1. Retraction: « Diagnostic Classification and Prognostic Prediction Using Common Genetic Variants in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Genotype-Based Deep Learning ». JMIR Med Inform. 2025; 13: e76833.

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2. Algra H. [When words fail]. Ned Tijdschr Tandheelkd. 2025; 132(5): 226-30.

Patients with a cognitive impairment and/or autism often process information differently from or more slowly than other patients. They may interpret certain words very literally. This requires special attention from the dental care provider for the way in which signals are perceived and information can be shared. The use of language is a pitfall: patients use concepts they do not understand themselves. In addition, it takes them more time to understand intentions. The capabilities of patients are often overestimated. Acknowledging a patient s impairment sometimes literally requires translation during treatment, in which the use of language must be supported by visual aids, such as pictures.

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3. Antunes FTT, Zamponi GW. Exploring the role of Cav3.2 calcium channels in autism-like cognitive behavior induced by prenatal valproic acid exposure. Neuroscience. 2025.

Recent findings indicated that CACNA1H mutations may contribute to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by reducing Cav3.2 activity, disrupting neuronal function, and brain development. To explore how Cav3.2 deficiency affects autism-related cognition, we induced autism-like behaviors in wild-type (WT) and Cav3.2 knockout mice (KO) using the prenatal valproic acid model (pre-VPA). We analyzed how cognitive behavior (repetitive behavior, spatial working memory, sociability, social preference, and anxiety) in this model is differentially impacted in WT and Cav3.2 KO mice of different sexes and ages. In WT mice, pre-VPA increased repetitive behavior and self-grooming (>75 %). In contrast, there was no pre-VPA-induced increase in repetitive behavior in Cav3.2 KO male mice, and there was a reduction in self-grooming in adult KO females (∼40 %). While pre-VPA impaired spatial working memory in wild-type adult mice of both sexes, Cav3.2 KO mice were protected. Pre-VPA also induced sociability and social preference deficits in WT mice of both sexes. Deletion of Cav3.2 rescued sociability deficits in juvenile and adult male but not female mice. In addition, Cav3.2 channels appeared to contribute to social preference impairment in juvenile male KO mice and both sexes in adulthood. Additionally, KO mice exposed to pre-VPA exhibited lower anxiety levels in the elevated plus maze test when compared to KO controls. Together, our results provide new insights into the role of Cav3.2 channels in ASD-related behavior and suggest that these channels contribute to a range of behavioral deficits.

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4. Bransgrove K, Karakas G. ‘Being Autistic is Kind of Who You Are, It’s an Identity Rather than a Disorder’: Identity Negotiation and Construction Among Autistic Adults Diagnosed in Later Life. J Autism Dev Disord. 2025.

The purpose of this study is to address the gap in research concerning how identity is constructed and negotiated among individuals diagnosed with autism later in life. With the increasing number of adult autism diagnoses, it is crucial to understand the identity formulation process in these individuals to mitigate potential long-term impacts on mental health, well-being, and the acceptance of their autistic identity. This study employed a qualitative approach, involving eight autistic individuals who were diagnosed later in life. The participants’ experiences, understandings, and unique support needs were explored to gain insights into their identity development. Thematic analysis was utilized to identify recurring themes in the data, leading to the creation of a new identity framework. This framework was compared against the Cognitive Adaptation Model (1983), a widely used identity framework, to assess its relevance. The analysis identified significant themes, including the roles of social, formal, media, and peer support, in aiding late-diagnosed autistic individuals to embrace their autistic identity. The newly developed identity framework outlines the stages of identity development that these individuals experience post-diagnosis, highlighting the importance of various support systems in their journey. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the identity formulation process in late-diagnosed autistic individuals, offering valuable insights for practitioners, mental health organizations, policymakers, and the general public. By promoting awareness of the unique identity development and support needs of this population, the study aims to improve services and support systems, ultimately helping late-diagnosed autistic individuals better accept and integrate their autistic identity.

