1. Athamanah LS, White K, Frala H, Scherrer B. Employer Experiences and Perspectives of Autistic Employees in Competitive Integrated Employment. J Autism Dev Disord. 2025.

The present study explored how the Missouri Employer Perspectives Study examined employer perspectives of autistic employees in competitive integrated employment, their experience with autistic employees, and types of support and services needed to accommodate autistic employees. The Missouri Employer Perspectives Study conducted a cross-sectional online survey (Creswell in: Qualitative inquiry & research design: Choosing among five approaches, Sage, 2012). The survey included demographic measures (e.g., gender, ethnicity, length at position, industry-type, etc.), existing and researcher-developed scales, and open-ended response questions. It explored several factors, including employer perspectives of autistic employees in competitive integrated employment, their experience with autistic employees, and the types of support and services needed to hire autistic employees. There were 111 participants in the study recruited from 26 counties in Missouri. Only 25% of employers employed autistic employees, 54% of employers previously worked with an autistic coworker, and 91% knew an autistic person (e.g., family member, friend, classmate). The employers were found to be confident when hiring and working with autistic individuals, identified advantages and challenges of having autistic employees, and determined supports and services they could easily implement into the workplace. While employers present positive perceptions of autistic employees, additional research is warranted to explore how employers can hire and maintain more autistic employees and create a more neuro-affirmative organizational culture to accommodate autistic individuals and their coworkers.

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2. Farbin M, Hajisoltani R, Baluchnejadmojarad T, Hejazi A, Ahmed T, Parsian H, Mehrabi S. Nesfatin1 attenuates autism-like behavior via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities in a prenatal valproic acid-induced rat model of autism. Neuropeptides. 2025; 114: 102561.

Nesfatin1, a multifunctional peptide involved in energy homeostasis and neural regulation, has emerged as a promising candidate for modulating neurodevelopmental disorders. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties of Nesfatin1 have been proven in the central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, it has emerged as a candidate for targeted therapy of various neurological condition. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a significant neurological disorder. Considering the importance of these mechanisms demonstrated by Nefastine1, The current study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of Nesfatin1 in a rat model of autism. This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of Nesfatin1 in a rodent model of autism induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA). Pregnant Wistar rats received VPA on embryonic day 12.5, and male offspring were subsequently assessed for autism-like behaviors using a comprehensive battery of tests, including the three-chamber social interaction test, marble burying, shuttle box passive avoidance, and the elevated plus maze. Following behavioral testing, rats were euthanized, and blood samples were collected via transcardial perfusion. Serum oxytocin levels were measured, and hippocampal tissues were analyzed for inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α) using ELISA. Additionally, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were assessed. VPA-exposed rats exhibited significant social deficits, increased repetitive behaviors, and impaired cognitive performance, accompanied by heightened neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Notably, treatment with Nesfatin1 markedly improved social engagement and preference, reduced anxiety and repetitive behaviors, and restored biochemical parameters toward normal levels. Results showed that possible therapeutic mechanism of Nefastin1 are by decreasing inflammation and reducing markers of oxidative stress, while concurrently elevating levels of oxytocin, in addition to the other unknown mechanisms.

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3. Grillo VD, Venuti P. An exploratory study on autistic socialization in VRChat’s social virtual environments. Res Dev Disabil. 2025; 165: 105105.

