1. Alford C, Wallis A, Hay P, Mitchison D. Understanding the child and adolescent eating disorder treatment experiences of autistic people and parents. J Eat Disord;2025 (Jul 6);13(1):128.

We know very little about the eating disorder treatment experiences of autistic young people under the age of eighteen. This study therefore sought to understand the child and adolescent eating disorder treatment experiences of autistic people and parents of autistic people through semi-structured interviews. Being misunderstood across different aspects of eating disorders care was a common experience resulting in a range of detrimental consequences. We found that there are some key treatment principles that promote safety and understanding for autistic young people and their families, and only on the basis of this safety and understanding can eating disorders treatment be effective and facilitate change. eng

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2. Anzelin L, Thiébaut ACM, Leloup L, Lapillonne A, Pierrat V, Tubert-Bitter P, Escolano S, Desplanques L, Granier M, Hanf M, Study Group SI. Longitudinal study of infants born preterm (<33 weeks) or with a very low birth weight in the Ile de France region of France (SEV-IDF programme): cohort profile. BMJ Open;2025 (Jul 7);15(7):e089953.

PURPOSE: The SEV-IDF programme aims to track infants born before 33 weeks of gestation, with very low birth weight (VLBW), neonatal encephalopathy or severe birth anomalies and perinatal disease. It employs an open, prospective, multicentric, population-based cohort approach. This report aims to describe the methodology employed to establish and manage the programme, details regarding follow-up procedures, baseline characteristics of the included infants, and highlights new research opportunities emerging from the « Suivi des Enfants Vulnérables d’Ile-de-France » (SEV-IDF) programme. PARTICIPANTS: The programme aims to (1) detect developmental anomalies early, (2) improve prevention using standardised data, (3) optimise follow-up care and (4) support multidisciplinary research.Eligible participants are infants alive at discharge from the 59 maternities with a neonatal unit of the Île-de-France (IDF) region (France). A network of 567 trained physicians monitors the children’s development at 4 months, 1 and 2 years of corrected age, and 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 years of age. Collected data include sociodemographic, pregnancy and neonatal characteristics, and standardised child development scores. FINDINGS TO DATE: The programme enrolled 21 175 participants between 2016 and 2023, with 16 461 (77.7%) having a gestational age less than 33 weeks, 1916 (9.0%) others having VLBW, 1525 (7.2%) having encephalopathy and 1273 (6.0%) having another severe birth anomaly. FUTURE PLANS: The collected data will enable the SEV-IDF scientific committee to describe high-risk infants in the IDF region, design evidence-based campaigns to improve the quality and effectiveness of the follow-up as well as conduct research on developmental anomalies in these high-risk infants. Ongoing research currently focuses on anticipating loss to follow-up and early detection of developmental anomalies.

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3. Bharat R, Uzaina U, Das K, Baptish R. Navigating the Autism Journey: Parental Experiences, Barriers and the Role of Early Intervention in India. Int J Dev Neurosci;2025;85(5):e70029.

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often encounter significant challenges in accessing timely diagnosis and appropriate support services. This study explores the experiences of parents navigating autism-related services in India, focusing on barriers to diagnosis, post-diagnosis support and the role of early intervention. Using a qualitative research design, we conducted focus group discussions with 11 parents of children with ASD and analysed the data using thematic analysis. Sentiment analysis and chi-square statistical testing were also applied to assess parental perspectives across key themes. The findings reveal systemic delays in diagnosis, limited public awareness and inconsistencies in service availability, which contribute to heightened parental stress. Parents expressed difficulties in implementing intervention strategies at home and reported challenges related to accessibility and affordability of professional support. Whereas some parents acknowledged the benefits of available services, many highlighted gaps in tailored, culturally appropriate interventions. Sentiment analysis showed a relatively even distribution of positive, neutral and negative sentiments across themes, indicating the complexity of parental experiences. This study underscores the need for a more structured and inclusive approach to ASD support, including digital tools, peer support networks and early screening programmes. Strengthening policy frameworks and expanding accessible interventions can enhance the effectiveness of autism services and improve outcomes for families. These findings contribute to the growing body of research advocating for parent-inclusive, culturally responsive autism support systems.

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4. Brown K, Taylor CM, Lee-Kelland R. Whole blood lead concentrations in children undergoing autism assessment in a community paediatric clinic: a retrospective cross-sectional study. BMJ Paediatr Open;2025 (Jul 7);9(1)

OBJECTIVE: To investigate blood lead concentrations (BLCs) in children presenting with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and associations with clinical presentation (pica, motor delay, language delay and anaemia), age and social deprivation. SETTING: Community-based autism assessment clinics, north Bristol, UK (single-centre, retrospective cross-sectional study). PATIENTS: Children with autism who had BLC measured as part of an autism assessment during a 4-year period from November 2019 to November 2023. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Data were collected from electronic case notes for children who underwent an assessment for ASD during this period, including diagnoses and investigations. RESULTS: 13/102 (13%) children with a diagnosis of autism had BLC ≥0.24 µmol/L, which is above the UK Health Security Agency threshold to trigger further investigation and identification of sources of exposure. Elevated BLC was not associated with the presence of pica or other clinical features including developmental delay. CONCLUSION: Pica and developmental delay were not useful indicators of children with elevated BLC. Their absence could lead to cases of elevated BLC being missed in children with autism. This lends weight to an argument that lead should be screened for routinely in the preschool autism population alongside other common causes of behavioural difficulties and developmental delay such as anaemia.