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5. Chan SH, Oh JY, Ong LM, Chow WH, Chay OM, Soliman S, Daniel LM, Agarwal P, Tan CS, Sai JL, Especkerman JF, Sultana R, Low CJW, Yeleswarapu SP. The impact of Anchor, a home visitation programme for maltreated children, on child developmental and behavioural outcomes. Ann Acad Med Singap. 2025; 54(4): 208-18.

INTRODUCTION: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with significant long-term impacts, yet few interventions specifically target ACE exposure, especially in Asian populations. Anchor, Singapore’s first home visitation programme, addresses maltreat-ment among preschool children. This study evaluated Anchor’s impact on children’s developmental and behavioural outcomes. METHOD: We conducted a prospective evaluation of children under 4 years assessed for maltreatment from November 2019 to July 2023. Developmental and behavioural progress was measured every 6 months using the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-3) and ASQ:Social-Emotional (ASQ:SE-2), and annually using the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). RESULTS: The results of 125 children (mean age 20.0 months, 48% female) were analysed. The mean length of stay in programme was 21.2 (7.3) months. At baseline, 92 (73.6%) children were at risk of develop-mental delay and 25 (31.7%) children aged ≥18 months had behavioural concerns. The programme was associated with significant improvements in gross motor (P=0.002) and fine motor (P=0.001) domains of the ASQ-3 and internalising problem scale (P=0.001) of the CBCL. CONCLUSION: Anchor effectively enhances develop-mental and behavioural outcomes for children exposed to maltreatment. Targeted early intervention through such programmes can mitigate adverse impacts, optimising developmental trajectories and potentially reducing the long-term clinical and economic burdens associated with ACEs.

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6. Deng L, Xu M, Hu Y, Liu Y, Chen Z, Tan H, Du W, Xiao Y, Li F. Assessing the Validity and Reliability of the Chinese Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Aged 1-6. Autism Res. 2025.

The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS), a widely used assessment tool for assessing developmental profiles of children, has been adapted to various cultural contexts with proven efficacy. This study evaluated the applicability and efficacy of the Chinese Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (CVABS-III) in assessing children with different developmental profiles within the context of Chinese culture. The VABS items were meticulously translated and modified to reflect cultural relevancy. We assessed 2118 Chinese preschoolers aged 1-6 years, including those with typical development (TD; n = 943), and various clinical subgroups including autism spectrum disorder (ASD; n = 449), developmental delay (DD; n = 477), and speech and language developmental delay (SLDD; n = 249). Internal reliability, construct validity, and discriminant validity with the Gesell Developmental Schedules were assessed. The CVABS-III demonstrated excellent internal consistency and construct validity. It effectively distinguished between TD children and those with ASD, DD, or SLDD. It also showed progressively stronger correlations with the Gesell Developmental Schedules especially in children aged 3-6 years. These findings confirm that the CVABS-III retains the robust psychometric properties of its original VABS while being suitably adapted for the Chinese context. This adaptation enhances the scale’s utility for early identification and intervention in developmental delays within diverse Chinese populations. Future research might explore further refinement to improve its applicability across all ages and developmental conditions.

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7. Dinello A, Gladfelter A. Intervention Techniques Targeting Echolalia: A Scoping Review. Am J Speech Lang Pathol. 2025; 34(3): 1528-43.

PURPOSE: Although echolalic speech is found in typical development, echolalia is most commonly associated with autism. As such, echolalia has frequently been the focus of various interventions aimed at autistic children. Recent research and the voices of autistic self-advocates indicate that echolalia serves as a meaningful form of communication or functionally supports self-regulation. As a result, the literature on how, or whether, to target echolalia in therapy is full of philosophically diverse approaches. To support evidence-based practice, the purpose of this scoping review was to inform speech-language clinicians about current research on interventions targeting echolalia and how disagreement on this topic may be affecting the autistic individuals we serve. METHOD: Search terms were entered into seven databases utilizing a key word search, and 74 total articles were included in this scoping review. Data on the intervention approach, outcomes, and participant demographics were then extracted for analysis. RESULTS: Most interventions utilized principles of applied behavior analysis. Nearly all studies reported decreased echolalia; very few reported increased speech output or communicative attempts. Demographically, most participants were male and White/Caucasian, if sex, race, or ethnic data were reported at all. CONCLUSIONS: Overwhelmingly, the literature on interventions focused on echolalia had the explicit aim of reducing echolalic speech, a functional form of communication. Autistic self-advocates have made it clear that they are opposed to interventions that seek to eliminate autistic traits, including echolalia. When implementing evidence-based practice that considers scientific evidence alongside client values, speech-language clinicians should avoid interventions aimed at reducing echolalia. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.28536404.

