1. Anabella LYX, Rong YJ, Nagadia RH. Two Head and Neck Cancers in an Adult With Intellectual Disability and Rett Syndrome: A Case Report. Spec Care Dentist. 2025; 45(1): 1-6.

The cases of head and neck cancer among persons with intellectual disability (PWID) are infrequently reported and therefore poorly understood. PWID often face increased barriers of access to healthcare, which can be further compounded when faced with a cancer diagnosis. This report presents the case of a 34-year-old Chinese female patient with Rett syndrome and intellectual disability, presenting with two primary cancers of the tongue and the trachea. The case highlights the importance of regular dental review in cancer surveillance, post-operative supportive dental care, and challenges in behavioral management in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

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2. Baker JK, Fenning RM, McElvain P. Differential Relations Between Parenting and Emotion Regulation in Children with ASD Across Dyadic and Independent Contexts. J Autism Dev Disord. 2025.

Many children with ASD exhibit difficulties with emotion regulation that greatly impair functioning. Certain intrinsic correlates of dysregulation have been identified in this population, but the search for potential environmental influences has been less fruitful. The current study examined several aspects of parenting as correlates of observed regulation in Autistic children, as measured in both parent-child and independent regulatory contexts. A diverse sample of 76 children with ASD aged 6 to 10 years participated in frustrating laboratory tasks with and without their primary caregivers, and the caregivers completed a parenting questionnaire. Emotion regulation, parental scaffolding, and gentle guidance were coded from videotaped interaction, and scores of parental involvement, positive parenting, and inconsistent discipline were obtained through parent report. Differential relations were observed between parenting and children’s regulation when considered across contexts, with parental scaffolding associated with children’s dyadic regulation and parents’ reports of their involvement and discipline associated with children’s independent regulation. Findings support previous evidence identifying a potential delay in the internalization of parental co-regulatory support in Autistic children, and highlight parental involvement as a previously unidentified unique correlate of independent regulation in this population. Implications for conceptualizations of emotion regulation in autism are discussed as is the importance of extending findings through further longitudinal research.

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3. Baranowski M, Cameranesi M, Mignone J, McCombe L, Kostal K, Heschuk J, Shooshtari S. Families’ perspectives on the process of community transitions of individuals with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities. J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2024; 49(1): 57-66.

BACKGROUND: Deinstitutionalisation refers to the transition of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities from large institutions to smaller homes in the community. The purpose of this study was to explore how family members of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities perceived their loved ones’ community transition process. METHOD: Eight family members of persons with severe or profound intellectual and developmental disabilities formerly residing at the complex care facility of St.Amant participated in semi-structured interviews. Interview transcripts were analysed thematically using an iterative inductive process and constant comparative method. RESULTS: Three main themes emerged from the family members’ accounts of their loved ones’ community transitions process: 1) families’ initial reactions, 2) strengths, and 3) challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Initial reactions of family members to learning about the community transitions process were varied. Family members’ perspectives inform deinstitutionalisation efforts by highlighting facilitators such as adequate involvement, and barriers such as, unanticipated delays, to the community transitions process.

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4. Behrouzi A, Valles-Capetillo E, Kana RK. An ALE meta-analysis of the neural evidence of facial emotion processing in autism. World J Biol Psychiatry. 2025: 1-18.

OBJECTIVE: Facial emotion recognition is central to successful social interaction. People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulties in this area. However, neuroimaging evidence on facial emotion processing in ASD has been diverse. This study aims to identify common and consistent brain activity patterns during facial emotion processing in autism. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, 22 fMRI studies (539 ASD, 502 typically developing participants (TD) were included. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant activation in the right fusiform gyrus (FG) and left fusiform face area (FFA). In addition, TD participants showed increased left amygdala activity. Compared to TD, ASD individuals had increased activation in the right cerebellum lobule VI and left secondary visual cortex. Age-based subgroup analysis showed that ASD children showed increased activity in bilateral FG, and ASD adults and TD children in the right FG. Finally, adults from both groups had increased activity in the right FG in the within-group and conjunction analyses. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that ASD and TD engage core face processing areas similarly while TD may use core and an extended social brain network. Findings of this study underscore the role of fusiform face area in facial emotion processing along with more insights into the neural processing of facial emotions.

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5. Bradshaw J, Pringle J, Milton D, Beadle-Brown J. A comparison of the sensory needs of autistic adults with and without intellectual disabilities: A short report. J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2024; 49(1): 115-9.

BACKGROUND: Autistic people commonly report differing sensory experiences. This research aimed to find out about sensory issues and the sensory environments of autistic adults who did and did not have intellectual disabilities. METHOD: Online questionnaires were designed to identify sensory needs. The survey was completed by 138 autistic adults who self-reported and 58 informants reporting about autistic adults who had intellectual disabilities. RESULTS: Autistic adults self-reported high numbers of sensory needs compared with informant reports of the needs of autistic adults who had intellectual disabilities. INTERPRETATION: It is possible that informants under-reported issues for autistic adults with intellectual disabilities. Some sensory needs are harder to observe and people with intellectual disabilities may find it difficult to communicate such needs. CONCLUSION: The authors propose that better methods of supporting communication of « harder to observe » sensory needs should be developed. Further research is needed.

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6. Brookman-Frazee L, Lau AS, Roesch SC, Jobin A, Chlebowski C, Mello M, Caplan B, Naar S, Aarons GA, Stahmer AC. Effectiveness of Multilevel Implementation Strategies for Autism Interventions: Outcomes of Two Linked Implementation Trials. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2025.