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5. Ezzahra KF, Soumia ED, Habiba N, Laila I, Mhamed R, Hicham B, Fatima-Zahra A, Samira B. The Impact of Vitamin A Deficiency and Supplementation on Behavioral and Oxidative Stress Markers in Male Offspring of a Valproic Acid-Induced Autism Rat Model. Dev Neurobiol;2025 (Jul);85(3):e22990.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition influenced by genetic and environmental factors, including prenatal nutrition. This study investigates the role of Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in exacerbating ASD-like behaviors in a valproic acid (VPA)-induced rat model and mitigating effects of Vitamin A supplementation (VAS). Twenty-five pregnant rats were divided into five groups, with treatments including VPA exposure and VAD. Neurodevelopmental and behavioral tests, such as the rollover, negative geotaxis, gait, and open field, assessed motor coordination and social interaction in offspring. VPA and VAD groups showed impaired behaviors, motor deficits, and elevated oxidative stress, marked by reduced superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione levels, alongside increased malondialdehyde, nitrite oxide, and altered acetylcholine activity. VAS partially restored antioxidant defenses and alleviated behavioral symptoms. These findings highlight the exacerbating impact of VAD on ASD-like behaviors and the therapeutic potential of VAS in managing neurodevelopmental and biochemical alterations linked to ASD.

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6. Feng S, Wang M, Zhang J, Ding L, Yuan Y, Zhang P, Bai X. Attraction through similarity in autistic traits: A group communication study using social relations model and fNIRS hyperscanning. Biol Psychiatry;2025 (Jul 7)

BACKGROUND: The double empathy problem (DEP) reconceptualizes autism’s social challenges as bidirectional differences rather than unidirectional deficits. Following the DEP, the dialectical misattunement hypothesis (DMH) predicts that interaction between people with similar autistic traits will be smoother and reflected in neural synchronization. However, evidence remains inconsistent due to methodological limitations in dyadic designs and unstructured tasks, and it remains unclear whether neural mechanisms differ between passive and active social contexts across autistic trait levels. METHODS: Using the social relations model, we measured the relational attraction within four-person groups (20 female and 10 male groups), composed of two high-autistic-trait individuals and two low-autistic-trait individuals following a turn-taking discussion. Simultaneously, we recorded brain activity using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) during both passive story listening and active turn-taking discussion. RESULTS: Individuals with similar autistic traits reported higher interpersonal attraction when sharing consistent opinions. Neural analyses revealed context-dependent interbrain coupling patterns: During passive story listening, low-autistic-trait dyads exhibited higher inter-subject correlation (ISC) compared to high-autistic-trait dyads. In contrast, during active communication, low-autistic-trait dyads exhibited higher interbrain synchronization (IBS) in the right temporoparietal junction, while high-autistic-trait dyads showed higher IBS in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, suggesting distinct neural mechanisms underlying social interaction across autistic trait levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the DMH and reveal that neural synchronization mechanisms vary across both autistic trait levels and social contexts. These context-dependent patterns challenge deficit-based models of autism, suggesting that high-autistic-trait individuals may employ alternative but effective neural strategies during social interaction, particularly in active communication contexts.

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7. Fusaroli R, Cox C, Weed E, Szabó BI, Fein D, Naigles L. The Development of Turn-Taking Skills in Typical Development and Autism. Cogn Sci;2025 (Jul);49(7):e70082.

Social interaction depends on turn-taking and adapting to one’s conversational partner, yet little is known about the typical and atypical development of these abilities. We investigated this in a longitudinal corpus of spontaneous speech in 64 parent-child dyads: 32 typically developing children (20.27 months at start, six girls, 24 White) and 32 with autism (linguistically matched, 32.76 months, four girls, 31 White). Contrary to prior studies, children with autism responded 189 ms faster on average than typically developing children due to more overlapping speech. Latency decreased in both groups (47-78 ms every 4 months) and depended on individual differences in socio-cognitive, linguistic, and motor skills, which for autism explained all variance by age. Both groups equally adapted their tempo to their interlocutors. With robust conceptualization and modeling techniques, we highlight the importance of overlapping speech, show that latencies in autism might be faster than in typical development and situate turn-taking into fine-grained developmental and interpersonal contexts.

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8. Garcia JM, Anderson KA, Moore JR, Renn T, Rast JE. Prevalence of Substance Use Disorder Among Autistic Youth With and Without Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions and a History of Trauma. Autism Res;2025 (Jul 7)

There is limited research on the prevalence of substance use disorders (SUDs) in autistic youth. Additionally, while mental health conditions and history of trauma have been associated with a higher prevalence of SUD in non-autistic youth, the research in autistic youth is scarce. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of SUDs in autistic youth compared to non-autistic youth with co-occurring mental health conditions and adverse childhood experiences. Data from 22,828 autistic youth and 601,348 non-autistic youth were drawn from the Child and Caregiver Linked Utilization and Outcomes Database (CCOULD). SUDs were identified using categorized ICD-10 diagnostic codes, and mental health comorbidities included six conditions (ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia/psychotic disorders, trauma/stress-related disorders), substantiated maltreatment allegations, and placement history. Overall prevalence of SUD was lower among autistic youth (1.7%) compared to non-autistic youth (3.8%, p < 0.001). Both mental health comorbidities and maltreatment allegations were significantly associated with having a SUD, regardless of autism diagnosis. Placement in out-of-home care significantly reduced the likelihood of SUD among non-autistic youth (UOR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.80-0.87) but more than doubled the odds among autistic youth (UOR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.88-2.97). While prevalence rates of SUDs are lower in autistic youth compared to non-autistic youth, the presence of co-occurring mental health conditions and adverse childhood experiences may increase SUD rates to a greater extent in autistic youth. Future research should further investigate the complex relationships among SUDs, adverse childhood experiences, and mental health conditions in autistic youth.

