1. Binte Mohd Ikhsan SN, Holt R, Man J, Parsons T, Schalbroeck R, Ruigrok A, Baranger A, Allison C, Doherty M, Van den Bosch K, Terčon J, Violland P, Ghosh A, Cusack J, Baron-Cohen S. Access to services for autistic people across Europe. Mol Autism;2025 (Jun 14);16(1):35.

BACKGROUND: Autistic communities in Europe continue to face difficulties accessing services despite increasing rates of autism diagnosis in recent years. METHODS: To investigate autistic people’s access to services in Europe and reasons for unsuccessful access, we conducted the ACCESS-EU survey comprising of 2322 formally diagnosed autistic people and family carers living within the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK). The survey also examined age group (adult vs. child) and gender (male vs. female) differences in results. RESULTS: Overall, autistic people reported access to therapy (33.38%), mental health (29.89%), educational (27.05%), medical (34.28%), financial (26.66%), needs assessment (14.90%), information/referral (14.73%), social care (14.43%), employment (7.54%), housing (6.80%), legal (3.96%), helpline (3.40%) and other services (0.26%), and most (≥ 57.61%) had waited up to 6 months from referral to access most services. Several respondents were also unable to access therapeutic (13.53%), mental health (11.90%), autism diagnostic (5.92%), needs assessment (8.32%), financial (9.62%), educational (8.10%), social care (7.39%), information/referral (6.14%), medical (7.28%), housing (5.92%), employment (5.43%), legal (3.42%), and helpline services (2.34%). Reasons cited by respondents for their unsuccessful service access included service unavailability (23.08%), service unsuitability or participant ineligibility (20.04%), long waitlists (17.42%), service unaffordability (11.80%), and rejection from service due to autism diagnosis (9.87%), along with other reasons not listed in the survey (18.42%). Significant age group and gender differences were observed for successful access to services, waiting time, unsuccessful access and reasons for unsuccessful access. Among the five most represented countries in the survey-the UK (33.33%), Spain (14.04%), Poland (13.87%), France (11.07%) and Germany (6.03%)-overall service access was most inconsistent in Poland and the UK, highest in Germany and Spain but poorest in France. LIMITATIONS: Issues related to survey presentation such as the languages in which the survey was conducted and the phrasing of some questions should be considered, as well as issues regarding subjectivity and ambiguity of data analysis such as translation of non-English responses into English. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that service access among autistic people in Europe is inconsistent. Significant improvement to current policies is required to enhance access to services across Europe.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

2. Chan RCH, Hung FN. Sexual, Romantic, and Community Experiences of Individuals at the Intersection of Autism and Asexuality. Arch Sex Behav;2025 (Jun 13)

The present study investigated the prevalence of autism among individuals identifying on the asexual spectrum and explored the potential differences in sexual, romantic, and community experiences between autistic and non-autistic individuals on the asexual spectrum. The study included a global sample of 10,419 individuals identifying on the asexual spectrum from the 2020 Ace Community Survey. They completed a questionnaire on asexual identification, romantic relationships, sexual behaviors, and community engagement. The results revealed an autism prevalence rate of 6.9% among individuals on the asexual spectrum, which is higher than the prevalence rate in general populations. Autistic individuals had a stronger identification with their sexual orientation than non-autistic counterparts. They were also more likely to disclose their asexual identity, be in a partnered relationship with others on the asexual or aromantic spectrum, and participate in online LGBTQ communities. The results emphasize the necessity for heightened awareness and understanding of the intersection between autism and asexuality among healthcare professionals, social service providers, and educators. The findings have significant implications for inclusive and affirming sexuality education for individuals on the autism spectrum. Such education is crucial in promoting self-acceptance and empowering them to have greater control over their (a)sexual journeys.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

3. Gharaibeh M, Ayasrah MN, Al-Rousan AH, Khasawneh YJA, Khasawneh MAS. Parental Stress and Coping in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Network Analysis of Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Clin Psychol Psychother;2025 (May-Jun);32(3):e70100.

