1. Aitken A, Lazerwitz MC, Eash A, Hattangadi N, Mukherjee P, Marco EJ, Shapiro KA. Predictive modeling of adaptive behavior trajectories in autism: insights from a clinical cohort study. Transl Psychiatry. 2025; 15(1): 398.

Research aimed at understanding how baseline clinical and demographic characteristics influence outcomes over time is critically important to inform individualized therapeutic programs for children with neurodevelopmental differences. This study characterizes adaptive behavior trajectories in children receiving medical and behavioral therapy within a network of care centers with a shared data-gathering mechanism for intake and longitudinal assessments. We then take the further step of utilizing intake data to develop machine-learning models which predict differences in those trajectories. Specifically, we evaluated data from 1225 autistic children, aged 20-90 months, using latent class growth mixture modeling (LCGMM) with scores on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, 3(rd) Edition, as the primary outcome measure. The LCGMM analysis revealed two distinct clusters of adaptive behavior trajectories. The « Less Impairment/Improving Trajectory » group (≥66% of the sample) exhibited greater developmental change in adaptive behavior, while the « Higher Impairment/Stable Trajectory » group (≤33% of the sample) showed little change over time relative to age-matched normative data. For a subset of 729 children, we used machine learning algorithms to forecast adaptive behavior trajectories using clinical and sociodemographic data collected at the initial assessment, comparing elastic net GLM, support vector machine, and random forest. The best-performing random forest model predicted adaptive behavior trajectory with an accuracy rate of 77%. The strongest predictors in our model were socioeconomic status, history of developmental regression, child temperament, paternal age at the time of the child’s birth, baseline autism symptom severity, parent concerns about development, presence of ADHD symptoms, and parent concerns about mood. Notably, the inclusion of cumulative hours of applied behavioral analysis and developmental therapies in the machine learning models did not yield significant changes in performance metrics, indicating that increased therapy hours did not predict greater improvement. These findings extend our understanding of adaptive behavior development in autistic children and underscore the value of gathering comprehensive patient information at intake to tailor clinical care.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

2. Alnajjar HA, Khalil AI, Hantira NY. Mothers’ lived experiences of autistic adults’ challenges, community support gaps, and pathways to independence – A phenomenological study. Wiad Lek. 2025; 78(8): 1476-87.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To investigate the obstacles encountered by Saudi mothers with adult autistic children in promoting autonomy and meaningful relationships. Additionally, it aimed to assess the available community resources and assistance for these mothers, as well as gather their recommendations for enhancing support systems. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: A phenomenological study design was used among 17 autistic mothers who were conveniently selected. The Focus group discussion guide included four open-ended questions to define mothers’ challenges, as well as their coping and adaptation strategies for autistic adults’ independent lives. RESULTS: Results: The thematic analysis highlighted six main themes and their subthemes. The subjects’ response themes started with autism detection among children and went behind challenges and adaptation and coping mechanisms to create an independent living approach for autistic adults. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Mothers emphasized the need for comprehensive support systems, including early intervention, specialized resources, and trained caregiver. In addition, community engagement, acceptance and comprehensive family support are crucial.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

3. da Silva VH, Martins YR, Neto P, Portolese J, Fernandes FR, Takeuchi C, Lima FOA, Martyn ML, Lukasova K, Amaro E. Eye Tracking Screening for ASD in Nursery: Is Early Diagnosis Possible? A Large-scale Real-life Experiment. J Autism Dev Disord. 2025.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to evaluate eye-tracking screening for ASD among 585 typically developing toddlers 7 to 48 months of age in vulnerable districts of São Paulo. METHODS: Eye-tracking assessment was done with children in the participating community nurseries on Joint Attention, composed of the Initiation Joint Attention (IJA) and Responding to Joint Attention (RJA). All parents responded to the questionnaire on the educational level and socioeconomic family status (SES). Children received ratings on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) by trained psychologists and those above 25 points underwent consultations with a pediatric neurologist to establish a clinical diagnosis according to DSM-5 criteria. Children were assigned to three groups: TD (typical development), ASD (autism spectrum) and nTD (impaired development without ASD). The groups were compared regarding the mean gaze time and proportion of transition betweene Areas of Interest (AOIs) on face to target and face to distractor. RESULTS: ASD group spend less time looking to the Face and Target AOIs than other groups (F [3.73, 765.98] = 2.49, p = .04, η(2)G = 0.01) and made less transitions (F [2, 411] = 4.33, p < .01, η(2)G = 0.01). The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curve of the overall mean gaze was 0.65. CONCLUSION: This study could identify neurodevelopmental alterations of ASD in a large sample of typically developing children. Considering the screening and diagnosis in ASD children before the age of 3 years old, eye tracking offers an important add-on alternative for early identification.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

