1. Arias-Aragón F, Robles-Lanuza E, Sánchez-Gómez Á, Martinez-Mir A, Scholl FG. Analysis of neurexin-neuroligin complexes supports an isoform-specific role for beta-neurexin-1 dysfunction in a mouse model of autism. Mol Brain;2025 (Mar 14);18(1):20.

Neurexins are presynaptic plasma membrane proteins that regulate key aspects of synapse physiology through the formation of transcellular complexes with postsynaptic ligands, including neuroligins (Nlgns). Each neurexin gene (NRXN1-3) generates two main alternative-spliced transcripts that generate alpha and beta-Nrxn isoforms differing in their extracellular domains. Mutations in NRXN1 are associated with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. However, whether dysfunction of NRXN1 occurs through common or isoform-specific postsynaptic partners for alpha- and beta-Nrxn1 is not completely known. The association of Nrxn1 proteins with postsynaptic partners has been mostly analysed in experiments that test binding, but Nrxn proteins must interact with Nlgns in opposing cells, which requires transcellular oligomerization. Here, we studied the interactions of Nrxn1/Nlgn pairs across the synapse and identified the type of association affected in a mouse model of autism. We found that beta-Nrxn1 can be recruited at synaptic contacts by glutamatergic Nlgn1 and GABAergic Nlgn2, whereas alpha-Nrxn1 is a presynaptic partner of Nlgn2. Insertion of alternative spliced segment 4 (AS4) negatively modulates the presynaptic recruitment of Nrxn1 by Nlgns. These data obtained in transcellular assays help clarify previous knowledge based on the ability of Nrxn1 to bind to Nlgns. Interestingly, we found that a mutant beta-Nrxn1 shows ligand restriction for glutamatergic Nlgn1 in the brain of a mouse model of autism. These findings suggest that autism-associated mutations affecting beta-Nrxn1 can act through specific synaptic partners that may be different from those of its alpha-Nrxn1 counterparts.

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2. Arutiunian V, Buyanova I, Minnigulova A, Davydova E, Pereverzeva D, Sorokin A, Tyushkevich S, Mamokhina U, Danilina K, Dragoy O. Left-hemispheric atypicalities in the primary auditory cortex are associated with language comprehension and social skills in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Cereb Cortex;2025 (Mar 6);35(3)

Low-level auditory processing difficulties have been previously reported in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and some studies showed the relationship between these difficulties in the primary auditory cortex and language impairment in ASD. However, there is still a limited number of studies that comprehensively assess (i) amplitudes, latencies, and sensory gating effects in all early components of auditory processing (M50-M100-M200 complex) at the source level in magnetoencephalography with their relation to structural anatomy (gray matter volume, thickness, gyrification) (ii) and the association between brain metrics and clinical phenotype in the same group of children. To address this question, we used a standard paired-clicks paradigm in magnetoencephalography and brain morphometry analysis in children with and without ASD (NASD = 20, NTD = 20). First, the results revealed a reduction of M200 and altered M200 sensory gating effect in the left auditory cortex in children with ASD. Second, these alterations were related to lower language comprehension skills and higher autistic symptom severity. Finally, altered MEG responses were associated with gray matter thickness reduction as well as abnormal gyrification in the primary auditory cortex in ASD. The study revealed low-level functional and structural atypicalities in children with ASD and their relation to clinical phenotype.

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3. Aslan Bağcı Ö, Karaca MA, Çelik OT. Teachers’ perceptions of children with autism spectrum disorder: a comparison between special education and preschool teachers. BMC Psychol;2025 (Mar 14);13(1):252.

This study aimed to determine the metaphors preschool and special education teachers developed about autism. In this study, the researchers used the phenomenology design, one of the qualitative research designs. While determining the study group of the research, the convenience sampling method, one of the purposeful sampling methods, was used. The study group consisted of 90 teachers who volunteered to participate. The data were collected with the metaphor pattern prepared as « Autism is like …………. Because it is like ……. » metaphor mold was used to collect the data. The data were analyzed using the content analysis technique. The metaphors teachers use provide important information about their attitudes toward ASD and their pedagogical strategies. The results of this study show that both groups of teachers have different approaches to the education and development of children with autism. Findings reveal significant differences in attitudes and educational strategies, showing that special education teachers often view ASD as a process of discovery, while preschool teachers express hope and some uncertainty.

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4. Banker SM, Harrington M, Schafer M, Na S, Heflin M, Barkley S, Trayvick J, Peters AW, Thinakaran AA, Schiller D, Foss-Feig JH, Gu X. Phenotypic divergence between individuals with self-reported autistic traits and clinically ascertained autism. Nat Ment Health;2025;3(3):286-297.

While allowing for rapid recruitment of large samples, online research relies heavily on participants’ self-reports of neuropsychiatric traits, foregoing the clinical characterizations available in laboratory settings. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research is one example for which the clinical validity of such an approach remains elusive. Here we compared 56 adults with ASD recruited in person and evaluated by clinicians to matched samples of adults recruited through an online platform (Prolific; 56 with high autistic traits and 56 with low autistic traits) and evaluated via self-reported surveys. Despite having comparable self-reported autistic traits, the online high-trait group reported significantly more social anxiety and avoidant symptoms than in-person ASD participants. Within the in-person sample, there was no relationship between self-rated and clinician-rated autistic traits, suggesting they may capture different aspects of ASD. The groups also differed in their social tendencies during two decision-making tasks; the in-person ASD group was less perceptive of opportunities for social influence and acted less affiliative toward virtual characters. These findings highlight the need for a differentiation between clinically ascertained and trait-defined samples in autism research.