OBJECTIVE: This study tests the effectiveness of leader and provider-level implementation strategies to implement evidence-based interventions (EBIs) in two of the service systems caring for autistic children. The TEAMS Leadership Institute (TLI) targets implementation leadership and climate, and TEAMS Individualized Provider Strategy (TIPS) targets provider motivation and engagement. METHOD: A cluster randomized hybrid type 3 implementation-effectiveness trial tested the effects of the implementations strategies when paired with AIM HI (An Individualized Mental Health Intervention for Autism) in mental health programs (Study 1) and CPRT (Classroom Pivotal Response Teaching) in classrooms (Study 2). The combined sample included 65 programs/districts across four training cohorts (2018-2019 to 2020-2021). Organizations were randomized to receive a leader-level strategy, provider strategy, both strategies, or neither strategy (EBI provider training only). Leader and provider participants were recruited from enrolled programs/districts and child participants were recruited from providers’ caseloads or classrooms. Data from a total of 387 providers (mean age = 36.39 years; 91% female participants; 30% Latino/a/x participants) and 385 children (mean age = 9.13 years; 84% male participants; 60% Latino/a/x participants) were analyzed/ Outcomes were assessed over 6 months. Provider outcome measures included provider EBI certification and observed EBI fidelity. Clinical outcome measures included the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI) (Study 1) and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Behavior Inventory (PDD-BI) (Study 2). Outcomes were analyzed using intent-to-treat models. RESULTS: There was no significant effect of TLI on EBI Certification. TLI was associated with significantly higher EBI fidelity compared to non-TLI (B=.37, p=.04). Moreover, a statistically significant TLIXTime interaction was found for child outcome T-scores (B=-10.47, p=.03), with a significant reduction in T-scores across time only for those in the TLI condition. There were no significant effects of TIPS on any outcomes. CONCLUSION: Findings support the effectiveness of leader focused strategies to promote implementation and clinical outcomes of autism EBIs in multiple public service systems and for multiple EBIs.

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7. Cano-Villagrasa A, Moya-Faz FJ, Porcar-Gozalbo N, López-Zamora M. Treatment options in autism with epilepsy. Front Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2024; 3: 1265081.

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8. Carlsson E, Nygren G, Gillberg C, Linnsand P. « The package has been opened »- parents’ perspective and social validity of an Early Start Denver Model intervention for young children with autism. Front Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2024; 3: 1509828.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to capture experiences and perspectives of parents of children with autism participating in an intervention program based on the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). Specifically, we wanted their views regarding feasibility, acceptability, and significance of the intervention program, i.e., its social validity. METHODS: Fourteen parents, whose children has been diagnosed with autism, were interviewed. RESULTS: The results included three themes (1) Comprehensive approach: the participants emphasized the importance of early detection and interventions in their local setting in close cooperation between themselves, health care professionals, and preschool staff. They also highlighted the individual goals based on the child’s needs in different developmental areas, as well as the whole family’s needs and prioritizations. (2) Hands on-available locally and accessible: focused on different aspects of procedures, including features of the ESDM, parent education, the parent-therapist relationship and nearby location. (3) Sense of empowerment-parents got increased knowledge: the intervention was significant within family daily living and daily activities. The participants expressed that the interventions program contributed to an increased knowledge about autism and the ESDM strategies, positively impacted their child, and improved the collaboration with the preschool. CONCLUSION: Parents emphasized the naturalistic, comprehensive, and local setting of the intervention and described that they had gained new knowledge as well a sense of empowerment. The results indicated that the intervention program based on the ESDM was socially valid according to parent descriptions.

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9. Chatterjee D, Maparu K, Singh S. Exploring pathological targets and advancing pharmacotherapy in autism spectrum disorder: Contributions of glial cells and heavy metals. Histol Histopathol. 2025: 18870.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a globally recognized neurodevelopmental condition characterized by repetitive and restrictive behavior, persistent deficits in social interaction and communication, mental disturbances, etc., affecting approximately 1 in 100 children worldwide. A combination of genetic and environmental factors is involved in the etiopathogenesis of the disease, but specific biomarkers have not yet been identified. Due to the lack of clinical evidence, fluctuations in symptoms, and difficulties in in-vitro and in-vivo modeling, developing medications for ASD is quite difficult. Although several drugs are used to treat autism, only risperidone and aripiprazole have received FDA approval in the United States. Epidemiological studies have suggested that maternal exposure to valproic acid (VPA), acetaminophen, propionic acid, and metals, such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg), may contribute to the development of various neurodevelopmental disorders. Pathological targets directly implicated in the disease include excitatory-inhibitory (E/A) imbalance, hyperserotonemia, GSK-3 inhibition, and Akt pathway activation. However, while a combination of pharmacotherapy, behavioral, and nutritional/dietary interventions has been found to be the most effective conventional therapy to date, many patients have chosen to implement particular dietary supplements for reducing ASD symptoms. In this review, we briefly describe various pathological targets and their roles in the pathophysiology of ASD and treatment strategies, including some future research directions.

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10. Clark M, Dissanayake C. Characteristics of children attending an autism specific early learning and care setting prior to and following introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2024; 49(1): 36-45.

BACKGROUND: The rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has transformed the Australian funding landscape for individuals with disability and their families. This study examined whether the profiles of autistic children and their families accessing an early intervention (EI) setting have changed following its introduction. METHODS: The cognition and behavioural profiles of children funded under the NDIS (n = 58) were compared to children who had received block government funding (n = 58). Parental mental health and quality of life (QoL) outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Children presented with similar baseline cognition, functional abilities and autism behaviours at intake into EI irrespective of funding type. While parental QoL was similar across groups, parents funded by the NDIS reported significantly higher stress and depression levels. CONCLUSIONS: The current findings suggest that modifications to the NDIS framework may be necessary to extend benefits beyond the individual living with disability to foster the health and wellbeing of their primary carers.

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11. Crotti M, Ortibus E, Ben Itzhak N, Kleeren L, Decraene L, Leenaerts N, Feys H, Mailleux L. Erratum to « The relation between visual functions, functional vision, and bimanual function in children with unilateral cerebral palsy » [Research in Developmental Disabilities 152 (2024) 104792]. Res Dev Disabil. 2025; 157: 104920.

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12. DeLucia EA, Harden SM, Scarpa A. Provider attitudes toward evidence-based practice in autism: a mini-review. Front Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2024; 3: 1363532.

There are many established evidence-based practices (EBPs) for autistic youth which facilitate wellbeing and skill development across a range of domains. However, individuals on the autism spectrum are consistently underserved in mental health settings, limiting their access to these EBPs. Positive provider attitudes toward EBPs may increase their uptake or use. The current mini-review seeks to synthesize the literature regarding attitudes toward EBPs among providers working with autistic youth across a variety of settings (i.e., school, early intervention, and general mental health). Fifteen quantitative studies were included. The majority of studies (n = 13, 87%) utilized the Evidence Based Practice Attitudes Scale (EBPAS) or a variation of this scale. Attitudes toward EBPs were primarily used as a correlate or covariate, although some studies reported descriptive statistics of provider attitudes. When available, the reported results suggest that attitudes toward EBPs are moderately positive at baseline, although they vary between provider types. Two studies (13%) examined change in attitudes toward EBPs and suggested that they may be responsive to intervention. However, findings were mixed as to whether attitudes toward EBPs are predictive of EBP use/uptake. Implications and future directions are discussed.