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8. Dulski T, Tolak S, Zmorzyńska J. Challenges and hopes for treatment of anxiety disorder in the autistic population. Brain Res. 2025; 1860: 149675.

Anxiety disorders, marked by excessive fear and worry, are particularly prevalent in autism, affecting up to 45 % of individuals with the condition. Since the 1960s, advances in neuroscience, psychology, and psychopharmacology have enhanced understanding and treatment of anxiety disorders in general population. Standardized diagnostic criteria development facilitated accurate classification of anxiety disorders. Neurobiological research identified key brain regions forming the basis of the amygdala-centred fear circuit model. Pharmacological advancements introduced selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) as safer, first-line treatments. However, these medications show limited efficacy and significant side effects in autistic individuals, highlighting the need for alternative treatments. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) has gained empirical support, helping to reduce avoidance behaviours, but modifications are often needed for autistic individuals. Emerging therapies, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Autism Spectrum Disorder (MASSI) and virtual reality-based interventions, are being explored for individuals with more treatment-resistant anxiety. Ongoing clinical trials are assessing medications used for other psychiatric disorders to determine their efficacy in anxiety treatment for autism. Recent genetic and neuroimaging research has revealed altered brain connectivity and genetic susceptibility in anxiety, promoting the development of personalized treatments. Despite these advances, challenges remain in optimizing interventions and addressing treatment resistance, necessitating continued research and innovation.

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9. Farhat EK, Banjari I, Džidić-Krivić A, Ejubović M, Sher EK. Gut microbiota mediated regulation of vitamin B homeostasis in autism spectrum disorders. Brain Res. 2025; 1860: 149661.

The exact cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is yet unknown, although possible causes include early childhood, foetal development, gestation, delivery mode, genetics, and environmental variables. Approximately 1% of children worldwide have ASD, and this percentage is rising. The immunological, endocrine, gut microbiota and brain-gut axis quality influence the intensity of ASD symptoms. Deficits in the composition and diversity of gut microbiota are common in children with ASD, accounting for 9-90% of these illnesses, including elevated inflammatory cytokines, inflammation, leaky gut syndrome, and pathological microflora growth. Dysbiosis can be made worse by eating issues that are prevalent in ASD. B vitamins, such as cobalamin and folate, which are essential methyl donors for DNA epigenetic changes, are usually produced by a healthy gut microbiota. 50% of people with ASD have a vitamin B deficit. This work summarises research on the impact of gut microbiota on DNA methylation and B vitamin synthesis in ASD, as well as etiological variables connected to dysbiosis. Probiotics, postbiotics, and vitamin B therapies in kids with ASD should be investigated in future studies.

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10. Hasan S, Hussain I, Chadwick L, Moir R, Iqbal A, Morris R, Patil D. Systematic Review of Symptoms of Catatonia in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord. 2025.