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5. Barkley SB, Day T, Lerner MD, Nelson BD. Autism, Personality Pathology, and the Neural Response to Rewards. J Autism Dev Disord;2025 (Mar 13)

The autism social motivation hypothesis suggests that diminished reward value of social stimuli contributes to deficits in social motivation. Research indicates that autistic individuals show decreased neural responding to both social and non-social reward, suggesting domain-general reward system differences. However, autism is heterogenous with extensive co-occurring psychopathology, and the autism phenotype may not be the best way to understand its relationship with neural reward response. Autism has been associated with normative and pathological personality domains that may better represent the heterogeneity and comorbidity of autism. The present study examined associations between autism traits, pathological personality, and the neural response to multiple reward types. The sample included 18-33-year-old undergraduates who completed monetary, social, and restricted interests reward tasks while we recorded electroencephalography to measure the reward positivity (RewP), an event-related potential indicator of reward sensitivity. Participants completed self-report measures of autism traits and the pathological personality traits negative emotionality, detachment, and anankastia. Autism traits were not directly related to the RewP but were positively associated with pathological personality dimensions. Across all reward tasks, negative emotionality was related to a larger RewP while detachment and anankastia were related to a smaller RewP. All three pathological personality dimensions mediated the relationship between autism traits and the RewP. The present study suggests that autism and neural reward response is at least partially mediated by comorbid psychopathology. Moreover, the results are inconsistent with the social motivation hypothesis and instead suggest that autism is linked to domain-general neural response to rewards.

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6. Begum-Ali J, Mason L, Charman T, Johnson MH, Green J, Garg S, Jones EJH. Disrupted visual attention relates to cognitive development in infants with Neurofibromatosis Type 1. J Neurodev Disord;2025 (Mar 14);17(1):12.

BACKGROUND: Neurofibromatosis Type 1 is a genetic condition diagnosed in infancy that substantially increases the likelihood of a child experiencing cognitive and developmental difficulties, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Children with NF1 show clear differences in attention, but whether these differences emerge in early development and how they relate to broader difficulties with cognitive and learning skills is unclear. To address this question requires longitudinal prospective studies from infancy, where the relation between domains of visual attention (including exogenous and endogenous shifting) and cognitive development can be mapped over time. METHODS: We report data from 28 infants with NF1 tested longitudinally at 5, 10 and 14 months compared to cohorts of 29 typical likelihood infants (with no history of NF1 or ASD and/or ADHD), and 123 infants with a family history of ASD and/or ADHD. We used an eyetracking battery to measure both exogenous and endogenous control of visual attention. RESULTS: Infants with NF1 demonstrated intact social orienting, but slower development of endogenous visual foraging. This slower development presented as prolonged engagement with a salient stimulus in a static display relative to typically developing infants. In terms of exogenous attention shifting, NF1 infants showed faster saccadic reaction times than typical likelihood infants. However, the NF1 group demonstrated a slower developmental improvement from 5 to 14 months of age. Individual differences in foraging and saccade times were concurrently related to visual reception abilities within the full infant cohort (NF1, typical likelihood and those with a family history of ASD/ADHD). CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide preliminary evidence that alterations in saccadic reaction time and visual foraging may contribute to learning difficulties in infants with NF1.

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7. Ben-Ari Y, Danchin É. Limitations of genomics to predict and treat autism: a disorder born in the womb. J Med Genet;2025 (Mar 13)

Brain development involves the sequential expression of vulnerable biological processes including cell proliferation, programmed cell death, neuronal migration, synapse and functional unit formation. All these processes involve gene and activity-dependent events that can be distorted by many extrinsic and intrinsic environmental factors, including stress, microbiota, inflammatory signals, hormonal signals and epigenetic factors, hence leading to disorders born in the womb that are manifested later in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Predicting and treating such disorders call for a conceptual framework that includes all aspects of developmental biology. Here, taking the high incidence of ASDs as an example, we first discuss the intrinsic limitations of the genetic approach, notably the widely used twin studies and SNPs. We then review the long list of in utero events that can deviate developmental sequences, leading to persistent aberrant activity generated by immature misplaced and misconnected neuronal ensembles that are the direct cause of ASD. In a clinical perspective, we suggest analysing non-genetic maternity data to enable an early prediction of babies who will develop ASD years later, thereby facilitating early psycho-educative techniques. Subsequently, agents capable of selectively silencing malformed immature networks offer promising therapeutic perspectives. In summary, understanding developmental processes is critical to predicting, understanding and treating ASD, as well as most other disorders that arise in the womb.

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8. Bishop SL, Zheng S. Considering context of use in the development, application, and interpretation of autism symptom measures. Dev Med Child Neurol;2025 (Mar 14)

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9. Boucaud-Maitre D, Plasse J, Chéreau-Boudet I, Gouache B, Legros-Lafarge E, Massoubre C, Guillard-Bouhet N, Haesebaert F, Franck N, Barbalat G. Usefulness in rehabilitation of the paper Multiple Errands Test to assess executive functions in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar or autism disorders. Results from the REHABase cohort study. Encephale;2025 (Mar 14)

