1. Alhrbi A, Vlachopoulos D, Healey EM, Massoud AT, Morris C, Revuelta Iniesta R. Nutritional Status of Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Hum Nutr Diet;2025 (Aug);38(4):e70099.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may impact feeding behaviours, which can affect physical development. We aimed to examine published evidence comparing nutritional status, defined as anthropometry, micronutrient status, and intakes and dietary intake, of children with ASD with those of typically developing children (TDC). Eligibility criteria included any studies that compared nutritional status among children with ASD and TDC. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and CENTRAL were searched. We used standardized mean difference (SMD) as an effect size for continuous variables and risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous variables with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Thirty-two studies with 18,480 children (ASD: 2955, TDC: 15,525) were included in our meta-analysis. Children with ASD were statistically significantly shorter than TDC (SMD: -0.16, 95% CI [-0.28, -0.04], I(2) = 7%), but no difference in weight [-0.12, 95% CI (-0.17, 0.92)] and BMI [-0.06, 95% CI (-0.32, 0.20)]. They had decreased intake of protein [-0.34, 95% CI (-0.52, -0.15)] and nearly all lipid-soluble vitamins: vitamin A (SMD: -0.20, 95% CI [-0.38, -0.02], I(2) = 37%), vitamin D (SMD: -0.30, 95% CI [-0.53, -0.03], I(2) = 50%), and vitamin K (SMD: -41, 95% CI [-0.71, -0.10], I(2) = 0%). Also, children with ASD had a statistically significantly decreased intake of some water-soluble vitamins like folate, riboflavin, thiamine and niacin. Decreased levels of some micronutrients like vitamin D and folate was also found. Children with ASD are statistically significantly shorter than TDC, which can be explained by the lower protein intake and fat- and water-soluble vitamin status and intake. These findings warrant further longitudinal population-based studies.

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2. Antonatos C, Pontikas A, Akritidis A, Mitsoudi D, Georgiou S, Stratigos AJ, Zacharopoulou A, Gregoriou S, Grafanaki K, Vasilopoulos Y. A genome-wide pleiotropy study between atopic dermatitis and neuropsychiatric disorders. Hum Genomics;2025 (Jul 25);19(1):86.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) frequently co-occurs with neuropsychiatric disorders, yet the genetic basis for this comorbidity is unclear. We performed a large-scale genome-wide pleiotropy approach to investigate the genetic correlations and causal associations between AD and five neuropsychiatric disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), bipolar disorder (BP), major depressive disorder (MDD), and schizophrenia (SCZ). We identified significant positive genetic correlations between AD and ADHD, MDD and BP. Genome-wide pleiotropy scans identified 37 distinct pleiotropic loci, mapped in 86 unique genes participating in inflammatory pathways. Pleiotropy-informed target prioritization facilitated the identification of novel pathophysiological mechanisms for AD and putative drug targets, such as members of TNF and JAK-STAT3 signaling. Mendelian randomization provided evidence of a causal relationship between genetic liability to MDD and BP in increased AD risk, independent of sample overlap. Our findings elucidate immune-related pathway crosstalks between AD and neuropsychiatric disorders with implications for therapeutic interventions.

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3. Appling C, Nuraini N, Holem R, Hunter S, Hirst K, Takahashi N, Mazurek MO, Kanne SM, Ferguson B, Beversdorf DQ. Cardiac Autonomic Measures Predict Clinician-Rated Anxiety and Behavioral Response to Propranolol in Autistic Children and Young Adults. J Pers Med;2025 (Jul 3);15(7)

