1. Adams D, Malone S, Dargue N, Rodgers J, Simpson K, Wicks R, Rapee R. Brief Report: School Anxiety, School Attendance and School Refusal/Distress Following an Autism-Specific Parent-Mediated Intervention for Anxiety in Preschoolers. J Autism Dev Disord. 2025.

PURPOSE: Autistic children have an increased likelihood of experiencing anxiety, even in the preschool years. Studies evaluating anxiety interventions in autistic children have tended to focus upon home or community settings. This study expands upon previous work to evaluate whether a parent-mediated intervention for autistic preschool children’s anxiety impacts later school anxiety and school attendance. METHOD: Data for this study comes from a randomised controlled trial of an autism-specific program designed to reduce and/or prevent anxiety in autistic preschoolers; CLK-CUES. In addition to pre- and post-group anxiety measures, the trial included data from parents and teachers one year later, once the children started school. Teacher-reported school anxiety and parent-reported school attendance data were available for the CLK-CUES (n = 15) and control group (n = 13). FINDINGS: Children whose parents received CLK-CUES had lower levels of separation anxiety in school and significantly lower non-attendance rates than the control group. This was predominantly due to a significant between-group difference in the number of days missed due to school refusal/distress. INTERPRETATION: Findings indicate promise for this autism-specific anxiety program to reduce school anxiety and support school attendance in young autistic children. Further research with larger samples and an extended follow-up is warranted.

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2. Bottema-Beutel K, Zisk AH, Zimmerman J, Yu B. Conceptualizing and describing autistic language: Moving on from ‘verbal’, ‘minimally verbal’ and ‘nonverbal’. Autism. 2025: 13623613251332573.

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3. Giliberti A, Frisina AM, Giustiniano S, Carbonaro Y, Roccella M, Nardello R. Autism Spectrum Disorder and Epilepsy: Pathogenetic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications. J Clin Med. 2025; 14(7).

The co-occurrence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and epilepsy is a complex neurological condition that presents significant challenges for both patients and clinicians. ASD is a group of complex developmental disorders characterized by the following: (1) Social communication difficulties: challenges in understanding and responding to social cues, initiating and maintaining conversations, and developing and maintaining relationships. (2) Repetitive behaviors: engaging in repetitive actions, such as hand-flapping, rocking, or lining up objects. (3) Restricted interests: focusing intensely on specific topics or activities, often to the exclusion of other interests. (4) Sensory sensitivities: over- or under-sensitivity to sensory input, such as sounds, touch, tastes, smells, or sights. These challenges can significantly impact individuals’ daily lives and require specialized support and interventions. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with ASD and their families. Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent unprovoked (≥2) seizures that occur >24 h apart. Single seizures are not considered epileptic seizures. Epilepsy is often idiopathic, but various brain disorders, such as malformations, strokes, and tumors, can cause symptomatic epilepsy. While these two conditions were once considered distinct, growing evidence suggests a substantial overlap in their underlying neurobiology. The prevalence of epilepsy in individuals with ASD is significantly higher than in the general population. This review will explore the epidemiology of this comorbidity, delve into the potential mechanisms linking ASD and epilepsy, and discuss the implications for diagnosis, treatment, and management.

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4. Jiang Y, Wang T. Prosodic Focus Effects on Covert « Only » Reading of Scalar Quantifiers in Autistic and Non-autistic Children Under Tonal Language Background. J Autism Dev Disord. 2025.

Previous research on prosodic focus comprehension in non-autistic children has yielded inconsistent results, often attributing their difficulties to the presence of the word « only ». However, studies on autistic children’s understanding of focus are limited and often methodologically rigid. This study builds on previous work by investigating how prosodic focus influences the covert « only » interpretation of scalar quantifiers among Mandarin-speaking children aged 3-8, both autistic and non-autistic, using engaging and dynamic tasks. The present study combined a computer-based Picture-Sentence Judgment and a computer-based Selection Task. Samples included 25 autistic (3 F, 22 M) and 29 non-autistic children (17 F, 12 M) for the judgment task, and 20 autistic (3 F, 17 M) and 25 non-autistic (13 F, 12 M) for the selection task. Results indicated that non-autistic children showed prosodic focus sensitivity, requiring ToM and EF skills but not fully eliciting covert « only » inferences. Prosody enhanced clarity, reducing reliance on advanced reasoning, though vocabulary mattered. Autistic children’s comprehension was unaffected by prosody, even with basic ToM and EF skills. Individual traits’ influences on their interpretation were minimally affected by focus, highlighting reduced sensitivity. These findings suggest that non-autistic challenges may stem from cognitive capacities, not mere inclusion of « only ». Autistic children’s diminished sensitivity reflects autism’s intrinsic aspects, likely linked to information integration impairments or decreased social motivation.