OBJECTIVE: Neuropsychological tests measuring executive functions are useful for identifying specific cognitive disorders, but they have limits for characterizing executive dysfunction in everyday activities. This study aims to investigate the socio-demographic, clinical, and psychosocial features associated with executive functions in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar, and autism spectrum disorders using a Paper Multiple Errands Test. PATIENTS OR MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1071 adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorder, 329 with bipolar spectrum disorder, and 254 with autism spectrum disorder were recruited from the French National Centers of Reference for Psychiatric Rehabilitation (REHABase) cohort between January 2016 and October 2022. Executive function severity was assessed by the multiple errands test. Socio-demographic and clinical data were extracted as well as results from standardized scales for self-stigma, quality of life, well-being, and self-esteem. Data were analyzed using bivariate and Quasi-Poisson regression model. RESULTS: The mean number of errors measured by the paper multiple errands test was 3.1±1.9 in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (n=1071), 2.4±1.8 in bipolar disorder (n=329), and 2.6±1.9 in autism disorder (n=254). Factors significantly associated with the number of errors were (1) age, illness duration, number of hospitalizations, education level, working memory, and insight in patients with schizophrenia; (2) age, illness duration, number of hospitalizations, education level, and working memory in patients with bipolar disorder; and (3) education level and working memory in patients with autism disorder. The number of errors was associated with lower quality of life, well-being and self-esteem, but not self-stigma, in all three disorders. CONCLUSION: The predictors of executive dysfunction observed with the paper multiple errands test were similar to those found with other tests of executive function. The paper multiple errands test is associated with essential psychosocial determinants in rehabilitation, particularly quality of life and well-being, and provides a wide range of information about functioning in community living.

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10. Chen YJ, Frazier TW, Szatmari P, Duku E, Richard AE, Smith IM, Zwaigenbaum L, Bedford R, Kerns CM, Zaidman-Zait A, Bennett T, Elsabbagh M, Vaillancourt T, Georgiades S. Sex-Differential Trajectories of Domain-Specific Associations Between Autistic Traits and Co-Occurring Emotional-Behavioral Concerns in Autistic Children. Autism Res;2025 (Mar 14)

Assessing autistic traits alongside co-occurring emotional/behavioral concerns (EBCs) is challenging due to their overlap in clinical presentations, which can vary by age and sex. This study aimed to investigate domain-specific associations between autistic traits and EBCs-including anxiety, affective, attention-deficit/hyperactivity, and oppositional-defiant problems-across childhood in autistic boys and girls. We prospectively followed 389 children (84% male) diagnosed with autism at ages 2-5 years, using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) across eight timepoints until age 12. Moderated nonlinear factor analysis was used to identify and adjust for measurement non-invariance of SRS items by age, sex, and EBCs. The adjusted scores were then used for sex-moderated time-varying modeling of associations between autistic traits and EBCs. Several SRS items in the domains of social-interaction difficulties and repetitive mannerisms showed significant intercept bias by age and level of co-occurring anxiety and ADHD (effect size r > 0.20). In autistic boys, strong associations were observed between social-communication difficulties and EBCs around ages 7-9, which tended to diminish in late childhood. In contrast, autistic girls showed stable or intensifying associations, particularly with anxiety, into late childhood. Results revealed significant associations between autistic traits and EBCs after addressing item-level measurement biases. The varying associations over time highlight the importance of continuous monitoring to promptly address autistic children’s sex-differential mental health needs. These findings emphasize the benefits of refining behavioral constructs and adopting a nuanced developmental approach to identify critical periods of symptom coupling/decoupling for informing evaluation and service provision.

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11. Fattal J, Giljen M, Vargas T, Damme KSF, Calkins ME, Pinkham AE, Mittal VA. A Developmental Perspective on Early and Current Motor Abnormalities and Psychotic-Like Symptoms. Schizophr Bull;2025 (Mar 14);51(2):522-530.

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) are prevalent in the general population and, because they represent a lower end of the psychosis vulnerability spectrum, may be useful in informing mechanistic understanding. Although it is well-understood that motor signs characterize formal psychotic disorders, the developmental trajectory of these features and their relationships with PLEs are less well-understood. STUDY DESIGN: Data from 7559 adolescents and young adults (age 11-21) in the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort were used to investigate whether early-life milestone-attainment delays relate to current adolescent sensorimotor functioning and positive and negative PLEs. Current sensorimotor functioning was assessed using the Computerized Finger Tapping task (assessing motor slowing) and Mouse Practice task (assessing sensorimotor planning). STUDY RESULTS: Early developmental abnormalities were related to current adolescent-aged motor slowing (t(7415.3) = -7.74, corrected-P < .001) and impaired sensorimotor planning (t(7502.5) = 5.57, corrected-P < .001). There was a significant interaction between developmental delays and current sensorimotor functioning on positive and negative PLEs (t = 1.67-4.51), such that individuals with early developmental delays had a stronger positive relationship between sensorimotor dysfunction and PLEs. Importantly, interaction models were significantly better at explaining current PLEs than those treating early and current sensorimotor dysfunction independently (χ2 = 4.89-20.34). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest a relationship between early developmental delays and current sensorimotor functioning in psychosis proneness and inform an understanding of heterotypic continuity as well as a neurodevelopmental perspective of motor circuits. Furthermore, results indicate that motor signs are a clear factor in the psychosis continuum, suggesting that they may represent a core feature of psychosis vulnerability.

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12. Galligan DE, Payne L, Sullivan DP, Bhadravathi Lokeshappa M, Ziser L, Nunn L, Wallace LM, Andersen I, Howarth S, Kato A, Karunanithi M, Mingin C, O’Scanaill S, Aouira N, Paramecwari A, Sanders MR, Cobham VE, Wray NR, Henders AK, Byrne EM, Heussler H, Middeldorp CM. Improving Outcomes in Mental Health (IOMH)-an Australian longitudinal clinical study of families with children with neurodevelopmental problems: cohort profile. BMJ Open;2025 (Mar 13);15(3):e091676.

