1. Arutiunian V, Opdahl M, Sullivan CAW, Santhosh M, Neuhaus E, Borland H, Bernier RA, Bookheimer SY, Dapretto M, Jack A, Jeste S, McPartland JC, Naples A, Van Horn JD, Pelphrey KA, Webb SJ, Gupta AR. Number of alpha peaks in the electroencephalogram is associated with clinical phenotype and copy number variation in youths with autism. Biol Psychiatry Cogn Neurosci Neuroimaging;2025 (Oct 14)

BACKGROUND: EEG alpha-band neural activity has been previously reported to be altered in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but no studies have been done addressing different parameters of alpha-band activity, their relation to clinical phenotype and copy number variation (CNV) in ASD. METHODS: The study included 310 youth with and without ASD and consisted of resting-state EEG, behavioral phenotyping, and genome-wide CNV analysis. RESULTS: The results revealed, first, that alpha peak power was reduced in ASD, and younger age autistic males had a higher number of peaks compared to younger age autistic females. Second, higher number of alpha peaks was related to lower language skills and higher presence of autistic traits. Finally, higher number of alpha peaks was related to higher number of CNVs. CONCLUSIONS: The study explored a novel measure (number of peaks) associated with both clinical phenotype and genetic burden and supports alterations in alpha-band activity in ASD.

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2. Cacciato-Salcedo S, Lao-Rodríguez AB, Malmierca MS. Sex Differences in Auditory Brainstem Responses of Two Rat Models of Autism: Environmental and Genetic Contributions to Autism-Like Auditory Function. Autism Res;2025 (Oct 17)

Autism is an early-onset neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by restricted, repetitive behaviors and atypical patterns of social communication and interaction. A considerable proportion of autistic individuals experience divergent auditory perception, which can interfere with their ability to navigate everyday sound environments. Auditory brainstem responses are electrophysiological potentials elicited by auditory stimuli that evaluate neural activity along the auditory nerve and brainstem. Importantly, the auditory brainstem response varies by sex, with females typically showing higher amplitudes and shorter latencies than males. This sex-specific neurophysiological profile is especially relevant in autism research, where the male-to-female diagnosis ratio is approximately 3:1. Thus, exploring the neurobiological mechanisms underlying sex-specific variations in autistic traits is essential. Furthermore, autism sensory profiles may vary based on the independent and mutual effects of environmental and genetic factors. To deepen this understanding, we examined auditory brainstem responses in two rat models of autism: the GRIN2B rare mutation model and the prenatal valproic acid induction model, alongside control animals. We assessed peak amplitudes and latencies (Waves I through V), inter-peak intervals (I-III, I-V, and III-V), and amplitude ratios (III:I, V:I, and V:III). Female rats generally exhibited greater amplitudes and longer latencies across waveforms. Regarding rat models, control animals consistently showed larger amplitudes and shorter latencies compared to autism-like models. Exploratory analyses further suggested pairwise interactions between sex and rat model, indicating modulation of auditory phenotypes linked to autism. Thus, our findings reveal key insights into the effects of sex and rat model, as well as their interactions.

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3. Duan Z, Wang X, Zhang Z, Wang X, Zhang Y, Du X. Digital and telehealth behavioral sleep interventions for improving sleep outcomes in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Med;2025 (Oct 17);136:106870.

BACKGROUND: Sleep problems are highly prevalent in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), negatively impacting core symptoms, daytime functioning, and family well-being. While behavioral interventions are the first-line treatment, access is often limited. Digital and telehealth delivery models offer a promising approach to increase accessibility. This review systematically evaluates the effectiveness of these technology-based behavioral sleep interventions for youth with ASD. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched five databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies (NRCTs) of digital or telehealth behavioral sleep interventions for youth (2-18 years) with ASD. The primary outcome was child sleep. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses and sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: 12 studies met inclusion criteria: 6 RCTs (N = 349) and 6 NRCTs (N = 57). Across RCTs, digital and telehealth interventions significantly improved parent-reported sleep problems compared with controls (pooled SMD = -0.57, 95 % CI -1.10 to -0.03; I(2) = 62 %), reflecting a small-to-moderate benefit. Improvements were most evident for sleep initiation outcomes such as sleep-onset delay. In contrast, pooled NRCT results indicated large apparent gains (SMC = -1.03) but with wide confidence intervals and substantial heterogeneity, limiting interpretability. CONCLUSION: Evidence from randomized trials supports that digital and telehealth-delivered behavioral sleep interventions can yield small-to-moderate improvements in caregiver-reported sleep outcomes among autistic youth-particularly in reducing time to sleep onset. Non-randomized findings are encouraging but methodologically uncertain. Future research should prioritize adequately powered RCTs using objective sleep measures, standardized intervention frameworks, and longer follow-up to strengthen causal inference and inform scalable best-practice models.

