Characterizing the Relationship Among the Social Competence Elements in Autistic Adolescents / Alexandra P. KEY in Autism Research, 18-10 (October 2025)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism Research > 18-10 (October 2025) . - p.1999-2010 Titre : Characterizing the Relationship Among the Social Competence Elements in Autistic Adolescents Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Alexandra P. KEY, Auteur ; Trey MCGONIGLE, Auteur ; Jinyuan LIU, Auteur ; Rachael A. MUSCATELLO, Auteur ; Philip GABLE, Auteur ; Susan WHITE, Auteur ; Matthew D. LERNER, Auteur ; Blythe A. CORBETT, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.1999-2010 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : autism  behavior  brain  cognition  social competence  theory of mind Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : ABSTRACT Individuals with autism spectrum disorder have significant difficulties in social competence. This study provided empirical evaluation of the theoretical model by Kennedy and Adolphs (2012) positing that social competence relies on an interconnected network of four components: social brain, cognition, behavior, and functioning. Data from 243 youth (69 female, 174 male), age 10?17?years, were used to test the hypothesized mediation effect of social cognition (Theory of Mind) from social brain (event-related potential markers of face perception and memory) to social behavior (Contextual Assessment of Social Skills) and functioning (Child Behavior Checklist). An additional analysis evaluated whether the structure of the social competence model varied based on the biological sex of the autistic participants. The findings support the conceptual model of social competence where the social brain's contributions to social behavior and functioning are mediated by social cognition, with an additional direct path between the brain and behavior. The relationship among the four components of social competence is not significantly different for autistic males and females. Social competence is best represented as a network of direct and indirect connections among the neural, cognitive, and behavioral components. Thus, focusing on any single element is not sufficient for effective design of novel assessment and treatment approaches in autism. The findings also highlight the importance of self-initiated active engagement with social cues as a contributor to successful social behavior and functioning in autism. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.70095 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=569 [article] Characterizing the Relationship Among the Social Competence Elements in Autistic Adolescents [texte imprimé] / Alexandra P. KEY, Auteur ; Trey MCGONIGLE, Auteur ; Jinyuan LIU, Auteur ; Rachael A. MUSCATELLO, Auteur ; Philip GABLE, Auteur ; Susan WHITE, Auteur ; Matthew D. LERNER, Auteur ; Blythe A. CORBETT, Auteur . - p.1999-2010. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism Research > 18-10 (October 2025) . - p.1999-2010 Mots-clés : autism  behavior  brain  cognition  social competence  theory of mind Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : ABSTRACT Individuals with autism spectrum disorder have significant difficulties in social competence. This study provided empirical evaluation of the theoretical model by Kennedy and Adolphs (2012) positing that social competence relies on an interconnected network of four components: social brain, cognition, behavior, and functioning. Data from 243 youth (69 female, 174 male), age 10?17?years, were used to test the hypothesized mediation effect of social cognition (Theory of Mind) from social brain (event-related potential markers of face perception and memory) to social behavior (Contextual Assessment of Social Skills) and functioning (Child Behavior Checklist). An additional analysis evaluated whether the structure of the social competence model varied based on the biological sex of the autistic participants. The findings support the conceptual model of social competence where the social brain's contributions to social behavior and functioning are mediated by social cognition, with an additional direct path between the brain and behavior. The relationship among the four components of social competence is not significantly different for autistic males and females. Social competence is best represented as a network of direct and indirect connections among the neural, cognitive, and behavioral components. Thus, focusing on any single element is not sufficient for effective design of novel assessment and treatment approaches in autism. The findings also highlight the importance of self-initiated active engagement with social cues as a contributor to successful social behavior and functioning in autism. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.70095 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=569

Exploring trajectories of anxiety symptoms in autistic and non-autistic youth over adolescence using parent- and self-report measures / Meredith COLA in Research in Autism, 132 (April 2026)  