SCOPE: This qualitative exploratory study examines if and how autistic individuals navigate social virtual environments, with a focus on VRChat, a leading platform. The research aims to understand VRChat’s impact on autistic users’ well-being, social connectedness, and overall quality of life. Given the ongoing reconceptualization of autism, this study explores the intersection of digital and virtual technology and autistic socialization. METHODS: Reflexive Thematic Analysis was employed to analyze self-generated content from autistic individuals on YouTube and Reddit. A PRISMA-adapted data selection framework was utilized to systematically identify and collect publicly available content. The final dataset consisted of 30 user-generated pieces, including videos, comments, and discussions, totaling over 450 min of audiovisual material and 1500 textual messages. Data were anonymized and thematically analyzed by multiple researchers through an iterative, inductive process, ensuring the inclusion of diverse autistic perspectives. In addition, a top-down perspective to the initial inductive analysis, thanks to theoretical triangulation, ensured a comprehensive interpretation of the data. RESULTS: This paper primarily focuses on three themes (Scope of Use – Diverse Applications of VRChat; Autistic Life Experience; Overall Perceptions of VRChat) and their corresponding subthemes related to autistic users’ experiences. Findings indicate that VRChat functions as a « virtual third place, » offering autistic individuals a unique space for social engagement, self-expression, awareness-raising, and community building. The platform provides a safer environment where autistic users can share personal experiences, navigate social challenges, and explore their identities in ways that may be less or not accessible in offline settings. DISCUSSION: VRChat appears to facilitate ‘Autistic Socialization’ by accommodating diverse communication styles and fostering a sense of belonging. Its affordances and features enable autistic users to interact in ways that support their social, sensory, and emotional well-being. Additionally, the findings suggest that VRChat serves as a platform for voicing and addressing ‘Autistic Suffering,’ including the socio-cultural challenges associated with neurodivergence. These insights contribute to discussions on the Double Empathy Problem and highlight the potential of virtual spaces in promoting neurodivergent social inclusion both online and offline. CONCLUSIONS: Digital and virtual environments play a crucial role in supporting autistic self-narration, social connectedness, and well-being. Given the context-dependent nature of human interactions, further research is needed to explore how technology mediated communication can inform inclusive social practices in real-life settings. Future studies should develop and test interventions aimed at solving the Double Empathy Problem to improve quality of life.

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4. Hu Y, Huang K, Xin J, Zhang S, Huang Q, Yi A, Xiao Y. Morphological features of language regions in children with autism spectrum disorder and varying language abilities. Psychiatry Res. 2025; 353: 116743.

BACKGROUND: -Previous studies have predominantly compared the brain morphological characteristics of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to typically developing (TD) peers. However, language variability within ASD, particularly in preschoolers, remains understudied. Here, we investigated the morphological features of language-related regions and hemispheric asymmetry in children with ASD and varying language abilities compared to TD children. METHODS: We analyzed MRI data from a cohort of Chinese children with ASD (n = 68) and TD (n = 37) aged 1.5 to 6.5 years. The ASD group was classified into two subgroups based on language scores: ASD with moderate language deficits (ASD-MLD, n = 34) and ASD with severe language deficits (ASD-SLD, n = 34). We examined the asymmetry of morphological features in cortical language regions across the two ASD subgroups and TD children, explored between-group differences, and assessed brain-language correlations. RESULTS: Significant hemispheric asymmetry in cortical volume and surface area was found across language regions in all three groups. Cortical thickness asymmetry was observed in certain regions of the ASD-MLD and TD groups. Both ASD subgroups exhibited enlarged gray matter volume within the frontal and temporal regions compared to the TD group. Additionally, significant associations between morphological features and language scores were present in the ASD-MLD and TD groups but absent in the ASD-SLD subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers novel insights into the neuroanatomical basis of language deficits in children with ASD, highlighting structural brain differences associated with varying levels of language impairment.

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5. Kalimuthu B, Lu H, Steenhagen A, Dong Q, Gray M, Rigby MJ, Endresen A, Chang Q, Li L, Puglielli L. Increased expression of ATase1/NAT8B or ATase2/NAT8 in the mouse results in an autistic-like phenotype with altered dendritic branching and spine formation. Mol Psychiatry. 2025.