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4. Feng Y, Zhao W, Li Y, Yin Q, Wang X, Huang X, Li L, Shan X, Hu W, Ming Y, Wang P, Xiao J, Chen H, Duan X. Diffusion trajectory of atypical morphological development in autism spectrum disorder. Commun Biol;2025 (Oct 16);8(1):1476.

Brain development from childhood through adolescence is crucial for understanding autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Yet how functional networks regulate developmental changes in brain morphology remains unclear. Here, we analyzed gray matter volume (GMV) and functional connectivity (FC) in 301 individuals with ASD and 375 typically developing controls (TDCs), aged 8-18 years, from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE). Using a sliding-window approach, participants were stratified by age, and GMV distribution deviations (DEV) were quantified with Kullback-Leibler divergence and expected value analysis. Network diffusion modeling (NDM) was applied to predict developmental alterations and evaluate how functional networks constrain atypical neurodevelopment. Results revealed a developmental shift in GMV divergence: during early adolescence, ASD participants showed positive GMV deviations relative to TDCs, which shifted to negative in late adolescence. The largest DEV were observed in the superior temporal sulcus, cingulate gyrus, insula, and superior parietal lobule. Furthermore, NDM demonstrated cross-stage predictability, as DEV values of atypical brain regions at preceding age stages significantly predicting subsequent ones, constrained by network architecture. These findings highlight a dynamic developmental shift from GMV overgrowth to delayed maturation during adolescence in ASD and revealing the role of intrinsic functional networks in constraining atypical anatomical development.

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5. Garcia de Carvalho Laguna G, Gusmão ALF, Santos L, Sousa GS, Barbosa DC, Aguiar MGL, Oliveira ESN. Playfulness in the early stimulation of children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review. Psychol Health Med;2025 (Oct 17):1-17.

The aim of this study was to describe systematically playful strategies and their benefits for the early stimulation of autistic children. This is a systematic review, registered on the PROSPERO platform (ID: CRD42024522420) and guided by the PRISMA protocol (2020) criteria. The databases searched were: Web of Science, Scopus, Pubmed/Medline, Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO); original articles published between 2018-2023 were included. Eighteen articles that met the eligibility criteria were selected from the 1,043 studies located. The population sample included 822 children (94% with ASD, along with paired neurotypical children) from 8 countries, and most studies applied standardized scales to define and/or confirm the diagnoses. The main benefits of playfulness in the stimulation of these children were: improvement of social and socio-emotional aspects, social engagement, development of symbolic and narrative play skills, engagement in pretend play, as well as improvement of motor skills and executive functions, which reflect in autonomy for daily activities. The importance of playful interventions in promoting the cognitive, social, and emotional development of children with ASD is highlighted.

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6. Hedlund Å. What Aspects Promote Health and Well-Being Among Autistic Adults and How Can They Be Incorporated Into Nursing Care? A Theoretical Podcast-Based Study. Scand J Caring Sci;2025 (Dec);39(4):e70139.

BACKGROUND: Nursing care aims to promote health and well-being among patients, but if nurses are to meet this requirement, they need to know the needs of the individual. Among autistic patients, health and well-being may be promoted using factors other than those used among other groups, indicating that their care needs may also differ. AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate what autistic adults need if they are to experience health and well-being. The aim was also to evaluate how nurses can use this information in nursing care based on the Fundamentals of Care framework. METHODS: This was a qualitative-theoretical descriptive study incorporating elements of netnography. Podcasts in which autistic individuals discuss their health and well-being were listened to and qualitatively analyzed to address the first part of the aim. The Fundamentals of Care framework was then used to demonstrate how results from the first part of the aim could be applied in nursing care to meet the care needs of autistic patients. RESULTS: The study reveals that when autistic adults speak freely about their life, they mention interests, pride, being a support to others, satisfying the body’s needs, health-promoting places, being alone, experiencing straightforward communication, receiving support from others and having routines as important to their health and well-being. All of these aspects are relevant to consider when trying to meet autistic patients’ nursing care needs. For example, minimizing sensory impressions and being able to have routines are important to physical well-being. CONCLUSIONS: The study reveals that adult autistic individuals may have partly different nursing care needs compared to most patients. Nurses can meet autistic patients’ needs using the Fundamentals of Care framework, adapted to autistic individuals, as a guide. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This study only involves public data and has not recruited any participants. However, the researcher has autism herself and is well-versed in the research field and the knowledge development desired by the international autistic community.