Public ISBD [article]  inResearch in Autism > 132 (April 2026) . - 202830 Titre : Exploring trajectories of anxiety symptoms in autistic and non-autistic youth over adolescence using parent- and self-report measures Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Meredith COLA, Auteur ; Rachael A. MUSCATELLO, Auteur ; Xinyu ZHANG, Auteur ; Simon VANDEKAR, Auteur ; Trey MCGONIGLE, Auteur ; Blythe A. CORBETT, Auteur Article en page(s) : 202830 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : Autism  Adolescence  Anxiety  Puberty  Development Résumé : Background Autistic youth frequently experience co-occurring anxiety. In non-autistic populations, females are more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and demonstrate distinct symptom trajectories across adolescence. Prior research has demonstrated diagnostic group differences in parent- and self-reported anxiety symptoms; however, it is largely unknown if and how symptoms change over puberty. We examine trajectories of anxiety symptoms for autistic and non-autistic youth over a four-year (Y1-Y4) longitudinal study. Methods Autistic (N = 140) and non-autistic (N = 104) youth (ages 10–13 years at Y1) completed the parent- and self-report versions of the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children, 2nd Edition (MASC-2). Linear mixed effects models were used to examine the impact of age, sex, and diagnosis on anxiety symptoms. Results There was a significant diagnosis-sex interaction (pFDR=0.005) on the parent-report of anxiety and a main effect of age (p < 0.001). Autistic and non-autistic females showed an increase in anxiety symptoms over time; autistic males showed a slight decrease. There was a main effect of diagnosis (pFDR=0.003) on the child-report measure of anxiety symptoms; the effects of age (pFDR=0.117) and sex were not significant (pFDR=0.305). The relationship between pubertal development and anxiety symptoms differed between the subgroups. Conclusions Our main findings – that autistic youth demonstrate greater anxiety symptoms than non-autistic youth, with distinct symptom trajectories emerging in females versus males – add to the growing literature aimed at understanding the biopsychosocial factors impacting puberty and emotional functioning across adolescence. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reia.2026.202830 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=583 [article] Exploring trajectories of anxiety symptoms in autistic and non-autistic youth over adolescence using parent- and self-report measures [texte imprimé] / Meredith COLA, Auteur ; Rachael A. MUSCATELLO, Auteur ; Xinyu ZHANG, Auteur ; Simon VANDEKAR, Auteur ; Trey MCGONIGLE, Auteur ; Blythe A. CORBETT, Auteur . - 202830. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Research in Autism > 132 (April 2026) . - 202830 Mots-clés : Autism  Adolescence  Anxiety  Puberty  Development Résumé : Background Autistic youth frequently experience co-occurring anxiety. In non-autistic populations, females are more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and demonstrate distinct symptom trajectories across adolescence. Prior research has demonstrated diagnostic group differences in parent- and self-reported anxiety symptoms; however, it is largely unknown if and how symptoms change over puberty. We examine trajectories of anxiety symptoms for autistic and non-autistic youth over a four-year (Y1-Y4) longitudinal study. Methods Autistic (N = 140) and non-autistic (N = 104) youth (ages 10–13 years at Y1) completed the parent- and self-report versions of the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children, 2nd Edition (MASC-2). Linear mixed effects models were used to examine the impact of age, sex, and diagnosis on anxiety symptoms. Results There was a significant diagnosis-sex interaction (pFDR=0.005) on the parent-report of anxiety and a main effect of age (p < 0.001). Autistic and non-autistic females showed an increase in anxiety symptoms over time; autistic males showed a slight decrease. There was a main effect of diagnosis (pFDR=0.003) on the child-report measure of anxiety symptoms; the effects of age (pFDR=0.117) and sex were not significant (pFDR=0.305). The relationship between pubertal development and anxiety symptoms differed between the subgroups. Conclusions Our main findings – that autistic youth demonstrate greater anxiety symptoms than non-autistic youth, with distinct symptom trajectories emerging in females versus males – add to the growing literature aimed at understanding the biopsychosocial factors impacting puberty and emotional functioning across adolescence. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reia.2026.202830 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=583