4. Huang L, Huang R, Sui G, Du W, Zhou L, Luo Q, Ren T, Li F. Demographic, genetic, neuroimaging, and behavioral correlates of short social responsiveness scale in a large pediatric cohort. Transl Psychiatry. 2025; 15(1): 396.

The Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) is an established tool for screening autism. An increasing number of studies have utilized the SRS in the general population as an outcome measure to gain insight into the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, SRS scores have not been well characterized in large pediatric cohorts, particularly in relation to their demographic, genetic, neuroimaging, and comorbidity profiles, or how these patterns compare to those observed in clinically diagnosed ASD. This study included 9788 non-ASD children and 182 autistic children aged 9-11 years from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. Generalized linear mixed-effect models were applied to evaluate the associations of short social responsiveness scale (SSRS) with a spectrum of demographic, genetic, neuroimaging, and behavioral characteristics. We estimated the heritability of SSRS using a subsample of twin and sibling data. Our finding revealed that children with higher SSRS exhibited a higher male-to-female ratio. SSRS had a high heritability of 0.52 (95% CI, 0.45-0.63), and higher SSRS scores were correlated with increased polygenic risk for ASD (P < 0.001). Neuroimaging analyses identified both overlapping and unique neurobiological underpinnings, with sex-specific variations in structural and functional connectivity similar to those observed in ASD. Higher SSRS scores were linked to lower fluid intelligence, more behavioral problems, more sleep problems, and more psychotic-like symptoms. These findings highlight both the overlap and distinction between patterns reflected in SSRS scores and those observed in clinical ASD, highlighting the need for caution when interpreting findings only utilizing SRS as the outcome for autistic-like trait.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

5. Hui Z, Zhang Y, Su Y, Kang J, Qi W, Li S, Zhang J, Shi K, Wang M, Yang Y, Zhang G, Yang L, Chen G, Li S, Hu Y, Zhu D. Abnormal Brain Connectivity Patterns in Children with Global Developmental Delay Accompanied by Cognitive Impairment: A Resting-State EEG Study. J Integr Neurosci. 2025; 24(9): 44410.

BACKGROUND: Global developmental delay (GDD) is a common childhood neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the core symptoms of cognitive impairment. However, the underlying neural mechanisms of the cognitive impairment remain unclear. This study aimed to both analyze differences in electroencephalography (EEG) connectivity patterns between children with GDD and typical development (TD) using brain functional connectivity and to explore the neural mechanisms linking these differences to cognitive impairment. METHODS: The study enrolled 60 children with GDD and 60 TD children. GDD participants underwent clinical assessment via the Gesell Developmental Schedule (GDS). Resting-state EEG data were subjected to brain functional connectivity analysis and graph theory metric-based network analysis, with intergroup functional differences compared. Subsequently, correlation analysis characterized the relationships between GDD subject’s brain network metrics and GDS-derived cognitive developmental quotient (DQ). Finally, three support vector machine (SVM) models were constructed for GDD classification and feature weight factors were calculated to screen potential EEG biomarkers. RESULTS: The two groups exhibited complex differences in functional connectivity. Compared with the TD group, the GDD group showed a large number of increased functional connections in the θ, α, and γ-bands, along with a small number of decreased functional connections in the α and γ-bands (all p < 0.025). Brain network analysis revealed lower global efficiency, local efficiency, clustering coefficient and small-world coefficient, as well as higher characteristic path length in GDD children across multiple bands (all p < 0.05). Correlation analysis indicated that global efficiency and small-world coefficient in θ and γ-bands were positively correlated with the DQ, while the characteristic path length in α and γ-bands was negatively correlated with DQ in the GDD group (all p < 0.05). Machine learning models showed that a quantum particle swarm optimization SVM (QPSO-SVM) achieved the highest classification performance, with characteristic path length in the γ-band being the highest weighted metric. CONCLUSIONS: Children with GDD exhibit abnormal patterns of brain functional connectivity, characterized by global hypo-connectivity and local hyper-connectivity. Specific network metrics under these abnormal patterns are significantly correlated with cognitive impairment in GDD. This study also highlights the potential of the γ-band characteristic path length as an EEG biomarker for diagnosing GDD.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

6. Ji B, Batubara IMS, Batten J, Peng X, Chen S, Ni Z. Digital health interventions targeting psychological health in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder: a scoping review. BMC Psychol. 2025; 13(1): 1128.