INTRODUCTION: Parental stress and coping strategies play a pivotal role in shaping mental health outcomes for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). While traditional research has examined linear relationships, network analysis offers a novel lens to uncover dynamic interactions between parental factors and child psychopathology. This study employs advanced network modeling to map how specific stress dimensions and coping mechanisms differentially associate with internalizing (e.g., anxiety) and externalizing (e.g., aggression) symptoms. Our findings provide clinically actionable insights into targeted intervention points within the parent-child stress-coping system. METHOD: Parents of children aged 6-12 years (age (mean ± SD) 8.84 ± 1.86, with 78 female participants (41.94%)) with the ASD diagnosis completed online questionnaires that incorporated the Autism Parenting Stress Index (APSI), the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and the Brief COPE scale. Network modeling techniques were employed, utilizing a Multivariate Gaussian Model (MGM) with a gLASSO regularization parameter (γ = 0.1) and bootstrapping with 1000 resamples to ensure the precision of edge weights and centrality indices. RESULTS: The network analysis revealed a significant edge weight of 0.332 between core autism-related stress (APSI.T1) and affective problems (CBCL1) and a robust connection of 0.414 between conduct problems (CBCL4) and oppositional defiant behaviors (CBCL5). Notably, adaptive coping strategies (C.1) exhibited high centrality values (betweenness = 1.537; closeness = 1.552; strength = 1.297), indicating their pivotal role in buffering the impact of parental stress on psychiatric outcomes. In contrast, maladaptive coping strategies (C.2) demonstrated negative centrality measures (betweenness = -1.132; closeness = -1.899; strength = -1.677), suggesting a limited protective effect. CONCLUSION: Adaptive coping strategies served as protective factors, while maladaptive ones intensified the stress cycle. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions focusing on both symptom management and strengthening parental resilience. SUMMARY: Emotional regulation skill development through techniques like CBT and mindfulness should be the primary focus of interventions for children with ASD to tackle their psychiatric profile’s core affective issues. Parental training in adaptive coping methods, such as problem-solving and positive reframing, helps protect child outcomes from the effects of parenting stress. Clinical assessments of parental stress should be conducted regularly with ASD-specific tools like APSI while examining their connections to children’s internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Schools and clinical services should incorporate parent-focused stress-management programs, such as structured parenting workshops, to enhance parental resilience and improve children’s emotional and behavioral health. Clinicians can optimize treatment outcomes by applying a network perspective to pinpoint and address key symptoms, such as affective and oppositional behaviors, and coping nodes specific to each family.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

4. Hill J, Williams B, McKeown G, Gomersall SR. Description and Evaluation of a Co-design Process Involved in the Creation of a Workforce Training Package Aiding Sport and Exercise Professionals Work with Autistic Young People. J Autism Dev Disord;2025 (Jun 14)

Increasingly, researchers are encouraged to include consumers and stakeholders in the development of health and service provider education. This is particularly important for education relating to autistic people to ensure that resources are developed from a neurodiversity-affirming lens. Limited literature exists outlining or evaluating the processes used within co-design autism research. This study aimed to describe and qualitatively evaluate the co-design process used in the development of a training package for community sport and exercise professionals working with autistic young people. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the 10 consumers and stakeholders involved in this co-design project. Interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. From the transcripts, four themes emerged. In theme 1 members described characteristics relating to the co-design process they perceived enhanced their engagement. Members emphasised the importance of the project being consumer and stakeholder led, and flexible to support each person’s needs. In theme 2 members described the connection they felt to the other group members, facilitated by the creation of an emotionally safe environment. In theme 3 members discussed how the processes put in place and the supportive environment created resulted in a holistic understanding of the skills and knowledge community sport and exercise professionals need to effectively work with young autistic people. In theme 4 members provided recommendations for future co-design research. Consumer and stakeholders involved in this project described an overall positive experience of the co-design process, with findings resulting in three key recommendations to support future autism co-design research.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

5. Khudhur ZO, Abdullah SR, Hussen BM, Murad NA, Sayad A, Ghafouri-Fard S. Gasotransmitters and their influence on autism spectrum disorders – a systematic review. Mol Biol Rep;2025 (Jun 14);52(1):595.

Gasotransmitters, including nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S), play an important role in normal physiological processes in the body, such as neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity, and neuroinflammation. Dysregulation of signaling pathways of gasotransmitters contributes to the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. This systematic review aims to identify the potential role of gasotransmitters in ASD pathophysiology and their correlation with ASD severity. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review by searching PubMed and Google Scholar databases in May 2024. We included studies that investigated the role of NO, H(2)S, and CO in ASD between 2000 and 2024. We extracted data on the type of gasotransmitters, the model of the study (human or animal model), in vivo or in vitro, and the main role of these gasotransmitters as a risk factor or protective factor obtained findings. Out of 81 published papers screened from the databases, 39 reports were assessed for eligibility. After excluding studies that mentioned NO and CO as environmental pollutants, short communication, editorial letters, narrative reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, 28 original articles satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results indicate a correlation between gasotransmitters and ASD, which contributed to the severity of ASD and its symptoms. An increase in gasotransmitters causes additional complications for individuals with ASD and can be mentioned as a risk factor or biomarker for ASD, except H(2)S. The link between these endogenous gaseous molecules and ASD remains unclear; this systematic review offers strong evidence of the significant correlation between gasotransmitters and autism spectrum disorder.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