PURPOSE: Children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) face a range of challenges which impact their daily functioning and that of their family. NDDs are often associated with significant mental health problems which can influence the course. The Improving Outcomes in Mental Health cohort described in this article aims to investigate the risk factors for the persistence and severity of mental health problems in children with NDDs. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1084 families (primary caregivers and children) were recruited from the Child Development Program at the Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service in Brisbane, Australia. 1471 caregivers (female n=1036) participated in the study, which included 382 families with 2 or more caregivers participating. The children were predominantly male (71%), with the average age of all children 5.6 years. FINDINGS TO DATE: The most prevalent child clinical diagnoses were ASD and ADHD, with half of children receiving more than one diagnosis. Caregiver reports indicated that children were experiencing clinical levels of depression (30.8%) and anxiety (27.6%). Approximately 39% of caregivers scored in the subclinical or clinical range for at least one Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders measure, the majority reporting depressive problems. FUTURE PLANS: Future plans for this data set include analysis of environmental variables such as family structure, income, school achievements and leisure activities as risk factors for the persistence of mental health problems in children with NDDs. Genetic data will be used to provide insights into the heritability of mental illness and improve prediction.

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13. Ghosn F, Perea M, Lizarán M, Labusch M, Moreno-Giménez A, Sahuquillo-Leal R, Almansa B, Buesa J, Campos L, Pérez JA, García-Blanco A. Understanding decision-making in autistic children and adolescents: Insights from deliberative processes and behavioral economic paradigms. Autism;2025 (Mar 14):13623613251323493.

Prior research has shown conflicting findings on decision-making differences between autistic and non-autistic individuals. To address this issue, we applied the Ultimatum and Dictator Games to examine explicit measures (probability of endorsing monetary offers) and implicit measures (response times) associated with decision-making behaviors. By analyzing response times, we aimed to determine whether decisions were intuitive (rapid) or deliberative (slower) reasoning processes. In addition, we administered an executive functions questionnaire to explore how cognitive skills correlate with implicit and explicit decision-making behaviors. The study included 24 autistic and 24 non-autistic children and adolescents aged 8-18 years. Results showed that autistic participants were less likely to propose selfish offers in the Dictator Game than their non-autistic peers. Among autistic participants, this lower tendency to propose selfish offers correlated with better executive function skills. Regarding response times, autistic participants exhibited slower responses than non-autistic participants when accepting and proposing selfish offers in both games. These findings reveal differences in selfish offer tendencies and deliberative reasoning among participants, suggesting that slower decision-making in autistic participants reflects a focus on fairness and sociomoral reasoning. Future research can explore how this reasoning style influences social interactions in various scenarios.Lay AbstractAutistic kids and teens often have unique ways of communicating and socializing with others. Making decisions is important in how we behave daily and how we socialize. To study if autistic participants tend to make more cooperative or selfish choices, we used two games where participants had to share money between themselves and another player. Previous results were not consistent and that is why general assumptions could not be established. Also, previous results focused on the final decisions and did not consider the process that leads to making decisions. To fill the gap in what we know, this study dug deeper by evaluating how quickly or slowly participants made decisions and explored executive functions needed for daily decisions. The study found that autistic participants, with better executive functions, made less selfish offers (where they could keep more money than their peers) than non-autistic participants. Also, autistic participants took more time to decide than non-autistic participants, only when they could earn more money than the other player. Interestingly, these results are consistent with studies indicating that autistic children distribute resources without a primary focus on personal gains. These findings reshape how we view social exchanges and recognize that slow, deliberate thinking can lead to less selfish decisions in autistic children and adolescents. Future research could explore how this reasoning style influences social interactions in varied contexts.

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14. Ikehara M, Kashida N, Ishida R, Mizui R, Makinodan M, Yamamuro K. Influence of self-esteem on health-related quality of life in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. PCN Rep;2025 (Mar);4(1):e70079.

AIM: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that markedly impairs the physical, emotional, and social domains of health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Children with ASD typically report lower HRQOL than their neurotypical peers. This study investigated the impact of self-esteem and depressive symptoms on HRQOL in children with ASD and explored the discrepancies between parent-reported and self-reported HRQOL. METHODS: This study involved 94 participants, comprising 50 children with ASD and 44 typically developed. HRQOL was measured using the J-KIDSCREEN-52 (self-reported and parent-reported). Self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and social support were assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, respectively. Discrepancies between parent-reported and self-reported HRQOL were examined. Multiple regression analyses were performed to determine the influence of depressive symptoms and self-esteem on HRQOL. RESULTS: Children with ASD showed markedly lower HRQOL than their neurotypical peers. Discrepancies between parent-reported and self-reported HRQOL revealed differing perspectives. Higher depressive symptoms were strongly correlated with poorer HRQOL. Conversely, higher self-esteem was linked to better HRQOL, notably in terms of self-perception. Social support also markedly influenced HRQOL. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the necessity of addressing depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and social support as interventions to enhance HRQOL in children with ASD. The differences between parent-reported and self-reported HRQOL highlight the need to incorporate both views into clinical assessments for comprehensive and effective interventions. Future research should explore these dynamics longitudinally and across diverse populations to refine the intervention strategies.