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9. Guevara-Ramírez P, Tamayo-Trujillo R, Ruiz-Pozo VA, Cadena-Ullauri S, Paz-Cruz E, Zambrano AK. Mechanistic Links Between Gut Dysbiosis, Insulin Resistance, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci;2025 (Jul 7);26(13)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition frequently associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, gut dysbiosis, and metabolic dysfunctions such as insulin resistance (IR). Recent evidence suggests that the gut microbiota may influence both metabolic and neurological processes through the gut-brain-metabolic axis. This review explores the molecular mechanisms linking dysbiosis, IR, and ASD, focusing on pathways such as TLR/NF-κB activation, PI3K/Akt/mTOR disruption, and the action of microbial metabolites, like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). We discuss how dysbiosis may contribute to increased intestinal permeability, systemic inflammation, and neuroimmune activation, ultimately affecting brain development and behavior. Common microbial alterations in ASD and IR-including increased Clostridium, Desulfovibrio, and Alistipes, and reduced Bifidobacterium and butyrate-producing genera-suggest a shared pathophysiology. We also highlight potential therapeutic strategies, such as microbiota modulation, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) treatment, and dietary interventions. Understanding these interconnected mechanisms may support the development of microbiota-targeted approaches for individuals with ASD metabolic comorbidities.

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10. Kadhim Nayyef N, Mohammed Jasim S, Lami F, Abbas Jaber O, Dehghan Nayeri N, Shafiee Sabet M, Al-Gburi G. Patterns of needs among Iraqi families caring for children with autism spectrum disorder: a cross-sectional study. Front Psychiatry;2025;16:1562083.

OBJECTIVE: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often require significant family support to carry out their daily activities. Assessing the needs of these families is important to optimize the use of the limited financial and professional resources available to them. This study aims to evaluate the needs of Iraqi families who care for children with ASD in various area and explore how these needs are related to the characteristics of child. METHOD: Parents of children with ASD attending Al-Subtain Academy for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders were included in a cross-sectional survey between January 20, 2024, and September 9, 2024. A structured standardized questionnaire was utilized to evaluate family needs in four domains: the need for information, explaining to others, childcare needs, and professional support. RESULT: 249 parents were interviewed, consisting of 196 (78.7%) mothers and 53 (21.3%) fathers. Over 80% of parents required support in finding information, particularly information regarding services available for their children. With in their perspective domains, support in finding reading materials about similar families and talking to them were the most requested needs, being mentioned by 40.6% and 18.1% of parents, respectively. Parents of children with comorbidities reported higher childcare and professional support needs, presumably due to a higher need for respite care and more time spent talking to teacher and therapists. CONCLUSION: Parents should be provided with better access to information, particularly regarding services available for their children, and more opportunities to communicate with teachers, therapists, and similar families to reduce social isolation.

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11. Khan T, Cherkas K, Francis NA. Quantifying social distance using deep learning-based video analysis: results from the BTBR mouse model of autism. Front Behav Neurosci;2025;19:1602205.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by challenges in social communication, difficulties in understanding social cues, a tendency to perform repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. BTBR T(+) Itpr3(tf)/J (BTBR) mice exhibit ASD-like behavior and are often used to study the biological basis of ASD. Social behavior in BTBR mice is typically scored manually by experimenters, which limits the precision and accuracy of behavioral quantification. Recent advancements in deep learning-based tools for machine vision, such as DeepLabCut (DLC), enable automated tracking of individual mice housed in social groups. Here, we used DLC to measure locomotion and social distance in pairs of familiar mice. We quantified social distance by finding the Euclidean distance between pairs of tracked mice. BTBR mice showed hyperlocomotion and greater social distance than CBA control mice. BTBR social distance was consistently greater than CBA control mice across the duration of a 60-min experiment. Despite exhibiting greater social distance, BTBR mice showed comparable socio-spatial arrangements of heads, bodies, and tails compared to CBA control mice. We also found that age, sex, and body size may affect social distance. Our findings demonstrate that DeepLabCut facilitates the quantification of social distance in BTBR mice, providing a complementary tool for existing behavioral assays.

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12. Lanciano T, Petri G, Gili T, Bonchi F. Contrast subgraphs catch patterns of altered functional connectivity in autism spectrum disorder. Sci Rep;2025 (Jul 7);15(1):24265.

Despite the breakthrough achievements in understanding structural and functional alterations of brain connectivity in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the exact nature and type of such alterations are not yet clear due to conflicting reports of hyper-connectivity, hypo-connectivity, and-in some cases-combinations of both. In this work, we bring order to the debate using a network comparison technique to capture mesoscopic-scale differential patterns of functional connectedness. In particular, we leverage recent algorithmic advances in extracting contrast subgraphs to identify maximally different mesoscopic connectivity structures between two sets of networks from typically developed individuals and ASD subjects across different developmental stages. A significantly larger connectivity among occipital cortex regions and between the left precuneus and the superior parietal gyrus was found in ASD subjects. At the same time, reduced connectivity characterized the superior frontal gyrus and the temporal lobe regions. More importantly, our results reconcile within a single framework multiple previous separate observations about functional connectivity alterations in ASD.

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13. Li H, Zhang J. Advancements in Nanotechnology for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Innovative Strategies in Pediatric Neurology. Dev Neurobiol;2025 (Jul);85(3):e22989.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents significant challenges in pediatric neurology, necessitating innovative management strategies to improve outcomes for affected children. This review explores the transformative potential of nanotechnology in autism treatment, highlighting specific applications of nanoscale materials and devices. We provide a detailed examination of various nanotechnology-based interventions, including targeted drug delivery systems that boost therapeutic efficacy, nanosensors for the early detection of ASD, and nanocarriers designed for gene therapy, all aimed at minimizing side effects while maximizing treatment benefits. Additionally, we discuss the role of nanotechnology in developing personalized medicine approaches tailored to the unique neurobiological profiles of children with ASD. By bridging the gap between research and clinical practice, this review aims to enhance the quality of care and life for pediatric patients with autism. We underscore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing nanotechnology solutions and call for further research to validate these innovative strategies in pediatric neurology.

