1. Deep developmental phenotyping in children with tuberous sclerosis complex, with and without autism. Dev Med Child Neurol;2025 (Mar 24)

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

2. Alotaibi SS, Alghamdi TA, Alharthi R. Two-tier nature inspired optimization-driven ensemble of deep learning models for effective autism spectrum disorder diagnosis in disabled persons. Sci Rep;2025 (Mar 24);15(1):10059.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes a varied set of neuropsychiatric illnesses. This disorder is described by a definite grade of loss in social communication, academic functioning, personal contact, and limited and repetitive behaviours. Individuals with ASD might perform, convey, and study in a different way than others. ASDs naturally are apparent before age 3 years, with related impairments affecting manifold regions of a person’s lifespan. Deep learning (DL) and machine learning (ML) techniques are used in medical research to diagnose and detect ASD promptly. This study presents a Two-Tier Metaheuristic-Driven Ensemble Deep Learning for Effective Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis in Disabled Persons (T2MEDL-EASDDP) model. The main aim of the presented T2MEDL-EASDDP model is to analyze and diagnose the different stages of ASD in disabled individuals. To accomplish this, the T2MEDL-EASDDP model utilizes min-max normalization for data pre-processing to ensure that the input data is scaled to a uniform range. Furthermore, the improved butterfly optimization algorithm (IBOA)-based feature selection (FS) is utilized to identify the most relevant features and reduce dimensionality efficiently. Additionally, an ensemble of DL holds three approaches, namely autoencoder (AE), long short-term memory (LSTM), and deep belief network (DBN) approach is employed for analyzing and detecting ASD. Finally, the presented T2MEDL-EASDDP model employs brownian motion (BM) and directional mutation scheme-based coati optimizer algorithm (BDCOA) techniques to fine-tune the hyperparameters involved in the three ensemble methods. A wide range of simulation analyses of the T2MEDL-EASDDP technique is accomplished under the ASD-Toddler and ASD-Adult datasets. The performance validation of the T2MEDL-EASDDP method portrayed a superior accuracy value of 97.79% over existing techniques.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

3. Amor AM, Sánchez-Gómez V, Verdugo M, Aza A, Wolowiec Z. A new quality of life index to enhance the inclusion of primary education students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Spain: A preliminary study. Res Dev Disabil;2025 (Mar 22);161:104975.

BACKGROUND: The Quality of Life Index-Primary Education (QoLI-PE) is a quality of life (QoL) assessment instrument under development that seeks to enhance the inclusion of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) enrolled in primary, general education in Spain. The goal of this work was to report evidence on its functioning through a pilot study and characterize the QoL of the participating students with IDD. METHODS: 130 primary education students with IDD were assessed with the QoLI-PE. The pilot study involved analyzing the quality of the items, the internal structure of the tool using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and its internal consistency (Cronbach’s α, ordinal α, and ω). Descriptive statistics were calculated for each QoL domain to characterize the QoL of students with IDD. Repeated-measures ANOVA were run to compare the domains at the within-subjects level, while independent samples t test and one-way ANOVAs were performed to test for between-groups comparisons. RESULTS: After refining the items, the CFA supported the internal structure of the instrument based on the theoretical model of QoL composed by eight first-order intercorrelated domains (χ²/df = 1.266; RMSEA =.045; CFI =.985; TLI =.984). Internal consistency was excellent for all the domains (all indices above.75). Emotional wellbeing and self-determination were identified as areas of concern. Significant differences were found between the levels of disability according to limitations in social skills (for material wellbeing) and in practical skills (physical wellbeing and self-determination). CONCLUSIONS: The QoLI-PE stands as a robust tool for its purpose. Strategies for QoL improvement are outlined, and future lines of research are provided.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

4. Barry D, Neufeld J, Stewart I. Teaching Nonarbitrary Temporal Relational Responding in Adolescents with Autism. Anal Verbal Behav;2024 (Dec);40(2):135-152.