Neurons heavily depend on the ability of the secretory pathway to deliver correctly folded polypeptides to the periphery of the cell for the assembly, maintenance, and normal functioning of synapses. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) acetylation machinery has emerged as a novel branch of the more general ER quality control machinery. It regulates the positive selection of correctly folded nascent glycoproteins, thus ensuring the efficiency of the conventional secretory pathway. ER acetylation requires the activity of two ER-luminal acetylCoA:lysine acetyltransferases, ATase1/NAT8B and ATase2/NAT8. Both acetyltransferases depend on the influx of acetyl-CoA into the ER from the cytosol, which is ensured by the coordinated action of the citrate transporters, SLC25A1 and SLC13A5, and the ER acetyl-CoA transporter, AT-1. Gene duplication events affecting ATase1 and ATase2 are associated with rare disease phenotypes that include autism and intellectual disability with dysmorphism. Here, we generated mice with neuron-specific overexpression of human ATase1 or ATase2. The animals display autistic-like behaviors with altered synaptic plasticity, altered neuronal morphology, and altered synaptic structure and function. Mechanistic assessment demonstrates that widespread proteomic changes and altered dynamics of the secretory pathway underly the synaptic defects. The phenotype of ATase1 and ATase2 overexpressing mice is reminiscent of SLC25A1, SLC13A5 and AT-1 overexpressing models. Therefore, when taken together, our results support the argument that the intracellular citrate/acetyl-CoA pathway, with the ATases acting as the last output, is immediately connected to the pathogenesis of certain rare forms of autism spectrum disorder.

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6. Kim SY, Youngstrom EA, Norris M, Levine A, Butter EM, Stephenson KG. Identifying Latent Cognitive Profiles in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Using the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales-5th Edition. Assessment. 2025: 10731911251369977.

There is limited information concerning the presence of empirically derived, person-centered latent cognitive profiles in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and whether these profiles are diagnostically useful. The aim of this study was to identify empirically driven cognitive subgroups in youth with ASD or ADHD and examine predictors of those profiles. A retrospective chart review was conducted with patients seen at a developmental assessment clinic who were identified with ASD or ADHD aged 2 to 16 years (n = 1,679, M(age) = 8.4, SD(age) = 3.1). A Latent Profile Analysis with Stanford-Binet-Fifth Edition composites resulted in 14 profiles, which were roughly parallel to each other across various levels of cognitive functioning. Several profiles were characterized by a relatively large discrepancy between the Nonverbal IQ and Verbal IQ. Younger age and higher IQ were significant predictors of those with scattered profiles, whereas diagnoses (i.e., ASD or ADHD), sex, and emotional-behavioral functioning were not.

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7. Lakatošová S, Miklošovičová M, Konečný M, Wachsmannová L, Krasňanská G, Kopčíková M, Keményová P, Tomka M, Lisyová J, Ostatníková D, Repiská G. 1 Mb Deletion in 10q26.3 and the Likely Pathogenic Variant in the TRIO Gene: A Twin Case Study Challenging Their Role in Autism Diagnosis. Case Rep Pediatr. 2025; 2025: 8859738.

Here, we present a case study of twin boys aged 2 and 7 years who both met the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) based on the standard diagnostic instruments ADOS-2 and ADI-R. The clinical indication for genetic diagnostics in the first boy was autism with high severity of symptoms, delayed speech development, and mild facial dysmorphia. The second boy’s indication was autism with moderate severity of symptoms, delayed speech development, mild facial features, slowed psychomotor development, and microcephaly. The microarray-based analysis of chromosome aberrations revealed a heterozygous 977,456 bp deletion of region 10q26.3 in both boys. The region includes 28 genes, some of these genes are important in the development of the central nervous and urogenital systems, and heterozygous deletions in this region have been associated with mental retardation, growth and development disorders, and craniofacial anomalies. The whole exome sequencing confirmed the presence of this deletion in both boys and, at the same time, led to the identification of a pathogenic SNV variant in the TRIO gene in the boy with microcephaly and delayed psychomotor development, which may explain the different phenotype of both boys. However, the segregation analysis of these variants in the family revealed that the microdeletion was inherited from the asymptomatic father, and the c.2149C > T variant in the TRIO gene was inherited from the asymptomatic mother, making the diagnostic finding uncertain. This case highlights that when pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants are inherited from unaffected parents, the clinical phenotype may result from a combined burden of multiple rare variants and polygenic risk, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive genomic analysis in complex cases. Thus, we emphasize the importance of utilizing available methods, such as whole exome sequencing besides microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization, in the genetic diagnosis of autism patients in Slovakia.