Gender diversity in autistic and neurotypical youth over adolescence and puberty: A longitudinal study / Rachael A. MUSCATELLO ; Melissa CYPERSKI ; Eleonora SADIKOVA ; E. Kale EDMISTON ; Trey MCGONIGLE ; Rachel CALVOSA ; Simon VANDEKAR in Autism Research, 17-7 (July 2024)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism Research > 17-7 (July 2024) . - p.1450-1463 Titre : Gender diversity in autistic and neurotypical youth over adolescence and puberty: A longitudinal study Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Rachael A. MUSCATELLO, Auteur ; Melissa CYPERSKI, Auteur ; Eleonora SADIKOVA, Auteur ; E. Kale EDMISTON, Auteur ; Trey MCGONIGLE, Auteur ; Rachel CALVOSA, Auteur ; Simon VANDEKAR, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.1450-1463 Langues : Anglais (eng) Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Abstract Recent research in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has suggested a higher prevalence of gender diversity in individuals diagnosed with ASD. Adolescence is a critical period for the consolidation of gender identity, yet the extent to which the experience of gender diversity is stable over adolescence and puberty in autistic youth is poorly understood. The aim of the study was to examine the consistency of gender diversity using the gender diversity screening questionnaire for self- and parent-report of youth (GDSQ-S, GDSQ-P) over a four-year longitudinal study of pubertal development in youth with ASD (N = 140, 36 assigned-female-at birth (AFAB)) and typical development (TD, N = 104, 58 assigned-male-at-birth [AMAB]) and their parents. The extent to which diagnosis (ASD vs. TD), assigned sex (AFAB vs. AMAB) and developmental level (age, puberty) predict GDSQ trajectory over time was explored. There was a significant diagnosis by sex-assigned-at-birth by age interaction for GDSQ-S Gender Diversity, p = 0.002, showing higher scores in autistic AFAB youth over adolescence, and TD AFAB showing initially lower, then increasing levels over adolescence. For GDSQ-P, Gender Incongruence was significantly different between the groups, p = 0.032, showing higher incongruence for autistic AFAB around age 10, decreasing between age 12-14 before increasing again, while TD AFAB evidence the inverse trend. AMAB trends were stable. The significant diagnostic, developmental and sex-based differences indicate AFAB youth experience greater gender diversity that evolves over development. Findings suggest gender identity formation is nuanced and may be influenced by pubertal progression, hormonal patterns, and psychosocial factors. Results underscore the need for enhanced understanding of the unique, dynamic profiles of females-assigned-at-birth. En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.3141 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=533 [article] Gender diversity in autistic and neurotypical youth over adolescence and puberty: A longitudinal study [texte imprimé] / Rachael A. MUSCATELLO, Auteur ; Melissa CYPERSKI, Auteur ; Eleonora SADIKOVA, Auteur ; E. Kale EDMISTON, Auteur ; Trey MCGONIGLE, Auteur ; Rachel CALVOSA, Auteur ; Simon VANDEKAR, Auteur . - p.1450-1463. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism Research > 17-7 (July 2024) . - p.1450-1463 Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Abstract Recent research in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has suggested a higher prevalence of gender diversity in individuals diagnosed with ASD. Adolescence is a critical period for the consolidation of gender identity, yet the extent to which the experience of gender diversity is stable over adolescence and puberty in autistic youth is poorly understood. The aim of the study was to examine the consistency of gender diversity using the gender diversity screening questionnaire for self- and parent-report of youth (GDSQ-S, GDSQ-P) over a four-year longitudinal study of pubertal development in youth with ASD (N = 140, 36 assigned-female-at birth (AFAB)) and typical development (TD, N = 104, 58 assigned-male-at-birth [AMAB]) and their parents. The extent to which diagnosis (ASD vs. TD), assigned sex (AFAB vs. AMAB) and developmental level (age, puberty) predict GDSQ trajectory over time was explored. There was a significant diagnosis by sex-assigned-at-birth by age interaction for GDSQ-S Gender Diversity, p = 0.002, showing higher scores in autistic AFAB youth over adolescence, and TD AFAB showing initially lower, then increasing levels over adolescence. For GDSQ-P, Gender Incongruence was significantly different between the groups, p = 0.032, showing higher incongruence for autistic AFAB around age 10, decreasing between age 12-14 before increasing again, while TD AFAB evidence the inverse trend. AMAB trends were stable. The significant diagnostic, developmental and sex-based differences indicate AFAB youth experience greater gender diversity that evolves over development. Findings suggest gender identity formation is nuanced and may be influenced by pubertal progression, hormonal patterns, and psychosocial factors. Results underscore the need for enhanced understanding of the unique, dynamic profiles of females-assigned-at-birth. En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.3141 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=533