BACKGROUND: Research consistently shows that parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at a greater risk of psychological difficulties. While various interventions exist to enhance the psychological health of these parents, the potential of digital health interventions (DHIs) in this context remains underexplored. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aims to examine the availability and effectiveness of DHIs designed to support the psychological health of parents of children with ASD. METHODS: A scoping review approach was used to map the available evidence. An expert medical librarian (JB) searched six major databases-(1) CINAHL, (2) Ovid EMBASE, (3) Ovid Global Health, (4) Ovid MEDLINE, (5) Ovid PsycINFO, and (6) Web of Science-to identify studies on ASD, digital health technologies, and intervention outcomes concerning the psychological health of parents of children with ASD. Searches were conducted in June 2024. Three independent reviewers (BJ, IMSB, and XP) conducted study selection and data extraction. The methods and reporting adhered to the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 53 studies published between 2013 and 2024 were identified, examining the effectiveness of DHIs on the psychological health of parents of children with ASD under 18 years of age. Most studies (54.7%) originated from the United States, followed by China (13.2%). In terms of intervention content, the studies primarily focus on parental skill training and support (n = 27), managing children’s problem behavior and health (n = 15), and parental psychological health and emotional regulation (n = 11). Regarding intervention methods, the studies were categorized into videoconferencing telehealth, e-learning telehealth, mHealth, and asynchronous telehealth, with Zoom being the most frequently used platform (n = 16). Psychological health outcomes assessed in the included studies were grouped into three dimensions: negative psychological aspects, positive psychological aspects, and overall well-being, with stress being the most frequently assessed variable (n = 37). Significant improvements were reported in 75% of non-controlled studies and 62.1% of controlled studies, supporting the effectiveness of DHIs. All 12 studies assessing long-term effects of DHIs confirmed sustained psychological benefits. CONCLUSION: This review demonstrates that DHIs are a promising approach for improving the psychological health of parents of children with ASD. While the mechanisms behind their effectiveness remain unclear, DHIs offer accessible, cost-effective, and impactful support. Further research is needed to focus on parents’ psychological health and emotional regulation, explore advanced technologies, incorporate positive psychological strategies, and assess both short- and long-term outcomes in order to maximize the potential of DHIs in ASD-related care.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

7. Kim DY, Do R, Shin Y, Sim H, Kim H, Cho S, Lee G, Park S, Jang B, Lim H, Ha S, Yu J, Choi H, Lee J, Park MH, Cho A, Yang CM, Lee D, Yoo H, Lee Y, Bong G, Kim JI, Sung H, Kim HW, Jung E, Chung S, Son JW, Yoo JH, Jeon S, Jang J, Bin Lim Y, Chun J, Choi W, Lee S, Park S, Ahn J, Lee CR, Cheon KA, Kim YG, Kim BN. Automated AI based identification of autism spectrum disorder from home videos. NPJ Digit Med. 2025; 8(1): 607.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent childhood-onset neurodevelopmental condition. Early diagnosis remains challenging by the time, cost, and expertise required for traditional assessments, creating barriers to timely identification. We developed an AI-based screening system leveraging home-recorded videos to improve early ASD detection. Three task-based video protocols under 1 min each-name-response, imitation, and ball-playing-were developed, and home videos following these protocols were collected from 510 children (253 ASD, 257 typically developing), aged 18-48 months, across 9 hospitals in South Korea. Task-specific features were extracted using deep learning models and combined with demographic data through machine learning classifiers. The ensemble model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.83 and an accuracy of 0.75. This fully automated approach, based on short home-video protocols that elicit children’s natural behaviors, complements clinical evaluation and may aid in prioritizing referrals and enabling earlier intervention in resource-limited settings.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