Propranolol, a nonselective beta-adrenergic antagonist, has shown potential for improving anxiety in autistic individuals. Heart rate variability (HRV), a noninvasive cardiac marker of autonomic nervous system functioning, may help identify individuals most likely to benefit from propranolol. Objectives: Determine if baseline resting HRV and other cardiac measures predict the response to propranolol for anxiety and core autism symptomology in autistic children and young adults. Methods: Sixty-two autistic individuals (ages 7-24) participated in a two-phase (i.e., a 12-week randomized controlled trial and a 12-week open-label extension) trial of propranolol. Baseline (i.e., resting state, prior to treatment) HRV and other cardiac measures were obtained from an electrocardiogram. Clinical global impression for anxiety symptoms and overall behavioral treatment impact were assessed after the 12-week trial period. Group-level (i.e., all participants) and responder groups (i.e., strong, minimal, and non-responders to propranolol) were analyzed for treatment effects. Results: HRV variables predicted group-level anxiety response to propranolol, particularly for strong responders. Also, lower baseline values of parasympathetic HRV indices were significantly correlated with greater behavioral improvement after treatment with propranolol. Last, several baseline cardiac variables were associated with improvement in multiple behavioral domains after treatment with propranolol. Conclusions: HRV may be a potential biomarker for predicting reduced anxiety and behavioral symptoms in response to propranolol in autistic children and young adults. Identifying autonomic profiles associated with positive treatment outcomes could guide future personalized interventions in autism. The results presented herein should be regarded as preliminary until the findings are replicated in future clinical trials.

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4. Briones-Valdivieso C, Córdova F, Kaune H, Montiel JF. Hormonal and sex-specific functional genomic pathways of genetic risk candidates in autism spectrum disorder: evidence of sex-over-chance effects. Horm Behav;2025 (Jul 23);174:105795.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition marked by substantial sex differences in prevalence, with males more frequently diagnosed than females. While genetic and environmental factors contribute to ASD, there is growing evidence that sex-specific endocrine pathways, particularly those involving sex hormones, may play a critical role in ASD etiology. This study aimed to investigate the functional network robustness and annotations of autism spectrum disorder genetic risk candidates (ASD-GRCs), with a focus on endocrine pathways and their impact on network connectivity. Using data from the Simon’s Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) and functional network analysis via the STRING database, we assessed the connectivity of ASD-related genes by randomly subtracting sets of genes from the whole ASD gene network in subsets associated with androgen-testosterone, estrogen-progesterone, and other hormone pathways. Our findings reveal a significant « sex-over-chance » association, with androgen- and estrogen-related gene subsets showing marked connectivity within the ASD gene network compared to non-sex hormone genes. These results suggest that sex hormones may uniquely influence ASD-related neural development, providing support for the « female protective effect » and the androgen-driven model of ASD. Additional analyses of other hormonal pathways, such as oxytocin and cortisol, showed a lower connectivity impact, reinforcing the distinctive role of sex hormones in ASD. This study highlights the potential of endocrine-focused genetic analysis in understanding ASD, emphasizing sex-specific biological mechanisms that may inform future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

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5. Çorakcı Yazıcıoğlu Z, Bumin G. Occupational Therapy Using Sensory Integration for Enhancing Occupational Performance in Children with Autism: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Autism Dev Disord;2025 (Jul 25)

Children with autism often have difficulties in managing their daily lives due to occupational performance difficulties in activities related to their roles. The study aimed to examine the efficacy of occupational therapy using sensory integration on occupational performance in children with autism. Thirty-five children aged 3 to 10 years with autism were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 16) or a control group (n = 19). The intervention group received occupational therapy using sensory integration combined with an evidence-based Home Program, while the control group received only the Home Program. Both interventions were delivered once weekly for 16 sessions over four months. Occupational performance was assessed through Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, with individualized goals identified through Goal Attainment Scaling. The goals identified via Canadian Occupational Performance Measure were interpreted in the context of sensory processing patterns and emotional-behavioral responses assessed by the Sensory Profile, providing a data-driven approach to tailor intervention goals. The intervention group demonstrated significantly higher scores in assessing occupational performance (p =.036) and satisfaction (p =.034). The intervention group also achieved the highest + 1 score in Goal Attainment Scaling (n = 5, 31.3%). therapy using sensory integration, combined with a structured Home Program, effectively enhances occupational performance and goal attainment in children with autism, highlighting the value of child-centered, data-driven interventions.Trial registration Clinical trial number (NCT05718362; Date of registration: 2023-02-08)).