Social context in stress and autism: comparing physiological profiles across two social paradigms in youth with and without autism spectrum disorder / Rachael A. MUSCATELLO in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 112 (April 2024)  

Public ISBD [article]  inResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders > 112 (April 2024) . - p.102354 Titre : Social context in stress and autism: comparing physiological profiles across two social paradigms in youth with and without autism spectrum disorder Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Rachael A. MUSCATELLO, Auteur ; Trey MCGONIGLE, Auteur ; Simon VANDEKAR, Auteur ; Blythe A. CORBETT, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.102354 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : Autism  Heart rate  Cortisol  Social  Stress  Interaction Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Background The social world is often stressful for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Research shows youth with ASD demonstrate physiological hyperreactivity to some social stressors (e.g., interaction) but not others (e.g., evaluation); therefore, this study examined diagnosis (ASD or typical development (TD)), social context, perceived anxiety, and physiological responsivity across multiple stress systems; namely, the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and autonomic nervous system (ANS). Method This study examined 244 ten-to-thirteen-year-olds with ASD (N = 140) or TD (N = 104). Physiological responses, measured by salivary cortisol, heart rate (HR), and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), were assessed before and after a social evaluative threat paradigm (Trier Social Stress Test; TSST) and social interaction (Trier Social Stress Test- Friendly; TSST-F). Mediation models examined the relationships between anxiety, diagnosis, and physiology. Results Significant three-way interactions were observed for cortisol (p = 0.007) and HR (p = 0.002), suggesting diagnostic groups respond differently across context and time points. There was no significant interaction for RSA (p = 0.149), although ASD youth had significantly lower RSA overall (p = 0.038). State and trait anxiety did not mediate the relationship between diagnosis and physiology (all p > 0.05). Conclusions Findings emphasize the critical role of context and a multisystem approach in examination of physiological social stress in youth with ASD. Results provide a foundation to elucidate unique response patterns across physiological systems to more precisely identify those with heightened physiological arousal across social contexts. It is proposed that future identification of subtypes may ultimately inform approaches for enhancing social engagement. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102354 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=524 [article] Social context in stress and autism: comparing physiological profiles across two social paradigms in youth with and without autism spectrum disorder [texte imprimé] / Rachael A. MUSCATELLO, Auteur ; Trey MCGONIGLE, Auteur ; Simon VANDEKAR, Auteur ; Blythe A. CORBETT, Auteur . - p.102354. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders > 112 (April 2024) . - p.102354 Mots-clés : Autism  Heart rate  Cortisol  Social  Stress  Interaction Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Background The social world is often stressful for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Research shows youth with ASD demonstrate physiological hyperreactivity to some social stressors (e.g., interaction) but not others (e.g., evaluation); therefore, this study examined diagnosis (ASD or typical development (TD)), social context, perceived anxiety, and physiological responsivity across multiple stress systems; namely, the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and autonomic nervous system (ANS). Method This study examined 244 ten-to-thirteen-year-olds with ASD (N = 140) or TD (N = 104). Physiological responses, measured by salivary cortisol, heart rate (HR), and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), were assessed before and after a social evaluative threat paradigm (Trier Social Stress Test; TSST) and social interaction (Trier Social Stress Test- Friendly; TSST-F). Mediation models examined the relationships between anxiety, diagnosis, and physiology. Results Significant three-way interactions were observed for cortisol (p = 0.007) and HR (p = 0.002), suggesting diagnostic groups respond differently across context and time points. There was no significant interaction for RSA (p = 0.149), although ASD youth had significantly lower RSA overall (p = 0.038). State and trait anxiety did not mediate the relationship between diagnosis and physiology (all p > 0.05). Conclusions Findings emphasize the critical role of context and a multisystem approach in examination of physiological social stress in youth with ASD. Results provide a foundation to elucidate unique response patterns across physiological systems to more precisely identify those with heightened physiological arousal across social contexts. It is proposed that future identification of subtypes may ultimately inform approaches for enhancing social engagement. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102354 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=524