Catatonia is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by disturbances in mood, motor function, behavior and speech. It is increasingly recognized in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), although its identification remains challenging due to the overlapping clinical features of the two conditions. Shared characteristics, such as echophenomena, mannerisms, social indifference and repetitive behaviors can obscure accurate diagnosis. Although reports suggest a significant prevalence of catatonia among individuals with ASD, the condition remains poorly understood and frequently under recognized, leading to substantial diagnostic and treatment challenges. A systematic review was conducted to characterize the symptoms of catatonia in individuals with ASD. The literature search included peer-reviewed journal articles published in English from 1980 onward, focusing on studies examining co-occurring catatonia and ASD. A qualitative framework analysis was implemented to evaluate 45 peer-reviewed studies, with findings interpreted in relation to, and extending beyond, the diagnostic criteria for catatonia outlined in the International Classification of Diseases, 11th revision (ICD-11). The objective was to identify symptom patterns extending beyond current diagnostic frameworks and to support improved clinical recognition and diagnostic precision in ASD populations. The review identified six primary symptom clusters associated with catatonia in individuals with ASD: (1) psychomotor activity, (2) speech disturbances, (3) changes in behavior/skills/functions, (4) mental health symptoms, (5) physiological symptoms, and (6) symptoms related to arousal and awareness. Notably, several symptoms observed within these clusters are not currently included in the ICD-11 diagnostic criteria for catatonia. These additional symptoms include tics, motor compliance, incoherent speech, self-injury, impaired cognition, and appetite changes, suggesting a broader clinical presentation of catatonia in ASD populations than is presently captured in existing diagnostic frameworks. The findings of this review highlight the significance of enhancing clinicians’ awareness and understanding of how catatonia manifests in individuals with ASD. Most notably, six symptom clusters, psychomotor changes, speech disturbances, behavioral and functional regression, affective and psychiatric symptoms, physiological symptoms, and arousal/awareness disturbances, were observed. Several symptoms identified in this review are not included in the current diagnostic criteria, and their recognition may facilitate in earlier identification and timely intervention, potentially preventing the severe consequences of untreated catatonia in this population.

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11. Hoferle M, Roepke E. Latine Caregivers’ Perspectives of Autism-Related Services: A Scoping Review. Am J Speech Lang Pathol. 2025; 34(3): 1544-66.

PURPOSE: Minoritized cultural groups in the United States experience disparities in diagnostic and intervention services for autistic children. Listening to the experiences of minoritized caregivers when accessing these services can identify areas for structural and individual improvement in cultural responsiveness. METHOD: We conducted a scoping review to map the experiences of Latine caregivers of autistic children in navigating autism-related services. Included studies were published between 2015 and 2024 and employed a qualitative design. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies were included in the review. The caregivers interviewed in these studies were primarily mothers; few studies included fathers or extended family members. Services reviewed included both assessment and intervention. Factors related to assessment and intervention uptake included communication, provider support, logistics, immigration, cultural beliefs, caregivers’ knowledge about autism, and social systems. CONCLUSIONS: Public education on the signs of autism and how to access services may address some of the barriers identified by caregivers in this review. Clinicians can provide education and support to empower caregivers to advocate for their children.

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12. Hoidy WH, Al-Saadi MH, Clegg S, Chyad DH. Association of Alzheimer’s-Related Gene Variants with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Case-Control Study in an Iraqi Cohort. J Mol Neurosci. 2025; 75(2): 64.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests as difficulties in social communication and the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors. The etiology remains obscure, although there is increasing evidence of shared neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorder pathways. This study aimed to determine whether gene variants previously linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have a role in ASD susceptibility. Within a case-control framework, we studied a sample of 270 Iraqi children, 135 with ASD and 135 age-matched controls aged 6-12 years. T-ARMS PCR was used to determine the genotypes of five selected polymorphisms NECTIN2 (rs6859), CR1 (rs670173), CLU (rs7982), ABCA7 (rs3764650), and BIN1 (rs744373) that have been associated with AD. The polymorphism genotype and allele frequencies were analyzed using the chi-square test, and odds ratio analysis with 95% confidence intervals was conducted. Age and sex-stratified analyses in addition to biochemical profiling were also conducted. Significant associations with ASD were found for three polymorphisms: CR1 rs670173 (p = 0.007), CLU rs7982 (p = 0.010), and BIN1 rs744373 (p = 0.013). The male-to-female effect ratio was stronger than the female-to-male. Interestingly, younger boys aged 6 to 9 years demonstrated the most pronounced effect of CLU rs7982 (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.25-2.94, p = 0.003). NECTIN2 rs6859 (p = 0.543) and ABCA7 rs3764650 (p = 0.102) did not yield significant associations. Biochemical parameters showed no significant differences among the groups. Our results imply that some AD-associated gene variants, especially those related to neuroinflammation and synaptic activity, could elevate the risk for ASD. This reinforces the notion of shared genetic risk factors between neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, likely involving common mechanisms for the formation and maintenance of neural circuits.