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7. Kim JS, Han S, An M, Park J, Lee Y, Lim J, Kim SH, Jo DG. D1 Receptor Agonist Ameliorates Synaptic and Behavioral Deficits in a Shank3-Deficient Mouse Model of Autism. MedComm (2020);2025 (Nov);6(11):e70428.

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8. Lee RLT, Ho LLK, Lam SKK, Chan DNS, Fung KHK, Hung TTM, Stubbs M, Tang ACY, Choi KC, Leung AWY. The effects of a group-based laughter yoga intervention on mood, anxiety and loneliness in adolescents with mild intellectual or developmental disabilities: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Res Dev Disabil;2025 (Oct 17);166:105128.

BACKGROUND: Mental wellbeing of children and adolescents continues to be a global concern. Those with intellectual or developmental disabilities are at high risk for anxiety disorders and depression. AIM: While currently there is limited attention on their mental health needs, this study aimed to explore the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial of a laughter yoga (LY) intervention and to assess its preliminary effects on mood, anxiety and loneliness among children and adolescents with intellectual or developmental disabilities. METHODS: This was a pilot randomized controlled trial with pretest and posttest design. We recruited 45 children and adolescents aged 10-19 years with intellectual or developmental disabilities in one special school in Hong Kong. They were randomly assigned to either the 8-session LY intervention group (n = 22) or the control group that received no intervention (n = 23). Outcome assessments for mood, anxiety and loneliness were performed at baseline and immediate post-intervention. Data was analyzed using Independent t-test, Pearson chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: At post-intervention, the LY intervention group showed significant reductions in trait anxiety (Hedges’g=0.32; 95 %CI: -0.28-0.92) and loneliness (Hedges’g=0.47, 95 %CI: -0.16-1.10) compared with the usual care control group. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Our findings support the feasibility and preliminary effects of LY in improving mental wellbeing among adolescents with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A larger-scale trial is warranted to confirm the effects of the LY intervention. Health educators may consider integrating LY intervention into school health programs to enhance the mental wellbeing of this vulnerable population.

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9. Li W, Zhang X, Niu X, Qin N, Kang L, Wang K, Wang M. Dopamine disruption and autism phenotypes in slc6a3-/- zebrafish: Behavioural and molecular insights. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry;2025 (Oct 14):111528.

Dopamine plays a crucial role in regulating movement, motivation, attention, and emotions. Disruptions in dopamine metabolism have been linked to various psychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this study, we generated an slc6a3 knockout zebrafish model using the CRISPR-Cas9 system to investigate the relationship between dopamine dysfunction and autism. Our results revealed that slc6a3 knockout significantly reduced dopamine levels, leading to impaired dopamine synthesis, transport, and metabolism. Behavioural analysis demonstrated that slc6a3-/- zebrafish exhibited decreased motor activity, increased anxiety-like behaviour, and autism-related symptoms, such as impaired social ability and « digging » behaviour. Pharmacological intervention with risperidone and clozapine improved motor function, social interaction, and anxiety levels, with risperidone showing superior effects. Transcriptomic analysis identified significant changes in several nervous system-related genes in slc6a3-/- zebrafish, suggesting that these gene alterations may contribute to the observed behavioural abnormalities. Our study highlights the crucial role of dopamine dysfunction in autism and establishes slc6a3-/- zebrafish as a valuable model for studying autism and screening potential therapeutic drugs.

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10. Lin G, Xinying G, Jingwen Q, Ziwen S, Xingrong S, Lei P. Deficiency of the innate immune protein IFITM3 impairs phagocytosis and promotes autism-like behaviors in mice. Int Immunopharmacol;2025 (Oct 15);167:115599.

Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) plays a protective role in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a condition characterized by neuronal degradation and loss. The clearance of apoptotic neurons via efferocytosis activates resolution signaling pathways, driven by phagolysosome-mediated degradation of dying cells. We found that this degradation by phagolysosomal IFITM3 activates the Mer receptor tyrosine kinase/ musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene family B pathway, which drives the proliferation of anti-inflammatory microglia. This efferocytosis-induced microglial proliferation (EIMP) promotes the expansion of resolving microglia. In dexamethasone-induced regression models, IFITM3 depletion inhibits EIMP, reduces apoptotic neuron clearance, and hinders tissue resolution. In conclusion, IFITM3 promotes apoptotic neuron clearance and EIMP in ASD, thereby mediating the resolution of inflammation. These findings suggest that IFITM3 could serve as a potential therapeutic target for modulating neuroinflammation in ASD.

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11. Pikutiene R, Andreikenas J, Kiliene A, Bakaniene I. National assessment of early intervention services for children with developmental disorders in Lithuania: A mixed-methods study on gaps and future directions. Eur J Pediatr;2025 (Oct 17);184(11):697.

This study aimed to provide the first comprehensive national assessment of early intervention services for children with developmental disorders in Lithuania. The primary goal was to identify key challenges related to accessibility, quality, diagnostic capabilities, professional training, and family involvement, and to offer evidence-based recommendations for systemic improvement. A multi-method approach was employed, including demographic data analysis, structured surveys of 46 early intervention institutions, 753 specialists, and 1,004 parents, as well as site visits to 11 representative institutions. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected and triangulated to assess service coverage, diagnostic practices, training access, and service quality across regions. The findings revealed significant regional disparities in service access, long waiting times, limited availability of validated diagnostic tools, and a shortage of qualified professionals. Only 24% of specialists expressed high satisfaction with available diagnostic and treatment methodologies. Although service coverage has expanded, systemic fragmentation persists. Parents identified gaps in communication, individualization of care, and access to home-based guidance. Institutions prioritized professional training as the top need, followed by updated methodologies and equipment. Conclusion: Despite notable efforts and committed professionals, Lithuania’s early intervention system faces systemic barriers that limit its effectiveness. The study highlights the urgent need for national clinical guidelines, validated tools, expanded training opportunities, and greater family engagement. These findings offer a foundation for health policy reforms aimed at building a more accessible, equitable, and family-centred early intervention system.

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12. Sanders M, Saade Z, Mortillaro G. Short Research Article: Autism spectrum disorder and gender dysphoria among adolescents in a large, integrated health system. Child Adolesc Ment Health;2025 (Oct 16)

BACKGROUND: The association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and gender dysphoria (GD) in youth has been suggested. Recent research among academic medical centers and the military health system has found a positive association, while not yet being sufficiently explored in a civilian, nonacademic community setting. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among one of the largest nonacademic civilian databases within a single health system. RESULTS: This study validates the positive association between ASD and GD and finds that those with both diagnoses have a higher co-occurrence of depression, anxiety, and suicidality. CONCLUSION: This emphasizes the need for comprehensive gender and developmental assessments to ensure optimal care.

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13. Sannar EM, Winter J, Franke RK, Werner E, Rochowiak R, Romani PW, Miller OS, Semmler N, Bainbridge JL, Natvig C, Mikulich-Gilbertson SK, Tartaglia NR. Cannabidiol for treatment of irritability and aggressive behavior in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: background and methods of the cannabidiol study in children with autism spectrum disorder study. Int J Clin Trials;2025 (Jan-Mar);12(1):29-37.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder commonly associated with behavioral challenges. There are few evidence based pharmacological interventions available for the treatment of behavioral symptoms associated with ASD. Cannabidiol (CBD), the non-intoxicating component of cannabis, has known neuroprotective, antiepileptic, anxiolytic, and antipsychotic effects and may be useful in treating the behavioral symptoms of ASD. METHODS: We describe the research methods of a 27-week randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral CBD for the treatment of irritability and aggression associated with ASD, as measured by the irritability subscale of the aberrant behavior checklist-2(nd) edition (ABC-2) in children and adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: There is significant need for clinical research exploring alternative medications for the treatment of behavioral symptoms of ASD. Upcoming results from this trial will help answer the question of whether CBD may be a useful intervention in the management of ASD. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: NCT04520685.