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14. Li L, Huang Q, Hu J, Jin M, Zhuo Y, Ke W, He Q, Xiao Y, Zhang X, Wang W, Cheng TL, Tai Y, Guo F, Yu J, Yulong L, He J, Li B, Shu Y. Selective loss of Scn2a in ventral tegmental area dopaminergic neurons leads to dopamine system hypofunction and autistic-like behaviors. Neuron;2025 (Jul 7)

Dopamine hypothesis has been proposed as a mechanism of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder closely associated with genetic mutations. Loss-of-function mutation of SCN2A, which encodes the voltage-gated Na(+) channel Na(V)1.2, is a high risk factor for autism, but whether its pathogenesis is attributable to dopamine system dysfunction remains unclear. Here, we found that Scn2a is the predominant isoform and contributes largely to Na(+) currents along the somato-axonal axis of dopaminergic neurons (DANs) in mouse ventral tegmental area (VTA). Complete deletion of Scn2a in VTA DANs reduces their spiking activity and dopamine release, leading to hyperactivity, impaired sociability, and insufficient anxiety. Similar alterations were observed in Scn2a heterozygous mice. Importantly, acute treatment with levodopa alleviates non-motor behavior deficits. Together, the results reveal that Scn2a loss in VTA DANs alone causes autistic-like behaviors through a dopamine-hypofunction mechanism and also provide a possible pharmacotherapy through dopamine replacement for ASD with SCN2A mutations.

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15. Liber A, Więch M. The Impact of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation on Gastrointestinal and Behavioral Symptoms in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Nutrients;2025 (Jul 7);17(13)

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, often reported by individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), may impair functionality and exacerbate behavioral symptoms. Gut dysbiosis has been identified as a potential environmental factor influencing these symptoms through gut-brain axis dysregulation. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a promising therapeutic strategy with potential to alleviate symptoms. This review systematically evaluates the efficacy and safety of FMT in GI and ASD-related symptoms. Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO. The review included clinical trials on FMT in children and adolescents with ASD, published up to October 2024. The bias assessments were performed using Cochrane tools. Outcomes focused on changes in GI and ASD-related symptoms using scales selected by the authors. Results: This systematic review included two RCTs and seven before-and-after studies. Improvements in GI and ASD-related outcomes were reported in all before-and-after studies, whereas the results of RCTs were inconsistent. The before-and-after studies showed a high risk of bias, while the RCTs demonstrated a low risk. Conclusions: Although many studies have been conducted, the methodological limitations of some and contradictory findings of others make it difficult to draw clear conclusions about the effectiveness of FMT in children with ASD. Variations in intervention protocols underscore the importance of establishing standardized FMT procedures in future rigorously designed trials.

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16. Liu Y, Luo Y, Liu J, Gong M, Xia M, Fan X. Stem Cell Therapy and Models for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Insights and Research. Curr Neuropharmacol;2025 (Jul 3)

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by impaired social communication, repetitive behavior patterns, and atypical sensory perception. The Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network reports that approximately 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with ASD, highlighting the increasing prevalence and the pressing need for innovative treatment approaches. Medications commonly used in ASD primarily aim to manage associated symptoms, as there are currently no FDA-approved medications specifically for treating ASD core symptoms. Stem cells have demonstrated significant potential in cell-based therapies for ASD and have been utilized in in vitro models to investigate the pathogenesis of the condition. This review focuses on the recent advancements in stem cell-based transplantation in animal models of ASD, aiming to explore the improvement of ASD symptoms and the underlying mechanisms involved. It also discussed the application of stem cell-based transplantation in pediatric and adolescent populations with ASD to evaluate treatment efficacy and potential preventive strategies. Furthermore, recent efforts are addressed in developing stem cell-based models for both syndromic and non-syndromic forms of ASD, emphasizing studies that utilize cerebral organoids for modeling ASD, which facilitate the exploration of disease mechanisms within a tissue-like environment.

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17. Lockington DC, Gullon-Scott F. The Lived Experiences of Autistic Mothers: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Evidence. Autism Dev Lang Impair;2025 (Jan-Dec);10:23969415251343850.

BACKGROUND: Increasingly, research has explored autistic mothers’ experiences of motherhood. However, understanding is largely based on single studies. Existing syntheses of qualitative and quantitative research are highly specific, focusing on pregnancy, sensory, infant feeding, and perinatal periods. Thus, a review taking a broader perspective which encapsulates autistic mothers’ experiences beyond early motherhood is warranted. AIMS: To systematically identify, appraise, and synthesize existing qualitative research on autistic mothers’ experiences of motherhood to enrich understanding, and guide future research and practice. METHODS: A systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), and a qualitative synthesis of extant peer-reviewed qualitative studies and grey literature sources using Thomas and Harden Thematic Synthesis. Methodological rigor was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. RESULTS: Three themes representing the collective experiences and perspectives of 629 autistic mothers from 23 primary studies were developed: « The Embodied Autistic Experience of Motherhood, » « Navigating the Non-Autistic World as an ‘Other’ Mother » and « Recalibrating Identities. » CONCLUSIONS: Autistic mothers report having unique autistic strengths and prioritizing their children. However, their experiences of motherhood are largely colored by autism-specific and identity-related challenges, and adverse experiences related to systemic, structural, and societal othering, specifically, from feeling policed, pathologized and overpowered by professionals. This translates into an increased prevalence of psychological difficulties and need for support. Further research, professional training, systemic changes, and societal awareness are urgently needed to inform understanding and support.

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18. Lourenço DM, Zavalko S, Duarte AL, Sá-Santos S, Mateus JM, Rodrigues RS, Miranda-Lourenço C, Mouro FM, Viais R, Sebastião AM, Solá S, Diógenes MJ, Xapelli S. Cannabidivarin mitigates motor and cognitive impairments in a female mouse model of Rett syndrome. Life Sci;2025 (Jul 7);378:123846.

