clinics and research., (© 2024. The Author(s).)