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15. Jertberg RM, Begeer S, Geurts HM, Chakrabarti B, Van der Burg E. Slow but Steady: Similarities and Differences in Executive Functioning Between Autistic and Non-Autistic Adults. Autism Res;2025 (Mar 13)

Prior research has established differences between autistic and non-autistic individuals across the domains of executive function (EF). While some early theories portrayed these differences as universal to the autism spectrum, recent findings have been quite mixed. Factors like small samples, the components of EF being measured, and the age and intelligence quotient (IQ) of those being compared may contribute to this diversity in results. Moreover, research suggests performance over time might fluctuate in different patterns for autistic and non-autistic individuals. To test EF differences and the possible influence of these factors upon them, we recruited a sample of over 900 autistic and non-autistic participants (with generally average/above average IQ levels) from 18 to 77 years of age. They completed a battery of tasks measuring inhibition, cognitive flexibility, working memory, and attentional orienting to social and nonsocial cues. We found that performance was similar between groups in our primary measures of EF, although autistic participants were consistently slower, more susceptible to the effects of spatial cueing, and more prone to certain errors in the working memory task. Differences between groups were generally not influenced by participants’ age, gender, or IQ. Performance over time varied only in the working memory task. While autistic adults may still face related challenges in real life, these findings suggest that being autistic does not necessarily imply executive dysfunction on a basic cognitive level, contradicting theories assuming universal impairments therein. Moreover, the lack of influence of included demographic factors suggests that explanations for discrepancies in the literature lie elsewhere.

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16. K VRP, Bindu CH, Rama Devi K. Optimized attention-enhanced U-Net for autism detection and region localization in MRI. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging;2025 (Mar 14);349:111970.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a child’s cognitive and social skills, often diagnosed only after symptoms appear around age 2. Leveraging MRI for early ASD detection can improve intervention outcomes. This study proposes a framework for autism detection and region localization using an optimized deep learning approach with attention mechanisms. The pipeline includes MRI image collection, pre-processing (bias field correction, histogram equalization, artifact removal, and non-local mean filtering), and autism classification with a Symmetric Structured MobileNet with Attention Mechanism (SSM-AM). Enhanced by Refreshing Awareness-aided Election-Based Optimization (RA-EBO), SSM-AM achieves robust classification. Abnormality region localization utilizes a Multiscale Dilated Attention-based Adaptive U-Net (MDA-AUnet) further optimized by RA-EBO. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed model outperforms existing methods, achieving an accuracy of 97.29%, sensitivity of 97.27%, specificity of 97.36%, and precision of 98.98%, significantly improving classification and localization performance. These results highlight the potential of our approach for early ASD diagnosis and targeted interventions. The datasets utilized for this work are publicly available at https://fcon_1000.projects.nitrc.org/indi/abide/.

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17. Kiera A, Jonahs S, Mary B, Geoffrey B, Polly W. Experiences of interoception and anxiety in autistic adolescents: A reflexive thematic analysis. Autism;2025 (Mar 14):13623613251314595.

Most autistic adolescents experience anxiety. Interoception, defined as one’s ability to detect and interpret bodily signals, might contribute to this. The aim of this exploratory, qualitative study was to gain a better understanding of interoceptive experiences in autistic adolescents and how this relates to anxiety. Semi-structured 1:1 interviews were conducted with 13 UK-based, autistic adolescents, aged 14-17 years, who reported experiencing significant, day-to-day anxiety. Interviews were analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach. Interoception appeared relevant to experiences of anxiety in most participants, although this influence was exerted through various routes. While hypoawareness of interoceptive signals led to a reduced ability to detect and regulate anxiety, hyperawareness became overwhelming and anxiety-inducing. Overly negative evaluations of interoceptive signals, including catastrophising about the signals indicating danger, also triggered anxiety. Relationships between interoception and anxiety appeared bidirectional, with anxiety also affecting interoceptive awareness and evaluation. Interoceptive experiences were variable both across and within participants, with factors such as arousal and cognitive overload affecting experiences. Future research should focus on assessing the feasibility of interventions based on the mechanisms identified here.Lay abstractAnxiety is common in autistic adolescents. The detection and interpretation of signals coming from inside the body (e.g. heartbeat and hunger) is assumed to be related to both anxiety and autism. We interviewed 13 autistic 14- to 17-year-olds who reported experiencing significant anxiety, to explore the role that bodily signals played in their experiences of anxiety. Across most participants, there did appear to be a relationship, although the exact way it was related varied. When participants were very aware of bodily signals, they could become overwhelming, but if they were not aware at all, then it was difficult for them to notice themselves getting anxious until it was too late. If participants interpreted these signals negatively, for example, assuming the signals meant something was wrong with their body, they were also more likely to feel anxious. Whether participants were aware or negatively evaluated these signals was very variable and appeared to be context-dependent.

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18. Lemler C, Kleber SK, Polzer L, Raji N, Kitzerow-Cleven J, Kim Z, Platte S, Freitag CM, Bast N. Semi-Automated Multi-Label Classification of Autistic Mannerisms by Machine Learning on Post Hoc Skeletal Tracking. Autism Res;2025 (Mar 14)

Mannerisms describe repetitive or unconventional body movements like arm flapping. These movements are early markers of restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, assessing mannerisms reliably is challenging. Even after extensive training in behavioral observations, inter-rater agreements for mannerism items remain insufficient. The current study used machine learning (ML) to classify mannerisms from videotaped behavioral observations in children with ASD. We developed a classification scheme for mannerisms as ground truth and applied it to videotaped behavioral observations from an early intervention study. ML was used in two steps: First, the OpenPose algorithm post hoc extracted features based on body movements in the videos. Second, a long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network classified the features in a multi-label approach to distinguish between the absence of mannerisms, flapping, jumping, and both flapping + jumping. The trained models achieved 70.2% accuracy (F1 score: 31.8%) using nested cross-validation. The analysis improves on previous videotaped ML classification studies by splitting training and test data subject-wise, highlighting its clinical applicability. The LSTM models are made publicly available for use with other video datasets. Our results show that ML-based classification of mannerisms is a promising tool for enhancing objective diagnostic methods of behavioral observations.