The developmental trajectory of diurnal cortisol in autistic and neurotypical youth / Blythe A. CORBETT in Development and Psychopathology, 36-4 (October 2024)  

Public ISBD [article]  inDevelopment and Psychopathology > 36-4 (October 2024) . - p.1570-1581 Titre : The developmental trajectory of diurnal cortisol in autistic and neurotypical youth Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Blythe A. CORBETT, Auteur ; Trey MCGONIGLE, Auteur ; Rachael A. MUSCATELLO, Auteur ; Jinyuan LIU, Auteur ; Simon VANDEKAR, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.1570-1581 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : Autism  Cortisol  Diurnal  Puberty Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Increasing age and puberty affect the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis maturation, which is likely associated with an increase in environmental demands (e.g., social) and vulnerability for the onset of psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression). There is limited research as to whether such patterns are consonant in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a condition marked by social challenges, dysregulation of the HPA axis, and higher rates of depression setting the stage for enhanced vulnerability during this developmental period.The current study interrogated diurnal cortisol by examining (1) cortisol expression longitudinally over the pubertal transition between autistic and neurotypical youth, (2) the trajectory of diurnal cortisol and the unique contributions of age vs. puberty, and (3) potential sex differences. As hypothesized, results indicate autistic compared to typically developing youth demonstrate a shallower diurnal slope and elevated evening cortisol. These differences were in the context of higher cortisol and flatter rhythms based on age and pubertal development. Also, sex-based differences emerged such that females in both groups had higher cortisol, flatter slopes, and higher evening cortisol than males. The results show that despite the trait-like stability of diurnal cortisol, HPA maturation is impacted by age, puberty, sex, as well as an ASD diagnosis. En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0954579423000810 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=539 [article] The developmental trajectory of diurnal cortisol in autistic and neurotypical youth [texte imprimé] / Blythe A. CORBETT, Auteur ; Trey MCGONIGLE, Auteur ; Rachael A. MUSCATELLO, Auteur ; Jinyuan LIU, Auteur ; Simon VANDEKAR, Auteur . - p.1570-1581. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Development and Psychopathology > 36-4 (October 2024) . - p.1570-1581 Mots-clés : Autism  Cortisol  Diurnal  Puberty Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Increasing age and puberty affect the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis maturation, which is likely associated with an increase in environmental demands (e.g., social) and vulnerability for the onset of psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression). There is limited research as to whether such patterns are consonant in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a condition marked by social challenges, dysregulation of the HPA axis, and higher rates of depression setting the stage for enhanced vulnerability during this developmental period.The current study interrogated diurnal cortisol by examining (1) cortisol expression longitudinally over the pubertal transition between autistic and neurotypical youth, (2) the trajectory of diurnal cortisol and the unique contributions of age vs. puberty, and (3) potential sex differences. As hypothesized, results indicate autistic compared to typically developing youth demonstrate a shallower diurnal slope and elevated evening cortisol. These differences were in the context of higher cortisol and flatter rhythms based on age and pubertal development. Also, sex-based differences emerged such that females in both groups had higher cortisol, flatter slopes, and higher evening cortisol than males. The results show that despite the trait-like stability of diurnal cortisol, HPA maturation is impacted by age, puberty, sex, as well as an ASD diagnosis. En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0954579423000810 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=539

The intersection and developmental trajectory of morning cortisol and testosterone in autistic and neurotypical youth / Trey MCGONIGLE ; Rachael A. MUSCATELLO ; Simon VANDEKAR ; Rachel CALVOSA in Molecular Autism, 16 (2025)  

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Trajectory of depressive symptoms over adolescence in autistic and neurotypical youth / Blythe A. CORBETT in Molecular Autism, 15 (2024)  

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