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6. Dai H, He X, Yu H, Wang Y, Hu S. Effects of Syntactic Complexity on the Comprehension of Passive Clauses and wh-questions in Children with Developmental Language Disorder and Autism Plus Language Impairment. J Autism Dev Disord;2025 (Jul 25)

There is considerable debate over the similarities and differences between developmental language disorder (DLD) and autism spectrum disorder plus language impairment (ALI). Few studies have compared these in terms of complex syntactic operations. This study aimed to explore the similarities and differences between children with DLD and children with ALI via investigating the effects of syntactic complexity operationalized in terms of movement and intervention in Mandarin passives and wh-questions. Fifteen Mandarin-speaking children with DLD (mean age = 60.73 months), sixteen children with ALI (mean age = 64.90 months) and twenty-five typically developing age-matched (TDA) children (mean age = 62.03 months) participated in a picture-choice task and a character-picture task. Lower-than-TDA performance and similar patterns of non-target responses were observed in the DLD and ALI groups. Short-long passive asymmetry was found in the two groups. However, who-which-question asymmetry was identified only in the ALI group, with a significant difference between who- and which-questions found only in the ALI group. Syntactic complexity affected the DLD and ALI groups similarly. The primary deficit lies in establishing a local relationship between a moved phrase and its trace in thematic role transmission when an intervenor is present. A slight difference between the two groups illustrates that DLD and ALI are not identical in language impairment, despite sharing common symptoms. This may be due to problems of children with ALI with referentiality. These findings suggest that non-target responses in language tests are worthy of in-depth analysis to confirm language disorders.

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7. Frampton SE, Axe JB. A Preliminary Investigation into Teaching Adolescents with Autism to Use Apps to Solve Problems. Anal Verbal Behav;2025 (Jun);41(1):26-39.

Technology offers exciting possibilities for instruction with learners with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but limited research has evaluated the use of web-based applications (apps) as learning tools for this population. We wondered if using apps would function as a precurrent response to solve problems in the form of questions on a worksheet. Participants were two adolescents with ASD, Phoebe and Gavin. We taught them to use map, weather, and clock apps to answer questions about distance, temperature, and time on a worksheet (e.g., « What time is it in Cairo? »). The cities varied to ensure the answers were always unknown. Training occurred for one app at a time in the manner of a multiple baseline design across behaviors. Training steps were progressively introduced to evaluate the components necessary for app use. Gavin progressed quickly through training with the first app and then demonstrated generalization across novel questions (i.e., with different cities), apps, and response modalities (i.e., answering vocally). Phoebe required more intensive training than Gavin, and eventually demonstrated generalization across novel questions. We discuss the implications of expanding technology-based problem-solving skills by applying Skinner’s (1957; 1984) analysis. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40616-024-00212-8.

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8. Hill J, Williams B, McKeown G, Gomersall SR. Correction: Description and Evaluation of a Co-design Process Involved in the Creation of a Workforce Training Package Aiding Sport and Exercise Professionals Work with Autistic Young People. J Autism Dev Disord;2025 (Jul 25)

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9. Keesey-Phelan S, Axe JB, Chase PN. The Effects of Reinforcing Tacting on the Recall of Children with Autism. Anal Verbal Behav;2025 (Jun);41(1):1-10.

Attending to and tacting stimuli in a situation may facilitate recall of that situation. To evaluate this, we showed varied slide decks of 25 black-and-white stick figures engaged in actions to four adolescents and one child with autism. Ten minutes later, we asked them to name the pictures they remembered. Using a multielement design, we compared three conditions in the picture viewing context wherein we (a) instructed the participant to view the pictures quietly, (b) prompted and reinforced tacts of the pictures, or (c) required the participant to repeat a series of letters and numbers (i.e., a blocking procedure). For four of the participants, recall was highest in the condition in which we prompted and reinforced tacts of the pictures. These data provide preliminary support for the hypothesis that prompting and reinforcing tacting stimuli enhances recall with respect to those stimuli, though several limitations and directions for future research are discussed.

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10. Kim B, Oh IH, Cheong HK, Hwang JW. Prevalence and Medical Costs of Intellectual Disabilities and Pervasive Developmental Disorder in Korea: Based on National Health Insurance Service Claims Data from 2007 to 2019. Psychiatry Investig;2025 (Jul);22(7):832.