6. Ryu J, Oh M. Positron Emission Tomography in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Current Status and Future Perspectives. Semin Nucl Med;2025 (Jun 12)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition marked by impairments in social communication and the presence of repetitive behaviors. While both genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute to ASD, its precise causes remain unclear. Advances in molecular imaging, particularly positron emission tomography (PET), have enhanced our ability to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying ASD. PET offers valuable insights into brain metabolism, neurotransmitter systems, neuroinflammation, and synaptic density. This review highlights the contributions of PET imaging to understanding the pathophysiology of ASD, focusing on recent advancements in technology and novel radiotracers. These innovations may lead to more accurate biomarkers for diagnosis and targeted therapeutic strategies. As PET technology continues to improve, it holds significant potential for advancing ASD research and clinical applications.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

7. Wen C, Xu Z, Cao F, Yuan Q, Su W, Huang Z. Arecoline Alleviates Autism Spectrum Disorder-like Behaviors and Cognition Disorders in a Valproic Acid Mouse Model by Activating the AMPK/CREB/BDNF Signaling Pathway. Brain Res Bull;2025 (Jun 11):111431.

Studies in humans have revealed that the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is linked to white matter abnormalities involving hypomyelination and oligodendroglia dysfunction; however, effective treatments remain limited. Similarly, the valproic acid (VPA) model mice, which are widely used to study ASD, also exhibit white matter abnormalities with hypomyelination. Arecoline has been reported to enhance memory and cognition, facilitate myelination and improve neurological function. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of arecoline in a mouse model of prenatal VPA-induced ASD. We established an ASD mouse model through prenatal exposure to VPA and treated the mice with arecoline for 4 weeks. Behavioral analyses, including the elevated plus maze, open field, self-grooming, marble-burying, three-chamber, Y-maze, and Morris water maze tests, were conducted to assess the effects of arecoline on behavior. Western blotting was used to detect changes in protein expression in the frontal cortex after arecoline treatment. The results revealed that offspring prenatally exposed to VPA presented characteristic behavioral abnormalities, including increased repetitive and stereotyped behaviors, deficits in social interaction, and impairments in learning and memory, accompanied by reduced expression of the myelin marker MBP and the mature oligodendrocyte marker GST-pi in the frontal cortex. Four-week arecoline treatment (1 and 2mg/kg/day) significantly ameliorated these behavioral and cognitive abnormalities and restored myelination markers. Further mechanistic investigations demonstrated that arecoline enhanced the phosphorylation levels of AMPKα and CREB in the frontal cortex. This activation upregulated the expression of downstream BDNF, an essential neurotrophic factor for oligodendrocyte maturation and remyelination. These findings suggest that the AMPK/CREB/BDNF pathway may contribute to the therapeutic effects of arecoline, potentially through increased oligodendrocyte maturation and remyelination. This study provides preclinical evidence supporting arecoline as a potential myelination-targeting intervention, with implications for ASD and other neurological disorders involving myelination deficits.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

8. Zadok E, Ben-Moshe Z, Gordon I, Golan O. Empathic Behavior and Behavioral Synchrony During Video Conversations in Autistic and Non-autistic Adolescents. J Autism Dev Disord;2025 (Jun 14)

Behavioral synchrony is an important component of successful social interaction. Synchronization of facial expressions during interaction is considered a facilitator of empathic behavior. Autistic individuals show alterations in synchronous and empathic behaviors. Yet, an ecological examination of these among adolescents is needed. Through a video-based platform, we employed a social interaction sequence with a nonautistic confederate that included a friendly conversation and an expression of discouragement. 50 male adolescents (23 autistic) participated. Socio-emotional behaviors, assessed by naïve trained raters and by automated measure of facial expressions, were analyzed. Results indicated reduced synchrony in interactions with autistic adolescents, compared to non-autistic adolescents, as well as fewer empathic behaviors. Participants’ emotion recognition abilities did not account for these differences. Our findings point to the central role of behavioral synchrony in the social disparities autistic adolescents often experience.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)