8. Liu Z, Li N, Chen C, Zhang Z, Cao Y. [Analysis of acupoint selection rules for acupuncture for autism spectrum disorder based on data mining technology]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2025; 45(10): 1496-504.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the core acupoint selection rules and syndrome-based compatibility patterns of acupuncture for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using data mining techniques. METHODS: Relevant literature of acupuncture for ASD was retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, and Web of Science. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, a prescription database was established based on the extracted effective data. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the frequency, meridian tropism, anatomical distribution, and specific point. High-frequency acupoints were visualized using Origin software. The Apriori algorithm in IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0 was used for association rule analysis of acupoint combinations. Cluster analysis of high-frequency acupoints was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0. The relationships between high-frequency syndromes and acupoints were visualized using Cytoscape 3.10.0. RESULTS: A total of 223 studies and 452 prescriptions were included, among which 223 were based on syndrome differentiation. A total of 205 acupoints were included with a cumulative frequency of 4 067. The top five most frequently used acupoints were Baihui (GV20), Sishenzhen, Zhisanzhen, Niesanzhen, and Neiguan (PC6). Acupoints were primarily from Jin’s three-needle therapy, the governor vessel, scalp acupuncture, and the foot-taiyang bladder meridian, with a high proportion of acupoints located on the head and neck and the limbs. Among specific point, five-shu points, yuan-source points, and back-shu points were most frequently used. Association rule analysis revealed that the core acupoint group was Sishenzhen-Dingshenzhen-Zhisanzhen-Niesanzhen. Cluster analysis divided the top 20 high-frequency acupoints into four categories: governor vessel activation and brain awakening group, spleen strengthening and heart nourishing group, Jin’s three-needle spirit-regulating group, and kidney-reinforcing and marrow-filling group. Clinically, the main syndrome patterns were kidney essence deficiency, hyperactivity of heart and liver fire, phlegm obstructing the heart orifices, dual deficiency of heart and spleen, and liver qi stagnation. CONCLUSION: The core acupoint prescriptions of acupuncture for ASD are Sishenzhen, Dingshenzhen, Zhisanzhen, and Niesanzhen. The treatment emphasizes spirit regulation and mental tranquility, guided by the principles of harmonizing multiple zang-fu organs, regulating qi and blood, unblocking qi movement, and balancing yin and yang. Syndrome-based acupoint compatibility is recommended in clinical practice.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

9. McGhee CA, Plank JR, Pannone L, Russo O, Fuhrmann N, Ruggeri A, Radio FC, Martinelli S, Tartaglia M, Green T. Genotype-phenotype correlations with autism spectrum disorder-related traits in noonan syndrome and noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines: a cross-sectional study. Mol Autism. 2025; 16(1): 51.

BACKGROUND: Noonan syndrome (NS) and Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines (NSML) are neurodevelopmental conditions caused by genetic variants leading to upregulated signaling in the RAS-MAPK pathway. While previous research has focused on genetic variability in cognitive and cardiac phenotypes, behavioral phenotypes, and their correlations across genetic variants and within the PTPN11 gene remain poorly characterized. METHODS: This study included 121 individuals with NS (PTPN11: 88, SOS1: 18, RAF1: 6, KRAS: 2, RIT1: 3, NRAS: 2, LZTR1: 2, SOS2: 1) and seven individuals with NSML (PTPN11), compared to age- and sex-matched typically developing (TD) (N = 71). Behavioral questionnaires assessed social responsiveness and ASD-related traits (using SRS-2), and emotional problems (using CBCL) to identify genetic variant-specific behavioral profiles. Biochemical profiling of SHP2 activity in PTPN11-associated NS variants examined genotype-phenotype relationships. RESULTS: Compared to TD individuals, those with PTPN11-associated NS, NSML, and SOS1-associated NS exhibited clinically elevated scores, indicating increased ASD-related behaviors, poorer social functioning, and heightened emotional problems. Genetic variant comparisons revealed that individuals with PTPN11-associated NS and NSML exhibited greater ASD-related challenges than those with RAF1. Individuals with NSML exhibit elevated attention problems compared to all other genetic groups. Logistic regression results suggested each one-unit increase in SHP2 fold activation for PTPN11-associated NS corresponded to a 64% higher likelihood of markedly elevated restricted and repetitive behaviors, suggesting genotype-phenotype links. LIMITATIONS: Small sample sizes for rarer variants, leading to unequal group sizes across subgroups, with PTPN11 variants comprising most of the NS group. Future research should address these sampling constraints and conduct functional studies to clarify variant impacts. Longitudinal assessments could elucidate behavioral phenotype trajectories. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the importance of genetic variant-specific research to understand unique behavioral phenotypes in NS and NSML. Our findings indicate a higher risk for ASD-related symptoms in PTPN11-associated NS and NSML compared to other variants. Additionally, individuals with PTPN11-associated NS and higher SHP2 fold activation exhibited greater impairments in restricted and repetitive behaviors, suggesting SHP2 activation variations may contribute to phenotypic variability. By linking ASD-related symptoms to biochemical predictors in PTPN11-associated NS, this study may inform future targeted treatment approaches.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