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5. Jones KB, Taylor IK, Schwab T, King C, Okoye G, Kim J. Factors Associated with Adverse Birth Outcomes in Women with an Intellectual or Other Developmental Disability. Healthcare (Basel). 2025; 13(7).

Objective. Women with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs) experience poorer prenatal care and worse perinatal health and birth outcomes than the general population. The purpose of this study is to describe the maternal characteristics and to identify factors associated with the increased risk of adverse birth outcomes among women with an IDD. Methods. Electronic medical records and the Utah Population Database were used to identify demographic and medical characteristics of pregnant individuals between 14 and 45 years old with an IDD and the related birth outcomes. Random-effects logistic regression was used to identify factors that were associated with adverse birth outcomes. Results. A total of 5147 births by 2250 mothers with an IDD (average births per mother = 2.33) were identified. Multigestational pregnancy (twins or triplets) (OR = 32.85, p < 0.01), fewer prenatal care visits (OR = 3.01, <0.01), gestational hypertension (OR = 2.74, p < 0.01), and the presence of a mental illness (OR = 1.28, p = 0.01) had an increased risk for preterm delivery. Associated low birth weight factors included multigestational pregnancy (OR = 22.82, p < 0.01), gestational hypertension (OR = 3.23, p < 0.01), maternal smoking status (OR = 1.54, p < 0.01), fewer prenatal visits (OR = 2.91, p < 0.01), and maternal mental health disorder (OR = 1.66, p < 0.01). Cesarean deliveries were associated with gestational hypertension (OR = 2.33, p < 0.01), Medicaid coverage (OR = 1.76, p < 0.01), and gestational diabetes (OR = 1.42, p < 0.01). Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission was associated with increasing maternal age, multigestational pregnancy, the number of prenatal care visits, hypertension, and maternal mental disorders. Conclusions. These results suggest that sociodemographic factors and health problems put women with an IDD at a higher risk of adverse pregnancy and infant outcomes. Appropriate clinical care and social supports should be utilized to optimize the health and outcomes of this population.

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6. Khokhar N, Cox AD, Ayvaci A, Thillainathan T, Stellato S. Research Patterns in the Treatment of Adults With Problem Behavior and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Quantitative Systematic Review. Behav Modif. 2025: 1454455251332545.

Research featuring adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who engage in problem behavior has outlined various treatment approaches. The current quantitative systematic literature review identified and coded 76 peer-reviewed and gray literature articles published between January 2002 and September 2022. Following article identification and coding, we calculated effect size estimates (i.e., Tau Baseline Corrected) and assessed the methodological rigor of included articles. Through this work, we uncovered 42 unique multi-protocol treatments (i.e., treatments incorporating multiple therapeutic elements). Multi-protocol treatments were associated with larger effect sizes (more effective) compared to single-protocol treatments. The average methodological rigor score associated with peer-reviewed works was 1.6 (out of 4), while gray literature works scored 1.2. We offer commentary in response to these outcomes, alongside recommendations for future research to address the many avenues of inquiry that appear to remain largely neglected (e.g., component analysis to evaluate individual treatment elements and their efficacy).

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7. Kılıç KD, Garipoğlu G, Çakar B, Uyanıkgil Y, Erbaş O. Antioxidant-Effective Quercetin Through Modulation of Brain Interleukin-13 Mitigates Autistic-Like Behaviors in the Propionic Acid-Induced Autism Model in Rats. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol. 2025; 20(1): 36.