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11. Levante A, Martis C, Lecciso F. The Quality of the Parent-Child Relationship in the Context of Autism: The Role of Parental Resolution of the Child’s Diagnosis, Parenting Stress, and Caregiving Burden. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ;2025 (Jul 18);15(7)

Background. Parents of autistic children face challenges that can negatively affect the quality of the parent-child relationship. This study aimed to explore the potential protective role of parental resolution about positive (closeness) and negative (conflict and dependence) aspects of the parent-child relationship, with parenting stress and caregiving burden as mediators. Methods. A cross-sectional study (ethical approval: CE n. 92949) was conducted with 51 Italian parents of autistic children. A multiple mediation model was tested. Results. Parental resolution had a significant total effect (β = 0.012; BootLLCI = 0.002; BootULCI = 0.024) and a significant direct effect on the parent-child relationship (β = 0.223; BootLLCI = 0.058; BootULCI = 0.389), indicating that resolving the child’s diagnosis could potentially influence parents’ perceptions of their relationship with their child, possibly leading to views of it being somewhat closer, experiencing fewer conflicts, and involving a lower degree of dependence. An indirect effect via parenting stress was also significant (β = -0.130; BootLLCI = -0.009; BootULCI = -0.291), while caregiving burden did not show a mediating effect. Conclusion: Despite the exploratory and cross-sectional nature of this study, the findings highlight the importance of promoting family well-being in the context of autism. The findings may inform future research on parental resources and guide clinicians in developing intervention programmes to mitigate the emotional impact of receiving a child’s autism diagnosis.

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12. Li C, Geng Z, Liu Y, Li X, Wang T, Ahmad M, Luo H, Zhou H, Cui Y. Two-hit immune activation induced autism-like phenotypes in mice: The underlying mechanism may involve the lung-brain axis. Brain Res;2025 (Jul 22);1865:149850.

Neuroinflammation plays important roles in the pathogenesis and development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the mechanism by which peripheral organ inflammation affects neuroinflammation is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate that the interaction between the lungs and the brain as a potential mechanism underlying this effect. Ovalbumin (OVA) can induce neuroinflammation and cause neurotoxicity, leading to tissue damage or cognitive memory impairment. OVA – induced maternal immune activation (MIA) provides a stable animal model for studying ASD and other human neurodevelopmental disorders. Postnatal reinfection is an additional risk factor for ASD and may lead to pathological and physiological changes. Here we compared the expression of cytokines in the hippocampus and lung tissues of MIA offspring after the second acute immune stimulation at three times post birth, as well as the correlation between cytokines and autism-like phenotypes.Interestingly, our research findings suggest that maternal and postpartum OVA-induced immune activation and lung injury may produce an autistic phenotype, with potential mechanisms involving the lung- brain axis.

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13. Lu Y, Tong J, Zhang D, Chen J, Li L, Lei Y, Zhou T, Aragon LV, Becich MJ, Blecker S, Blum NJ, Christakis DA, Hornig M, Hornig-Rohan MM, Jhaveri R, Jones WS, Keebler AB, Kelleher K, Kim S, Mosa ASM, Pajer K, Platt J, Schwenk HT, Taylor BW, Utidjian LH, Williams DA, Prasad R, Elia J, Forrest CB, Chen Y. Risk of neuropsychiatric and related conditions associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a difference-in-differences analysis. Nat Commun;2025 (Jul 24);16(1):6829.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with increased neuropsychiatric conditions in children and youths, with evidence suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 infection may contribute additional risks beyond pandemic stressors. This study aims to assess the full spectrum of neuropsychiatric conditions in COVID-19 positive children (ages 5-12) and youths (ages 12-20) compared to a matched COVID-19 negative cohort, accounting for factors influencing infection risk. Using EHR data from 25 institutions in the RECOVER program, we conduct a retrospective analysis of 326,074 COVID-19 positive and 887,314 negative participants matched for risk factors and stratified by age. Neuropsychiatric outcomes are examined 28 to 179 days post-infection or negative test between March 2020 and December 2022. SARS-CoV-2 positivity is confirmed via PCR, serology, or antigen tests, while negativity requires negative test results and no related diagnoses. Risk differences reveal higher frequencies of neuropsychiatric conditions in the COVID-19 positive cohort. Children face increased risks for anxiety, OCD, ADHD, autism, and other conditions, while youths exhibit elevated risks for anxiety, suicidality, depression, and related symptoms. These findings highlight SARS-CoV-2 infection as a potential contributor to neuropsychiatric risks, emphasizing the importance of research into tailored treatments and preventive strategies for affected individuals.