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8. Lau BK, Emmons K, Maddox RK, Estes A, Dager SR, Astley Hemingway SJ, Lee AKC. The relationship between intellectual ability and auditory multitalker speech perception in neurodivergent individuals. PLoS One. 2025; 20(9): e0329581.

The ability to selectively attend to one talker in the presence of competing talkers is crucial to communication in noisy, real-world environments. In this study, we investigated the relationship between intellectual ability and speech perception under multitalker conditions. Since neurodivergent individuals show a wide range of intellectual ability, from above average IQ to intellectual disability, intellectual ability may be an important individual characteristic that impacts multitalker speech perception, but this is not currently well understood. We tested individuals with autism, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and an age- and sex-matched comparison group, all with typical hearing. We found a strong positive correlation between IQ and multitalker speech perception thresholds. This demonstrates that deficits in intellectual ability, despite intact peripheral encoding of sound, are associated with difficulty listening under complex conditions for individuals with autism and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Future research is needed to investigate specific cognitive control mechanisms that contribute to difficulty listening under complex conditions. These findings suggest that audiological services to improve communication in real-world environments for neurodivergent individuals should be considered during clinical evaluations.

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9. Lee IO, Fritsch DM, Kerz M, Sowden JC, Constable PA, Skuse DH, Thompson DA. Correction: Global motion coherent deficits in individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their family members are associated with retinal function. Sci Rep. 2025; 15(1): 32711.

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10. Lemée MV, Loviglio MN, Ye T, Tilly P, Keime C, Weber C, Petrova A, Klein P, Morlet B, Wendling O, Jacobs H, Tharreau M, Geneviève D, Godin JD, Romier C, Duteil D, Golzio C. Disrupted transcriptional networks regulated by CHD1L during neurodevelopment underlie the mirrored neuroanatomical and growth phenotypes of the 1q21.1 copy number variant. Nucleic Acids Res. 2025; 53(18).

Distal 1q21.1 deletions and duplications are associated with variable phenotypes including autism, head circumference and height defects. To elucidate which gene(s) are responsible for the 1q21.1 duplication/deletion-associated phenotypes, we performed gene manipulation in zebrafish and mice. We modeled 1q21.1 duplication by overexpressing the eight human protein-coding genes in zebrafish. We found that only overexpression of CHD1L led to macrocephaly and increased larval body length, whereas chd1l deletion caused opposite phenotypes. These mirrored phenotypes were also observed in mouse embryos. Transcriptomic, cistromic, and chromatin accessibility analyses of CHD1L knock-out hiPSC-derived neuronal progenitor cells revealed that CHD1L regulates the expression levels and chromatin accessibility of genes involved in neuronal differentiation and synaptogenesis, including autism genes. Moreover, we found that CHD1L favors telencephalon development during forebrain regionalization by facilitating chromatin accessibility to pioneer transcription factors, including SOX2 and OTX2, while simultaneously compacting chromatin through its interaction with the repressor NuRD complex. Overall, our data reveal a novel role for CHD1L as a master regulator of cell fate and its dosage imbalance contributes to the neuroanatomical and growth phenotypes associated with the 1q21.1 distal CNV. Chromosome segments can sometimes be lost or duplicated. One such region called 1q21.1 on chromosome 1 is linked to autism and differences in head size and growth. In zebrafish and mice, we found that CHD1L, located in the 1q21.1 region, affects these traits. Its overexpression caused larger heads and bodies, while loss of the gene caused smaller growth. In human neuronal progenitors and cerebral organoids, CHD1L was found to control genes important for brain development, cell fate decision and neuronal connectivity by altering how DNA is packed and accessed. This regulation helps guide early brain formation. Imbalanced levels of CHD1L may therefore explain the developmental and growth differences seen in individuals with 1q21.1 duplication or deletion. eng.