Rett Syndrome (RTT, #312750 – OMIM) is a rare, progressive neurodevelopmental X-linked disorder, caused mostly by mutations in the gene for the methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2). MECP2 is a transcriptional and epigenetic regulator that has been proposed to modulate neuronal development and adult neurogenesis, processes disrupted in both RTT patients and mouse models. Cannabidivarin (CBDV), a non-psychotropic cannabinoid, has recently been shown to promote adult neurogenesis through a mechanism mediated by transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1). This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic CBDV administration in a female RTT mouse model. Pre-symptomatic Mecp2(tm1.1Bird/J) female mice underwent a chronic CBDV treatment (3 mg/kg/day), followed by behavioral tests to assess potential therapeutic effects. While CBDV did not prevent deficits in locomotor activity, it mitigated motor coordination impairments in RTT mice. Furthermore, the novel object recognition test suggested that CBDV treatment contributed to the preservation of cognitive function in these animals. Moreover, CBDV administration induced genotype-dependent differences in neural stem cell proliferation, indicating a potential vulnerability in adult hippocampal neurogenesis in Mecp2-deficient contexts. Taken together, these findings provide new insights into the role of CBDV in RTT and support for future research, highlighting its potential as a repurposed therapeutic agent.

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19. Minghui Q, Wang Y, Chen B, Sun S, Hu Q, Chen L, Xu S. The effects of rTMS and tDCS on repetitive/stereotypical behaviors, cognitive/executive functions in intellectually capable children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Res Dev Disabil;2025 (Jul 5);164:105076.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on repetitive/stereotypical behaviors and cognitive/executive functions in children and young adults with intellectually capable autism spectrum disorder (IC-ASD). METHODS: Literature searches across PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus were performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of rTMS and tDCS in children and young adults with IC-ASD. The search encompassed articles published up to April 25, 2025. The standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) was calculated and pooled. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were conducted to assess potential sources of heterogeneity and refine the robustness of the findings. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included 18 RCTs involving 813 participants. Compared with sham interventions, tDCS demonstrated significant improvements in social communication, repetitive and stereotypical behaviors, cognitive and executive functions among individuals with IC-ASD (e.g., Social Responsiveness Scale: SMD = -0.48; 95 % CI: -0.75 to -0.22; p < 0.01). Similarly, rTMS improved social communication, repetitive and abnormal behaviors (Social Responsiveness Scale: SMD = -0.21; 95 % CI: -0.42 to -0.00; p < 0.05; Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised: SMD = -0.62; 95 % CI: -1.17 to -0.07; p = 0.04; Aberrant Behavior Checklist: SMD = -0.53; 95 % CI: -0.79 to -0.26; p < 0.01). No significant heterogeneity was observed across studies. CONCLUSION: tDCS and rTMS may enhance cognitive and executive functions and reduce repetitive behaviors in children and young adults with IC-ASD. However, these findings require careful interpretation due to the limited high-quality studies and variability in treatment protocols. Future research should prioritize the development of standardized protocols to address inconsistencies in stimulation parameters (including frequency, intensity, and duration) and core outcome sets. Additionally, larger-scale, rigorously blinded multi-center RCTs are necessary to accurately evaluate the clinical efficacy and applicability of these neuromodulation techniques in these populations.

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20. Moreira RS, Guimarães MAP, Magalhães LC, Moreira JM, Alves CRL. Early symptoms of autism spectrum disorders and association with Brazilian children’s development and behavior. Codas;2025;37(4):e20240306.

PURPOSE: to examine the association between the early autism spectrum disorder (ASD) signs and developmental and behavioral performance of Brazilian children aged 18 to 34 months. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 221 children recruited at public healthcare and early education services. Early symptoms of ASD were screened using the Parental Observations of Social Interaction (POSI). Children’s development and behavior were examined using the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-3) and Survey of Well-being of Young Children (SWYC-BR). The results of children at risk for ASD were compared to the no-risk ones using Chi-square and t-test. RESULTS: The overall frequency of children at risk for ASD (POSI-positive screening) was 33% and did not differ across children’s age range and gender. Children at risk for ASD showed worse socio-emotional behaviors (p=0.004) and lower scores for overall development (p=0.0001), communication (p=0.0007), fine motor (p=0.04), and personal-social domains (p=0.01). Differences between groups varied according to children’s age and across developmental/behavioral domains and were more evident in older children. Children aged 30 to 34 months presented significant differences in overall development (p=0.001), behavior (p=0.004), and the personal-social domains (p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of children at risk for ASD was higher than described in the literature. Also, the development and behavior of children at risk for ASD were significantly different from their peers and compatible with the presentation of ASD in young children. Our findings reinforce the need for systematic and holistic surveillance of child development during well-being visits to improve ASD early detection.

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21. Nazari R, Salehi M, Shoeibi A. An Explainable Connectome Convolutional Transformer for Multimodal Autism Spectrum Disorder Classification. Int J Neural Syst;2025 (Aug);35(8):2550043.

The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often hampered by its heterogeneity and reliance on time-consuming behavioral assessments. Automated neuroimaging-based diagnostic tools offer a promising alternative, but multi-site data integration often introduces variability, hindering the achievement of accurate and interpretable results. This study presents the Connectome Convolutional Transformer (CCTF), a multimodal deep learning framework that integrates functional and structural brain connectivity information from fMRI and sMRI modalities. The CCTF enriches feature representation by incorporating diverse functional connectivity metrics and structural covariance networks based on multiple morphological properties. It employs a connectome convolutional embedding module and transformer encoder to capture and refine brain connectivity patterns. In addition, a node-to-graph pooling layer facilitates the identification of potential ASD biomarkers. Evaluation on the multi-site ABIDE dataset demonstrated that CCTF outperformed state-of-the-art methods, achieving accuracies of [Formula: see text] for fMRI, [Formula: see text] for sMRI, and [Formula: see text] for the ensemble fMRI+sMRI model in intra-site cross-validation. In the inter-site leave-one-site-out cross-validation, the CCTF maintained its superiority, with the ensemble model reaching [Formula: see text] accuracy, underscoring its robustness and generalizability across different sites. The identified brain regions are consistent with established ASD neurobiology, underscoring CCTF’s potential to advance the understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying this complex disorder.

