1. AlMarshedi AA, Behisi MA, Al-Taweel HM, Albasuony TM, Almuqrin SM, Alkhawashki SH, Alkhiri AT, Alsalehi SM, Alhaidar FA, Ad-Dab’bagh Y, Laugeson EA. Feasibility and Preliminary Effectiveness of the Arabic Version of the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (Peers-AA) for Autistic Adolescents in Saudi Arabia. Autism Dev Lang Impair. 2025; 10: 23969415251371547.

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by significant deficits in social skills that impact youths’ academic, adaptive, and psychological functioning. Social skills deficits are imperative targets for interventions. This pilot study explored the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the translated and culturally adapted Arabic version of the UCLA PEERS(®) among autistic adolescents (ages 11-17) in Saudi Arabia. The study utilized a quasi-experimental design, collected pre-, post-, and three-month follow-up data, and used focus group discussion and a prospective cohort study with pre- and postintervention assessments. Feasibility was assessed based on subjective methods: recruitment, retention, attendance rate, comprehension of the translated material, and homework completion. Effectiveness was evaluated based on postintervention and three-month follow-up interval changes in scores on three outcome measures: the Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition, Child Behavior Checklist, QSQ, and Test of Adolescent Social Skills Knowledge. Written informed consent was obtained from caregivers, and oral assent was obtained from the study participants. These initial findings support the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the PEERS-AA. The outcomes suggested significant improvement in the subjects’ social skills and knowledge of social etiquette, as reported by the adolescents and their parents, with improvements retained at the three-month follow-up. However, there was no reported improvement in the number of get-togethers, which was likely explained by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and culture-related considerations. This study represents the first cross-cultural validation trial of an established evidence-based social skills intervention for autistic adolescents in an Arabic-speaking country. The PEERS-AA manual’s feasibility and preliminary effectiveness indicate its promising applicability for interventions and research. Further research to evaluate the generalizability and long-term effectiveness of the PEERS-AA program is needed.

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2. Aronson JK. When I use a word . . . Paracetamol/acetaminophen-autism and asthma. Bmj. 2025; 390: r2032.

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3. Bowie K. Autism and ADHD de-diagnosing services could be rolled out in Sweden-should the US and UK follow suit?. Bmj. 2025; 390: r2023.

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4. Brown CR, Foster JD. Modulation of Autism-Associated Serotonin Transporters by Palmitoylation: Insights into the Molecular Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorder. ACS Chem Neurosci. 2025.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder of the nervous system characterized by a deficiency in interpersonal communication skills, a pathologic tendency for repetitive behaviors, and highly restrictive interests. The spectrum is a gradient-based construct used to categorize the widely varying degrees of ASD phenotypes, and has been linked to a genetic etiology in 25% of cases. Prior studies have revealed that 30% of ASD patients exhibit hyperserotonemia, or severely elevated whole blood serotonin (5HT), implicating the serotonergic system in the pathogenesis of ASD. Likewise, escitalopram, a selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), has been demonstrated to effectively improve core ASD symptoms potentially by modulating abnormal brain activation in ASD patients. Molecular studies have uncovered proband patients with rare mutations in the serotonin transporter (SERT) that manifest enhanced surface expression and 5HT transport capacity, suggesting that abnormal enhancement of SERT function may be involved in the pathogenesis of ASD. Here, we reveal that palmitoylation is enhanced in the ASD SERT F465L and L550V coding variants, and confirm prior reports of enhanced kinetic activity and surface expression of F465L. Furthermore, treatment of F465L with the irreversible palmitoyl acyl-transferase inhibitor, 2-bromopalmitate (2BP), or escitalopram, rectified enhanced F465L palmitoylation, surface expression, and transport capacity to basal WT levels. Overall, our results implicate disordered SERT palmitoylation in the pathogenic mechanism of ASD, with basal recovery of these processes following escitalopram treatment providing insight into its molecular utility as an ASD therapeutic.

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5. Bruno JL, Plank JR, Leder S, Lake EM, Finn ES, Green T. Transdiagnostic similarities and distinctions in brain networks associated with ASD symptoms: A prospective cohort study. medRxiv. 2025.