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19. Leonardi S, Di Cara M, Giliberto S, Piccolo A, De Domenico C, Leonardi G, Alito A, Siracusano R, Calabrò RS, Quartarone A, Cucinotta F. The use of multisensory environments in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic reviewz. Autism;2025 (Mar 14):13623613251320424.

Multisensory environment is a setting designed with activities and tools that offered sensory stimulation. Despite their widespread use, no evidence-based guidelines are currently available. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the impact of multisensory environment interventions in autism and to provide guidelines. We included all studies of multisensory environment interventions for autistic individuals retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct up to 30 September 2024. Two researchers appraised the included literature and extracted the data. A total of 1247 unique records were screened for eligibility, and 10 studies were included. Data extraction included demographic characteristics, type of intervention, target symptoms, and outcome measures. Quality assessment tools included the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Cochrane Risk of Bias for randomized controlled trials. The studies were synthesized narratively based on target symptoms. Four studies reported reductions in stereotypic behavior frequency in children and adults; while other studies suggest positive effects on sustained attention, and aggressive and sensory behaviors. Overall, there was insufficient evidence due to the paucity of literature, the significant variation between interventions, and the small sample sizes. Future research should aim to develop a structured intervention approach to address the common limitations of the included designs.Lay abstractMultisensory rooms, also known as multisensory environments, are widely used in clinical practice and schools for autistic people. Despite their widespread use, their usefulness or effectiveness in achieving specific improvements is still unclear. We carry out a comprehensive and systematic quality assessment of all available studies to test the effectiveness of multisensory environment interventions in autism spectrum disorder and to explore what type of targeted intervention is needed to improve both core symptoms and associated features. The results show that multisensory environment could be a useful tool to modulate aggressive and stereotyped behaviors in autistic individuals. Although there is insufficient evidence to conclude on the efficacy of multisensory environment for other types of targets, overall, the results may provide valuable insights for the development of future studies concerning the utility of multisensory environment in therapeutic intervention.

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20. Marozza A, Hay K, Frakking T. Use of sensory processing information in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children at an Australian community hospital. Aust Occup Ther J;2025 (Apr);72(2):e70007.

INTRODUCTION: The provision of sensory processing information is one aspect of occupational therapy involvement in diagnostic assessment for autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The aim of this study was to retrospectively compare SHORT Sensory Profile 2 results of children with suspected diagnoses and assess the discriminatory ability of modified scales of SHORT Sensory Profile 2 to identify diagnostic criteria. METHOD: This study involved a retrospective chart audit of SHORT Sensory Profile 2 results and paediatrician letter of diagnosis (N = 92) for children aged 6-13 years who had multidisciplinary diagnostic assessment through outpatient paediatric service. CONSUMER AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: No consumers participated in the study design or analysis. Study involved retrospective analysis of de-identified results from caregiver assessments. RESULTS: Forty nine per cent of children in study sample had confirmed diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and 26% had diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Average percentage scores for both behavioural and sensory components of the SHORT Sensory Profile 2 were highest amongst children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, as well as higher classification for avoiding and seeking quadrants. In relation to modified scales, Cronbach’s alpha indicated high internal consistency for inattention (0.84) and social communication and interaction (0.86). Based on the ROC analyses, the discriminatory ability when all the modified scales are used in combination ranged from poor (original four quadrants to distinguish ADHD vs no diagnosis: AUC = 0.59) to good (ASD vs ADHD; AUC = 0.82; ASD vs no diagnosis (AUC = 0.81). CONCLUSION: Results of this study highlight the need for more rigorous investigation for validation of modified scales and consensus within occupational therapy and multidisciplinary team in relation to reporting of sensory processing information and contribution to diagnostic criteria. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Many children with attentional difficulties or autism require information from occupational therapists about their sensory issues to help inform and identify behaviours of concern. This study looked at how a sensory processing screening tool can identify traits related to attentional difficulties and autism in children. Seventy-eight medical charts of children from a community hospital were reviewed. This study showed that information from the sensory processing screening tool related to attention and social communication traits. Clinicians can consider using information from a sensory processing screening tool in combination with other assessments to contribute to the identification of attention difficulties and autism in children.

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21. Martin Loya MR, Meadan H, Yan X. Correction: Professional Development in Autism and Multilingualism for Behavior Analysts: A Randomized Waitlist Control Trial. J Autism Dev Disord;2025 (Mar 13)

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22. Meguid N, Ismail SR, Anwar M, Hashish A, Semenova Y, Abdalla E, Taha MS, Elsaeid A, Bjørklund G. Gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate system dysregulation in a small population of Egyptian children with autism spectrum disorder. Metab Brain Dis;2025 (Mar 13);40(3):146.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with various symptoms, including repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and deficits in proper communication. Earlier studies have linked these symptoms to abnormalities in the balance between excitatory (glutamatergic signaling) and inhibitory (GABAergic signaling) neurotransmission. The present study aimed to analyze the levels of different biomarkers in children with ASD compared to neurotypical (NT) controls. The study included 80 children, of whom 40 were cases (children with ASD) and 40 were age- and sex-matched NT controls. Serum levels of GABA(A), and GABA(B) receptors, glutamate, zinc, potassium, and calcium were measured in both groups. ASD diagnosis was verified using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). There was a significant decrease (P < 0.001) in the median serum levels of GABA(A) (0.6) and GABA(B) receptors (2.03) in children with ASD compared to controls. Additionally, a significant increase in median serum glutamate levels was observed in ASD children (102, P < 0.001) compared to controls. Children with ASD also showed a significant reduction (P < 0.001) in median levels of all studied blood minerals compared to controls, including potassium (3.8 vs. 4.6), calcium (9.0 vs. 9.7), and zinc (57.0 vs. 92.0). The roles of GABA(B) and zinc as potential pathological biomarkers were investigated due to their highly significant inverse correlations with stereotypic and repetitive behaviors (ADI-R domain), with rho = -0.393 (P = 0.012) and rho = -0.488 (P = 0.001), respectively. Further analysis of pathways regulating these biomarkers may provide deeper insights into the etiology and pathophysiology of ASD, paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.