According to relational frame theory (RFT), temporal relational responding is key to important repertoires, including sequencing, ordering, planning, and time understanding. Previous studies have taught several other varieties of relational responding (e.g., comparison, deictics) but relatively little work has been done in the case of temporal relational responding. The present study aimed to assess existing temporal relational responding skills in three autistic adolescents and to evaluate the efficacy of an RFT-based multiple exemplar training (MET) procedure to teach nonarbitrary (physically based) temporal relations, which constitute an important foundation for derived temporal relations. Results indicated that all participants achieved mastery (100% across two sessions) for nonarbitrary temporal relations following MET. During post-training phases, each of the participants maintained performance 2 and 4 weeks later, and the skill was extended to two novel data sets (100% accuracy). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40616-024-00210-w.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

5. Chetcuti LC, Spackman EK, Frazier TW, Whitehouse AJO, Uljarević M. The autism phenotype and transdiagnostic dimensional frameworks. Dev Med Child Neurol;2025 (Mar 24)

A reliable and valid diagnostic classification system is pivotal for guiding clinical decision-making, facilitating rigorous and reproducible research findings, informing population-level health planning and resource allocation, and promoting well-being. However, the current categorical approaches, while foundational, have inherent limitations, including symptom overlap between diagnostic categories, heterogeneity, instability, unreliability, and a limited capacity to quantify individual variations. We outline several challenges regarding the diagnostic conceptualization of autism and propose how transdiagnostic dimensional alternatives might facilitate a more comprehensive understanding, assessment, and clinical care for this complex clinical condition. Research Domain Criteria and Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology are two distinct yet complementary dimensional approaches that have garnered the most empirical attention. In this review, we outline the central tenets of each approach in turn and explore their potential applications in enhancing understanding and addressing challenges associated with autism in both research and clinical practice.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

6. Gold WA, Percy AK, Neul JL, Cobb SR, Pozzo-Miller L, Issar JK, Ben-Zeev B, Vignoli A, Kaufmann WE. Publisher Correction: Rett syndrome. Nat Rev Dis Primers;2025 (Mar 24);11(1):19.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

7. Goldshtein I, Sadaka Y, Amit G, Kasir N, Bourgeron T, Warrier V, Akiva P, Avgil Tsadok M, Zimmerman DR. Breastfeeding Duration and Child Development. JAMA Netw Open;2025 (Mar 3);8(3):e251540.

IMPORTANCE: Detecting and addressing potentially modifiable factors associated with healthy development is key to optimizing a child’s potential. When investigating the outcomes of child development, it is important to account for disparities in feeding practices and avoid confounding bias. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the independent association between breastfeeding and attainment of developmental milestones or neurodevelopmental conditions. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective cohort study used data from a national network for routine child development surveillance in Israel linked with national social insurance financial entitlements for neurodevelopmental deficiencies. Participants were children born between January 2014 and December 2020 after at least 35 weeks’ gestation without severe morbidity and with at least 1 follow-up surveillance visit at 2 to 3 years of age. Outcome data were collected in March 2023. EXPOSURES: Duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding in infancy. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcomes were delays in attainment of developmental milestones and diagnosis of prespecified neurodevelopmental conditions. Multivariable regression, matching, and within-family analyses were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) after accounting for potential confounding factors related to the child (gestational age, birth weight, multiple gestation, and child order in the family) and mother (age, socioeconomic status, educational level, marital status, employment, nationality, and postpartum depression). RESULTS: Of 570 532 children (291 953 [51.2%] male), 20 642 (3.6%) were preterm, 38 499 (6.7%) were small for gestational age, and 297 571 (52.1%) were breastfed for at least 6 months (123 984 [41.7%] were exclusively breastfed). Children who were breastfed for at least 6 months exhibited fewer delays in attaining language and social or motor developmental milestones compared with children exposed to less than 6 months of breastfeeding (AOR, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.71-0.76] for exclusive breastfeeding; AOR, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.83-0.88] for nonexclusive breastfeeding). Among 37 704 sibling pairs, children who were breastfed for at least 6 months were less likely to demonstrate milestone attainment delays (OR, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.86-0.97]) or be diagnosed with neurodevelopmental conditions (OR, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.66-0.82]) compared with their sibling with less than 6 months of breastfeeding or no breastfeeding. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this cohort study, exclusive or longer duration of breastfeeding was associated with reduced odds of developmental delays and language or social neurodevelopmental conditions. These findings may guide parents, caregivers, and public health initiatives in promoting early child development.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

8. Guinness KE, Feil EG. A digital intervention package to teach rapport-building skills to caregivers of children with autism. J Appl Behav Anal;2025 (Mar 24)

Research shows that caregivers of children with autism can be taught a variety of behavioral strategies, but there is little research on teaching caregivers to prioritize rapport building over skill acquisition during play. The current study evaluated the effects of a digital training package on the rapport-building skills of four caregivers of children with autism. Target skills were derived from parent-child interaction therapy with specific adaptations for children with limited communication and play skills. The intervention package included asynchronous online modules with video models, active response opportunities, and automated feedback as well as synchronous feedback via video chat. All four caregivers demonstrated increases in rapport building skills, and three of four dyads showed increases in interactive play postintervention. Caregivers also rated the intervention favorably. Data on participant and interventionist time to complete the intervention guide a discussion of the efficiency of combining asynchronous and synchronous strategies.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