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13. Fallon MJ, Luczynski KC, Rodriguez NM, Felty C, Rahaman JA. A preliminary analysis of teaching children with autism spectrum disorder self-protection skills for bullying situations. J Appl Behav Anal. 2025.

Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder are at high risk of being bullied, but research on teaching children with autism self-protection skills for bullying situations is scant. We taught five children self-protection skills for two types of bullying (threats and unkind remarks) and consecutive bullying occurrences. We first evaluated behavioral skills training and a textual prompt to teach children to report threats of physical or material harm, provide a disapproving statement after a first unkind remark, and occupy themselves with an activity away from a bully after a second unkind remark. Additional tactics were necessary to aid in the discrimination of bullying situations for two children. There were increases in the self-protection skills with all children. Results further support that an active-learning approach is efficacious in teaching responses to bullying in simulated situations. Considerations for teaching these skills while maintaining trust and rapport with children and caregivers are discussed.

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14. Geng S, Dai Y, Rolls ET, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Deng L, Chen Z, Feng J, Li F, Cao M. Rightward brain structural asymmetry in young children with autism. Mol Psychiatry. 2025.

To understand the neural mechanism of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental delay/intellectual disability (DD/ID) that can be associated with ASD, it is important to investigate individuals at an early stage with brain, behavioural and also genetic measures, but such research is still lacking. Here, using the cross-sectional sMRI data of 1030 children under 8 years old, we employed developmental normative models to investigate the atypical development of gray matter volume (GMV) asymmetry in individuals with ASD without DD/ID, ASD with DD/ID and individuals with only DD/ID, and their associations with behavioral and clinical measures and transcription profiles. By extracting the individual deviations of patients from the typical controls with normative models, we found a commonly abnormal pattern of GMV asymmetry across all ASD children: more rightward laterality in the inferior parietal lobe and precentral gyrus, and higher individual variability in the temporal pole. Specifically, ASD with DD/ID children showed a severer and more extensive abnormal pattern in GMV asymmetry deviation values, which was linked with both ASD symptoms and verbal IQ. The abnormal pattern of ASD without DD/ID children showed higher and more extensive individual variability, which was linked with ASD symptoms only. DD/ID children showed no significant differences from healthy population in asymmetry. Lastly, the GMV laterality patterns of all patient groups were significantly associated with both shared and unique gene expression profiles. Our findings provide evidence for rightward GMV asymmetry of some cortical regions in young ASD children (1-7 years) in a large sample (1030 cases), show that these asymmetries are related to ASD symptoms, and identify genes that are significantly associated with these differences.

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15. Gray C, Leonard H, Wong K, Reed S, Schmidt K, Skoss R, Li J, Salt A, Bourke J, Glasson EJ. Down syndrome or Rett syndrome in the family: Parental reflections on sibling experience. J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2024; 49(1): 11-24.

BACKGROUND: Siblings of children with intellectual disability have unique family experiences, varying by type of disability. METHODS: Parents of children with Down syndrome (156) or with Rett syndrome (149) completed questionnaires relating to sibling advantages and disadvantages, experiences of holidays and recreation, and perceived availability of parental time. Qualitative responses were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Positive personality traits, an optimistic outlook, enhanced skills, and rich relationships were strong and consistent parental perceptions for siblings in both disability groups. Parents of children with Rett syndrome were more likely to rank themselves lower on time availability, and to report sibling difficulties with social engagement and family holidays. CONCLUSIONS: Parental responses appeared to be influenced by disability type, and reflective of child capabilities. Perceptions of sibling experience should be supplemented by data collected directly from siblings to fully understand their unique perspective, and the ways in which their experiences could be enhanced.

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16. Griffen B, Lorah E, Caldwell NS, Holyfield C. Effects of AAC Intervention on School Readiness Skills from Young Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Folia Phoniatr Logop. 2025: 1-19.

Introduction Young children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who have limited speech and language require access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention, including technology and instruction. While research shows that AAC intervention can effectively support communication from children with IDD, research on its impact on school readiness skills is limited. Methods Two preschool aged children with IDD participated in this study. Using a single case, multiple baseline across responses design for each participant, this study evaluated the effectiveness of an AAC intervention, including a high-tech AAC with a personalized color photo visual scene display with modeling, time delay, prompting, and social praise. The targeted responses were three questions from the participants’ state kindergarten readiness standards, including: « What is your first name? »; « What is your last name? »; and « How old are you? ». Results In baseline, both participants demonstrated little success communicating answers to questions. During intervention, both participants mastered the school readiness skill of responding accurately and independently to the targeted questions. Conclusion The current study shows that with early access to AAC intervention, children with IDD may begin to build communication skills that align with school readiness standards, providing them increased opportunity to participate fully and meaningfully in general education curricula, upon entering kindergarten. Keywords: school readiness, augmentative and alternative communication, intellectual and developmental disability.

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17. Hall SA, Stancliffe RJ. Participation in mainstream community groups by older United States adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A multiple case study. J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2024; 49(4): 438-51.

BACKGROUND: Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities want to be included in all aspects of community life, but social inclusion continues to be very limited. METHOD: We used a qualitative multiple case study to describe the experiences and perspectives of four older workers or retirees with intellectual and developmental disabilities aged 45 to 63 who each participated in a different socially inclusive community group. RESULTS: Three themes emerged: finding a good match; support for participation; and the outcomes of participating in a mainstream community group. A good match included both the group’s activity and the people in the group. Support came from family, disability service provider staff, and the members of their group. The person’s own attitudes and abilities also supported their participation. Inclusion in mainstream community groups led to a sense of belonging and other beneficial outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can successfully participate long term in mainstream community groups.

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18. Hawken N, Falissard B, Choquet C, Francois C, Tardu J, Schmid R. Exit interviews from two randomised placebo-controlled phase 3 studies with caregivers of young children with autism spectrum disorder. Front Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2024; 3: 1236340.