Overproduction of reactive oxygen species occurs when inflammation induces oxidative stress in macrophages and microglia, leading to a self-sustaining cycle of cellular damage and neuroinflammation. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are well-established contributors to the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders, which are associated with impaired neuronal function, neuronal loss, and behavioral deficits. Damaged cells, through microglial activation, release additional inflammatory mediators under conditions of oxidative stress, exacerbating neuronal damage. Quercetin, a powerful dietary antioxidant, has been shown to scavenge free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and inhibit inflammatory pathways. Given these properties, we hypothesize that quercetin may improve learning and social skills in individuals with autism spectrum disorders by alleviating oxidative stress and reducing brain levels of inflammatory cytokines. In this study, an autism model was established in 30 rats by intraperitoneal injection of 250 mg/kg/day propionic acid (PPA) for five days. The study groups were as follows: Group 1: Normal ontrol (n = 10); Group 2: PPA + saline (PPAS, n = 10); Group 3: PPA + Quercetin (PPAQ, n = 10). All treatments were administered for 15 days. At the end of the treatment, histological and biochemical analyses of brain tissue and behavioral tests related to autistic-like behaviors were performed. Malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-13 levels in brain homogenates were significantly higher in the PPAS group compared to the control group, indicating elevated oxidative stress and inflammation following PPA exposure. The PPAQ group significantly reduced oxidative stress parameters and inflammatory biomarkers, demonstrating its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This biochemical improvement was accompanied by preserving Purkinje cells and neuronal populations, significantly reduced in the PPAS group. Moreover, quercetin-treated rats exhibited improved social behavior and learning, which were severely impaired in the PPAS group. These findings, when interpreted together, suggest that quercetin exerts its neuroprotective effects by targeting oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, thereby preventing neuronal cell loss and alleviating behavioral deficits associated with autism spectrum disorders.

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8. Li H, Zhang R. The effect of exercise intervention on balance and executive function in children with autism spectrum disorder: a meta-analysis. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2025; 17(1): 80.

OBJECTIVE: This study primarily evaluated the the effects of exercise intervention on balance and executive function in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS: Search for eligible studies through four databases, and then proceed with screening. The inclusion criteria are as follows: (1) Children with ASD; (2) Age 3-18 years; (3) Randomised Controlled Trial; (4) The intervention group received exercise training; (5) Conducted pre- and post-test, which include balance and executive function. Use the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool to evaluate the quality of the selected study. Select Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) as the appropriate effect scale index. RESULTS: Twelve of the selected articles involved 288 males and 108 females. The findings demonstrated that the exercise group (EG) benefited more from the improved balance than its control group (CG) counterpart [SMD = 0.86 (0.56, 1.16), p < 0.05, I(2) = 37%]. Furthermore, subgroup analysis revealed that exercise interventions lasting over eight weeks significantly enhanced balance [SMD = 1.19 (0.79, 1.58), p < 0.05, I(2) = 17%]. However, exercise interventions lasting less than or equal to 8 weeks did not have a significant impact on balance [SMD = 0.41 (- 0.06, 0.87), p = 0.09, I(2) = 0%]. CONCLUSION: Exercise interventions can better improve the balance and behavioural inhibition of children with ASD compared to CG. Nevertheless, physical training prescribed for more than eight weeks led to a more significant improvement in balance than interventions performed for shorter periods.

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9. Liu L, Xie LF, Xing YP, Wang Y, Ji Y, Chen MY, Zhao S, Wang F, Li H. The reliability and validity of a Chinese version of the Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale in Mainland China for families of children with autism. BMC Pediatr. 2025; 25(1): 285.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to translate the Family Quality of Life (FQOL) Scale into simplified Chinese and assess its reliability and validity in mainland China for families of children with autism. METHODS: The FQOL Scale was professionally translated from English into simplified Chinese using a forward-backward process. We conducted a survey in which families with autistic kids were asked to participate, it comprised of a general condition questionnaire and the FQOL Scale translated to Chinese. A total of 402 families took part in the study, out of which 333 data sets were complete and available for analysis. The FQOL Scale model was subject to exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to probe its scale dimensional design and structure, as well as its adaptability to autistic children and their families using SPSS AMOS 24.0. The internal consistency and reliability was examined using Cronbach’s α (SPSS 22.0). And stepwise regression analysis was conducted to predict parents’ attitudes towards prognosis based on the five dimensions of the modified Chinese version of the FQOL Scale (SPSS 22.0). RESULTS: The data analysis yielded a revised Chinese version of the FQOL Scale. The analysis revealed that the overall reliability coefficient of the scale, as indicated by Cronbach’s α, was 0.918. The results of the CFA provided support for the best fit of a five-factor model (χ2 = 285.237, CFI = 0.930, TLI = 0.916, SRMR = 0.061, RMSEA = 0.062). The predictive equation for parents’ attitudes towards prognosis based on the five-dimensional model of the modified Chinese version of the FQOL Scale was as follows: Parent prognostic attitude = -0.863 + 0.456* Parenting + 0.2* Physical/Material Well-being. CONCLUSION: The modified Chinese version of the FQOL Scale is suitable in mainland China for families of children with autism and has good reliability and model fit. The two dimensions of Parenting and Physical/Material Well-being can significantly predict parents’ prognostic attitude, indicating that the better the status of Parenting and Physical/Material Well-being, the better the parents’ prognosis attitude.