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13. Jahan SS, Hasan MT, Gupta RD, Islam SS, Hawlader MDH, Siddika N, Shaikh MH, Hoque Apu E. Empowering Dental Professionals in South Asia to Manage Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Spec Care Dentist. 2025; 45(3): e70044.

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14. Janicki MP, McCallion P, Jokinen N, Larsen FK, Mughal D, Palanisamy V, Santos F, Service K, Shih A, Shooshtari S, Thakur A, Tiziano G, Watchman K. Autism and Dementia: A Summative Report from the 2nd International Summit on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia. J Autism Dev Disord. 2025.

This article synthesizes findings, from the Autism/Dementia Work Group of the 2nd International Summit on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia, on the nature of autism/autism spectrum disorder and later-age neuropathologies, particularly dementia. The convened group of experts explored genetic, neurobiological, and environmental risk factors that may affect the lifespan and lived experiences of older adults with autism. A review of current literature indicates a lack of comprehensive information on the demographics and factors associated with aging in autistic adults. However, our understanding of autism is evolving, challenging traditional views of it as a static, inherited neurodevelopmental disorder. The relationship between autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions-such as Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex-reflects the complex genetic landscape of neurodevelopmental disorders. These genetic and familial factors may contribute to progressive health challenges and cognitive decline in later life. Key findings reveal a complex link between autism and dementia, despite limited research on this relationship, particularly among older adults. The overall prevalence of dementia in this population appears to be influenced by co-occurring intellectual disabilities, particularly Down syndrome. While the association between autism and specific types of dementia is still not well understood, the reviewed evidence suggests a notable connection with frontotemporal dementia, although causality has not been established. Exploration of biomarkers may offer further insights. Currently, the relationship between autism, cognitive health, and cognitive decline in older adults remains a complex and underexplored area of research.

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15. Lambregts-van Marrewijk DJF, de Kuijper M. [Survey special care groups: the outcome]. Ned Tijdschr Tandheelkd. 2025; 132(5): 269-73.

From mid-December 2024 to mid-February 2025, a poll was conducted among the readers of the NTVT to gain insight into their views on the treatment of people with disabilities or autism. 27,2% of all respondents indicated that there are insufficient options to refer people with disabilities or autism for treatment within a 30-minute travel distance. Moreover, many Centers for Special Care Dentistry have a waiting lists or do not take on new patients anymore. The contribution of general practitioners is therefore much needed to organize the necessary care for these special care groups in the Netherlands. The degree of perceived competence appears to be associated with the self-reported treatment of people with a moderate to severe intellectual disability in the general dental practice. Additional training appears to lead to more competence, and therefore possibly to more treatment of these special care groups in the general dental practice.

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16. Miller C, Portlock T, Nyaga DM, Gamble GD, O’Sullivan JM. Code Error in « Diagnostic Classification and Prognostic Prediction Using Common Genetic Variants in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Genotype-Based Deep Learning ». JMIR Med Inform. 2025; 13: e66556.

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17. Mohanan R, Veena KD, Parsekar SS, Bellon-Harn ML, Aithal VU. Effectiveness of Video-Based Instruction With Additional Components to Improve Conversational Skills in Autistic Children: A Systematic Review. Am J Speech Lang Pathol. 2025; 34(3): 1567-84.

PURPOSE: This systematic review assessed the impact of video-based instruction with additional intervention components on autistic children’s conversational skills. METHOD: Single-subject multiple-baseline design studies from 2000 to 2022 were included. Studies were identified through searches of six databases, other sources, and forward and backward citation tracking. Two authors, independently, conducted screening, quality assessment, and data extraction using the What Works Clearinghouse standards. Results were analyzed using percentage of nonoverlapping data (PND), percentage of data exceeding the median (PEM), and percentage of all nonoverlapping data (PAND) and compared with baseline and intervention phase means. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were included, all conducted in a Western context, involving 47 autistic children. Interventions varied in type and additional components, duration, frequency, and number of sessions. PEM measures (0.7-1) and phase means were more sensitive in determining intervention effectiveness, while PND and PAND (0.3-0.5) suggested underestimation. CONCLUSION: Despite positive outcomes, research gaps remain in examining treatment effects across diverse cultural contexts and determining optimal intervention intensity. REGISTRATION: The review has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020212580). SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.28789424.