10. Oren B, Devdariani M, Beselia G, Sikharulidze N, Dashniani M, Burjanadze M, Kvachakidze I, Nebieridze M, Davlianidze L, Gumberidze L, Mitagvaria N. ROLE OF ANTIOXIDANT FOLIUM EXPOSURE ON OXIDATIVE SRESS IN A VALPROIC ACID-INDUCED ANIMAL MODEL OF AUTISM. Georgian Med News. 2025; (364-365): 6-15.

INTRODUCTION: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with increased levels of oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant capacity. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different types of herbal antioxidant supplement Folium (F) – F. Relax, F. P53, F. pX, and F. Immuno (BAO Health Resources Corporation, USA) on reducing the severity of oxidative stress in a rat model of ASD induced by prenatal administration of valproic acid (VPA). METHODS: The study was conducted on male outbred white rats. Rats in the VPA treated groups (group – VPA), at 2 months of age, received intraperitoneally (17 mg/kg, for 21 days) different types of Folium. At the end of treatment, measurements were taken in both the control and experimental behaviorally characterized groups, including systemic blood pressure, heart rate, as well as oxidative (d-ROM) and antioxidant (PAT) statuses. Statistical analysis was performed using SigmaStat statistical software. Data for all parameters were analyzed statistically by one- or two-way ANOVA followed by post hoc comparisons. Student’s t-test was used to compare the mean values of two independent groups. RESULTS: The results of behavioral studies showed that prenatal VPA treatment reduced social exploration, impaired social novelty preference, decreased anxiety, and increased locomotor activity. High blood pressure [systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP)] was observed in rats of the VPA group, along with an increased heart rate. VPA rats also showed elevated levels of free radicals (d-ROMs) and a higher oxidative stress index (OSI), indicating the presence of oxidative stress. Notably, treatment with different types of Folium revealed that: (i) administration of all these supplements restored blood pressure (systolic SBP and diastolic DBP) to the normal range; regarding heart rate, only F. Immuno did not produce a decrease; (ii) d-ROMs levels and the OSI in the VPA group were not significantly different from those in the VP+F. pX group. CONCLUSION: Taken together, we provide evidence that prenatal administration of VPA to rats can induce ASD-like behavioral patterns accompanied by increased oxidative stress, as reflected by elevated levels of free radicals (d-ROMs) and a higher oxidative stress index (OSI). Based on the data obtained, it can be assumed that three of the four antioxidant supplements tested – F. Relax, F. P53, and F. Immuno, which showed positive effects on oxidative stress markers, may be suitable for use in individuals with ASD to alleviate oxidative stress and regulate blood pressure. However, to draw definitive conclusions, further research in collaboration with scientific research institutions and medical schools is required.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