9. Karacam Dogan M, Prachason T, Lin B, Pries LK, Arias-Magnasco A, Bortoletto R, Menne-Lothmann C, Decoster J, van Winkel R, Collip D, Delespaul P, De Hert M, Derom C, Thiery E, Jacobs N, van Os J, Rutten B, Brondino N, Colizzi M, Luykx J, Fusar-Poli L, Guloksuz S. The Moderating Role of Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors for Schizophrenia on the Relationship between Autistic Traits and Psychosis Expression in the General Population. Schizophr Bull Open;2025 (Jan);6(1):sgaf005.

BACKGROUND: Psychosis-related environmental risks in autism, along with genetic overlaps between autism and psychosis, have been well-established. However, their moderating roles in the relationship between autistic traits (ATs) and psychotic experiences (PEs) remain underexplored. METHODS: First-wave data from 792 twins and siblings (mean age: 17.47 ± 3.6, 60.23% female) in the TwinssCan Project were analyzed. PEs and ATs were assessed using the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences and the Autism-Spectrum Quotient, respectively. Polygenic risk scores for schizophrenia and psychosis-associated environmental factors (ie, childhood trauma (CT), bullying, negative life events, obstetric complications, cannabis use, winter birth, and hearing impairment) were tested for their independent effects on PEs and their interaction effects with ATs in moderating the relationship between ATs and PEs using separate multilevel linear regression models with Bonferroni’s correction. RESULTS: ATs, all CT subtypes, bullying, and negative life events were positively associated with PEs (all P < .004). Moderation analyses revealed that the association between ATs and PEs was amplified by emotional abuse (B:0.08, 95% CI, 0.05-0.11, P < .001), physical abuse (B:0.11, P = .001), sexual abuse (B:0.09, 95% CI, 0.03-0.15, P = .002), and physical neglect (B:0.06, 95% CI, 0.03-0.10, P = .001), emotional neglect (B:0.04, 95% CI, 0.01-0.07, P = .007), and negative life events (B:0.007, 95% CI, 0.0005-0.014, P = .04), although the latter 2 risks did not survive Bonferroni's correction. No significant main or interacting effects of genetic and other risk factors were found. CONCLUSIONS: People with high ATs were more likely to have PEs when exposed to CT. Trauma screening and early interventions might be warranted in this at-risk population.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

10. Madzimbe P, Dambi J, Corten L, Maart S. Involvement of Fathers and Siblings in Home Rehabilitation Programmes of Children With Neuro-Developmental Delay: Insights From Rehabilitation Professionals in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Child Care Health Dev;2025 (Mar);51(2):e70060.

BACKGROUND: Neuro-developmental delays (NDDs) present significant challenges for children and families, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Full family participation in home rehabilitation programmes is essential for optimal functional outcomes. However, the involvement of fathers and siblings is suboptimal and underexplored. This study investigates the perspectives of rehabilitation professionals on the involvement of fathers and/or siblings in home rehabilitation programmes for children with NDD in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. METHODS: A qualitative exploratory study was conducted. Data were collected through focus group discussions (FGDs) with 18 rehabilitation professionals. The FGDs were transcribed verbatim, coded, and thematically analysed. RESULTS: Rehabilitation professionals highlighted the critical role of fathers and siblings in home rehabilitation; noting fathers’ emotional support and provision of financial stability and siblings’ contributions to social interactions and play therapy. Barriers to involvement included cultural norms and time constraints for fathers, while siblings faced challenges such as limited age-appropriate understanding and the emotional burden of coping with the caregiving role. CONCLUSION: According to rehabilitation professionals, involving fathers and siblings seems important for successful home rehabilitation of children with NDD. Addressing cultural and practical barriers to participation requires context-specific strategies, including culturally sensitive community outreach programmes and targeted interventions to promote family-centred care. Such efforts could help overcome these barriers, fostering greater participation of fathers and siblings and enhancing the effectiveness of home rehabilitation within the local context.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

11. Monteiro-Fernandes D, Charles I, Guerreiro S, Cunha-Garcia D, Pereira-Sousa J, Oliveira S, Teixeira-Castro A, Varney MA, Kleven MS, Newman-Tancredi A, A PSA, Duarte-Silva S, Maciel P. Rescue of respiratory and cognitive impairments in Rett Syndrome mice using NLX-101, a selective 5-HT(1A) receptor biased agonist. Biomed Pharmacother;2025 (Mar 22);186:117989.

Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the X-linked gene encoding the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2). Impaired function of this transcriptional regulator leads to profound neurological defects, among which respiratory distress, motor function and cognitive disorders are prominent. Despite great advances in understanding RTT neurobiology, therapies that can meaningfully improve patients’ symptoms are still needed. Here, we focused on 5-HT(1A) receptor-mediated serotonergic signaling as a potential therapeutical route for RTT. We report the effects of a drug candidate, NLX-101, a highly selective, biased agonist of 5-HT(1A) post-synaptic receptors at brainstem and cortical regions, on key phenotypes of RTT. Unrestrained whole-body plethysmography studies confirmed and extended the previous observation that single i.p. administration of NLX-101 dose-dependently reduced the occurrence and length of apneic events in Mecp2(tm1.1Bird) heterozygous female mice and largely corrected respiratory irregularity. Although no preservation of motor function was observed, early onset chronic administration of NLX-101 entirely prevented the cognitive deficits of the Mecp2(tm1.1Bird) mice both in the short and the long-term memory paradigms of the Novel Object Recognition upon 10 weeks of treatment, an effect that was maintained throughout animals’ age. Similar effects were observed in the Fear Conditioning paradigm, with treated Rett mice performing as well as wild-type controls, highlighting the procognitive properties of NLX-101. This work provides compelling evidence of the therapeutic potential of targeting post-synaptic 5-HT(1A) receptors to improve cognitive function in patients with RTT while supporting its respiratory-rescue properties.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

12. Quinn A, Cavanagh DE, Kilcoyne J, Haines-Delmont A, Ryan S, Lodge KM, Bradley E, Shalev S, Lamb N, Hassiotis A, Memmott A, Banks R, Pellicano E, Pavlopoulou G. Long-term segregation and seclusion for people with an intellectual disability and/or autism in hospitals: critique of the current state of affairs: commentary, Quinn et al. Br J Psychiatry;2025 (Mar 24):1-3.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

13. Simeon R, Galeoto G, Cracolici S, Panuccio F, Berardi A. Treatments for Eating Disorders in People with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Scoping Review. Pediatr Rep;2025 (Mar 12);17(2)

BACKGROUND: This scoping review aims to synthesize existing evidence on non-pharmacological interventions for managing food selectivity in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Specifically, it explores sensory, behavioral, and environmental factors influencing intervention outcomes and examines the role of occupational therapists (OTs) within multidisciplinary teams. METHODS: A search was conducted across MEDLINE, EBSCO, Web of Science, OTseeker, and SCOPUS from August 2023 to October 2023. Only experimental studies published in English were included, focusing on behavioral treatments and/or occupational therapy interventions. RESULTS: A total of 1618 studies were identified. After removing duplicates (170 records), 259 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, resulting in 61 studies included for qualitative synthesis. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight a wide range of interventions, yet methodological inconsistencies and small sample sizes limit the strength of the evidence. While occupational therapists play an increasing role in feeding interventions, their specific impact remains underexplored. Future research should focus on larger, well-designed studies with standardized outcome measures to better define the effectiveness of interventions and the role of OTs within multidisciplinary teams.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

14. Terada S, Nakayama SF, Fujiwara T. Household Income, Maternal Allostatic Load During Pregnancy, and Offspring With Autism Spectrum Disorders. Autism Res;2025 (Mar 24)

Relative maternal poverty is a suggested social determinant of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in offspring; however, this association may be confounded by the maternal broader autism phenotype (BAP). The biological mechanisms underlying this association are largely understudied. We examined the association between household income during pregnancy and ASDs in offspring, adjusting for confounders including maternal BAP, and explored whether maternal chronic stress, measured by allostatic load (AL) during pregnancy, mediates this association. Data on 59,998 mother-child dyads were obtained from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study, a nationwide birth cohort. Household income was categorized into tertiles (< 4 million, 4-6 million, > 6 million JPY) and offspring ASD diagnosis by age four was assessed via guardian’s report. Bayesian logistic regression models indicated that mothers from low- and middle-income households had a 58% (95% credible interval [CI]: 28%-98%) and a 37% (95% CI: 12%-70%) higher risk of offspring ASDs, respectively, compared to those from high-income households. AL, defined as three or more out of 10 biomarkers in the highest risk quartile, did not mediate these associations. Low and middle household income during pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of ASD diagnosis, and high AL did not mediate this association.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

15. Tian HL, Wang L, Ma CL, Yang B, Li L, Ye C, Zhao D, Lin ZL, Cui JQ, Liu YK, Zhu WY, Zhou SL, Li N, Chen QY. [Fecal microbiota transplantation for the treatment of intestinal disorders: An analysis of treatment of 15 000 patients]. Zhonghua Wei Chang Wai Ke Za Zhi;2025 (Mar 25);28(3):296-303.

