1. Al Mourad MB, Bataineh E. Comparative eye-tracking analysis of visual behavior of normal developing and autistic children in response to human faces and emotional expressions. Advances in Autism;2025;12(1):1-25.

Autism is a prevalent childhood neurodevelopmental condition with a high hereditary likelihood, and it manifests as a clinical syndrome with varying impairments in language and social behavior as well as the existence of constrictive interests and repetitive behaviors. It is essential for both early diagnosis and intervention to comprehend how autistic people behave visually when exposed to human facial expressions and emotions. The purpose of this study is to investigate how autistic individuals visually respond to human facial expressions and emotions, with the aim of supporting early diagnosis and intervention.In this eye-tracking study, children from two different groups neurotypical (NT) children and autistic (AP) children – were compared in terms of their visual behavior. The authors showed them pictures of people with faces placed in the center, on the left and on the right of the stimuli to gauge how they were focusing on them. The study used eye-tracking technology to accurately capture and examine their eye gaze movements. Furthermore, the study investigated their reactions to sad emotions by showing dynamic stimuli with gradual changes in neutral to sad facial expressions, encompassing both male and female faces.The research showed that when children with NT and AP were exposed to scenarios with human faces, there were substantial differences in their visual behavior. Notably, in contrast to NT children’s concentrated attention, AP children showed less interest in the facial region as seen by prolonged fixations on nonfacial locations. Furthermore, our examination of emotional responses revealed a major difference: NT children mainly focused on the eyes and mouth regions of sad faces, whereas AP children showed a lack of interest in these regions, frequently shifting their gaze from the facial stimuli.This study offers important new understandings of the distinctive visual behavior displayed by autistic children when exposed to human faces and emotional stimuli. These findings have important implications for the early diagnosis and support of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Eye-tracking technology has the potential to be a diagnostic tool that can help identify and support children with ASD early on, ultimately increasing their quality of life and fostering the growth of key sociocognitive abilities. This study helps lay the groundwork for additional investigations and diagnostic models geared toward solving the difficulties faced by people with autism spectrum disorders.

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2. Ward OF, ten Hoopen LW, Bocanegra B, Truijens FL, Greaves-Lord K, Visser K, Ester WA, Bastiaansen D, Van Rijen EHM, Dekker LP. Exploring the unique impact of COVID-19 measures on autistic child development and parenting stress: comparing two cohorts in The Netherlands. Advances in Autism;2025;12(1):26-41.

The purpose of this study is to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic, and related preventative measures, impact global stressors on autistic children, adolescents and their families.This exploratory study compared two cohorts, one spanning just before and throughout the pandemic, and one during a non-pandemic period, to explore child functioning and parenting stress in families with autistic children. Autism symptom development was assessed using the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 at three-time points, while emotional and behavioral functioning was examined across two-time points using the Brief Problem Monitor. Parenting stress was assessed using the Parenting Stress Questionnaire.Results indicated no significant differences between the cohorts in parent-reported autism symptoms or the emotional and behavioral functioning of autistic children and adolescents. Whereas no differences emerged in children’s functioning, during the COVID-19 pandemic period parents reported more parental role restriction and physical health problems along with fewer parenting problems compared to parents during a non-pandemic period.These findings provide insight into how families were potentially influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. It seems that parents in particular may benefit from more tailored support, such as flexible respite services, remote interventions and self-care programming designed for parents of autistic children, especially in times like a pandemic.

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3. Perälä S, Pesonen H, Äärelä T. From misunderstanding towards recognition: narratives of autistic women and girls in news articles. Advances in Autism;2025;12(1):42-53.

This study aims to examine news article stories portraying autistic women’s and girls’ life experiences of being neurodivergent to gain a deeper understanding of their recognition in societal discussions.The authors used narrative and inductive and theory-driven thematic approaches to analyse news articles. This study’s theory-driven data analysis phase was guided by Honneth’s recognition framework.The analysis revealed dimensions of misrecognition in multiple spheres of life. These dimensions became visible, for example, as physical and social struggles, delayed or denied access to services and the desire to be openly autistic. The authors conclude that autistic women and girls are lacking recognition in society.In spite of the increasing representations in the media, a larger understanding of the unique ways of being an autistic woman or a girl is needed. Practical implications for using the recognition framework as a tool for developing recognition will also be discussed.Research on women’s and girls’ experiences of being autistic in news stories from the recognition perspective is scarce, particularly in the Finnish context. The media has a powerful role in society as an information producer. Combining the knowledge gap with the available data in the media, the authors provide windows on the narratives of autistic women and girls.