INTRODUCTION: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterised by difficulty with social communication and restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour. This study aimed to improve understanding of the ASD patient experience with the treatment (bumetanide) regarding the changes in core symptoms and to assess changes considered as meaningful. To achieve this, qualitative interviews were conducted with caregivers of patients in two phase 3 clinical trials (NCT03715153; NCT03715166) of a novel ASD treatment. METHODS: Caregivers were invited to participate in one interview after completion of the pivotal phase 3 study; for those of them who continued treatment after study completion, a second interview was held 3 months after trial completion. The interviews were conducted by qualitative researchers and followed a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews focused on patients’ ASD symptoms and their impact on their daily life before enrolment, and on any symptom changes patients experienced during the trial. RESULTS: Out of the 13 eligible patients’ caregivers, 11 were interviewed up to two times at clinical sites in the UK, Spain, and Italy. The caregivers reported impairments in a wide range of skills: deficits in communication and social interaction; restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities; and cognitive, emotional, and motor impairments. Compared to before the trial initiation, caregivers also reported improvements in the following domains: communication, interaction with others, cognition, aggression, emotions, repetitive movements, eating, and sleeping. CONCLUSION: The exit interviews provided a rich source of qualitative data, allowing a deeper understanding of caregivers’ and patients’ experience of the disease and allowing us to understand what constitutes a meaningful change. These data also helped identify important experiences that may inform the patient-reported outcome measurement strategy for future trials in ASD.

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19. Hickson R, Hebron L, Muller-Oehring EM, Cheu A, Hernandez A, Kiss O, Gombert-Labedens M, Baker FC, Schulte T. Resting-state fMRI activation is associated with parent-reported phenotypic features of autism in early adolescence. Front Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2024; 3: 1481957.

INTRODUCTION: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in social cognition, self-referential processing, and restricted repetitive behaviors. Despite the established clinical symptoms and neurofunctional alterations in ASD, definitive biomarkers for ASD features during neurodevelopment remain unknown. In this study, we aimed to explore if activation in brain regions of the default mode network (DMN), specifically the medial prefrontal cortex (MPC), posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), superior temporal sulcus (STS), inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), angular gyrus (AG), and the temporoparietal junction (TPJ), during resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) is associated with possible phenotypic features of autism (PPFA) in a large, diverse youth cohort. METHODS: We used cross-sectional parent-reported PPFA data and youth rs-fMRI brain data as part of the two-year follow-up of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. Our sample consisted of 7,106 (53% male) adolescents aged 10-13. We conducted confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) to establish the viability of our latent measurements: features of autism and regional brain activation. Structural regression analyses were used to investigate the associations between the six brain regions and the PPFA. RESULTS: We found that activation in the MPC (β = .16, p < .05) and the STS (β = .08, p < .05), and being male (β = .13, p < .05), was positively associated with PPFA. In contrast, activation in the IFG (β = -.08, p < .05) was negatively associated. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that regions of the "social brain" are associated with PPFA during early adolescence. Future research should characterize the developmental trajectory of social brain regions in relation to features of ASD, specifically brain regions known to mature relatively later during development.

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20. Hsu YH, Wu CY, Lee HL, Hsieh RL, Huang YL, Shiue HS, Lin YC, Chen MC, Hsueh YM. Combined effects of global DNA methylation, blood lead and total urinary arsenic levels on developmental delay in preschool children. Environ Health. 2025; 24(1): 2.

DNA methylation is a critical step in brain development, 5-Methyl-2′-deoxycytidine (5mdC) is one of the global DNA methylation markers. Arsenic and lead exposures have been associated with neurotoxicity, which may be linked to epigenetic changes. Our research sought to investigate the correlation between 5mdC and developmental delay (DD) among preschoolers. Additionally, we assessed whether 5mdC modified the impacts of blood lead and total urinary arsenic levels on DD. We analyzed the concentrations of 5mdC, blood cadmium and lead, and total urinary arsenic in 174 children with DD and 88 healthy children. Global DNA methylation levels are expressed as the ratio 5mdC/2′-dexyguanosine (dG), called 5mdC (%). In our findings, elevated levels of blood lead and total urinary arsenic were significantly associated with DD risk among preschoolers. Furthermore, high 5mdC (%) was related with reduced risk of DD, with an odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.14 (0.06 – 0.32). A notable multiplicative interaction was observed between low 5mdC (%) and elevated blood lead levels to increase OR of DD, with OR and 95% CI was 9.51 (4.18 – 21.64). The findings provide evidence of the combined effects of reduced 5mdC (%) and high blood lead concentrations, increasing the OR of DD.

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21. Huo Y, Zhao D, Zhu X, Zheng N, Yang D, Meng J, Chen Y, Zhang YW. RPS23RG1 inhibits SORT1-mediated lysosomal degradation of MDGA2 to protect against autism. Theranostics. 2025; 15(4): 1338-52.

Rationale: Mutations in the synaptic protein MAM domain containing glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor 2 (MDGA2) have been associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Therefore, elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of MDGA2 can help develop effective treatments for ASD. Methods: Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was carried out to identify proteins interacting with the extracellular domain of RPS23RG1 and with MDGA2, followed by co-immunoprecipitation assays to confirm protein-protein interactions. RPS23RG1 and SORT1 levels were downregulated by siRNAs to study their effects on MDGA2 degradation, with additional applications of immunoblotting and immunostaining assays. Lysosome isolation was performed to determine the lysosomal degradation of MDGA2 further. Rps23rg1 knockout mice and Mdga2 (+/-) mice were subjected to various behavioral tests to study their ASD-like phenotypes. AAVs expressing MDGA2 were delivered in Rps23rg1 knockout mice, and RPS23RG1-derived peptide was delivered in Mdga2 (+/-) mice to study their rescuing effects. Results: We found that both RPS23RG1 and SORT1 interacted with MDGA2. MDGA2 was primarily degraded through the SORT1-mediated lysosomal degradation pathway. RPS23RG1 competed with SORT1 for MDGA2 binding to inhibit MDGA2 degradation. Furthermore, we showed that Rps23rg1 knockout mice exhibited decreased MDGA2 levels and ASD-like behaviors, whereas restoration of MDGA2 levels attenuated social defects in Rps23rg1 KO mice. Moreover, we identified a crucial region of RPS23RG1 for MDGA2 interaction and found that a peptide derived from this region not only bound MDGA2 and promoted MDGA2 levels, but also rescued social defects in Mdga2 (+/-) mice. Conclusion: Our findings highlight a crucial role of RPS23RG1 in antagonizing SORT1-mediated lysosomal degradation of MDGA2 and suggest a potential for targeting the RPS23RG1-MDGA2 axis to treat ASD with MDGA2 deficiency.

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22. Jeong Y, Kim MW, Lee SG, Park S, Jeong KS, Lee YH, Lee S, Chung HM, Kim J, Kim CY. Therapeutic effects of CGS21680, a selective A(2A) receptor agonist, via BDNF-related pathways in R106W mutation Rett syndrome model. Biomed Pharmacother. 2025; 183: 117821.