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22. Ono M, Harada I, Itagaki K, Usami M. Comprehensive multidisciplinary approach in the long-term hospitalization of a child with obsessive – compulsive disorder and autism spectrum disorder: Emphasizing nursing practice. GHM Open;2025 (Jun 30);5(1):62-66.

This article presents the case of a boy diagnosed with both obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and autism spectrum disorder. Long-term hospitalization was required to improve the patient’s OCD symptoms and family relationship. In his last year of compulsory schooling, a multidisciplinary team, led by a nurse, took various approaches to help him self-determine his pathway. In their role of assisting the patient with daily living, the nurses were at risk of becoming involved in his compulsive behavior and developing negative feelings. To support his self-determination, having a mutually supportive environment was essential between the multidisciplinary team and team members, which included discussing his daily living concerns and venting out negative feelings. In this case, ongoing dialog with the medical staff was important for the individual and parents to move forward positively within a supportive framework.

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23. Rao NP, Padickaparambil S, Tiwari S. Speech-Language Pathologists’ Experiences on Telepractice in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in India-A Qualitative Study. Int J Lang Commun Disord;2025 (Jul-Aug);60(4):e70072.

INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed to understand the experiences of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) on the use of telepractice for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in India. METHOD: Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 16 SLPs who were practising in India. The data were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis approach, and the results revealed three major themes: Use of telepractice for children with ASD, clinician related factors influencing telepractice, child related factors influencing telepractice and respective sub-themes. RESULTS: The results of our study revealed key insights regarding the essential prerequisites and certain factors influencing telepractice for children with ASD. These include the development of comprehensive training courses for both clinicians and parents, addressing technical challenges to ensure seamless operation. CONCLUSION: SLPs offered valuable suggestions for the future of telepractice and detailed its perceived advantages and disadvantages, thereby highlighting the significant benefits of telepractice for the majority of children with ASD, with advice on addressing the challenges encountered. Given the increasing demand for telepractice, there is a need to extend the findings of the study to health professionals working in varied settings and locations. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject It is known that telepractice is used increasingly to provide speech, language and communication services for a wide range of clients, including children. Recent reports suggest that SLPs in India are using telepractice services for service delivery in children with language impairments, including autism spectrum disorder. What this paper adds to existing knowledge The findings of the present study shed light on the SLPs’ views on the use of telepractice in ASD based on their experience. The study also informs about the SLPs’ current use of telepractice for service delivery, various clinician and child related factors relevant to telepractice, particularly in children with ASD in India. The results also present the scope of telepractice, challenges and future needs of this service delivery method specific to the Indian context. These findings are the first of their kind, given the increasing use of telepractice for children with ASD in India. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The findings of the study offer several implications of telepractice use in the field of speech language pathology. These implications range from providing infrastructure, facilities, standardized tools, dedicated customized applications, training and imparting education for SLPs in telepractice. Findings of the study also highlight the need for further research in this area to advance knowledge and the evidence base.

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24. Renaldi R, Persico AM, Wiguna T, Tanra AJ. Breaking the cycle of oxidative stress for better behavioral health in autism spectrum disorder: A scoping review. Asian J Psychiatr;2025 (Jun 26);110:104575.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition marked by socio-communicative and behavioral challenges. ASD is increasingly linked to oxidative stress, which stems from a destructive imbalance state whereby excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) overwhelm antioxidant defenses. This redox imbalance triggers a cascade of cellular dysfunctions, which in neurons include synaptic inefficiency, altered receptor function, excitotoxicity, and chronic neuroinflammation. All these dysfunctions add an additional burden to the genetic and epigenetic contributions underlying autism pathophysiology in each single individual, ultimately exacerbating ASD core symptoms. Strikingly, children with ASD exhibit diminished antioxidant capacity, correlated with heightened behavioral severity and impaired quality of life. This scoping review explores the intricate relationship between oxidative stress and ASD, evaluating current therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring redox balance while identifying critical research gaps. Interventions such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC), vitamin and mineral supplementation, and dietary antioxidants have shown promise in mitigating oxidative damage and improving social responsiveness. Other strategies, in particular hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and cleanroom environments, are highly controversial. Well-designed randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) integrating clinical and psychodiagnostic measures with precision medicine frameworks, are crucial for developing targeted therapies that, restoring redox homeostasis, may optimize neurodevelopmental outcomes. By summarizing current evidence and addressing these gaps, this review underscores the therapeutic potential of oxidative stress correction in improving the quality of life of individuals with ASD.

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25. Sainsbury WJ, Whitehouse AJO, Carrasco KD, Waddington H. Parent-reported Areas of Greatest Challenge for their ADHD and/or Autistic Children. Adv Neurodev Disord;2025;9(2):330-337.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to understand how parents describe the most challenging behaviors exhibited by their children diagnosed with autism and/or ADHD, how those behaviours impact their family, and whether challenges are directly related to the core characteristics of these conditions. METHODS: A total of 258 New Zealand parents of children diagnosed with autism (n = 98), ADHD (n = 85), or both conditions (n = 75) answered an open-ended question about what child behaviour(s) provide the most challenge for their child/family’s life. Responses were coded into 13 domains. RESULTS: The areas of greatest challenge fitted with the core characteristics of the respective diagnoses, but the co-occurring group favoured greater challenges in the autism domain. Emotional dysregulation challenges were substantial across all three groups. A significant predictor of parents reporting challenges in the autism and internalising domain was a higher age. CONCLUSIONS: These results have the potential to inform more targeted supports for children and families by considering what is important to parents. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41252-024-00417-x.