11. Stankovic I, Smit P, Cross J, Rai A, Wolujewicz P, Greening D, Colak D. Extracellular vesicle profiling reveals novel autism signatures in patient-derived forebrain organoids. Transl Psychiatry. 2025; 15(1): 393.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects 1 percent of the world’s population with an increased prevalence of 178 percent since 2000. Although altered synaptic function putatively accounts for many of the abnormalities seen in ASD, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying this disorder remain poorly defined. A growing body of evidence suggests that extracellular vesicles (EVs), specifically exosomes, play a critical role in cellular communication within the brain. While they have been implicated in various types of diseases from cancer to neurodegeneration, their involvement in ASD remains largely unexplored. In this study, we utilized patient-derived cortical organoid models to characterize EVs secreted by human three-dimensional (3D) tissue and defined their cargo. Our study reports, for the first time, alterations in ASD organoid-derived EVs in comparison to healthy control cortical EVs. By utilizing small RNA sequencing, proteomics, nanoparticle tracking and microscopy, we provide a comprehensive characterization of the cargo carried by EVs secreted from human 3D forebrain models. Our findings reveal substantial differences both in the RNA and protein content of ASD-derived EVs, providing insight into disease mechanisms as well as highlighting the potential of exosome-based diagnostics and therapies for ASD.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

12. Subramaniam VR, Goldstein J, Rafati A, Gorka P, Kwon CS. Seizure outcomes in persons with autism spectrum disorder undergoing epilepsy surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Epilepsia. 2025.

OBJECTIVES: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and epilepsy commonly co-occur. Surgical interventions are viable treatment options for individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy. However, past research in patients with ASD and epilepsy has yielded mixed results regarding seizure outcomes following epilepsy surgery. METHODS: We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards. Medline, Embase, and PsycInfo were queried from inception to November 2024. Included studies reported seizure frequency following epilepsy surgery in persons with ASD. Forty-six studies reporting on 325 patients with ASD and epilepsy were included for analysis. A total of 137 patients underwent resective surgery, 167 underwent neuromodulation (138 vagus nerve stimulation [VNS], 27 responsive neurostimulation [RNS], 2 deep brain stimulation [DBS]), and 21 underwent other palliative procedures (17 corpus callosotomy and 4 laser interstitial thermal therapy). Outcomes were stratified into four categories based on a combination of Engel classification and percentage seizure reduction at latest follow-up. RESULTS: Resections yielded seizure freedom in 54% of patients, whereas neuromodulation led to >80% seizure reduction in 33.5% of patients. The incidence proportion of seizure freedom after surgery was higher in patients with MRI abnormalities was .55 (95% confidence interval [CI]: .34-.75) vs patients without MRI abnormalities (.19, 95% CI: .01-.81). Incidence proportion of seizure freedom after temporal resection was .80 (95% CI: .50-.94) vs .66 (95% CI: .48-.80) for extratemporal resection. Improvement in neuropsychiatric or quality of life outcomes was reported in the majority of patients after surgery. SIGNIFICANCE: Our study provides the most comprehensive review to date of epilepsy surgery in ASD. Based on past work, there is potential for properly selected patients with ASD and epilepsy to experience a significant reduction in seizure frequency or seizure freedom, as well as improved quality of life, following epilepsy surgery.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

13. Veseli A, Mrasori S, Čuković-Bagić I, Raka L, Veseli K, Veseli E. PARENTAL QUALITY OF LIFE WHEN RAISING CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: A NARRATIVE REVIEW. Georgian Med News. 2025; (364-365): 95-100.

BACKGROUND: Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face unique and ongoing caregiving demands that can reduce their quality of life (QoL) across physical, social, and psychological spheres. OBJECTIVES: This narrative review consolidates existing findings concerning how caring for a child with ASD affects parental QoL and identifies actionable strategies to mitigate the burden. METHODS: We searched PubMed and Scopus for English-language studies published from January 2010 to May 2024 using terms such as « autism », « caregiver », and « quality of life ». Empirical studies and systematic reviews involving parents of children (≤18 years) with ASD were included; abstract conferences were excluded. RESULTS: Twenty-four empirical studies met the inclusion criteria; eight additional sources are cited for context. Publications consistently reported lower overall and domain‑specific QoL scores for parents of children with ASD versus parents of typically developing children. Increased caregiver stress, reduced social interaction, higher out‑of‑pocket costs, and uncoordinated support program services emerged as persistent drivers. Interventions that combined psycho‑education, behavioural coaching, and sensory‑adapted dental or medical environments showed moderate improvements in parental mental health and QoL metrics. CONCLUSIONS: Multidisciplinary, family‑centred programmes and policies that remove financial and accessibility barriers are critical to improving parents’ QoL. Future longitudinal and culturally diverse studies must clarify which intervention components provide the most significant sustained benefit.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)