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11. Lin J, Dos Santos JCC, Gonçalves CL. Behavioral approach to autism spectrum disorder: quality versus quantity in interventions. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2025: 101451.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the importance of balancing quality versus quantity in behavioral interventions for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), highlighting evidence-based approaches and the role of therapist training. DATA SOURCES: Narrative review of the literature examining evidence-based behavioral approaches for ASD, the tension between intervention intensity and quality, factors influencing individualized treatment planning, and the importance of professional qualification. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: Evidence indicates that more hours of therapy do not necessarily result in better outcomes, with studies showing no consistent dose-response relationship. Individual learning rates, comorbid conditions, and quality of implementation significantly influence results. High-quality, individualized planning, consistent execution, family engagement, and well-trained professionals are essential. Lack of regulation and standardized training, particularly in contexts without professional certification systems, poses challenges to delivering effective, evidence-based care. CONCLUSION: Behavioral interventions for ASD must prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring evidence-based, individualized, and well-supervised treatment plans delivered by qualified professionals to achieve meaningful outcomes.

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12. Looi MK, Bowie K. Autism: Trump links condition to Tylenol and touts leucovorin as « first » US therapeutic. Bmj. 2025; 390: r2004.

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13. Mello M, Fusaro M, Aglioti SM, Minio-Paluello I. Centrality of Touch Avoidance in Social Touch Experiences in Autism. J Autism Dev Disord. 2025.

PURPOSE: Social touch is ubiquitous in social species, and it represents an important driving force of human development. Mounting evidence suggests that social touch may be perceived and processed differently in autistic and neurotypical individuals. For instance, feelings of erogeneity, pleasantness, and appropriateness of social touch throughout the whole body and in different contexts were reported to be overall lower by autistic adults, compared with a non-autistic sample, and that participants’ sex modulated these feelings differently in the two groups. Here, we expand on these findings by taking a multidimensional approach and exploring individual traits that might be linked to social touch processing differences in autism. METHODS: We implemented exploratory network analysis and moderated parallel mediation analyses considering measures of attitudes towards social touch, non-social touch sensitivity, social anxiety, and alexithymia. We investigated how these individual dispositions might impact group differences in social touch erogeneity, pleasantness, and appropriateness, and evaluated how sex assigned at birth might moderate these relationships. RESULTS: Both exploratory and confirmatory analysis approaches converged in showing that one’s attitude toward social touch represents a central disposition contributing to lower levels of social touch erogeneity, pleasantness, and appropriateness in autistic individuals. Moreover, these mediation relationships were stronger in autistic male participants. CONCLUSION: These results pave the way for a deeper, more targeted investigation of the structure and dy namics underlying the relationships between social touch processing differences in autism and specific individual dispositions. Moreover, they bring about new evidence on how the sex of the receiver might influence such social touch experiences.

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14. Miao Y, Luo R, Lin F, Tong B, Yan J, Yang T, Sun Z, Li T, Xiao L, Chen J. Corrigendum to « Increasing indoxyl sulfate induces iNOS expression via aryl hydrocarbon receptor leading to microglia hyperactivation in the prefrontal cortex of autism-like offspring rats » [Neurosci. Lett. 862 (2025) 138298]. Neurosci Lett. 2025; 864: 138358.

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15. Miranda MF, Faundes V, Alliende MA, Santa María L. Impact of brief telehealth interventions on parental stress and challenging behaviors of children with fragile X syndrome. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2025; 20(1): 483.

BACKGROUND: Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability (ID) with comorbid autism and several support requirements. Challenging behaviors are frequently reported as a main concern for parents and caregivers, who also experience increased stress levels. There is little evidence of telehealth parent-implemented intervention (PII) for this population. Our study focused on describing the impact that brief telehealth parent-implemented interventions had on the parental stress levels and challenging behaviors of children with FXS in a Latin American country. METHODS: Thirteen caregivers were assessed pre- and postintervention with the Parenting Stress Index short form (PSI-SF), Motivation Assessment Scale (MAS), and Fragile-X-specific adaptation of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community questionnaire (ABC-C(FX)). Four telehealth sessions were developed with each participant to guide their intervention with their children with FXS. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t tests or Wilcoxon matched-pairs tests, and Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlations were used for comparisons. All the statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism v8.3.0, and a two-tailed p value < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: PSI-SF (TS(initial)=85(52.5-97) vs. TS(final)=55(27.5-90), p = 0.0117) and two MAS subscale frequencies of occurrence (scape(initial)=10(4-12.5) vs. scape(final)=3(0.5-8.5), p = 0.0146; tangible(initial) =11.69 ± 8.27 vs. tangible(final)=7.154 ± 6.56, p = 0.0146) significantly decreased. ABC-C(FX) did not significantly differ. The LSI-SF was positively correlated with three ABC-C(FX) subindexes (lethargy/withdrawal s = 0.719, p = 0.007; hyperactivity r = 0.682, p = 0.01; and irritability s = 0.69, p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Telehealth parent-implemented interventions decreased parental stress and challenging behavior perception and increased feelings of parental competence. The PII benefits interventions for children with FXS and is a key aspect to consider in situations where movement, transfer and access to specialized professionals are difficult or interfered with in a particular region or because of a major sanitary alert.