BACKGROUND: Despite high rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), understanding of pathophysiology is limited. The RAS-mitogen-activated protein kinase (RAS-MAPK) pathway plays a crucial role in ASD and is altered in children with Noonan syndrome (NS). Children with NS offer a unique model to disentangle genetic and neurological underpinnings of ASD. METHODS: This study aimed to examine functional brain network anatomy underlying ASD symptoms in children with NS (n=28, mean age=8.24), and tested generalizability of models developed in a non-syndromic cohort enriched for ASD (Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE), n=352, mean age=11.0). Connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM) was applied to fMRI data to predict the severity of autism symptoms, indexed by the Social Responsive Scale (SRS), in children with NS. Next, we tested if a model developed to predict autism symptoms in an autism-enriched sample of children without genetic diagnosis (ABIDE) could predict autism symptoms in children with NS. RESULTS: Predicted SRS scores were significantly associated with observed SRS scores in NS ( r (s) =0.43, p =.011). Application of the predictive model generated in the autism-enriched cohort (ABIDE) significantly predicted observed SRS scores in NS ( r (s) =0.460, p =.018). Predictive brain networks in both NS and the non-syndromic cohorts included subcortical-cerebellar networks and visual processing networks. LIMITATIONS: The size of our NS cohort is small, given the rarity of NS. However, the significant cross-dataset comparison yielded in this study suggests that use of large publicly available datasets can be useful in contextualizing smaller and harder to collect datasets in rare genetic syndromes. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of shared brain networks suggests a converging pattern of functional connectivity underlying autism symptoms, irrespective of genetic diagnosis. Evidence of shared brain networks in children with idiopathic autism and NS highlights the role of RAS-MAPK in autism symptoms and points to the value of leveraging human genetic models to enhance our understanding of idiopathic ASD.

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6. Cajachagua-Torres KN, Boer OD, Louwerse A, Ghassabian A, Reiss IKM, Jaddoe VWV, El Marroun H. The association of preconception and prenatal cannabis and tobacco exposure with autism symptoms in offspring: A population-based longitudinal study. Neurotoxicol Teratol. 2025; 112: 107561.

Prenatal cannabis and tobacco exposure is associated with attention and behavior problems in children, while associations with autism symptoms remain unclear. We prospectively examined whether parental cannabis and tobacco use during pregnancy were associated with childhood autism symptoms. Information on parental cannabis and tobacco use was assessed using questionnaires, and maternal cannabis metabolites were detected via urinalysis. We measured autistic symptoms using two mother-reported instruments: Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) at ages 1.5, 3, and 6; and Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) at 6 years (n = 4380). Linear mixed models were used to examine the association between parental cannabis and tobacco use and CBCL autism symptoms across childhood. Linear regression was used for SRS autism symptoms. Maternal cannabis use before, but not during, pregnancy was associated with higher CBCL autism symptoms across childhood (β: 0.33, 95 % CI: 0.02, 0.63). Paternal cannabis use was linked to higher CBCL autism symptoms across childhood (β: 0.27, 95 % CI: 0.05, 0.50), explained by maternal psychopathology; no association was found with SRS autism symptoms. Excluding cannabis users, children whose mothers used tobacco throughout pregnancy had more SRS autism symptoms (β: 0.03, 95 % CI: 0.003, 0.05), not CBCL; no association was found with paternal tobacco use. Our results suggest that maternal and paternal cannabis use is not associated with offspring autism symptoms, although preconception use is associated with autism symptoms across childhood. In contrast, maternal continued tobacco use during pregnancy was associated with autism symptoms, but not paternal use, suggesting possible intrauterine programming rather than family-based factors.

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7. El-Setouhy M, Alqassim AY, Zaino M, AlAmeer EA, Makeen A, Muaddi MA, Alharbi AA, Hamzi RH, Hamdi AA, Abu Summah HN, Najmi NK, Sharahily RM, Zuqayli MA, Khubrani FA, Wasli K. Teacher preparedness regarding autism spectrum disorder in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study. PeerJ. 2025; 13: e20044.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted neurodevelopmental condition marked by distinct behavioral patterns, impaired social interaction, and communication challenges. Early recognition and appropriate intervention are pivotal for improving outcomes. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the understanding, attitudes, and teaching methodologies of kindergarten and primary school teachers in the Jazan region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, regarding children with ASD. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a multistage cluster random sampling technique. An interview-based questionnaire was administered to kindergarten and primary school teachers in the Jazan region. The target sample size was 800 teachers. RESULTS: Among the 870 participating teachers, 87.8% reported lacking prior training on effectively addressing the needs of children with ASD. However, 74.8% demonstrated substantial understanding of the social communication difficulties faced by autistic children, and 76.2% were aware of the attention-related challenges these children encounter. Additionally, 77.7% of participants recognized the pivotal role of open communication between teachers and families in facilitating quality educational experiences and enhancing academic outcomes for students with ASD. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the critical need for targeted training programs to equip teachers with essential skills for supporting students with ASD. These findings underscore the importance of policy interventions to ensure adequate resources and expertise for effectively accommodating the unique needs of students with ASD in mainstream schools.

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8. Erarkadaş M, Özmeral Erarkadaş K, Şişmanlar Ş G. Psychiatric symptoms and their predictors in aging parents of adults with autism spectrum disorder. Sci Rep. 2025; 15(1): 33036.