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10. Młynarska E, Barszcz E, Budny E, Gajewska A, Kopeć K, Wasiak J, Rysz J, Franczyk B. The Gut-Brain-Microbiota Connection and Its Role in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Nutrients. 2025; 17(7).

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of complex neurodevelopmental conditions with a heterogeneous and multifactorial etiology that is not yet fully understood. Among the various factors that may contribute to ASD development, alterations in the gut microbiota have been increasingly recognized. Microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract play a crucial role in the gut-brain axis (GBA), affecting nervous system development and behavior. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the microbiota, has been linked to both behavioral and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in individuals with ASD. The microbiota interacts with the central nervous system through mechanisms such as the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the regulation of neurotransmitters, and immune system modulation. Alterations in its composition, including reduced diversity or an overabundance of specific bacterial taxa, have been associated with the severity of ASD symptoms. Dietary modifications, such as gluten-free or antioxidant-rich diets, have shown potential for improving gut health and alleviating behavioral symptoms. Probiotics, with their anti-inflammatory properties, may support neural health and reduce neuroinflammation. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is being considered, particularly for individuals with persistent GI symptoms. It has shown promising outcomes in enhancing microbial diversity and mitigating GI and behavioral symptoms. However, its limitations should be considered, as discussed in this narrative review. Further research is essential to better understand the long-term effects and safety of these therapies. Emphasizing the importance of patient stratification and phenotype characterization is crucial for developing personalized treatment strategies that account for individual microbiota profiles, genetic predispositions, and coexisting conditions. This approach could lead to more effective interventions for individuals with ASD. Recent findings suggest that gut microbiota may play a key role in innovative therapeutic approaches to ASD management.

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11. Tsiouri IG, Gena A. Adaptation and Implementation of a Multi-Family Group Psychoeducational Intervention for Parents of Children with Autism: A Pilot Study. J Clin Med. 2025; 14(7).

Background/Objectives: A relatively small number of studies have evaluated the effectiveness of interventions designed to ameliorate family burden and to improve family functioning for families with a child with ASD. This study aims to investigate whether a long-term multi-family group psychoeducational intervention, originally developed for families including a member with a psychiatric disorder, can assist the parents of children with ASD to improve family functioning, support family rituals, and ease family burden; to understand the etiology, the characteristics, and treatment options for ASD; and to manage social and self-stigmatization. Method: We compared an intervention group (N = 3 couples-6 parents) with a waitlist control group (N = 3 couples-6 parents) by administering psychometric scales to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention on (a) family functioning, (b) family rituals, and (c) family burden. Qualitative analysis of pre- and post-intervention semi-structured interviews assessed (a) the participants’ understanding of the nature, causes, and treatments for ASD and (b) the management of social and self-stigmatization in families with a child with ASD. Results: Quantitative pre- and post-test group comparisons, as well as qualitative thematic analysis, revealed significant decreases in all parameters under study for the treatment group. Conclusions: Our findings provide pilot evidence that long-term group psychoeducation, originally designed for families including a member with a psychiatric disorder, may provide an efficacious treatment choice toward improving the general functioning of families with a child with ASD. Systematic replications of this psychoeducational intervention merit attention.

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12. Weber AS, Barbini C, Vidal O, Ferrari LM, Thellier D, Derreumaux A, Ismailova E, Askenazy F, Thümmler S. Challenging Behaviors in Children with Nonverbal Autism: A Questionnaire to Guide the Design of a Wearable Device for Biomarker Recording. Sensors (Basel). 2025; 25(7).