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16. Nishith S, O’Brien AM, Li C, Bungert L, Oddis K, Riddle J, Gabrieli JDE. Improving Autistic Experiences in the Workplace: Key Factors and Actionable Steps. J Autism Dev Disord. 2025.

Autistic adults have higher rates of unemployment and underemployment than non-autistic adults with and without disabilities. While previous work has highlighted factors specific to individuals and/or job sectors that serve as barriers or facilitators to autistic employment, the question of how to modify the workplace to best support autistic people remains under-researched. The present study utilized an ecological framework to investigate what workplace factors can be modified to improve autistic experiences and how these modifications may be enacted across different levels of workplace ecosystem to promote autistic success. Autistic participants (N = 85) across employment sectors provided quantitative ratings and written descriptions of positive and negative factors related to their workplace experiences. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were used to examine which factors and overarching principles most impact employment. Actionable strategies to modify these factors were derived from participant responses and validated by autistic collaborators and neuroinclusion experts. On average, participants rated task training as having the most positive, and mental health as having the most negative, impact on their employment. Participants described four themes (acceptance, communication, autonomy, accommodations) that can be embedded in the work environment to improve experiences. Steps to improve autistic employment that can be enacted by stakeholders across levels of the workplace experiences are provided. Autistic adults face multifaceted barriers to employment across levels of the workplace. Modifying the workplace itself, across multiple levels and stakeholders, may serve to improve autistic employment outcomes.

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17. Osorio S, Tan J, Levine G, Ahlfors SP, Graham S, Mamashli F, Khan S, Joseph RM, Nayal Z, Losh A, Pawlyszyn S, McGuiggan NM, Hämäläinen MS, Bharadwaj H, Kenet T. Lower Cortical Activation and Altered Functional Connectivity Characterize Passive Auditory Spatial Attention in ASD. Autism Res. 2025.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and sensory processing. The ability to orient towards sounds is a key component of social interactions, yet auditory spatial attention remains relatively understudied in ASD, despite prior research indicating differences in this domain. Here, we investigate the neural signatures associated with passive auditory spatial attention in children with ASD (n = 21, ages 6-17) relative to age- and IQ-matched Typically Developing (TD) children (n = 31), using source-localized magnetoencephalography (MEG). Participants listened passively, while watching a silenced movie, to non-social auditory stimuli designed to either remain lateralized to one hemifield (stay trials) or to change in location from one side to the contralateral hemifield (jump trials). Linear mixed effects modeling showed lower cortical activation in the auditory cortex in the ASD group in response to jump trials, relative to the TD group. Additionally, functional connectivity analyses showed higher alpha-band functional connectivity in the ASD group between left auditory cortex seeds and right prefrontal and left parietal regions known to be recruited during auditory spatial attention. Right prefrontal alpha-band connectivity estimates were associated with behaviorally assessed auditory processing scores, whereas left parietal connectivity estimates were associated with ASD symptomatology. Our results align with the hypothesis that auditory spatial attention generally, and specifically orientation to sounds even when experienced passively, differs in ASD versus TD children.