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14. Trevino C, Lund E. Taxonomic knowledge in children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who use augmentative or alternative communication. J Commun Disord;2025 (Oct 9);118:106579.

This study is a first step towards informing processes of vocabulary development, specifically at the level of lexical integration, in children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who use augmentative or alternative communication (AAC). Experiment 1 included 18 children with IDD who use AAC and 18 age-matched peers. Participants completed a receptive categorization task at three taxonomic levels: superordinate (e.g., animal), basic (e.g., dog), and subordinate (e.g., German Shepard). Results revealed differences in performance between groups; results also revealed that the AAC group followed a developmentally expected pattern. Experiment 2 compared the performance of 18 children who use AAC and 17 vocabulary-matched peers on the same task. Results revealed that groups performed similarly at the superordinate level and differently at the basic and subordinate levels. Experiment 3 compared the performance of two subsets of children who use AAC on the same task: IQ at or above 70 and IQ below 70 (both n = 9). An added comparison group included 6 children with an intellectual disability who speak as IQ-matched peers. Although results were not significant, effect sizes were medium to large, suggesting potential group differences in a fully powered study that could reveal taxonomic benefits from AAC use. Taken together, results from this early study suggest that children who use AAC present with differences in taxonomic knowledge than their speaking peers. These early findings will guide future investigations into vocabulary development and lexical integration in children who use AAC, ultimately aiming to inform early vocabulary selection.

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15. Valagussa G, Mari A, Redaelli E, Grossi E, Perin C, Purpura G. Relationship Between Vision and Postural Control in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Is It Time to Move Forward? A Scoping Review. Motor Control;2025 (Oct 16):1-30.

Despite the main clinical criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis being the dysfunction of socio-communicative interaction abilities and the presence of restricted interests and repetitive behaviors, sensory-motor dysfunctions are also frequently observed in this population. Moreover, among sensory-motor issues, both postural control and visual processing may be impaired. The main aim of this scoping review is to synthesize the evidence on the relationship between visual behavior and postural control dysfunctions in children and adolescents with ASD. This scoping review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol, Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, and was registered a priori on the Open Science Framework. PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were consulted. Primary studies with any study design were included. No time, geographical, or study setting limitations or language restrictions were applied. A total of 646 articles were found in the initial search, but only 14 studies met the full inclusion criteria. Findings highlighted that studies on the relationship between vision and posture in ASD children and adolescents are scarce, and their results are contrasting because of the significant heterogeneity in the methods. This scoping review carried out a relevant survey of the literature considering the relationship between vision and posture in ASD. Nonetheless, the characteristics of the included sample and the methodology used in the analyzed studies were highly variable. Thus, rigorous study methods with population-specific objective outcome measures are needed to draw generalizable conclusions.

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16. Vasconcelos MM, Vasconcelos LGA, Brito AR. Unveiling autism spectrum disorder for the pediatrician. J Pediatr (Rio J);2025 (Oct 13):101458.

OBJECTIVES: To review the state of the art in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including its etiologic puzzle, clinical features, pathophysiologic mechanisms, differential diagnosis, and therapeutic management. DATA SOURCES: A search for papers published over the past 10 years in the databases PubMed-MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and SCIELO was performed using the following terms: « autism » and « clinical features », « differential diagnosis », « pathophysiology », or « management ». The search yielded 3240, 590, 6904, and 5023 papers, respectively. A total of 120 most relevant papers were selected based on their title and abstract content. DATA SYNTHESIS: The current prevalence of ASD is 1 in every 31 eight-year-old children. A genetic defect is found in 10-20% of individuals with ASD. Environmental risk factors that increase the likelihood of ASD include advanced parental age and maternal health conditions. Epigenetic mechanisms may play a crucial role in the interplay between genetic and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of ASD. In addition to language delay, pediatricians should monitor and screen for several early signs of ASD. Differential diagnosis is complex because several neurodevelopmental conditions show clinical features that overlap with ASD. Medications may be used to treat comorbid conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Management is based on a multidisciplinary team, and pediatricians are in a unique position to coordinate this team, given the trustworthy relationship they have with patients and their families.