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23. Oller DK, Bene ER, Yoo H, Su PL, Long H, Klaiman C, Pulver SL, Pileggi ML, Brane N, Ramsay G. The robustness of speech-like vocalization in typically developing infants and infants with autism. Res Dev Disabil;2025 (Apr);159:104949.

BACKGROUND: Human infants produce speech-like vocalizations (« volubility ») at very high rates, 4-5 per minute during waking hours across the first year, far exceeding rates of our ape relatives. AIMS: We document volubility in 127 typically developing (TD) infants, 44 with autism (ASD), and 21 with non-autism developmental delay (DD) through longitudinal recordings and human coding. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Families of 302 infants (110 not yet diagnosed or with other diagnoses) supplied 8.6 all-day recordings across the first year. Trained coders analyzed 21 randomly-selected 5-minute segments per recording, counting speech-like vocalizations, cries, and laughter. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Infants in all groups (including those with other diagnoses or not yet diagnosed) showed volubility of 4-5 per minute for the first year, but boys showed higher volubility than girls in the TD, ASD, and DD groups. While volubility was relatively stable across the first year for both boy and girl TD infants, volubility fell in both ASD and DD boys, while being more stable for girls. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Strong similarities in volubility were seen across all groups, but male infants diagnosed with ASD or DD showed falling volubility across the first year, a pattern not seen in TD infants.

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24. Poleg T, Hadar N, Heimer G, Dolgin V, Aminov I, Safran A, Agam N, Jean MM, Freund O, Kaur S, Christodoulou J, Ben-Zeev B, Birk OS. Unraveling MECP2 structural variants in previously elusive Rett syndrome cases through IGV interpretation. NPJ Genom Med;2025 (Mar 13);10(1):23.

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder, with MECP2 mutations accounting for 90-95% of classic and 50-70% of atypical cases. However, many clinically diagnosed RTT patients remain without molecular diagnoses. While point mutations and large rearrangements in MECP2 are well studied, the role of small-intermediate structural variants (SVs) remains mostly elusive. Using standard short-read whole genome sequencing, we identified novel de novo SVs in three out of three previously unresolved RTT cases: a complex SV with two deletions ( ~ 5Kbp and ~60Kbp) and a ~105Kbp inversion; a ~200Kbp translocation; and a ~3Kbp deletion. These findings suggest that such elusive SVs might be a common cause for « MECP2-negative » RTT. Incorporating SV detection into routine genetic testing through bioinformatic analysis of short-read sequencing or manual review using IGV could improve diagnostic rates and expand our understanding of RTT and similar disorders.

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25. Sabanciogullari S, Yildırım F. Group Counseling Education Program for Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Effect on Parents’ Psychological Resilience, Life Satisfaction, and Family Functioning. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv;2025 (Mar 14):1-10.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of a group counseling education program (GCEP) provided to parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on parents’ psychological resilience, life satisfaction, and family functioning. METHOD: This experimental study was conducted with 30 parents of children with ASD. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Adult Psychological Resilience Scale, Satisfaction With Life Scale, and Family Assessment Device. The GCEP, comprising 10 sessions, was provided to the intervention group once per week. RESULTS: The GCEP significantly increased psychological resilience levels in the intervention group compared to the control group. Although there were no significant differences between groups regarding Family Assessment Device subscale scores before the GCEP, after the program, mean scores on the subscales of problem solving, communication, roles, and behavioral control of the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the control group. No significant differences were observed in life satisfaction between groups. CONCLUSION: The GCEP was effective in improving psychological resilience and family functioning. Family counseling programs for raising awareness and provision of psychosocial support may be developed and applicable in relation to in-family relationships, care and responsibilities for the child, and problem solving for parents of children with ASD. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].

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26. Scharoun Benson SM, Salters D, Benson AJ. Mapping Children’s Social and Motor Skill Profiles to Autistic Traits and Behavioral Tendencies. J Autism Dev Disord;2025 (Mar 13)

We used a person-centered approach to: (1) elucidate distinct configurations of social and motor skills across subgroups of children, (2) determine how profiles map to autistic traits and behavioral tendencies, and (3) identify how children with and without different diagnoses are categorized within profiles. Parents/guardians (N = 538) of 5- to 15-year-olds reported on their children’s autistic traits, social skills, motor skills, and behavioral tendencies. Factor scores were extracted as indicators for latent profile analysis and a series of profile solutions were generated. After selecting the final profile solution, mean-level differences were examined across each profile, pairing for key measures of interest. Frequency distribution analysis was used to identify the number of children with and without formal diagnoses in each profile. A 6-profile solution was identified, drawing attention to how social and motor competencies combine in qualitatively distinct ways across subpopulations. Whereas several profiles had similar levels of social and motor skills (Profile 2: weak social/motor, Profile 4: average social/motor, Profile 6: exceptional social/motor), other profiles showed divergent levels of social and motor competencies (Profile 1: weak motor but average social, Profile 3: above average social and strong motor, Profile 5: strong social and above average motor). These subpopulations differed in terms of their proportions of diagnoses (i.e., of autism specifically and co-occurring with other diagnoses), autistic traits, and behavioral difficulties. Findings support a person-centered approach that considers the relationships, interactions, and shared mechanisms of multiple developmental domains to better understand child development, optimize interventions, and improve outcomes.