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18. Papanikolaou K, Pehlivanidis A. Autism spectrum disorder in adulthood: Diagnostic and training challenges in Greece. Psychiatriki. 2025; 36(3): 179-82.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is classified among the neurodevelopmental disorders, which are described in the early chapters of DSM-51 and ICD-11.2 These disorders emerge in childhood, persist across the lifespan, and are characterized by deficits or diversities that affect personal, social, academic, and occupational functioning. Although the two major diagnostic systems have converged in terminology and criteria-with only minor differences in the categorization of co-occurring language and intellectual development disorders-Greece continues to rely on ICD-10, leading to difficulties in the consistent use of terminology among mental health professionals. The global rise in ASD prevalence over recent decades has been widely discussed, largely attributed to broadened diagnostic criteria and increased recognition in groups where autism was previously considered rare, such as women and individuals with milder symptoms. In the United States, current estimates suggest that 1 in 31 children may be diagnosed with ASD.3 In adults, the prevalence is consistently found to be lower. In Greece, the estimated prevalence based on diagnoses recorded by the Diagnostic, Assessment, and Counseling Centers (KEDASY) is 1.15%,4 while no epidemiological data exist for adults. The lifetime cost of care for an individual with autism may exceed 2 million USD.5 The socioeconomic burden in Greece has been exacerbated by the financial crisis, which had a more detrimental impact on families of individuals with autism than the COVID-19 pandemic.6 A critical gap in care has been documented internationally during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Adults with autism frequently encounter the « double empathy problem, » referring to reciprocal difficulties in their communication with neurotypical individuals. This, coupled with the stigma surrounding the diagnosis, often results in misjudgments regarding the abilities and needs of people with autism. Among adults with ASD, depression is the most prevalent and impairing co-occurring psychiatric disorder, often accompanied by anxiety disorders, both of which contribute to marked reductions in functioning, particularly during transitional periods.7-9 For the so-called « lost generation » of adults with autism-those with normal intelligence and relatively functional profiles whose diagnosis was missed earlier-an ASD diagnosis may resolve longstanding diagnostic uncertainty and explain treatment resistance in psychiatric disorders. Management of ASD and psychiatric comorbidities requires individualized treatment planning that integrates psychosocial interventions and targeted, when needed, pharmacological strategies. Multidisciplinary collaboration among professionals is essential, while active family involvement is of fundamental importance.10 In the era of precision medicine, its applicability to ASD depends on a comprehensive understanding of genetic, temperamental, and environmental factors, enabling personalized interventions that may enhance treatment effectiveness and reduce costs. Implementation of such approaches presupposes specialized training of mental health professionals. In Greece, structured training in adult autism for psychiatrists is limited or absent, resulting in delayed or inaccurate diagnoses, reduced access to appropriate services, and inadequate psychiatric care for adults with autism. While the curriculum of child psychiatry specialty provides training for autism in childhood, there is no continuity into adult psychiatry, even though adulthood spans the majority of life. The lack of training contributes to frequent misdiagnoses (particularly among women and individuals from the « lost generation »), inappropriate pharmacological treatments, and the mischaracterization of adults with autism 2 as « non-compliant. » Consequently, many individuals with autism and their families are deprived of psychoeducation and necessary support. To address these shortcomings, we propose the integration of a dedicated module on adult ASD into the official psychiatry residency curriculum in Greece, alongside clinical training in autism-specialized services and acquisition of experience in the use of standardized assessment tools. Such measures are essential to improve diagnostic accuracy, ensure continuity of care, and enhance the quality of psychiatric services for adults with autism.

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19. Saure E, Keski-Rahkonen A. Neurodiversity-affirming eating disorder care: insights into addressing co-occurring autism and eating disorders. Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2025.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa and avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder, commonly co-occur with autism. Many autistic people with eating disorders face delays and challenges in assessment and treatment because their particular needs are not understood. The aim of this narrative review is to introduce the concept of neurodivergence-affirming eating disorder care and to review recent scientific research on this topic. RECENT FINDINGS: Some of the unique challenges that autistic individuals with eating disorders face include sensory processing differences, communication barriers, and unmet support needs. Neurodiversity-affirming care challenges structural ableism by emphasizing co-designing care with autistic experts by experience. Neurodiversity-affirming practitioners presume that their clients are autonomous and competent. When providing care, they respect different communication styles, tailor support to their client’s individual needs and strengths, and seek to foster a positive autistic identity. This involves respecting autistic eating behaviours, providing timely assessment and support, individualized treatment goals, and carefully considering communication and sensory needs. SUMMARY: Eating disorder service providers often have a hard time understanding their autistic clients. This can contribute to poor eating disorder treatment outcomes. Neurodiversity-affirming practitioners seek insight from the autistic community and participatory research to improve eating disorder services for their clients.