Parenting an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects the mental health of both mothers and fathers. A chronic disorder, ASD, has devastating effects on parental mental health as the affected individual moves from childhood to adulthood. While the effects of ASD on parental mental health during childhood have been studied extensively, there is limited information regarding the mental health of aging parents of the expanding adult ASD population. In this context, we aimed to determine the psychiatric symptoms (PS) levels of parents of adult with ASD, to compare the PS level between mothers and fathers, to investigate the relationship between parental PS and variables related to the individuals with ASD and their parents. To assess the parents’ PS, the Brief Symptom Inventory was administered to 77 parents of adults with ASD. ASD severity was evaluated with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, behavioral problems were assessed with the Aberrant Behavior Checklist, independence level (IL) of the cases was measured with the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, and social functioning level (SFL) of the cases was evaluated using the Social Functioning Scale. At all ages from childhood to adulthood, the most common primary caregiver was mother. Mothers’ labor force participation rate was significantly lower than fathers’ (p < 0.05). Mothers' somatization (p = 0.028) and depression (p = 0.002) levels were significantly higher than fathers'. The somatization score of the mothers of cases with comorbid medical diagnosis and intellectual disability (ID) was significantly higher than those without. The depression score of fathers of cases with ID and illiteracy was significantly higher (p < 0.05). The negative self-concept score of fathers of cases with ID, illiteracy, and dependent self-care and toileting was significantly higher (p < 0.05). As IL increased, paternal depression and negative self-concept levels decreased significantly (p < 0.05). When SFL increased, maternal anxiety, depression, and somatization and paternal negative self-concept levels decreased significantly (p < 0.05). In regression analyses, maternal anxiety was significantly associated with irritability, depression with hyperactivity, negative self-concept with irritability; somatization with irritability and the presence of medical diease in mother and patient; hostility with hyperactivity. Paternal anxiety, depression, somatization, and hostility were associated with irritability; negative self-concept with irritability and social withdrawal. It is hoped these results contribute to a better understanding of the protective and risk factors of the psychopathology of parents of adults with ASD, a topic relatively poorly studied.

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9. Fuentes-Albero M, Mafla-España MA, Martínez-Raga J, Cauli O. Association Between Sleep Disturbance and Behavioral Feeding Problems in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Diseases. 2025; 13(9).

INTRODUCTION: Children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often present sleep and eating problems. However, the relationship between these two factors has seldom been studied. OBJECTIVE: This paper aimed to examine the association between sleep disturbances and feeding problems in children and adolescents with ASD. METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study assessed feeding behaviors using the Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) and assessed sleep problems with the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (Bruni scale). Bivariate analyses and multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Sleep disturbances were significantly associated with autism severity (p = 0.003), but not with BPFAS subscale scores. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that sleep disturbances were independently associated with autism severity (p = 0.01; OR = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.06-0.77) and the BPFAS frequency subscale score (p = 0.01; OR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.01-1.07). A secondary logistic regression identified five BPFAS items significantly associated with sleep disturbances: difficulty chewing (p = 0.02, OR = 0.12, 95% CI 0.02-0.74), voluntary attendance at meals (p = 0.01, OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.39-0.90), tantrums during meals (p < 0.001; OR = 2.08, 95% CI 1.21-3.56), poor appetite (p < 0.001; OR = 2.63, 95% CI 1.43-4.82), and the caregiver's perception that the child's eating habits negatively affected their health (p = 0.03; OR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.03-2.40). No significant associations were found with age, sex, medical comorbidities, behavioral disorders or genetic factors. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that greater autism severity and more pronounced feeding behaviors are independently associated with an increased risk of sleep disturbances in children and adolescents with ASD. Specific maladaptive mealtime behaviors, such as poor appetite, tantrums, and chewing difficulties, may serve as predictors of sleep problems, highlighting the need for integrated screening and early intervention strategies.

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10. Han X, Zhu J, Zhao W, Han Y. Serum Metabolic and Gut Microbiome Differences in Age-Associated Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) Pediatric Patients May Benefit Clinical Therapy Development. Int J Gen Med. 2025; 18: 5869-82.