Children with non- or minimally verbal autism (nmvASD) commonly display sensory and emotional dysregulations leading to extremely stressful situations that trigger challenging behaviors which are often difficult to treat. Nonetheless, this population remains rarely studied in clinical research. Recent methods use electrophysiological biomarkers as diagnostic tools to detect stress signals, which may be useful in anticipating situations or conditions leading to challenging behaviors in nmvASD. A specific questionnaire was created in order to identify the characteristics of nmvASD children and gather the opinions of future users (parents and caregivers) on the design of a wearable device able to collect stress-related electrophysiological data. The results indicate that approximately 67.5% of respondents (n = 40) would be interested in such a device, both in outpatient and inpatient settings. In 70% of cases, prolonged contact with an object on the trunk is always well accepted by the child. This location was also preferentially chosen by 57.5% of respondents for such a wearable device. The presence of wires could be problematic in 82.5% of cases. About 65% of respondents find it far better to integrate these wearable devices directly into the clothing. These results will help in the development of devices specifically developed for the nmvASD population to enhance their care for behavioral disorders and based on user-center design.

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13. Xu X, Cai X, Meng F, Long B, You X, Zhang R. [Change of plasma level of valine and its relationship with developmental quotient in children with autism]. Beijing Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban. 2025; 57(2): 277-83.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the differences of plasma valine level between autistic and healthy children, and to explore the relationship between plasma valine level and developmental quotient in children with autism. METHODS: In this study, a total of 29 autistic children and 30 typically developing children of the same age range were recruited as the autistic group and the control group. The childhood autism rating scale (CARS) was used to assess autistic core symptoms and severity in the autistic children. Children’s developmental quotient was evaluated by Gesell developmental schedules (GDS), and plasma valine level was measured by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The correlation between plasma valine level and developmental quotient scores in the autistic group was analyzed. RESULTS: The plasma level of valine in the autism group was significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.05). Children in the autism group got significantly lower scores in the adaption, gross motor, fine motor, language function and personal/social function subscales in GDS than in the control group (P < 0.000 1). Plasma valine level in the autism group showed significant positive correlations with scores of the fine motor (r=0.441, P < 0.05) and personal/social function (r=0.437, P < 0.05) subscales in GDS, but showed no significant correlations with scores of the adaption, gross motor and language function subscales in GDS (P>0.05). According to the criteria of CARS, children in the autism group were subdivided into the mild to moderate subgroup and the severe subgroup based on the severity of the autistic symptoms. Compared with children in the mild to moderate subgroup, children in the severe subgroup got significantly lower scores in the adaption, fine motor, language function and personal/social function subscales in GDS (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference between the two subgroups in gross motor scores and plasma valine level (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The level of valine in plasma of autistic children is relatively lower, and there is a certain relationship between plasma valine level and the fine movement and personal/social function among children with autism.

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14. Zwierz M, Suprunowicz M, Mrozek K, Pietruszkiewicz J, Oracz AJ, Konarzewska B, Waszkiewicz N. Vitamin B12 and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review of Current Evidence. Nutrients. 2025; 17(7).

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) plays a crucial role in neurodevelopment, particularly during pregnancy and early childhood. It is essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and nervous system function. Maternal B12 levels are particularly important, as they influence fetal brain development. Inadequate maternal intake during pregnancy may lead to altered neurodevelopmental trajectories and increase the risk of ASD. Postnatally, insufficient dietary cobalamin in infants and young children could further contribute to cognitive and behavioral impairments. One potential mechanism linking low B12 levels to ASD involves its role in the gut microbiota balance. Dysbiosis, commonly observed in individuals with ASD, is associated with increased gut permeability, low-grade inflammation, and disruptions in the gut-brain axis, all of which may contribute to ASD symptoms. Additionally, B12 is essential for neurotransmitter metabolism, particularly in the synthesis of serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood, cognition, and behavior. Cobalamin also plays a key role in neuronal myelination, which ensures efficient signal transmission in the nervous system. Disruptions in these processes could underlie some of the cognitive and behavioral features associated with ASD. Despite growing evidence, the link between B12 and ASD remains inconclusive due to inconsistent findings across studies. Research suggests that B12 levels may serve as a potential biomarker for disease progression and treatment response. However, many studies rely on single-time-point measurements, failing to account for individual variability, genetic predispositions, dietary intake, and environmental factors, all of which can influence B12 levels and ASD risk. Further longitudinal studies are needed to clarify this relationship.

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