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26. Savino R, Davinelli S, Polito AN, Scapagnini G, Scirano A, Valenzano A, Cibelli G. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: study protocol for a double-blind, sham-controlled, randomized clinical trial. Trials;2025 (Jul 7);26(1):240.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has significantly increased over recent decades, representing a serious public health issue. Neurobiological characteristics of ASD include imbalances in cortical excitation and inhibition, along with disruptions in neural network connectivity. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may provide a therapeutic option when cognitive-behavioral therapy alone is insufficient to alleviate core symptoms. This article outlines the protocol for a double-blind, sham-controlled, randomized study assessing low-frequency rTMS targeting the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in children and adolescents with ASD. The objective is to evaluate the efficacy of rTMS compared to sham stimulation. METHODS: Forty patients with ASD, aged 7-18 years and with different levels of clinical severity, will be randomized into an active treatment group (n = 20) and a sham control group (n = 20). Each participant will receive 18 low-frequency (2 Hz) rTMS sessions over 9 weeks, administered at 90% of the motor threshold with 180 pulses per session. Treatment will target the left DLPFC (six sessions), the right DLPFC (six sessions), and both hemispheres (six sessions). Clinical, cognitive, and neurophysiological assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-treatment, and 1-month follow-up. Biological samples (blood, urine) will be collected at each time point to evaluate changes in various biomarkers, including tryptophan metabolites, neurotrophic factors, neurotransmitters, and inflammatory mediators. Safety will be monitored through semi-structured interviews and adverse event reporting. DISCUSSION: This study aims to identify a safe rTMS protocol for ASD that could complement existing therapies. By assessing the cognitive domains and the clinical and biochemical profiles most responsive to rTMS, this study may contribute to optimize ASD treatments and enhance therapeutic outcomes in pediatric populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol is registered at « ClinicalTrials.gov » with the following ID: NCT06069323.

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27. Shekhar H, Aphale DP, Dokania S. Corrigendum to « Constructive appraisal of « retrospective case control study of microcurrent therapy in autism spectrum disorder: Behavioral outcomes and dose-response analysis ». Explore (NY);2025 (Jul 7);21(5):103213.

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28. Song FX, Wu QW, Pan W, Liu LJ, Li X, Zhou X, Yu ZY, Ning X, Guo LM. Ginsenoside Rg1 Restores Sirt2/Foxo1 Expression and Alleviates Autism-Like Behaviors in a Valproic Acid Induced Male Mouse Model. Kaohsiung J Med Sci;2025 (Jul 7):e70078.

This study investigated whether Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) alleviates autism-like behaviors in mice prenatally exposed to valproic acid (VPA) via Sirt2/Foxo1 signaling. Pregnant C57BL/6J mice received a single intraperitoneal injection of VPA (600 mg/kg) on embryonic Day 12.5 to establish an autism model. At 8 weeks of age, male offspring were randomly divided into four groups: Normal, VPA, VPA + Rg1 (5 mg/kg), and VPA + Rg1 (10 mg/kg). Rg1 was administered once daily for 28 days. Behavioral assessments included grooming, rearing, locomotor activity, social interaction, novel object recognition, open field, and marble-burying tests. Molecular assays measured Sirt2/Foxo1 expression, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Nissl staining was performed to evaluate neuronal integrity in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Rg1 administration significantly ameliorated core autism-like behaviors in VPA-exposed mice, including deficits in social interaction, recognition memory, and anxiety- and compulsive-like behaviors, as well as excessive grooming and marble-burying. VPA reduced Sirt2/Foxo1 expression, increased levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in both brain regions. Rg1 treatment reversed these alterations in a dose-responsive manner, with the 10 mg/kg dose yielding more pronounced behavioral and molecular improvements than the 5 mg/kg dose. Nissl staining revealed significant neuronal loss in VPA-exposed mice, which was partially restored by Rg1 treatment. These findings suggest that Rg1 alleviates VPA-induced behavioral and neuropathological abnormalities, potentially via Sirt2/Foxo1-mediated regulation of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for autism spectrum disorder.

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29. Syu GD, Cheng Y, Chen K, Yang CY, Sutandy FXR, Liu CC, Chen CS, Shih JC. Autoantibody profiling of autism spectrum disorder patients with monoamine oxidase a deficiency. Brain Behav Immun Health;2025 (Aug);47:101039.

Monoamine oxidase A (MAO A) is a key enzyme for serotonin metabolism. Knockout MAO A in mice results in elevated serotonin, altered serum autoantibodies, and autistic-like behavior. There is a subset of patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who exhibit hyperserotonemia. The link between the MAO A, hyperserotonemia, immunity, and ASD is still unknown. To address this question, we harness the high-density human proteome microarray to profile the serum autoantibodies in ASD patients with or without MAO A deficiency. We recruited 25 subjects, including 20 ASD patients, from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Hospital and determined their plasma serotonin levels, screened for MAO A gene mutations and identified one patient with a C374 G mutation, which abolished MAO A activity and showed the highest serotonin level (hsASD; 518.42 ng/ml) and severe ASD symptoms. In another family with twin brothers, one was diagnosed with mild ASD and exhibited an increased serotonin level (isASD; 31.48 ng/ml), while the other twin was a healthy control. These three subjects were used for serum autoantibody profiling using high-density human proteome microarrays. Comparing serum antibodies from hsASD with healthy control, we identified 354 up-regulated and 398 down-regulated autoantibodies in hsASD. By comparing isASD with healthy controls, we reported 235 up-regulated and 279 down-regulated autoantibodies in isASD. Interestingly, the up-regulated autoantibodies for hsASD were enriched in the brain region and exhibited distinct features from that of isASD. This study indicates that MAO A deficiency and serotonin levels significantly impact the immunological changes in ASD patients, which may shed some light on pathological mechanisms and provide potential biomarkers for translational research in ASD.

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30. Töret G, Ökcün Akçamuş M, Töret Z, Gürses İ, Okumuş Z, Atmaca F, Karaman N, Endürlük S, Öztürk M. Is developmental imitation related to rational imitation in young children with ASD?. J Exp Child Psychol;2025 (Jul 7);260:106341.