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20. Sugiyama R, Komada M. Analysis of social interaction and proximity preferences in mice exposed to valproic acid prenatally. Neurosci Lett. 2025; 864: 138319.

It is established that exposure to the antiepileptic drug valproic acid (VPA) during the prenatal period increases the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In this study, a multi-animal positioning system (MAPS) was utilized to ICR male mice as control (CT) and prenatal VPA-treated male mice in a shared environment, with the objective of investigating the effects of VPA on social interaction and social proximity. The results of the behavioral analysis indicated that the frequency, duration, and number of contacts were reduced in mice treated with VPA compared to the control group. Additionally, while there was no effect on inter-individual distance, the time spent at a distance was reduced. While no effects were observed on spontaneous locomotion or psychomotor activity, mice treated with VPA demonstrated behavioral abnormalities, characterized by increased social proximity but decreased social interaction. This finding underscores the utility of the MAPS in assessing natural group behavior and highlights the main behavioral differences associated with autism spectrum disorders due to prenatal VPA exposure. The results of this study offer valuable insights into the behavioral consequences of altered neurodevelopment and encourage further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

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21. Ung EC, Borja NA. LEO1 haploinsufficiency is associated with developmental delays and autism spectrum disorder. J Hum Genet. 2025.

LEO1 encodes a core subunit of the evolutionarily conserved RNA polymerase associated factor 1 complex (PAF1C), a key regulator of eukaryotic gene expression. While burden analyses suggest an association between rare LEO1 variants and an increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorder, the paucity of reported cases has prevented a definitive characterization of the resulting phenotype. We describe a male child with a novel de novo frameshift variant in LEO1 c.446dup (p.Asp149Gluf s*2) and undertake a comprehensive phenotype delineation of all previously reported patients. Developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder were core features common across patients with truncating variants, though rarer manifestations were also observed. This analysis supports LEO1 haploinsufficiency as a mechanism for this neurodevelopmental disorder. Further research is needed to more completely ascertain its associated features and penetrance. We nevertheless encourage its recognition as a definitive disease gene and inclusion in multigene panels.

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22. Yang R, Xu Y, Xu J, Huang C, Zhu F, Wang T, Kong R, Xiao J, He B, Gu X, Wang HL. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GR-1 prevents autism-like behaviors by reshaping the maternal and offspring microbiome. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes. 2025; 11(1): 187.

As a prevalent neurodevelopmental disease, whether ASD (autism spectrum disorder) can be ameliorated by the early use of a single microbe remains unknown. Here we used a lactobacillus strain, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GR-1 (LGR-1), for prenatal intervention in autism-like mice with either environmental or idiopathic origins by exclusively administering to the pregnant dams at a dose of 10(9)/mouse/day, followed by offspring behavioral assessment with 3-chamber trial and marble burying test. The results revealed that LGR-1 prevented the occurrence of autism-like symptoms, as evidenced by the improved behaviors and restored E/I (excitatory-inhibitory) balance in the prefrontal cortex of male pups. In parallel, the offspring microbiome was reshaped by LGR-1 treatment, probably mediated by the vertical transmission of maternal microbiome, with its roles further unraveled by fecal microbiota transplant and cross-fostering experiments. In addition to gut commensals, the LGR-1-shaping vaginal microbiota also contributed to the establishment of « beneficial » microbiome. Regarding key taxa in offspring, Akkermansia muciniphila was influenced by LGR-1 and exerted impact on behaviors via pathways related to IL-17-producing lymphocytes. Our findings demonstrate that prenatal microbial administration protects offspring against autism-like behavioral phenotypes through microbiome transmission, highlighting a potential microbe-based therapeutic avenue to mitigate ASD risk.

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