BACKGROUND: Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a rare, genetically based neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability. While previous research has largely focused on its genetic mechanisms, the role of metabolism and the gut microbiome in FXS remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate age-related metabolic differences in the gut flora and serum metabolites of children with FXS and their associations with clinical behavioral outcomes. METHODS: A total of 32 children with FXS under 18 years were enrolled and divided into two age groups: younger (3-8 years) and older (8-18 years). Intestinal microbiota composition was analyzed using 16S rDNA gene sequencing, and serum metabolite profiles were assessed via ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Spearman correlation analysis was used to assess associations among gut flora, serum metabolites, and scores from the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). RESULTS: Significant differences in gut bacterial genera and 1,352 serum metabolites were observed between the age groups. The older group exhibited higher levels of phospholipids, steroids, and peptides, and enrichment in the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway. Several metabolites were significantly correlated with SRS and CBCL scores, indicating potential links between metabolic changes and behavioral symptoms. CONCLUSION: Age-associated metabolic and gut microbiota alterations in FXS may contribute to variations in clinical presentation. These findings suggest a metabolic basis for FXS and provide a foundation for future research into microbiome-targeted interventions in FXS management.

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11. Hsieh IH, Hsiao ZH. Assessing the relationship between absolute pitch and autistic traits using a novel continuous slider scale. BMC Psychol. 2025; 13(1): 1048.

BACKGROUND: Evidence regarding the link between absolute pitch (AP) and autistic traits is currently inconclusive. Previous subclinical measurements of autistic traits using discrete response options may mask subtle variations, contributing to discrepancies between studies. This study employs a novel slider for continuous measurements to reveal AP-related subtle variations along autistic traits that discrete scales might overlook. METHODS: We contrasted autistic traits measured using a novel continuous slider with those measured using a traditional discrete scale in a larger sample (N = 120) than previous similar studies, with musicians and non-musicians stratified into high, medium, and low-AP proficiency groups. Data were collected between July 2023 and April 2024. Participants indicated their agreement/disagreement on the Autism spectrum Quotient (AQ) either (i) discretely by selecting from four fixed choices or (ii) continuously by adjusting a visual slider along a 0 to 100% continuum. Additionally, cognitive tasks associated with AP ability, including pitch adjustment, musical proficiency, and relative pitch ability, were assessed. RESULTS: A significant correlation between conventionally measured autistic traits and slider adjustments validated the slider’s efficacy. A higher autistic score in AP musicians was revealed across social/communication domains using continuous relative to discrete scales. Notably, continuous measurement identified a heightened autistic trait in the AQ subscale imagination in AP musicians that was not found in discrete measures. Among all cognitive abilities assessed in AP musicians, only pitch-related skills predicted autistic traits, suggesting similarly enhanced pitch functions. CONCLUSION: These findings support the hypothesized link between AP and autistic traits, highlighting the need for further validation of continuous measurement scales to better understand the co-occurrence of specific human traits.

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12. Kaufmann WE. Study of trofinetide in Rett syndrome: Lessons from an approved drug for a severe neurodevelopmental disorder. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2025.

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13. Lahiri S, Baman M, Huibonhoa RM, Ferns S. High-Density Mapping for AVNRT Ablation with Distorted Conduction System Anatomy Post-ASD Device Closure-Case Report. Indian Pacing Electrophysiol J. 2025.

BACKGROUND: Atrial septal defects (ASDs) are among the most common congenital heart defects, comprising about 10% of cases in children. Transcatheter closure of ASDs has become a preferred treatment due to its minimally invasive nature, quicker recovery, and reduced risk compared to surgical closure. Despite its advantages, the procedure carries a risk of post-procedural arrhythmias, particularly bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias, occurring in approximately 7-10% of patients. The development of these arrhythmias can be attributed to mechanical interference with conduction tissue or the formation of reentrant circuits around the closure device. These complications can present a challenge for long-term management and require careful monitoring and treatment. CASE SUMMARY: We describe the case of an 8-year-old female who presented with recurrent palpitations after transcatheter closure of two ASDs using a 25 mm Gore Cardioform device. Her initial procedure was uneventful, with complete closure of both defects confirmed by echocardiography. However, one month after the procedure, the patient began experiencing episodes of palpitations and dizziness. Electrocardiographic monitoring revealed regular narrow complex tachycardia, and she was referred for further evaluation. An electrophysiology study confirmed the presence of AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). Detailed mapping revealed significant anatomical distortion of the slow pathway region of the AV node due to proximity to the implanted closure device. Using high-density electroanatomical mapping (HD mapping), we were able to precisely identify the critical pathways for reentry and perform successful slow pathway ablation, eliminating the tachycardia without damaging the closure device or surrounding conduction tissue. The fluoroscopy time was 0.126 mins. DISCUSSION: This case highlights the potential complications that can arise following transcatheter ASD closure, particularly the development of arrhythmias like AVNRT. While arrhythmias following device closure are relatively rare, the mechanical interference caused by the device can result in structural changes to the heart’s conduction system, predisposing patients to arrhythmias. In this case, the proximity of the Gore Cardioform device to the slow pathway in the AV node likely contributed to the development of AVNRT, as the device caused localized distortion of the anatomy, facilitating reentrant circuit formation. This case emphasizes the importance of long-term follow-up and the need for advanced mapping techniques in patients undergoing ASD closure who develop post-procedure arrhythmias. High-density electroanatomical mapping, in particular, was essential in this patient, allowing for the precise localization of the arrhythmogenic substrate while avoiding unnecessary damage to the closure device or surrounding healthy tissue. The use of this advanced technology not only improves spatial resolution but also enhances procedural safety by reducing radiation exposure and optimizing outcomes, particularly in pediatric patients with complex congenital heart conditions. Additionally in redo ablations performed after prior procedures at outside centers, high-density mapping has proved valuable in distinguishing patchy low-voltage scar from true slow pathway potentials. This approach enables us to target the functional slow pathway while avoiding ablation of scar tissue. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, high-density mapping played a crucial role in managing this patient’s AVNRT, demonstrating its importance in addressing complex arrhythmias in patients with prior transcatheter ASD closure. Continued advancements in mapping technology will likely further improve the management of arrhythmias associated with congenital heart disease interventions.