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurological disorder caused by a mutation in the X-linked methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2), leading to cognitive and motor skill regression. Therapeutic strategies aimed at increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels have been reported; however, BDNF treatment has limitations, including the inability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, a short half-life, and potential for adverse effects when administered via intrathecal injection, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches. In this study, we focused on the adenosine A(2A) receptor (A(2A)R), which modulates BDNF and its downstream pathways, and investigated the therapeutic potential of CGS21680, an A(2A)R agonist, through in vitro and in vivo studies using R106W RTT model. CGS21680 restored neurite outgrowth, the number of SYN1(+)/MAP2(+) puncta pairs, genes related to the BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway (Bdnf, TrkB, and Mtor) and neural development (Tuj1 and Syn1), and electrophysiological functions in in vitro RTT primary neurons. Additionally, CGS21680 alleviated neurobehavioral impairments and modulated gene expression in an RTT in vivo model. Our findings suggest that activation of A(2A)R via CGS21680 enhances BDNF-TrkB signaling, which in turn activates downstream pathways, ultimately increasing neurite outgrowth and synaptic plasticity, and restoring neurobehavioral clinical symptoms. This is the first study to report the therapeutic effect of CGS21680 in R106W point mutation RTT models, both in vitro and in vivo. These research results suggest that CGS21680 could be a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of RTT.

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23. Kalınlı EM, Akbas E, Yolal Ertural D, Gunes S, Buyukafsar K. Correction: Investigation of RhoA, ROCK1, and ROCK2 Gene Expressions in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Cureus. 2025; 17(1): c206.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.74810.].

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24. Kavitha V, Siva R. 3T dilated inception network for enhanced autism spectrum disorder diagnosis using resting-state fMRI data. Cogn Neurodyn. 2025; 19(1): 22.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the complicated neurodevelopmental disorders that impacts the daily functioning and social interactions of individuals. It includes diverse symptoms and severity levels, making it challenging to diagnose and treat efficiently. Various deep learning (DL) based methods have been developed for diagnosing ASD, which rely heavily on behavioral assessment. However, existing techniques have suffered from poor diagnostic outcomes, higher computational complexity, and overfitting issues. To address these challenges, this research work introduces an innovative framework called 3T Dilated Inception Network (3T-DINet) for effective ASD diagnosis using resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rs-fMRI) images. The proposed 3T-DINet technique designs a 3T dilated inception module that incorporates dilated convolutions along with the inception module, allowing it to extract multi-scale features from brain connectivity patterns. The 3T dilated inception module uses three distinct dilation rates (low, medium, and high) in parallel to determine local, mid-level, and global features from the brain. In addition, the proposed approach implements Residual networks (ResNet) to avoid the vanishing gradient problem and enhance the feature extraction ability. The model is further optimized using a Crossover-based Black Widow Optimization (CBWO) algorithm that fine-tunes the hyperparameters thereby enhancing the overall performance of the model. Further, the performance of the 3T-DINet model is evaluated using the five ASD datasets with distinct evaluation parameters. The proposed 3T-DINet technique achieved superior diagnosis results compared to recent previous works. From this simulation validation, it’s clear that the 3T-DINet provides an excellent contribution to early ASD diagnosis and enhances patient treatment outcomes.

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25. Kumar A, Bhattacharya S. Unveiling autism spectrum disorder in South East Asia through a public health Lens. Front Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2024; 3: 1489269.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted developmental condition characterized by persistent challenges in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. Though there is no cure, early and intensive interventions can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected. The aim of this paper is to examine the complexities of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from a public health perspective in South East Asian region, highlighting the global rise in prevalence and the compounded challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The rise in ASD prevalence from 4 to 5 cases per 10,000 children in the 1980s to 11.3 per 1,000 children in 2012 highlights the need for effective interventions. The pandemic exacerbated behavioral issues, anxiety, and screen time-related health problems, underscoring the importance of adjusting strategies for early identification and support. Diagnostic tools like the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) and the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) play a critical role in community-based screening. Effective prevention strategies include primary measures such as public awareness campaigns and genetic counseling, secondary measures focusing on early identification and intervention, and tertiary measures involving ongoing support and therapy. Addressing implementation challenges, particularly in low-income countries, requires enhanced public awareness, training of community health workers, and integration of ASD services into primary healthcare systems. Future research should aim to develop and evaluate scalable, culturally relevant interventions and explore the impact of environmental factors on ASD. Comprehensive strategies at the community level, combined with robust public health policies, are crucial for improving outcomes for individuals with ASD and their families.

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26. Lafleur A, Caron V, Forgeot d’Arc B, Soulières I. Atypical implicit and explicit sense of agency in autism: A complete characterization using the cue integration approach. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove). 2025: 17470218241311582.

There exist indications that sense of agency (SoA), the experience of being the cause of one’s own actions and actions’ outcomes, is altered in autism. However, no studies in autism have simultaneously investigated the integration mechanisms underpinning both implicit and explicit SoA, the two levels of agency proposed by the innovative cue integration approach. Our study establishes a first complete characterization of SoA functioning in autism, by comparing age- and IQ-matched samples of autistic versus neurotypical adults. Intentional binding and judgments of agency were used to assess implicit and explicit SoA over pinching movements with visual outcomes. Sensorimotor and contextual cues were manipulated using feedback alteration and induced belief about the cause of actions’ outcome. Implicit SoA was altered in autism, as showed by an overall abolished intentional binding effect and greater inter-individual heterogeneity. At the explicit level, we observed under-reliance on retrospective sensorimotor cues. The implicit-explicit dynamic was also altered in comparison to neurotypical individuals. Our results show that both implicit and explicit levels of SoA, as well as the dynamic between the two levels, present atypicalities in autism.

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27. Linnsand P, Nygren G, Hermansson J, Gillberg C, Carlsson E. Intervention in autism based on Early Start Denver Model in a multiethnic immigrant setting-experiences of preschool staff involved in its implementation. Front Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2024; 3: 1341729.