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4. Barr E, White A. Co-occurrence of complex emotional needs, autism spectrum disorder and gender diversity: a service audit. Advances in Autism;2025;12(1):54-66.

Gender identity is an integral part of individuals’ self-conceptualisation. This paper aims to explore the correlation of co-occurring complex emotional needs (CEN; consistent with a diagnosis of personality disorder), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and gender diversity in a sample of adult community service-users referred to a CEN team.A 52-month retrospective audit was conducted where all participants met diagnostic threshold for a CEN diagnosis, focusing on presence of ASD and gender identity. Additional comorbidities are reported.In total, 553 referrals were assessed, a small number of whom identified as gender diverse (n = 23, 4.2%). A modest, significant correlation is reported between gender identity and ASD. Suggestions for potential aetiological considerations are briefly given, though further research on a larger scale should be undertaken to explore whether this correlation persists, and if so, potential factors leading to this.The authors understand that this is the first study of its kind to explore this area of overlap of CEN, ASD and gender identity extending this past the male–female binary.

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5. Gabunia M, Zirakashvili M, Nadareishvili V, Kim YS, Leventhal BL, Stevanovic D. Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in Georgia (country): a two-phase population-based study among 8–10-year-olds. Advances in Autism;2025;12(1):67-78.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was rarely diagnosed in Georgia, a middle-income European country, prior to the early 2000s, with essentially no documented data on affected children. This study aims to provide the first prevalence estimates of ASD in Georgia by evaluating its occurrence among 8–10 years old children.Using a two-phase, population-based approach, the study screened third-grade students aged 8–10 years during 2019–2020 and conducted diagnostic assessments in 2020–2021. Screening tools included the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Diagnostic assessments used standardized measures such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-II, Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, Test of Nonverbal Intelligence, Fourth Edition, Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-II, supplemented by speech, language and communication tests. Screening data were obtained for 16,348 children (72.3% response rate; 50.1% females), with full diagnostic evaluations for 300 (mean age = 10.2 years; 31.7% females).The estimated prevalence was 4.25% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.95%–4.55%), with higher rates among males (6.13%; 95% CI: 5.61%–6.65%) compared to females (1.52%; 95% CI: 1.25%–1.78%); the male-to-female diagnosis ratio was found to be 4:1.High prevalence of autism in Georgia points to the urgent need for actions targeting especially early identification, diagnosis and treatment for individuals with ASD in Georgia, mainly through resource allocation, with a particular focus on enhancing professional training.This study estimated for the first the prevalence of ASD in Georgia (country) of 4.25% among 8–10 years old children, with a male-to-female diagnosis ratio of 4:1. The findings underscore the urgent need for early identification, diagnosis and treatment of ASD, suggesting resource allocation and enhanced professional training are critical.

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6. George G, Kulkarni M, Varghese B. AI in creating inclusive work environments for neurodiverse employees. Advances in Autism;2025;12(1):79-98.