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14. Lukito S, Chandler S, Kakoulidou M, Griffiths K, Wyatt A, Funnell E, Pavlopoulou G, Baker S, Stahl D, Sonuga-Barke E. Emotional burden in school as a source of mental health problems associated with ADHD and/or autism: Development and validation of a new co-produced self-report measure. J Child Psychol Psychiatry;2025 (Jul 24)

BACKGROUND: Mental health problems are elevated in adolescents with ADHD and/or autism. Emotion regulation deficits (ERD) have been hypothesised as a key driver of such difficulties. The Regulating Emotions – Strengthening Adolescent Resilience (RE-STAR) programme is examining an alternative pathway from neurodivergence to mental health problems, mediated by elevated emotional burden (EB) resulting from the interplay of increased exposure and an unusually intense emotional reaction to commonly upsetting events (CUEs). We present the development and application of the My Emotions in School Inventory (MESI), a self-report questionnaire co-produced with neurodivergent young people, focusing on EB in schools – a setting thought to be of particular significance in this regard. METHODS: The MESI, containing 25 school-related CUEs rated on their frequency and the intensity of negative emotions they induce, was completed by secondary school students meeting symptom cut-offs on clinically validated scales of ADHD (n = 100), autism (n = 104), ADHD + autism (n = 79) and neurotypical students (n = 452). Psychometric properties were examined. The ability of the MESI to discriminate adolescents with ADHD and/or autism from neurotypical adolescents, and to predict depression and anxiety, independently of ERD, was explored. RESULTS: Adolescents in the ADHD and/or autism groups experienced higher CUE frequency and intensity of reaction than their neurotypical peers. Overall levels of EB, most robustly indexed by 24 MESI CUEs, were higher in the three neurodivergent groups, though they did not differ from each other. EB in the autism and ADHD groups was generated by distinctly different CUEs. EB and ERD each contributed independently to the prediction of higher depression or anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings illustrate the potential value of the MESI as an instrument to measure the contribution of EB alongside ERD in relation to adolescent mental health risks in ADHD and/or autism. Future studies need to investigate its role longitudinally.

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15. Mashayekhi F, Salehi Z. Autism spectrum disorder genetics; a comprehensive review. Rev Neurosci;2025 (Jul 25)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that is defined by difficulties in social interactions, communication challenges, and repetitive behaviors. ASD is a common condition, with a significant rise in the number of diagnosed children observed in recent decades. As of 2021, it is estimated that 1 in 44 children in the USA is affected by ASD. The disorder shows a notably higher prevalence in boys compared to girls, with a ratio exceeding four to one. Several genetic changes have been linked to ASD. Various common gene variations are believed to influence the likelihood of developing the condition. Genetic factors are estimated to contribute to 40-80 % of the overall risk associated with ASD. The combined risk from genetic variations along with environmental influences – such as older parental age, birth complications, and various unknown factors – determines an individual’s likelihood of developing this intricate condition. Many of the genes associated with ASD play a role in processes related to brain development. The proteins encoded by these genes impact various elements of brain development, including the proliferation, growth, and organization of neurons and synaptogenesis. Some genes control the number of neurons produced, while others are essential for the development and functioning of synapses. Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between genetic variants and the risk of ASD. In this article, we discuss the functions of key genes associated with synapse formation and environmental factors including valproic acid and immunological perturbation with the development of ASD.

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16. McWilliams MS, Hanson RJ. The Use of Partial Textual Stimuli within an Interactive Task for Increasing Reports of Past Behavior with a Child with Autism. Anal Verbal Behav;2025 (Jun);41(1):57-67.

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may face challenges with reporting past behavior. Although some behavior-analytic studies have shown success with increasing these reports, the use of materials within activities that do not repeat has not been assessed (e.g., Shillingsburg et al., 2017). Thus, the purpose of the current study was to expand upon previous research (e.g., Shillingsburg et al. 2017; 2019) by utilizing novel materials within activities completed and examining the use of partial textual stimuli within an interactive task to increase reports of past behavior for one child with autism. The results showed an increase in reports of past behavior following intervention across three activities as well as an increase in varied responses.