BACKGROUND: Early interventions for young children with autism have been shown to enhance developmental outcomes. However, opportunities for targeted interventions in autism, both in care and preschool, are often lacking, particularly in immigrant communities. The early start denver model (ESDM) stands as one of the most well-established intervention models, including improvement in core developmental domains and reduction of maladaptive behaviours, also delivered in preschool settings. An intervention program based on the ESDM was implemented in collaboration with parents, preschool staff, and health care professionals locally in a multiethnic immigrant and socioeconomically disadvantaged area in Gothenburg, Sweden. PURPOSE: The present study aimed to describe a low intensity intervention program based on the ESDM for young children with autism in a multiethnic immigrant setting and capture the experiences of the preschool staff involved in implementing the program. METHOD: Fifteen preschool professionals were interviewed through focus group interviews. Data were analyzed using content analysis. The interviews focused on capturing the crucial factors in the intervention program and to get more in-depth information about the intervention program’s influence on the children with autism, their parents, the preschool staff, and preschool activities. RESULTS: Central components of the intervention program were emphasized by the preschool staff. These encompassed contextual prerequisites, such as the preschool staff’s participation in intervention program fostered by the local environment and features linked to the ESDM methodology. The preschool staff emphasized that shared objectives and regular network meetings as fundamental components of the model. They also underscored the seamless alignment between the ESDM and the preschool curriculum emphasizing how ESDM strategies could be easily integrated into the preschool’s daily routines. The staff’s experience indicated that the implementation of ESDM enriched the learning experiences of children with autism and yielded benefits to their parents, fellow peers in the preschool, and the preschool staff. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention program based on the ESDM presents a promising model for young children with autism in a multiethnic immigrant setting. Several critical factors based on the preschool staff’s experiences were essential for implementation: contextual prerequisites such as organizational support, close collaboration with healthcare professionals, good competence among preschool staff, and the ESDM itself.

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28. Majumder P, Chatterjee B, Akter K, Ahsan A, Tan SJ, Huang CC, Chu JF, Shen CJ. Molecular switch of the dendrite-to-spine transport of TDP-43/FMRP-bound neuronal mRNAs and its impairment in ASD. Cell Mol Biol Lett. 2025; 30(1): 6.

BACKGROUND: Regulation of messenger RNA (mRNA) transport and translation in neurons is essential for dendritic plasticity and learning/memory development. The trafficking of mRNAs along the hippocampal neuron dendrites remains translationally silent until they are selectively transported into the spines upon glutamate-induced receptor activation. However, the molecular mechanism(s) behind the spine entry of dendritic mRNAs under metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)-mediated neuroactivation and long-term depression (LTD) as well as the fate of these mRNAs inside the spines are still elusive. METHOD: Different molecular and imaging techniques, e.g., immunoprecipitation (IP), RNA-IP, Immunofluorescence (IF)/fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), live cell imaging, live cell tracking of RNA using beacon, and mouse model study are used to elucidate a novel mechanism regulating dendritic spine transport of mRNAs in mammalian neurons. RESULTS: We demonstrate here that brief mGluR1 activation-mediated dephosphorylation of pFMRP (S499) results in the dissociation of FMRP from TDP-43 and handover of TDP-43/Rac1 mRNA complex from the dendritic transport track on microtubules to myosin V track on the spine actin filaments. Rac1 mRNA thus enters the spines for translational reactivation and increases the mature spine density. In contrast, during mGluR1-mediated neuronal LTD, FMRP (S499) remains phosphorylated and the TDP-43/Rac1 mRNA complex, being associated with kinesin 1-FMRP/cortactin/drebrin, enters the spines owing to Ca(2+)-dependent microtubule invasion into spines, but without translational reactivation. In a VPA-ASD mouse model, this regulation become anomalous. CONCLUSIONS: This study, for the first time, highlights the importance of posttranslational modification of RBPs, such as the neurodevelopmental disease-related protein FMRP, as the molecular switch regulating the dendrite-to-spine transport of specific mRNAs under mGluR1-mediated neurotransmissions. The misregulation of this switch could contribute to the pathogenesis of FMRP-related neurodisorders including the autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It also could indicate a molecular connection between ASD and neurodegenerative disease-related protein TDP-43 and opens up a new perspective of research to elucidate TDP-43 proteinopathy among patients with ASD.

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29. Mohammad S, Bussu G, Rukh G, Schiöth HB, Mwinyi J. Migraine and its major subtypes – with and without aura are associated with polygenic scores for autism. Cephalalgia. 2025; 45(1): 3331024241312666.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience a wide array of neurological, psychiatric and medical comorbidities, yet little attention has been given to the potential link between ASD and migraine, one of the most prevalent neurological disorders worldwide. This study aimed to investigate whether a genetic predisposition for ASD is linked to migraine and its major subtypes, with and without aura. Additionally, potential moderator and mediators of the association between ASD and migraine were explored. METHODS: Polygenic scores (PGS) for ASD were constructed based on the genome-wide association study by the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, on the UK Biobank cohort dataset comprising 337,386 participants using PRSice-2. Regression analyses were performed to investigate the association of ASD PGS with migraine and its major subtypes, with and without aura. Sex was explored as a potential moderating factor. The mediation analyses took into consideration variables such as education, personality trait neuroticism, body mass index (BMI) and four categories of comorbidities (psychiatric, vascular, neurologic and others). RESULTS: ASD PGS were significantly and positively associated with migraine (odds ratio (OR) = 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02-1.05, p < 0.002), migraine without aura (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02-1.07, p < 0.002) and migraine with aura (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02-1.07, p < 0.002). No moderating effect of sex on the association between ASD PGS and migraine was observed. As for potential mediators, only the personality trait neuroticism significantly mediated the association between ASD PGS and migraine, with the proportion of effect mediated 8.75% (95% CI = 4-18%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that individuals genetically predisposed to autism are at higher risk of experiencing migraine, including the two major subtypes, with and without aura. While emphasizing the complex shared genetic and pathophysiological interactions of these conditions, the role of personality trait neuroticism as a mediator of this relationship is highlighted.

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30. Nikolašević Ž, Čučković K, Gebauer-Bukurov K, Bugarski Ignjatović V. Health-related quality of life of children and adolescents with one vs. multiple disabilities – Are there differences from the parents’ perspective?. J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2024; 49(1): 84-94.