Objective: To examine the long-term efficacy and complications of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for the treatment of diseases related to intestinal dysbiosis. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study. Relevant data were collected from the records of 15 000 patients who had undergone FMT and been followed up for more than 3 months during the period from May 2017 to September 2024. The patient cohort comprised 3746 male and 11 254 female patients aged (45.3±12.2) years. The inclusion criterion was meeting the indications for FMT. Application of this criterion yielded 8258 patients with constipation, 684 with Clostridium difficile infection, 1730 with chronic diarrhea, 510 with inflammatory bowel disease, 432 with radiation enteritis, 1940 with irritable bowel syndrome, 365 with autism, 870 with postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction, and 211 with neurodegenerative diseases. The three routes of delivering FMT comprised infusion of an enterobacterial solution through a nasoenteric tube into the jejunum for 6 consecutive days (upper gastrointestinal FMT group, 11 125 patients), oral intake of enterobacterial capsules for 6 consecutive days (oral capsule FMT, 3597 patients), and a single injection of a bacterial solution into the colon via colonoscopy (lower gastrointestinal FMT group, 278 patients). Other treatments were discontinued during the treatment and follow-up period and administration of other medications was not recommended unless absolutely necessary. The primary outcomes were the efficacy of FMT after 3, 12 and 36 months of treatment, and improvement in chronic constipation, C. difficile infection, chronic diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, radiation enteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, post-surgery gastrointestinal dysfunction, and autism. Other outcomes included the occurrence of short-term (within 2 weeks after treatment) and long-term (within 36 months after treatment) adverse reactions. Results: At 3, 12 and 36 months after treatment, the overall rates of effectiveness of treatment were 71.8% (10 763/15 000), 64.4% (7600/11 808) and 58.8% (3659/6218), respectively. Specifically, the rates of clinical improvement were 70.3% (5805/8258), 62.6% (3970/6345), and 56.5% (1894/3352), respectively, for constipation; 85.8% (587/684), 72.3% (408/564), and 67.3% (218/324), respectively, for C.difficile infection; 81.0% (1401/1730), 78.1% (1198/1534), and 72.3% (633/876), respectively, for chronic diarrhea; 64.3% (328/510), 52.3% (249/476), and 46.6 % (97/208), respectively, for inflammatory bowel disease; 77.3% (334/432), 65.4% (212/324), and 53.6% (82/153), respectively, for radiculitis; 70.6% (1370/1940), 64.5% (939/1456), and 60.4% (475/786), respectively, for irritable bowel syndrome; 75.3% (275/365), 70.0% (201/287), and 63.6% (112/176), respectively, for autism; 65.3% (568/870), 54.3% (355/654), and 46.5% (114/245), respectively, for post-surgical gastrointestinal dysfunction; and 45.0% (95/211), 40.5% (68/168), and 34.7% (34/98), respectively, for neurodegenerative diseases. At 3, 12, and 36 months post-treatment, clinical improvement rates were 77.1% (8580/11 125), 67.1% (6437/9595), and 62.1% (3196/5145), respectively, in the upper gastrointestinal route group; and 57.3% (2062/3597), 53.6% (1115/2081), and 45.0% (453/1006), respectively, in the oral capsule group; and 43.5% (121/278) , 36.4% (48/132) and 14.9% (10/67), respectively, in the lower gastrointestinal route group. No serious adverse reactions occurred during treatment or follow-up. The most common adverse reactions in the upper gastrointestinal route group, oral capsule group, and lower gastrointestinal route group were respiratory discomfort (20.4%, 2269/11 125), nausea and vomiting on swallowing the capsule (7.6%, 273/3597), and diarrhea (47.5%, 132/278), respectively; these symptoms resolved at the end of treatment. At 36 months of follow-up, 19 patients reported exacerbation of symptoms of pre-existing diseases and there had been 16 deaths that were not directly related to FMT. Additionally, no systemic diseases had developed after FMT. Conclusion: FMT for the treatment of intestinal dysfunction associated with disorders of the intestinal flora and related extraintestinal diseases is effective and not associated with serious adverse events.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