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17. Öksüzoğlu ME, Rollas T, Erdoğan IM, Aliyev ESA, Ünal D, Karahan S, Esen T, Yağcıoğlu AEA. Catatonia in autism spectrum disorder: Analysis of clinical characteristics, stressful life events, and validation of the attenuated behavior questionnaire (ABQ). Psychiatry Res;2025 (Jul 13);351:116643.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and catatonia exhibit overlapping motor and behavioral symptoms; however, catatonia is often underdiagnosed in individuals with ASD. This study evaluates the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Attenuated Behavior Questionnaire (ABQ) and explores the clinical characteristics of individuals with ASD and catatonia. The study involved 300 participants with ASD, aged 12-25 years. Parents completed the ABQ, Repetitive Behavior Scale (RBS), and Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), while clinicians evaluated catatonia using DSM-5 criteria, the Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS), KANNER Scale, and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Regression in social and language skills and stressful life events from the previous six months were also assessed. The mean age of participants was 16.0 years, with 32 (10.7 %) diagnosed with catatonia; among these, 15.3 % experienced regression, and 25.0 % reported stressful life events. The ABQ showed strong validity and reliability (Spearman-Brown coefficient = 0.979), with ROC analysis determining diagnostic (92.5) and screening (39.5) cut-off points. Participants with ASD and catatonia had significantly elevated rates of late regression, impairments in social and language skills, psychiatric comorbidities, and stressful life events, and they scored considerably higher on BFCRS, KANNER, CARS, RBS, and ABC (all p < .05). Our findings highlight high prevalence of catatonia among individuals with ASD and its association with late regression, social and language impairments, psychiatric comorbidities, and stressful life events and underscore the clinical utility of the ABQ in identifying catatonic symptoms in ASD and emphasize the importance of early recognition and intervention.

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18. Pelizza L, Leuci E, Quattrone E, Palmisano D, Pupo S, Paulillo G, Pellegrini C, Pellegrini P, Menchetti M. Autism-spectrum traits in First Episode Psychosis: Psychopathological and prognostic considerations from a 2-year follow-up study. Schizophr Res;2025 (Jul 23);283:163-172.

INTRODUCTION: There’s a general lack of knowledge about autism attributes in early psychosis, although little initial evidence showed that having autistic features contributes to poorer recovery over time. The main aim of this examination was to compare sociodemographic and clinical variables between FEP patients with or without autistic characteristics treated within an « Early Intervention in Psychosis » (EIP) service both at entry and across 2 years of follow-up. We also examined the longitudinal course of autism severity levels in FEP to investigate whether they truly represented trait-like attributes. METHODS: FEP participants completed the AQ-spectrum Questionnaire (AQ), the Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) at baseline and over time. Inter-group comparisons were examined using Chi-Squared or Mann-Whitney test, Kaplan-Meyer survival analysis, mixed-design ANOVA, and binary logistic regression. AQ score longitudinal stability was explored using Wilcoxon test for repeated measures and Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: 132 subjects were recruited (28 [21.20 %] scored above the AQ cut-off score of≥26). At presentation, they showed younger age and higher severity in psychopathology (especially negative symptoms). Across the follow-up, the AQ+ subsample had lower incidence rates of service disengagement, PANSS symptomatic remission, and GAF functional remission. AQ scores showed longitudinal stability over time. CONCLUSIONS: The AQ represents a valid instrument to assess « trait-like » autistic features in FEP subjects. Specifically, it captures a distinct FEP subgroup characterized by more severe clinical presentation, poorer clinical and functional outcomes, and specific therapeutic needs.

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19. Ruaño G, Uscătescu LC. From Misophonia Through Puberphonia: Window Toward Gender Dysphoria in Autism?. Autism Res;2025 (Jul 24)