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14. Lang K. Trump’s claims on Tylenol (paracetamol), vaccines, and autism-what’s the truth?. Bmj. 2025; 390: r2025.

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15. Li L, Wang C, Wang Z, Wang Y, Xiao Q. A network meta-analysis of the effects of different rehabilitation intervention strategies on executive function in children and adolescents. Eur J Pediatr. 2025; 184(10): 637.

This network meta-analysis aimed to assess and compare the effectiveness of different non-pharmacological interventions for executive function in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This network meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines and searched multiple databases until 1 May 2025. Studies were selected based on PICOS criteria, including RCTs on ASD and executive function. The risk of bias was assessed via the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The certainty of the evidence was appraised via the confidence in the network meta-analysis framework. Network meta-analysis was statistically assessed via STATA 17.0. The surface under the cumulative ranking was used to estimate the rankings among different interventions. A total of 23 RCTs involving 1004 children and adolescents with ASD were included. This study showed that exercise intervention had relatively strong advantages in improving overall executive function and inhibitory control, and also had certain effects on cognitive flexibility and working memory in children and adolescents with ASD. Cognitive-behavioral intervention performs better in terms of working memory. Cognitive-behavioral intervention and executive function task training also demonstrated positive effects on executive function rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that different rehabilitation methods have a significant impact on overall executive function and its various dimensions. In clinical practice, exercise, cognitive-behavioral intervention, and executive function task training are actively recommended. However, the effectiveness of combining different intervention strategies or using novel AI rehabilitation tools for executive function rehabilitation remains to be explored in randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42025641698). WHAT IS KNOWN: • In intervention strategies for autism, improving executive function plays a crucial role in enhancing patients’ quality of life and social adaptability. Although various interventions have achieved some success, their effects on executive function differ. WHAT IS NEW: • There is still a lack of sufficient scientific evidence on the comparative advantages and complementary effects of different intervention strategies. Therefore, it is important to conduct a systematic review of the effects of different rehabilitation intervention strategies on the improvement of executive function in autism, especially using a network meta-analysis.

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16. Minami S, Iwasa M, Ohzono H, Sasayama D, Honda H. Comparison of Adulthood Outcomes in Autism Spectrum Disorder With and Without Regression: A Population-Based Birth Cohort Study. Autism Res. 2025.

The long-term outcomes of regression in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain unclear. Previous evidence suggests that autistic individuals with regression have poorer adulthood outcomes across various indices than those without regression. We compared two groups-those with and without regression in ASD-among 168 participants from a population-based birth cohort study. These individuals were born in northern Yokohama, Japan, between 1988 and 1996 and were diagnosed with ASD by age seven. Participants were classified into groups based on real-time records from a community-oriented mass screening system. This study focused on four outcomes: IQ at age five, IQ in adulthood, incidence of epilepsy, and composite social ability score. None of the outcomes showed significant differences between the two groups. The standardized effect size (where a positive value favors the non-regression group) was 0.06 (95% CI: -0.08 to 0.21) for the composite social ability score, -0.16 (95% CI: -0.55 to 0.22) for IQ at age five, and -0.15 (95% CI: -0.62 to 0.33) for IQ in adulthood. The risk ratio of epilepsy in the regression group compared to the non-regression group was 0.59 (95% CI: 0.22 to 1.5). No significant differences were observed in any of the four outcomes between autistic individuals with or without regression. The confidence intervals of the effect sizes indicate that the impact of regression on IQ and psychosocial adaptation in adulthood, if present, is likely to be small to intermediate.