This study used a correlational design to examine associations between instructed imitation, spontaneous imitation, and rational imitation in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) between 23-48 months of age (n = 40) and typically developing (TD) children between 12-24 months of age (n = 42). The study utilized seminal experiments, the head-touch paradigm, and the hidden box to measure rational imitation. Also, the study first utilized IMETCHASD as an alternative tool in the literature to measure instructed imitation and spontaneous imitation in an interactive play context. Results showed that spontaneous imitation was associated with rational imitation in ASD. These associations were observed after controlling for cognitive level. However, the study did not find significant correlations between instructed imitation and rational imitation in both groups. Implications for the relationship are discussed in terms of theoretical accounts for the occurrence of rational imitation and further research needs.

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31. Tsafrir S, Barzilay R, Gothelf D, Begin M. Longitudinal Analysis of Children Referred for ASD Evaluation: Exploring Outcomes for Individuals Without Confirmed ASD Diagnoses. J Autism Dev Disord;2025 (Jul 7)

Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex due to overlapping conditions and frequent comorbidities. This study aimed to explore the clinical and developmental outcomes of children referred for ASD evaluation but not diagnosed with ASD, describing the long-term diagnostic and treatment patterns in this population. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 37 children (aged 1-13 years) evaluated for ASD at a regional clinic between 2011 and 2017 but not diagnosed with ASD (non-ASD group). A control group of 32 children consecutively diagnosed with ASD during the same period was included. Electronic medical records of both groups were reviewed 2-9 years post-assessment, focusing on diagnostic changes, service utilization, and treatment patterns. Both groups exhibited significant impairments and high service utilization at follow-up. ADHD was commonly diagnosed in both groups, while specific learning disorders (SLD) were more prevalent in the non-ASD group. Notably, approximately 20% of children in the non-ASD group received an ASD diagnosis at follow-up. Most children received psychopharmacological treatment, with stimulants being the most prescribed. Combination treatments were less common in the non-ASD group. Children referred for ASD evaluation but not initially diagnosed with ASD often experience substantial impairments and comorbidities, particularly ADHD and SLD. They require ongoing, multifaceted care. These findings underscore the need for long-term monitoring and tailored interventions for this population.

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32. Wills BC, Matthews MM, Johnston J, Bolo I, Ottman R, Appelbaum PS. Systematic Review: The Psychosocial Impacts of Autism-Related Genetic Testing. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry;2025 (Jul 3)

OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic literature review of the psychosocial impacts on parents and autistic people of receiving autism-related genetic test results. METHOD: Systematic searches of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collection, Sociological Index, and Scopus were conducted for articles appearing through October 27, 2024. The authors screened 3,606 articles. The quality of the included articles was assessed with the QuADS appraisal tool. RESULTS: Twenty-two articles met inclusion criteria. Across research and clinical settings, articles assessed impacts of receiving actual (n=18) or hypothetical (n=4) genetic test results. Twenty articles assessed impacts on parents and prospective parents, while two assessed impacts on autistic adults. Psychological impacts of receiving results varied and included relief, peace of mind, reduced guilt, disappointment, fear, frustration, stress, blame, and guilt. Comparison of the frequencies of these responses was limited by heterogeneous assessment methods, variable reporting formats, and inconsistent outcome measures across studies. Receiving results sometimes confirmed diagnoses, led to altered care plans, influenced family planning, or impacted the decision to end or continue a pregnancy. Most articles reported low-to-mild or highly variable satisfaction with the testing experience. Studies of autistic adults reported strong concerns about testing without consent and discriminatory uses of genetics. CONCLUSION: Impacts on parents and prospective parents appear relatively modest, albeit with mixed valences-a finding broadly similar to return-of-results studies for other complex genetic conditions. Although the findings of the two studies of autistic adults differ substantially, they suggest that autistic people and current and prospective parents of autistic children may have significantly different experiences and perspectives. Clinicians should recognize these differences and help parents understand and weigh them in decision-making.

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33. Yap ASH, Aw MM, Chua JS, Ng JQX, Ng NBH, Shorey S. Exploring Parents’ Experiences and Perceptions of Caring for Children With Feeding Difficulties and Developmental Disabilities: A Descriptive Qualitative Study. J Adv Nurs;2025 (Jul 7)

AIM: To explore the experiences and perceptions of Singaporean parents in managing feeding difficulties among children with developmental disabilities. STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive qualitative study design was used. METHODS: Twenty parents were recruited via convenience sampling from a paediatric feeding clinic in a public hospital in Singapore between July and October 2024. One-to-one interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Four themes were identified: (1) Feeding as a ‘guessing’ game; (2) mutual understanding within the family and community; (3) beliefs regarding developmental disabilities and feeding difficulties; and (4) challenges in accessing adequate support. There were a total of nine subthemes supporting these themes. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that parents of children with developmental disabilities faced challenges in adjusting to their child’s feeding preferences, dealing with conflicting views on feeding practices among caregivers, and accessing adequate support. Parents also valued instrumental support from grandparents and domestic helpers, as well as emotional support from online peers. Additional research and targeted interventions are needed to better support parents of children with developmental disabilities in managing feeding difficulties. IMPLICATIONS: Policies should facilitate the provision of feeding-specific resources, treatment, and education for parents. Additionally, healthcare providers should proactively assess feeding-related concerns and address misconceptions to enhance parental awareness of feeding difficulties and how they can improve the feeding practices of their children with developmental disabilities. Future research should obtain a more in-depth understanding of how differing beliefs in feeding difficulties between parents can impact the child’s developmental outcomes, as well as the support and resources that may address feeding needs in these children. REPORTING METHOD: This study followed the reporting guidelines outlined by the Consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative (COREQ) research checklist. PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting.

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