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17. Vilela J, Pereira AC, Violante IR, Mouga S, Rasga C, Santos JX, Martiniano H, Marques AR, Oliveira G, Castelo-Branco M, Vicente AM. Neurometabolic profiles of autism spectrum disorder patients with genetic variants in specific neurotransmission and synaptic genes. Sci Rep;2025 (Oct 17);15(1):36318.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impaired social interaction, and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. ASD presents as a clinical spectrum, with variable levels of severity and multiple co-occurring conditions. The etiology of ASD may involve hundreds of genes and there is evidence that neurotransmitter and synaptic (NS) pathways are implicated. Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) has made it possible to study the concentration of brain neurometabolites and compare their levels in the brains of ASD and control individuals. We integrated genetic variants in NS genes with (1)H-MRS analysis, and identified 12 predicted damaging variants (PDVs) in 12 NS genes in 10 ASD individuals, most mapping to genes involved in Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate pathways. Total creatine (tCr) and total N-acetyl aspartate (tNAA), markers of bioenergetics and neuronal metabolism, respectively, were lower in ASD patients with genetic alterations in NS genes compared to a control group without ASD. We conclude that PDVs in NS genes that are important for the regulation of glutamate or involved in GABAergic functions are associated with neurometabolic alterations, and that dysfunction in glutamatergic and/or GABAergic pathways may be implicated as these pathways are linked to the metabolic measures altered in cases.

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18. Yamamoto K, Matsushima M. The relationship between open-air memory and social functions of autobiographical memory in individuals with autistic traits. Memory;2025 (Oct 17):1-12.

It has been reported that autobiographical memories have a social function that promotes conversation by using past events as conversation materials for non-autistic people. Autistic people and those with high autistic traits who were not diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) used social functions less frequently than those without autism. Thus, this study seeks to answer the question of whether autistic people and those with high levels of autistic traits who were not diagnosed with ASD and who use the social function of autobiographical memory less frequently do so because they have diminished open-air memory. To achieve this, university students who were not diagnosed with ASD were divided into high and low groups based on the number of autistic traits; open-air and laboratory encoding were conducted. Furthermore, we examined the correlation between memory performance and the social functions of autobiographical memory. The results showed that the performance of open-air encoding was better than that of laboratory encoding, regardless of the group. There was no significant correlation between performance in open-air encoding and the social function of the autobiographical memory. These findings emphasise the importance of actual experience in memory formation, even in an increasingly digitalised world.

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19. Yan Y, Abdullah E. Trends in Multimodal Artificial Intelligence for Autism Research in Children and Adolescents: A Scientometric Study. J Korean Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry;2025 (Sep 30);36(4):185-195.

Using scientometric and content-based approaches, this study explored the thematic structure and knowledge evolution in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children and adolescents. A comprehensive search was conducted in the Scopus database up to June 30, 2025, using combined keyword sets related to ASD, AI, and child development, and 1401 English-language articles were retained. A bibliometric analysis was performed using VOSviewer to identify keyword co-occurrence patterns and citation linkages. The resulting thematic clusters were further analyzed through qualitative content examination. The analysis revealed a rapid growth in publications since 2015, with a surge after 2020, reflecting a growing interest in AI applications for ASD. Four important thematic clusters emerged: 1) AI-driven diagnostic models, 2) neuroimaging-based analysis, 3) early risk detection and behavioral assessment, and 4) emerging research on interventions and comorbidities, which remains comparatively limited. The United States, China, and the United Kingdom led in contributions, supported by active international collaborations. Highly cited and high-link-strength studies focused mainly on the use of deep learning in neuroimaging and early detection. Overall, the field demonstrates a strong diagnostic focus, increasing methodological sophistication, and interdisciplinary integration across computer science, neuroscience, and developmental psychology, leaving such areas as intervention and longitudinal tracking underexplored. These findings offer a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of the field and indicate critical opportunities for future development.