BACKGROUND: Multiple disabilities represent separate entities that cannot be reduced to the sum of disabilities or the main disability. This study compared the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children and adolescents with multiple disabilities and those with one developmental disability. We further assessed how comorbidities and guardianship type affected HRQoL. METHOD: On a sample of 190 children and adolescents with developmental disabilities aged 2-18 years (mean age 11.19 years, SD 3.76), we evaluated HRQoL using the PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scale (parent proxy-reports). RESULTS: Participants with multiple disabilities and participants with one developmental disability statistically significantly differed in all domains of HRQoL, except for emotional functioning. Multiple disabilities resulted in a lower HRQoL. Comorbidities like epilepsy diminished participants’ HRQoL. Guardianship type did not affect HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS: Disability complexity affects HRQoL. Since each impairment increases difficulties in daily functioning, all existing disorders need to be considered when planning services for children with disabilities.

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31. Noda H, Yoneda N, Kamogawa K, Tanaka G, Ide M, Iwanaga R. Sensory processing associated with subcategories of restricted and repetitive behaviors in Japanese children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Front Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2024; 3: 1411445.

BACKGROUND: Restricted and repetitive behavior (RRB) is a core symptom of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The structure of RRB subcategories and their relationship with atypical sensory processing in Japan are not well understood. This study examined subcategories of the RRB in Japanese children with ASD and explored their relationship with sensory processing. METHODS: A total of 103 children and adolescents with ASD participated in this study, with more than 70% having a co-occurring intellectual disability. First, exploratory factor analysis of the RRB items of the Social Responsiveness Scale second edition (SRS-2) was conducted to identify RRB subcategories. Second, Spearman correlation and multiple regression analysis were run to examine relationships between the RRB subcategories of SRS-2 and subsections of the Short Sensory Profile. RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis indicated a two factors solution; repetitive sensory and motor behavior and insistence on sameness. Multiple regression analysis suggested that Movement Sensitivity and Auditory Filtering were associated with insistence on sameness. Furthermore, Underresponsive/Seeks Sensation, Visual/Auditory Sensitivity, and diagnosis of intellectual disabilities were associated with repetitive sensory and motor behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that RRB subcategories are differently related to sensory processing patterns in children with ASD. These results suggested that RRB subcategories are beneficial to consider the relationship between RRB and sensory processing.

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32. Ottman MS. One Size Does Not Fit All: Clothing Choice in Young People with Autism and Gender Dysphoria. Arch Sex Behav. 2025.

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33. Rixon L, Hastings RP, Kovshoff H. ‘It Feels Very Weird and Normal at the Same Time’: Sibling Perceptions of Their Relationships With an Autistic Brother or Sister With Complex Care Needs. J Appl Res Intellect Disabil. 2025; 38(1): e70009.

BACKGROUND: The impact of having a disabled brother or sister on siblings’ psychological well-being and sibling relationships has been the subject of several research studies. However, research which focuses on the relationship between siblings and their autistic brother or sister with an intellectual disability and complex care needs is rare. We explored siblings’ views and experiences of their sibling relationship with their autistic brother or sister with complex care needs. METHOD: Eleven children and early adolescents (4 male/7 female) between the ages of 8 and 14 years took part in semi-structured interviews with questions focussing on their relationship with their autistic brother or sister who had complex care needs. Reflexive thematic analysis was used as a guide to analyse the data. RESULTS: Four themes are presented: positive interactions bring joy, sibling conflict is driven by verbal interactions, behaviours may have different meanings for the sibling, perceptions of change in the sibling relationship. CONCLUSIONS: The siblings of autistic brothers and sisters with an intellectual disability and complex care needs described warmth and positivity. Siblings of autistic children, who have complex care needs, deeply valued their interactions with their brother or sister despite reciprocity being on their terms. When autistic brothers and sisters had some functional spoken language, this often changed the context for the siblings relationship; perhaps leading to an increased chance of conflict or perceived negative experiences. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the individual meaning of these sibling relationships.

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34. Roberts CL, Larsh M, Symons F. Interdisciplinarity and self-injury: Toward an inclusive research and treatment paradigm. J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2024; 49(4): 378-90.

BACKGROUND: Historically, the research and treatment of self-injury has been disciplinarily siloed. As a result, the behaviour is understood and treated differently among individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. We explore the potential for an interdisciplinary research and practice agenda in self-injury. METHOD: We conducted 10 focus groups with experts in self-injury and analysed discussions that resulted from the question: « What is the role of interdisciplinarity in the study and treatment of self-injury? » RESULTS: Through a reflexive thematic analysis we came up with actionable and positively-oriented themes: Interdisciplinarity at the Individual Level, Context of Needed Systems-Level Change, Highlighting Workforce Support, Strategic Use of Implementation and Dissemination Science, and The Pursuit of Integration. Each theme includes several subthemes that describe specific strategies. CONCLUSIONS: An interdisciplinary approach is not only possible but worthwhile and would be particularly beneficial to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities engaging in self-injurious behaviour.

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35. Siman-Tov A, Sharabi A. Siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disability: Relations between involvement, personal resources, loneliness, and their adjustment. J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2024; 49(2): 229-40.

BACKGROUND: The study examined relations between a number of variables regarding typically-developing adult siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disability: involvement in the lives of their siblings with disability, personal resources (self-efficacy and sense of coherence), loneliness, and adjustment. METHOD: Participants included 99 siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who completed questionnaires examining involvement, personal resources (self-efficacy and sense of coherence), loneliness, and adjustment. RESULTS: Results indicated that siblings who are more involved and perceive their efficacy and coherence as higher and loneliness as lower, experience higher levels of mental wellbeing and lower levels of mental distress. Personal resources also meaningfully predicted siblings’ adjustment, and mediated the relations between involvement and wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS: The current study can serve as a basis for professional and current knowledge for the construction of intervention programs to strengthen siblings’ personal resources: efficacy and coherence as resilience factors that promote adjustment.

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36. Singh JS, Brasher S, Sarrett J, Barger B, Guerra K, Dilly LJ, Rubin IL, Stapel-Wax JL, Benevides T, Fernandez-Carriba S. Structural, Institutional, and Interpersonal Racism: Calling for Equity in Autism Research and Practice. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities. 2025.

Disparities in autism research and practices based on race and ethnicity are evident across many outcomes and life course stages. However, most of the research has focused on outlining differences and not the underlying systemic inequities driving these disparities. In this conceptual paper, we aim to shift the focus by outlining mechanisms of structural racism within the institutions of science, healthcare, and residential segregation and educational systems in the United States (U.S.). We argue that these and other forms of institutional racism constitute structural racism that are influencing the racial and ethnic disparities we see in autism services and care. For each of these institutions, we identify institutional racism related to autism and offer an example of how it shapes interpersonal racism and adverse outcomes, including misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, unequal access to educational services, and differential treatment in clinical encounters. We then provide anti-racism approaches in autism research and practice for each of these institutions that addresses institutional and interpersonal racism shaping autism inequities among racial and ethnic minorities. We conclude with a call to action to clinicians, researchers, and others to prioritize and disrupt the impacts of structural, institutional, and interpersonal racism through targeted anti-racism approaches.