Autism is characterized by distinct patterns of social communication, interests, and behaviors. Gender incongruence involves a mismatch between one’s experienced and assigned gender, often accompanied by significant distress (i.e., gender dysphoria). Recent studies revealed that autistic individuals report gender dysphoria more frequently than the general population and are overrepresented in gender clinic settings. Autistic individuals also report hypersensitivity to certain sensory stimuli, which can elicit distress. When this distress is triggered by certain auditory stimuli (e.g., one’s or others’ biological sounds such as chewing or swallowing) it is categorized as misophonia. Misophonia appears to be highly prevalent in autism. We propose that a lesser-studied phenomenon, puberphonia, could exemplify an attempt to reduce the distress elicited by misophonia in a certain category of individuals. Puberphonia is characterized by an unusually high-pitched voice, predominantly in teenage boys and men, that can occur in the absence of identifiable physical causes. The psychogenic aspects of puberphonia are just beginning to be explored. We hereby propose an exploratory direction, suggesting that puberphonia may be an individual’s attempt at diminishing a distressing auditory stimulus (misophonia) due to their deepening voice. This, in turn, may be an indicator of unrecognized gender dysphoria. Given that voice pitch has also been reported to be higher in autistic males compared to controls, we further ask whether autism is more prevalent among cases of psychogenic puberphonia. Finally, we wish to draw attention to the need for research on the epidemiology and overlap of puberphonia, gender dysphoria, misophonia, and autism.

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20. Schneider M, Fong VC, McLaughlin J. « Being Integrated Does Not Mean Being Included »: What Factors Contribute to School Exclusion for Autistic Children?. Autism Res;2025 (Jul 25)

Autistic students face a heightened risk of exclusion from school and related activities, yet the factors contributing to this issue remain poorly understood. To address this gap, the current study took place in Ontario, Canada’s largest province, where diverse populations and varied inclusive education policies create unique challenges. The study had two primary objectives: (1) to examine the relationship between parent satisfaction with the individual education plan (IEP) process and school exclusion, and (2) to identify key factors parents perceive as predictors of school exclusion in their autistic children. A total of 412 caregivers from Ontario completed an online survey, available in English and French, between April and July 2018. Quantitative analysis revealed that greater satisfaction with the IEP process was associated with a lower likelihood of school exclusion (b = -0.297, OR = 0.743, p < 0.001). Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses identified two primary contributors to exclusion: bullying by peers and inadequate training and support for school staff. These findings highlight the need for improved supports in educational settings, including comprehensive anti-bullying initiatives, stronger collaboration with parents in the development of IEPs, greater accountability in ensuring that IEPs are properly implemented, a more inclusive approach to meeting student needs, and increased funding for support staff. Addressing these areas could help reduce the risk of exclusion and foster a more equitable learning environment for autistic students.

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21. Thakore AH, Kettering TL. Functional Analysis and Treatment of Repetitive Verbal Behavior in Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Anal Verbal Behav;2025 (Jun);41(1):68-83.

Repetitive verbal behavior presents a unique challenge to researchers and clinicians as the topography of the behavior often appears to be a mand for information or tangibles; however, the repetitive nature of the behavior indicates otherwise. The purpose of the current study was to (a) extend the application of functional analysis (FA) methodology to identify the functionally related variables of the repetitive verbal behavior (requests for information and/or requests for tangibles) of three children with autism spectrum disorder and (b) verify results of the FA during a function-based intervention evaluation. Results of the FA showed that the repetitive verbal behavior of the three participants was maintained by access to adult attention instead of access to information or tangibles. Using this information, we taught the participants to mand for attention during functional communication training. Results of the functional communication training demonstrated a reduction in the repetitive verbal behavior and an increase in mands for attention. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40616-024-00208-4.

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22. Yu L, Sun L, Yue X, Wang Y, Chen C. Differences between Autism spectrum disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in brain function: A resting-state fMRI research. Res Dev Disabil;2025 (Jul 25);164:105081.

OBJECTIVE: The clinical distinction between ASD and ADHD poses significant diagnostic challenges due to their symptomatic similarities. To address this issue, we systematically examined functional brain differences between these disorders. METHODS: By combining amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) resting-state fMRI metrics, this study provides a more robust neurofunctional characterization of ASD and ADHD. Using resting-state fMRI, we compared ALFF and ReHo among four groups: 28 ASD-only participants, 29 typically developing controls matched to ASD participants (TD(ASD)), 28 ADHD-only participants, 30 typically developing controls matched to ADHD participants (TD(ADHD)). These analyses quantified region-specific neural activity intensity and local synchronization to identify disorder-specific functional patterns. RESULTS: Compared to TD(ASD) controls, the ASD group exhibited significantly elevated ALFF and ReHo in the anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG) and right precentral gyrus (PreCG) (p < 0.05, GRF-corrected). In contrast, no significant differences were observed between ADHD and TD(ADHD) groups. Direct ASD-ADHD comparisons revealed: Increased ALFF in the right PreCG and decreased ALFF in the left fusiform gyrus (FG); Elevated ReHo in the right middle occipital gyrus (MOG) in ASD (p < 0.05, GRF-corrected). CONCLUSION: The distinct ALFF and ReHo patterns observed between ASD and ADHD provide compelling neurobiological evidence for their divergent neural mechanisms. These disorder-specific functional signatures, particularly in the anterior cingulate and occipito-frontal circuits, may guide future neuromodulation research and eventually contribute to refining differential diagnostic frameworks in clinical practice.