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20. Zhang J, Han Y, Li W, Zhang Q, Chen D, Bao C. Global burden, inequalities, and predictions of autism spectrum disorders among children and adolescents aged 0-19 years: Results from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 Study. J Affect Disord;2025 (Oct 14):120453.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the long-term trends of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children and adolescents from birth to 19 years. METHODS: Using dataset from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 database, we identified the ASD burden among children and adolescents and corresponding age-sex differences from 1990 to 2021, assessed inequalities related to the sociodemographic index (SDI) by the slope index of inequality (SII) and concentration index (CI), and predicted the burden by the Bayesian age-period-cohort model between 2022 and 2036. RESULTS: The global estimated annual percentage changes for the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized YLDs rate (ASYR), and age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) of ASD among children and adolescents were -0.11 % (95 % CI: -0.2 %-0.02 %), 0.12 % (95 % CI: 0.11 %-0.12 %), and 0.1 % (95 % CI, 0.1 %-0.11 %), respectively, suggesting the decreasing or increasing patterns over the study period. In 2021, the maximum ASIR, ASYR, and ASPR were detected in regions with high SDI. Japan and high-income Asia Pacific displayed the maximum ASPR, ASIR, and ASYR, with South Asia and India experiencing the highest counts in 2021. Males faced a more severe burden than females globally between 1990 and 2021, and a decline in the male-to-female ratio of ASR was noted in 2021. The SII and CI indicated that the ASD burden was increasingly concentrated in higher SDI countries and territories. The global burden was projected to continue increasing from 2022 to 2036. CONCLUSION: Targeted interventions should be strengthened to alleviate the ASD burden among children and adolescents, especially for males and low SDI countries.

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21. Zhao S, Li M, Chen WJ, Rennie BJ, Hsiao YY, Guan Y, Del Rosario M. Genetic Counseling Utilization and Experience Among Caregivers of Children With ASD in the United States. J Autism Dev Disord;2025 (Oct 17)

PURPOSE: The present study examined caregivers’ utilization of and experience with genetic counseling services for their children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS: We surveyed 1063 caregivers from the Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge (SPARK). A logistic regression analysis was conducted in SPSS 29.0 to examine the factors associated with caregivers’ utilization of genetic counseling for ASD. Caregivers’ self-reported experience with the counseling services they received were analyzed using NVivo 14.0. RESULTS: Only 7.4% of the caregivers reported having received the genetic counseling services from genetic counselors, and most of the caregivers had limited awareness of genetic counseling services and knowledge of genetic testing. Caregivers’ utilization of genetic counseling services was associated with several factors, including whether they had pursued genetic testing, the caregivers’ awareness of genetic counseling services, their knowledge of genetic testing, and the presence of co-occurring intellectual disabilities. CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the critical role of improving awareness and access to genetic counseling services for families of children with ASD. Additionally, there is a critical need to support caregivers with clear, accessible information about genetic services for ASD. Healthcare providers – particularly pediatricians, developmental specialists, and genetic professionals are encouraged to take a more proactive role in initiating conversations with families about genetic counseling and testing, helping families make informed decisions. Enhancing communication and support around genetic services can better prepare caregivers to navigate the complexities of genetic testing.

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22. Zheng Z, Wu Q, Zhang X. Plasma exosomal miR-30b-5p attenuates neuroinflammation in a rat model of autism spectrum disorder. Front Psychiatry;2025;16:1630782.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence that exosomes play an important role in the pathogenesis of central nervous system diseases, but little is known about the relationship between exosomes and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS: In this study, a rat model of ASD was generated via prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA). Three-chamber social interaction, self-grooming and marble burying tests were utilized for behavioral assessment. The plasma exosomal microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of VPA-treated rats and sham rats were analyzed. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-1β levels were measured by ELISA. miR-30b-5p in the brains was assessed by qRT-PCR. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), p-p38/p38, and CaMKII were assessed by Western blot. In addition, the regulation of miR-30b-5p/EGFR was examined by lateral ventricle injection with miR-30b-5p agomir in VPA-exposed rats. RESULTS: VPA-exposed rats exhibited ASD-like behaviors. The level of miR-30b-5p was significantly lower in the plasma exosomes and brains of VPA-exposed rats than in those of sham rats. In addition, the levels of inflammatory factors, EGFR, p-p38/p38, and CaMKII were increased in the brains of VPA-exposed rats. Moreover, overexpressing miR-30b-5p ameliorated ASD-like behaviors and decreased the expression of inflammatory factors, EGFR, p-p38/p38, and CaMKII in the brains of VPA-exposed rats. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights that plasma exosomal miR-30b-5p attenuates neuroinflammation in a rat model of ASD by modulating EGFR through the MAPK signaling pathway and calcium signaling pathway. This study provides novel perspectives on plasma exosomal miR-30b-5p, which could be considered a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of ASD in the clinic.

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