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37. Son E, Ahn D, Kim JI, Kim S. Parents’ perceptions of risk and protective factors for problematic sexual behaviour in young Korean individuals with developmental disabilities. J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2024; 49(1): 46-56.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist on problematic sexual behaviour (PSB) in youth with developmental disabilities in South Korea. METHOD: Sixty-one parents of children with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder (aged 13-30) reported children’s PSB and emotional, behavioural, cognitive, and interpersonal factors. The frequency of PSB in children with developmental disabilities was verified, and various factors’ effects on PSB were examined through multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in PSB levels between children based on sex and age group. The externalising tendency and a history of family conflict predicted higher PSB. In contrast, protective factors had no significant predictive effects. CONCLUSIONS: PSB may vary depending on emotional and interpersonal factors, as well as cognitive deficits. Our findings emphasise the importance of interventions for PSB that consider both intrapersonal and interpersonal aspects.

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38. Sumiya M, Katahira K, Akechi H, Senju A. The preference for surprise in reinforcement learning underlies the differences in developmental changes in risk preference between autistic and neurotypical youth. Mol Autism. 2025; 16(1): 3.

BACKGROUND: Risk preference changes nonlinearly across development. Although extensive developmental research on the neurotypical (NTP) population has shown that risk preference is highest during adolescence, developmental changes in risk preference in autistic (AUT) people, who tend to prefer predictable behaviors, have not been investigated. Here, we aimed to investigate these changes and underlying computational mechanisms. METHOD: We ran a game-like risk-sensitive reinforcement learning task on 75 participants aged 6-30 years (AUT group, n = 31; NTP group, n = 44). Focusing on choices between alternatives with the same objective value but different risks, we calculated the risk preference and stay probability of a risky choice after a rewarding or non-rewarding outcome. Analyses using t-tests and multiple regression analyses were conducted. Using the choice-related data of each participant, we fit four reinforcement learning models and compared the fit of each model to the data. Furthermore, we validated the results of model fitting with multiple methods, model recovery, parameter recovery, and posterior predictive check. RESULTS: We found a significant difference in nonlinear developmental changes in risk preference between the AUT and NTP groups. The computational modeling approach with reinforcement learning models revealed that individual preferences for surprise modulated such preferences. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that for NTP people, adolescence is a developmental period involving risk preference, possibly due to lower surprise aversion. Conversely, for AUT people, who show opposite developmental change of risk preference, adolescence could be a developmental period involving risk avoidance because of low surprise preference.

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39. Tabin M, Khemka I, Hickson L. Reducing the risks of maltreatment of older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: Development of a research-based intervention. J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2024; 49(4): 462-74.

BACKGROUND: Although older adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities face high risks of maltreatment, there are few interventions available to reduce these risks. This study describes the development of a research-based intervention that aims to reduce the risks of maltreatment for this population. METHOD: The development involved close collaboration with a program advisory board (PAB). It used a three-phase approach with a cross-cultural perspective: (1) performing a needs assessment, (2) determining content and design, and (3) evaluating the usability of the intervention. RESULTS: The needs assessment results and input from the PAB yielded critical information that helped shape the intervention’s development. Feedback from the trainers confirmed the intervention’s usefulness and revealed suggestions for enhancing its usability. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention developed appears to be promising for enhancing the knowledge and skills of older populations to reduce their exposure to maltreatment risks; future research should be conducted to assess its efficacy.

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40. Thomas JJ, McPherson IK. Elevating the Discourse on the Comorbidity and Treatment of Eating Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Commentary on Inal-Kaleli et al. and Nimbley et al. Int J Eat Disord. 2025.

Two recent review papers published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders have considerably elevated the rigor of scholarship on the comorbidity between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and eating disorders. One paper reported that more than one-quarter of individuals with acute anorexia nervosa also have ASD, and that autistic traits are positively correlated with eating disorder psychopathology. The other paper reported that, compared to individuals with low autistic traits, those with high autistic traits report poorer experiences of eating disorder treatment, despite similar treatment outcomes. While both papers make excellent points, in this commentary we highlight important challenges in the assessment of ASD that may artificially inflate its prevalence in the context of disordered eating. We then caution the field against completely discarding evidence-based eating disorder treatments in the setting of comorbid ASD. Finally, we offer recommendations for future research to determine when and how eating disorder treatments should be modified to accommodate neurodiversity.

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41. Zhang H, Song C, Zhao X, Wang F, Qiu Y, Li H, Guo H. STDCformer: Spatial-temporal dual-path cross-attention model for fMRI-based autism spectrum disorder identification. Heliyon. 2024; 10(14): e34245.

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) is a non-invasive neuroimaging technique widely utilized in the research of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), providing preliminary insights into the potential biological mechanisms underlying ASD. Deep learning techniques have demonstrated significant potential in the analysis of rs-fMRI. However, accurately distinguishing between healthy control group and ASD has been a longstanding challenge. In this regard, this work proposes a model featuring a dual-path cross-attention framework for spatial and temporal patterns, named STDCformer, aiming to enhance the accuracy of ASD identification. STDCformer can preserve both temporal-specific patterns and spatial-specific patterns while explicitly interacting spatiotemporal information in depth. The embedding layer of the STDCformer embeds temporal and spatial patterns in dual paths. For the temporal path, we introduce a perturbation positional encoding to improve the issue of signal misalignment caused by individual differences. For the spatial path, we propose a correlation metric based on Gramian angular field similarity to establish a more specific whole-brain functional network. Subsequently, we interleave the query and key vectors of dual paths to interact spatial and temporal information. We further propose integrating the dual-path attention into a tensor that retains spatiotemporal dimensions and utilizing 2D convolution for feed-forward processing. Our attention layer allows the model to represent spatiotemporal correlations of signals at multiple scales to alleviate issues of information distortion and loss. Our STDCformer demonstrates competitive results compared to state-of-the-art methods on the ABIDE dataset. Additionally, we conducted interpretative analyses of the model to preliminarily discuss the potential physiological mechanisms of ASD. This work once again demonstrates the potential of deep learning technology in identifying ASD and developing neuroimaging biomarkers for ASD.

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