This study aims to examine the increased focus on neurodiversity in contemporary businesses. It shows how inclusive policies can capitalize on the special abilities of people with neurodiverse backgrounds, including their extraordinary problem-solving abilities, meticulous attention to detail and creative thinking. These policies benefit the individuals and contribute to a more diverse and innovative workplace.Data was collected through semistructured interviews with HR experts and neurodivergent employees. The qualitative data were manually analyzed and coded, and themes were identified.The results highlight the significant benefits of accepting neurodiversity in the workplace, enlightening the audience about its potential. For instance, artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to anonymize resumes, removing potential biases related to gender, ethnicity or age. In addition, AI can help in identifying the unique skills and strengths of neurodivergent employees, enhancing the fit between job responsibilities and their abilities. This study also emphasizes the wider effects of accepting neurodiversity on employee satisfaction, productivity and organizational innovation. This study promotes a deep learning framework that combines human-centered strategy with strategic methods to maximize the participation of neurodiverse workers and foster a more creative and dynamic corporate culture, convincing the audience of its benefits.This study is limited by its qualitative nature and relatively small sample size, comprising 15 HR professionals and 20 neurodivergent employees, which restricts generalizability. The sensitive nature of neurodiversity also made participant recruitment challenging, with some individuals hesitant to disclose their condition. In addition, companies were reluctant to share internal AI practices due to confidentiality concerns. The research focused on a select set of organizations, primarily from specific regions, limiting cross-cultural applicability. Furthermore, the absence of AI developers in the sample means insights into technical tool design and implementation remain unexplored, suggesting a gap for future multidisciplinary research.This study provides actionable insights for HR professionals and organizational leaders aiming to improve neurodiverse hiring and support systems. It identifies specific AI tools such as Grammarly, Otter.ai and Pymetrics, that can be integrated into recruitment and workplace settings to enhance communication, reduce sensory overload and match roles to individual strengths. Organizations can use the deep learning framework proposed to design more inclusive policies and infrastructure. Training managers and customizing AI-driven accommodations can improve retention, engagement and performance among neurodiverse talent. This research supports firms in developing more equitable, adaptive and innovative environments aligned with diversity and inclusion goals.This study promotes a societal shift in how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported in the workforce. By emphasizing ability over deficit and proposing inclusive AI integration, it helps reduce stigma and encourages broader acceptance of cognitive diversity. The findings advocate for universal accommodations that do not require self-disclosure, promoting dignity and equity. Improved employment outcomes for neurodiverse individuals contribute to economic inclusion, reduce unemployment rates and challenge ableist norms. The research also aligns with broader Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) movements, inspiring organizations and policymakers to build socially responsible frameworks that reflect the value of every individual, regardless of neurological difference.This paper offers original value by exploring the underresearched intersection of AI and neurodiversity inclusion in the workplace. It contributes novel insights through qualitative analysis of HR professionals and neurodivergent employees, highlighting the role of AI in reducing hiring bias, customizing work environments and enhancing employee w ll-being. By proposing a deep learning framework and cataloging AI tools matched to neurodiverse conditions, this study bridges theory and practice. It uniquely positions AI as both a technological and ethical enabler for inclusive employment, making it highly relevant for scholars, practitioners and policymakers aiming to foster equitable, future-ready workplaces.

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7. Chezan LC, Liu J, Costescu CA, Rosan A. Cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the quality of life for children with autism spectrum disorder scale. Advances in Autism;2025;12(1):99-115.

Cross-cultural adaptation of psychometric measures requires a systematic translation and adaptation process to ensure equivalence between the original measure and the target version for use in a different culture. The purpose in this study is to adapt and validate the quality of life (QOL) for children with autism spectrum disorder (QOLASD-C) scale for use with Romanian children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).A sample of 102 parents of children with ASD in Romania completed the QOLASD-C scale and the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ). The authors used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to determine the optimal model and Pearson correlations to examine the divergent and convergent validity. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted to examine the differences in the QOLASD-C subscales across ASD levels of severity.Factor analysis supported a correlated three-factor model as the optimal solution for the QOLASD-C scale and indicated high internal consistency of the items comprising the scale. Results also suggested good convergent and divergent validity with the SDQ. The analysis of variance showed that children with mild levels of ASD severity had higher QOL scores, and children with severe levels of ASD had lower QOL scores across the three domains assessed by the scale. The authors concluded that the adapted QOLASD-C is a culturally valid and reliable scale with strong psychometric properties for measuring QOL in Romanian children with ASD.To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to translate, adapt and validate a QOL measure with a sample of Romanian children with ASD and, thus, makes a significant and unique contribution to the literature by providing psychometric evidence that the adapted QOLASD-C is a reliable and valid measure to assess the QOL in Romanian children with ASD.

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8. Expression of concern: Why caregivers discontinue applied behavior analysis (ABA) and choose communication-based autism interventions. Advances in Autism;2025;12(1):116-116.

The publisher of the journal Advances in Autism is issuing an Expression of Concern for the following article: Kupferstein, H. (2020), “Why caregivers discontinue applied behavior analysis (ABA) and choose communication-based autism interventions”, Advances in Autism, Vol. 6 No. 1, pp. 72-80, Link to the cited article to inform readers that concerns have been raised that the research, and therefore article, may contain a possible error in research standards. An investigation is ongoing and is currently unresolved. Further information will be provided by Advances in Autism as it becomes available.

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9. Expression of concern: Evidence of increased PTSD symptoms in autistics exposed to applied behavior analysis. Advances in Autism;2025;12(1):117-117.

The publisher of the journal Advances in Autism is issuing an Expression of Concern for the following article: Kupferstein, H. (2018), “Evidence of increased PTSD symptoms in autistics exposed to applied behavior analysis”, Advances in Autism, Vol. 4 No. 1, pp. 19-29, Link to the cited article. to inform readers that concerns have been raised that the research, and therefore article, may contain a possible error in research standards. An investigation is ongoing and is currently unresolved. Further information will be provided by Advances in Autism as it becomes available.

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