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27. Wang X, Lin C, Wang X. Psychedelics and Pro-Social Behaviors: A Perspective on Autism Spectrum Disorders. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci;2025 (Mar 14);8(3):903-906.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by deficits in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. This viewpoint explores the potential mechanisms through which psychedelics such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) may positively influence pro-social behaviors, focusing on their implications for individuals with ASD.

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28. Wang Y, Qian G, Mao S, Zhang S. The impact of physical exercise interventions on social, behavioral, and motor skills in children with autism: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Pediatr;2025;13:1475019.

BACKGROUND: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social impairments, sensory processing issues, repetitive behavior patterns, motor abnormalities, and executive function impairments. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of various exercise modalities on flexibility and cognitive control, social skills, behavioral problems, motor skills, and coordination in children with ASD, providing scientific evidence for clinical practice to guide effective exercise interventions for children with ASD. METHODS: Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost, and Web of Science databases, covering the period from database inception to February 15, 2024. Inclusion criteria included studies involving children with ASD, any form of exercise intervention, reporting at least one ASD-related outcome, and designed as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-experimental studies. Exclusion criteria included reviews, conference abstracts, commentary articles, and studies lacking sufficient statistical data for meta-analysis. Study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Effect sizes were calculated using standardized mean differences (SMD). Heterogeneity was assessed with the I (2) statistic. Multiple subgroup analyses were conducted, and publication bias was evaluated using Begg’s Test and Egger’s Test. RESULTS: 23 RCTs were included in this study, showing positive effects of exercise interventions in various domains.Upper grade students showed significant improvement in flexibility and cognitive control (SMD = -0.282, p = 0.161). Lower grade children showed the most significant improvement in motor skills and coordination (SMD = 0.475, p = 0.043). Preschool children showed significant enhancement in social skills (SMD = 0.312, p = 0.041). Behavioral problems improved significantly across all age groups (SMD = -0.674, p < 0.001). Martial arts and ball games were particularly effective in enhancing these domains, and appropriate periodic exercise interventions effectively improved various abilities in children with ASD. Results varied across different ages and intervention types. CONCLUSION: Exercise interventions significantly improve flexibility, cognitive control, motor skills, coordination, social skills, and behavioral problems in children with ASD. This study supports exercise interventions as an effective method to enhance multiple abilities in children with ASD and emphasizes the importance of designing personalized intervention programs tailored to different ages and needs. Future research should focus on larger sample sizes and long-term follow-ups to confirm the sustainability and generalizability of intervention effects.

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29. Watanabe T, Nishida K, Kumazaki H. Initial study of verbal and nonverbal communication training through the collaborative operation of a humanoid robot for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Asian J Psychiatr;2025 (Mar 4);106:104423.

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience difficulties in both verbal and nonverbal communication. Collaborative work allows them to use and develop their nonverbal communication abilities. Therefore, we developed a collaborative work training program for individuals with ASD. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of the proposed intervention for both verbal and nonverbal communication. A single humanoid robot was operated by two people, with each person operating different parts of the robot: one person moved the right half of the body while the other moved the left. The participants’ roles were separated to promote verbal and nonverbal communication. Fourteen individuals (aged 18-27 years) participated in a training experiment that was conducted once a week for a maximum of seven sessions over two months. A comparison of the amount of communication between the first and last training sessions showed that both verbal and nonverbal communication increased (p=0.044 and p=0.024, respectively), indicating that the proposed training facilitated both verbal and nonverbal communication. Future studies are needed to establish evidence supporting the generalizability of the acquired skills to daily life activities by considering longitudinal designs.

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30. Yang T, Wang Y, Xu P, Tao Y. The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Improving the Mental Health of Parents of Children with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Autism Dev Disord;2025 (Mar 13)

This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in improving the mental health of parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), specifically focusing on outcomes such as parental stress, anxiety, depression, and parent-child relationships. A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and others, up to December 2024. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed bias risk using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Studies involving parents of children with intellectual or developmental disabilities who received mindfulness-based interventions and reported psychological outcomes were included. The meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4 software, with a random effects model applied. This systematic review included 15 studies (1124 participants), of which 14 were used for meta-analysis (1078 participants). The results indicate that mindfulness-based interventions reduced the stress levels [SMD = - 0.26, 95% CI (- 0.49, - 0.04)], depressive symptoms [SMD = - 0.37, 95% CI (- 0.66, - 0.08)], distress [SMD = - 0.26, 95% CI (- 0.43, - 0.09)] and anxiety symptoms[SMD = - 0.35, 95% CI (- 0.66, - 0.04)] of parents of children with IDDs, while also improving parent-child relationships [SMD = - 0.32, 95% CI (- 0.05, – 0.58)], although the effects were moderate. Subgroup analyses revealed that interventions lasting 8 weeks or more [SMD =- 0.41, 95% CI (-0.67, -0.14)] and those targeting only the parents [SMD = - 0.26, 95% CI (- 0.44, - 0.08)] showed some positive effects in improving parent-child relationships or parent stress. Mindfulness-based interventions appear to have a positive effect on improving the mental health of parents of children with IDDs. However, the evidence of their effectiveness in enhancing parental mindfulness remains inconclusive. Future studies should consider the key factors influencing intervention implementation and optimize the design of large-scale randomized controlled trials to systematically and comprehensively assess the effectiveness and applicability of mindfulness-based interventions.

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