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18. Radoeva PD, Li EA, Legere CH, Saletin JM, Philip NS, Dickstein DP. Estimated Nutrient Intake and Association With Psychiatric and Sleep Problems in Autistic Youth in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development(SM) Study. Autism Res. 2025.

Autistic children often consume less varied diets, experience sleep difficulties, and have higher rates of mental health problems as compared to neurotypical peers. Yet, the direct relationship between all of these domains is not well characterized. We leveraged the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development(SM) study (ABCD study) dataset to explore whether estimated levels of consumption of specific macro- and micronutrients correlated with the severity of mental health and sleep problems in autistic youth. We found that low vitamin B3, B6, C, and iron intake was associated with more severe psychiatric problems in autistic children in the ABCD cohort, though these findings did not reach statistical significance after correction for multiple comparisons. In a post hoc analysis, we found that the severity of sleep difficulties was correlated with estimated levels of Vitamins B3, B6, C, and iron intake and with the severity of anxiety/depressive symptoms and/or thought problems. Our analysis on a large number of nutrients, psychiatric symptoms, and sleep serves as an exploratory, initial analysis to identify specific nutrients and psychiatric symptoms that could be the focus of future (confirmatory) studies on the relationship between nutrition, sleep, and mental health in autistic individuals.

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19. Techaniyom P, Korsirikoon C, Chitta P, Sae-Lee C. Regulatory roles of transposable elements on autism molecular neuropathology. Epigenomics. 2025: 1-9.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social communication and the presence of repetitive behaviors, typically diagnosed in early childhood. In this review, we searched PubMed and Google Scholar databases for relevant articles. ASD displays considerable heterogeneity in symptomatology and is more common in males, though shifting demographics indicate rising rates among minority populations. Transposable elements (TEs), which constitute approximately 50% of the mammalian genome, are increasingly recognized for their contribution to neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD. These mobile genetic elements can induce genomic instability and modulate gene expression, thereby influencing ASD pathology. Evidence suggests that specific TEs, such as L1 and Alu elements, can disrupt genes critical for neurodevelopment and contribute to the disorder’s genetic complexity. Furthermore, prenatal environmental exposures may activate TEs, potentially contributing to neuroinflammation observed in ASD. While the precise regulatory roles of non-coding TEs in ASD are still under investigation and require careful interpretation, integrating epigenetic aging markers like epigenetic clocks holds promise for advancing the field. Future research focused on the intricate relationship between TEs, environmental factors, epigenetic mechanisms, and neurodevelopmental processes is essential for identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets, ultimately improving early diagnosis and interventions for ASD.

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20. Wang T, Huang H, Liu L, Lv S, Xu Y, Xing Y, You C, Deng H. Exploring Tactile Initiation of Joint Attention in Autistic Children. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol. 2025.

Initiation of joint attention (IJA) is often impaired in children who may be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Traditionally, assessments of IJA have focused on visual and auditory means of communication. Recent research has expanded the understanding of joint attention to include tactile interactions. To investigate the early development of IJA in toddlers, particularly focusing on the differences in sensory modalities, we conducted a prospective study tracking 60 toddlers (30 males) up to 36 months of age, including 16 who were later diagnosed with ASD. We used videos taken during the administration of Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales-Developmental Profile to code for IJA corresponding to different sensory modalities. During the second year of life, autistic children displayed lower frequencies of visual, auditory, and combined visual-auditory IJA compared to typically developing peers. Conversely, autistic children exhibited higher frequencies of tactile IJA. Notably, the frequencies of tactile IJA at 12 months were correlated with social symptoms at 24 months, showing a positive correlation across all participants and a negative correlation specifically within the ASD group. These results suggest that differences in the use of different sensory modalities of IJA may influence the development of future social communication abilities. Clinical Trial Registration: www.chictr.org.cn , identifier ChiCTR2100049811, 2021-08-10.

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