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17. Munkhsaikhan Y, Tumurkhuu M, Zuunnast K, Boldbaatar D, Bold S, Kiriya J, Jimba M, Shibanuma A. Social capital and quality of life among caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Mongolia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health. 2025; 25(1): 3123.

BACKGROUND: Caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) tend to experience a low quality of life (QoL) due to caregiving burdens. Supporting these caregivers, social capital is expected to improve their overall well-being. However, there is limited research on the relationship between social capital and QoL among caregivers of children with ASD in low- and middle-income countries. This study explored this association in the context of caregivers of children with ASD in Mongolia. METHODS: This study conducted a cross-sectional online survey using a structured questionnaire. Caregivers with a child diagnosed with ASD were recruited through institutions related to ASD in Mongolia. Social capital was assessed by the Looman Social Capital Scale. QoL was assessed using the 26-item World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument. The association between social capital and QoL was identified by using multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Among 216 caregivers, the majority of them were mothers (87.1%), married (88.0%), and had higher education (84.3%). Over half of the children (59.7%) were between 0-4 years old, and 24.5% of the total children were girls. Having a better social capital score was positively associated with psychological well-being (B = 0.57, 95% CI [confidence interval] 0.29 to 0.85), social relationship (B = 0.58, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.99), and environmental support (B = 0.70, 95% CI 0.37 to 1.02) domains of QoL. No evidence was found on the association between social capital and the physical health domain of QoL. Among the four domains of QoL, environmental support had the lowest score (mean: 36.5, standard deviation: 13.9). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to explore the association between social capital and QoL among caregivers of children with ASD in low- and middle-income countries. Social capital was positively associated with three QoL domains, excluding the physical domain, with caregivers-mostly mothers-scoring the lowest in environmental support. Their social capital and QoL scores were lower than those in previous studies. To address these issues, resource-limited countries should implement community-level initiatives, such as peer support groups, alongside developing healthcare systems and social welfare programs tailored for caregivers and children with ASD.

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18. Panda PK, Sharawat IK, Gupta D, Palayullakandi A, Sopanam S, Saha S. Efficacy and safety of risperidone and aripiprazole in reducing severity of irritability in children with autism spectrum disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Brain Dev. 2025; 47(5): 104454.

BACKGROUND: Both risperidone and aripiprazole are effective in reducing irritability severity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, head-to-head comparison trials between these two drugs are scarce in the literature and have shown conflicting results. METHODS: This trial compared the efficacy and safety of risperidone and aripiprazole in children and adolescents with ASD, aged 6-18 years. After a two-week placebo trial, placebo responders were excluded. The remaining participants were randomized into two groups. The outcomes were the change in the irritability subscale of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC-I), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS2), Conners’ Parent Rating Scale-Revised (CPRS-R), Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), Sensory Profile-2 (SP-2), cognition and the nature and frequency of treatment-emergent adverse events. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients (36 in each group) were recruited. Changes in the ABC-I score (-13.6 ± 4.3 vs. -12.2 ± 3.9, p = 0.15), ABC total score (-27.5 ± 15.9 vs. -26.8 ± 15.7, p = 0.85), CARS score (-2.9 ± 0.7 vs. -2.7 ± 0.8, p = 0.26), CPRS-R Global Index T-score (-10.63 ± 8.54 vs. -9.61 ± 8.92, p = 0.62), number of patients with significant sensory processing abnormalities (18/36 vs. 18/36, p = 1.0), CSHQ score (-4.6 ± 3.8 vs. -3.9 ± 3.1, p = 0.39), and full-scale IQ (1.9 ± 1.6 vs. 1.8 ± 1.5, p = 0.75) were comparable between groups. In multivariate regression analysis, CPRS-R Global Index T-score (p = 0.02) and full-scale intelligence quotient (p = 0.03) were independent predictors of changes in the ABC-I score. The frequency of adverse events was similar in both groups. Serum prolactin levels decreased in the aripiprazole group at 12 weeks but increased in the risperidone group. CONCLUSIONS: Risperidone and aripiprazole demonstrate comparable efficacy and safety in managing irritability in children and adolescents with ASD. Trial Registry no: Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2021/12/038721).

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19. 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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20. Pearson H. US autism research gets $50-million funding boost – amid row over Tylenol. Nature. 2025.

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21. Pearson H, Fox D. Why is autism really on the rise? What the science says. Nature. 2025.

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22. Pearson H, Ledford H. Trump links autism and Tylenol: is there any truth to it?. Nature. 2025; 646(8083): 13-4.

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23. Pearson H, Thompson B. Audio long read: Autism is on the rise – what’s really behind the increase?. Nature. 2025.