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23. Zhang X, Fu C, Wang M, Feng D, Wang H, Li H, Liu X, Zeng L, Li L, Yao P. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and oxidative stress in autism: evidence from children and a mouse model. J Psychiatry Neurosci;2025 (Jul-Aug);50(4):E218-e233.

BACKGROUND: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key factor in neurodevelopment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet the variability of peripheral BDNF levels in ASD remains debated. We sought to investigate the relationship between circulating oxidative stress and peripheral BDNF in children with ASD. METHODS: We analyzed plasma BDNF levels and redox status in both plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) among children with ASD and typically developing (TD) children aged 2-5 years. We generated an autism-like mouse model via prenatal exposure to medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). To modulate circulating redox balance, we employed tyrosine kinase-driven lentiviral expression of superoxide dismutase 2 (Sod2) and hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation with Sod2 overexpression. We then assessed circulating redox balance, gene expression, epigenetic changes, peripheral BDNF levels, and autism-like behaviours in offspring. RESULTS: We included 78 children in the ASD group and 63 children in the TD group. Children with ASD exhibited elevated plasma BDNF levels and an altered redox balance compared with TD controls. In the mouse model, MPA-exposed autism-like offspring demonstrated increased peripheral BDNF levels and heightened oxidative stress in hematopoietic stem cells, endothelial cells, and PBMCs. Tyrosine kinase-Sod2 lentiviral expression in the endothelium fully normalized peripheral BDNF levels, while HSC transplantation with Sod2 overexpression not only reduced plasma BDNF levels, but also alleviated autism-like behaviours. LIMITATIONS: This study’s cross-sectional data limit causal inference between oxidative stress and BDNF levels among children with ASD. The mouse model, while informative, may not fully recapitulate human ASD heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: In ASD, elevated peripheral BDNF levels are associated with circulating oxidative stress. Prenatal progestin exposure induces both increased peripheral BDNF and oxidative stress, effects that can be completely reversed through SOD2 modulation in circulation among mouse offspring.

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24. Zheng YM, Ye MM, Zhang HY, Luo DP, Liu T, He XX, Chen XY, Wu LH. Retrospective review: single- and multidonor washed microbiota transplantation have equivalent efficacy in the treatment of autism. Front Cell Infect Microbiol;2025;15:1606417.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder with no effective treatment. This study explored the short-term clinical effects of washed microbiota transplantation (WMT) with different numbers of donors on autism. METHODS: Consecutive ASD patients treated with two continuous WMT courses from March 2020 to March 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University were retrospectively assessed. Basic information, aberrant behavior checklist (ABC) scores, childhood autism rating scale (CARS) scores, sleep disturbance scale for children (SDSC) scores, adverse reactions, and feces were collected. RESULTS: Forty-four patients were included (single-donor group: 17 patients; multidonor group: 27 patients). The CARS, ABC and SDSC scores didn’t differ between the two groups before treatment. After two courses, the scores for the 44 patients were lower than those at baseline (P<0.05), with no severe adverse reactions observed. After the first course, the mean ABC (P=0.049) and SDSC (P=0.019) scores were significantly different between the single-donor and multidonor groups, but the difference disappeared after two courses. The alpha-diversity of the faecal flora in the effective-group was greater than that in the ineffective-group (Shannon index P=0.0018). Lactobacillus was the predominant genus in the effective group, whereas Faecalibacterium, Campylobacter, and Sphingomonas were predominant genera in the ineffective group. CONCLUSION: After two WMT courses, the symptoms of ASD improved, with good short-term treatment efficacy. The ASD symptom improvement did not differ between the single-donor and multidonor groups. Changes in the alpha-diversity and abundance of the faecal microbiota after WMT may be related to treatment efficacy.

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