16. Villalobos ME, Vivanti G, Jayanath S, Carpenter K, Shen MD, Shic F, Locke J. Identifying and Responding to Gaps in the Academic Research Pipeline: Findings From the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) Early Career Committee. Autism Res;2025 (Mar 24)

The International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) was established in 2001 with the purpose of providing researchers in the field of autism a specific venue to enhance the quality of multidisciplinary research and elevate the field among the sciences. The autism field and size of the society has now expanded greatly to include over 5000 members, 29% of whom identify as early career researchers. In 2016, a survey was conducted with these early career researchers to identify existing supports and areas of need necessary for a successful and sustained autism research career. Results clearly identified three areas of need: (1) networking opportunities with « change makers, » including funding agencies, journal editors, and senior autism researchers; (2) ensuring early career researchers in the autism research field were diverse and representative of the world; and (3) support from senior researchers to help early career researchers secure their first independent grant and move through promotion. The INSAR Early Career Committee (ECC) was established and developed three initiatives to address the aforementioned gaps: Research Rapid Rounds, the Global Representatives Initiative Pilot (GRIP), and the Mentoring Initiative. The ECC has successfully connected over 34 early career researchers and 40 students/trainees to mentors in 19 unique countries through networking programs and events and has established representatives in seven different countries outside the US and UK. These initiatives are a step towards supporting early career academics in the autism field and bring together autism researchers from around the world to share their work and create professional collaborations to forge our field forward.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

17. Yang X, Zhan X, Li X, Wang Y, Kuang Z. A study of the effects of dance/movement therapy on parenting stress and emotions in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder. Front Psychiatry;2025;16:1465677.

OBJECTIVE: Currently, many scholars are working to improve the core symptoms of children with autism spectrum disorder, while neglecting the mental health of caregivers of children with ASD. This study examined the effectiveness of dance/movement therapy (DMT) in reducing parenting stress in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder and whether depression and anxiety mediated the effects thereof. METHODS: Forty mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder were recruited in Nanchang, China, and divided into an experimental group (20) and a control group (20). The subjects were assessed before and after 12 weeks of dance/movement therapy (DMT) using the Parenting Stress Index/Short Form (PSI-SF), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) as the assessment tools. RESULTS: The results found that parenting stress, depression, and anxiety scores of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder were significantly reduced after the dance/movement therapy (DMT) intervention. CONCLUSION: The mediating effects of depression and anxiety were significant, indicating that dance/movement therapy (DMT) is effective in reducing the levels of parenting stress, depression, and anxiety in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder, and can indirectly play a role in reducing the levels of parenting stress in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder by reducing their depression and anxiety.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

18. Zhang Y, Zhou Q, Gao L, Li J, Li H, Ji GJ, Yang H, Wang E, Wang K, Li D. Abnormal Functional Connectivity of the Primary Sensory Network in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Sex Differences, Early Overdevelopment, and Clinical Significance. Brain Behav;2025 (Mar);15(3):e70363.

INTRODUCTION: Primary sensory processing is atypical in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and affects daily functioning. However, the functional connectivity (FC) patterns of primary networks in ASD have not been systematically investigated. METHODS: Primary networks were defined as four regions of interest (ROIs) in each brain hemisphere. We analyzed ROI-wise FC in 105 individuals with ASD and 132 typically developing (TD) participants from Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange I. We calculated the correlation between abnormal FC and clinical scores. Additionally, data from 53 individuals with ASD from our laboratory’s two-site dataset were used to validate the results and assess the effects of sex and age on FC consistency. RESULTS: Regarding the ROI-wise connectivity, significant group differences in FC emerged in several regional pairs, particularly in the primary auditory and somatosensory regions. Abnormal brain regions correlated with clinical symptoms. As age increased, abnormal FC had an initial fast and then slowing development trend, and the abnormal FC in females was higher than that in males. The two-site dataset results were consistent with those of the multisite dataset in assessing the influence of age and sex on FC. CONCLUSION: Abnormal FC exists in the primary sensory cortex of patients with ASD, which correlates with clinical outcomes and may cause impairments in advanced cognitive functions. In addition, the primary sensory cortex of patients with ASD may undergo excessive growth in the early stages and demonstrate imbalanced development according to sex. These findings may help identify new biomarkers for ASD.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)