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24. Reischl-Hajiabadi AT, Garbade SF, Gleich F, Schnabel-Besson E, Posset R, Zielonka M, Hoffmann GF, Kölker S, Mütze U. Impact of Newborn Screening on Survival and Developmental Outcome in Classic Isovaleric Aciduria: A Meta-Analysis. J Inherit Metab Dis. 2025; 48(6): e70090.

Classic isovaleric aciduria (cIVA) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder characterized by recurrent life-threatening metabolic decompensations and neurocognitive impairment in untreated patients. This meta-analysis aims to assess the impact of early diagnosis by newborn screening (NBS) on mortality and neurocognitive outcome. A systematic literature search for articles published until 2022 was conducted following PRISMA protocol guidelines. We investigated effects on clinical outcomes and survival, analyzing outcome parameters using meta-analytical measures and estimating effect sizes with a random-effects model. Overall, 20 studies were included, reporting on 240 individuals with cIVA. Individuals identified by NBS presented with a lower frequency of neurological symptoms (13.0% vs. 44.9%; p = 0.0040) and developmental delay (6.1% vs. 51.2%; p < 0.0001), and had a lower mortality rate (1.1% vs. 10.9%; p = 0.0320). The quality of healthcare systems did not have a measurable impact on neurocognitive outcome and mortality. Despite the beneficial effect of NBS on clinical outcome and mortality, it could not reliably prevent the manifestation of neonatal decompensation in all individuals with cIVA identified by NBS. Early diagnosis through NBS is essential for the timely initiation of therapy and for improving outcomes and survival rates in individuals with cIVA.

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25. Rothwell C, Westermann G, Hartley C. Investigating Visual Attention Differences and Relationships with Accuracy During Word Learning in Autistic and Neurotypical Children. J Autism Dev Disord. 2025.

Successful word learning requires children to pay attention to corresponding auditory and visual input during naming events. However, differences in autistic children’s visual attention that restrict their intake of information may impact encoding of novel word-referent associations in memory. This study investigated differences in autistic and neurotypical children’s visual attention to stimuli, and whether these differences predicted referent selection and retention accuracy. Fifteen autistic (M(age) = 91.87 months) and sixteen neurotypical (M(age) = 52.31 months) children matched on receptive vocabulary (M(age) autistic children = 53.27 months; M(age) neurotypical children = 60.31) used a touch-screen computer to fast map novel words associated with animals (high-interest stimuli) and objects (neutral-interest stimuli). Retention was assessed after 5 minutes and 24 hours. Children’s frequency and duration of looking towards targets was recorded directly via multiple cameras. Neurotypical children spent longer looking at targets during referent selection than autistic children. Autistic children looked at targets significantly more frequently than neurotypical children across word learning stages, and more frequently at targets in the animal condition at 5-minute retention. In-trial visual attention predicted response accuracy across word learning stages for both groups. Visual attention at referent selection also predicted 5-minute and 24-hour retention accuracy for both groups. Visual input during initial encoding influences children’s likelihood of successfully forming long-term word-referent representations, indicating strong relationships between attention and learning accuracy. Moreover, population differences in visual attention may not have a detrimental impact on autistic children’s word learning under experimental conditions when expectations are based on receptive vocabulary.

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26. Smythe L, Asan L, Nicholson TR, Happé F, Edwards MJ. Co-occurring functional neurological disorder and autism: an exploratory study of comorbidities in a retrospective cohort study using TriNetX. J Neurol. 2025; 272(10): 653.

BACKGROUND: Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) encompasses motor, cognitive, and sensory symptoms resulting from disruptions in brain-body communication. Emerging research suggests a higher-than-expected occurrence of autism in FND, potentially due to shared cognitive mechanisms and overlapping comorbidities. However, large-scale characterisation of this dual-diagnosis is lacking. METHODS: Using de-identified health records from the TriNetX research network, we identified children and adults with both FND and autism (‘FND + Autism’), comparing them to individuals with FND only (‘FND-only’) and autism only (‘Autism-only’). We examined psychiatric comorbidities (e.g. mood, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, personality disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder), intellectual disability and ADHD. RESULTS: Of 220,312 individuals with an FND diagnosis, and 674,971 individuals with an autism diagnosis, 5,152 (2.3% of FND, 0.76% of autism) had both FND and autism. The rates of autism were therefore 6 times higher in FND compared to the base rates of the TriNetX population. Most were diagnosed with autism before FND, with over one-third diagnosed in childhood. Functional seizures were the most common FND subtype, and were more frequent in FND + Autism than FND-only (adults: 52% vs. 44%; children: 47% vs. 42%). Comorbidity across all psychiatric conditions was significantly higher in FND + Autism compared to both comparison groups. ADHD was particularly elevated in FND + Autism (adults: 50% vs. 13% FND-only, 36% Autism-only; children: 64% vs. 21% FND-only, 41% Autism-only). CONCLUSIONS: This study presents the largest dataset to date characterising individuals with co-occurring FND and autism. Findings are consistent with previous findings of higher rates of autism in people with FND and reveal a potentially distinct clinical profile, marked by elevated rates of ADHD and psychiatric comorbidities, and increased occurrence of functional seizures compared to FND- or Autism-only groups. Recognising this overlap may improve diagnosis, clinical care, and understanding of mechanisms underlying the co-occurrence of FND and autism.

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27. Su C, Hu Y, Liu Y, Zhang N, Tan L, Zhang S, Yi A, Xiao Y. Linking connectivity dynamics to symptom severity and cognitive abilities in children with autism spectrum disorder: An fNIRS study. J Neurosci. 2025.

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has emerged as a valuable tool for investigating neurobiological markers in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While previous studies have identified abnormal functional connectivity in ASD children compared to typically developing (TD) peers, brain connectivity dynamics and their associations with autism symptoms and cognitive abilities remain underexplored. We analyzed fNIRS data from 44 children (30 boys, 21 ASD/23 TD) aged 2.08-6.67 years while they viewed a silent cartoon. Using sliding window correlation and k-means clustering, we assessed group differences in dynamic connectivity and the correlations with symptom severity and cognitive performance. Our results revealed that children with ASD showed reduced dwell time in a specific brain state and fewer state transitions compared to TD children. These atypical brain state patterns were negatively correlated with autism symptom severity and positively correlated with adaptive behavior and cognitive performance across participants. Mediation analysis revealed that adaptive behavior fully mediated the relationship between brain dynamics and cognitive performance. Furthermore, dynamic connectivity features achieved 74.4% accuracy in distinguishing ASD from TD children. Importantly, the link between brain dynamics and cognitive performance was replicated in an independent TD sample, underscoring the robustness of this finding. Together, these findings highlight altered brain dynamics in young children with ASD and underscore the critical role of adaptive behavior in bridging neural activity and cognitive performance. These insights advance our understanding of neural mechanisms underlying ASD and point to potential pathways for early interventions and clinical applications.Significant statement The brain dynamics and their relationships with symptom severity and cognitive abilities in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain poorly understood. Using dynamic functional connectivity analysis, our study identified distinct brain state patterns in children with ASD. These patterns were associated with both autism symptom severity and cognitive performance. Importantly, adaptive behavior emerged as a crucial mediator between brain dynamics and cognitive function. Our findings provide novel insights into the neural mechanisms of ASD and highlight the critical role of adaptive behavior in formulating future intervention strategies. By linking specific neural dynamics to adaptive behaviors and cognitive abilities, our study enhances our understanding of ASD neurobiology and has the potential to improve outcomes for affected children.

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28. Sun C, McEwan A, Boulton KA, Demetriou EA, Sadozai AK, Lampit A, Guastella AJ. Artificial intelligence for tracking social behaviours and supporting an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis: systematic review and meta-analysis. EBioMedicine. 2025; 120: 105931.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) holds promise for developing tools that can track social behaviours and support clinical assessments and outcomes in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This review evaluated existing AI algorithms for extracting facial information during social interaction assessments and contributing to diagnostic accuracy for ASD assessment and response to therapy. METHODS: Systematic review of studies on human participants with an ASD diagnosis, sourced from Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and ACM Digital Library, evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of AI algorithms in ASD classification and their use in tracking social development through facial information for clinical application in social interactions. Bivariate and multi-level models addressed dependencies, heterogeneity, moderators (modalities, algorithms, tasks), and applied robust variance estimation. Publication bias was evaluated with funnel plots. The QUADAS-2 tool assessed the risk of bias and applicability. This study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021249905). FINDINGS: Of 40,570 studies identified, 38 met the review criteria, and seven provided sufficient data for meta-analysis. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio of 15.917 (95% CI [4.775-53.059]), and bivariate analysis estimated an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.862. Accuracy improved with facial features, unstructured play, support vector machines, and decision tree-based algorithms. AI methods can analyse social behaviours, including eye gaze on social stimuli, emotional expression, and joint attention in ASD assessments. AI-enabled robots have also been used to guide therapy. INTERPRETATION: This study shows that AI can accurately and objectively augment ASD assessments, track social behaviours, and enhance therapy outcomes. Further validation in diverse populations is needed to ensure clinical applicability and ethical use. FUNDING: None.

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29. Sun Q, Huang X, Long H, Guo J, Zhang R, Lu D, Yao H, Jiang K, Pi Y. Dysregulation of Glu/GABA and reduction of triglycerides contribute to valproic acid-induced autism model in zebrafish. J Lipid Res. 2025: 100911.

Autism spectrum disorders are neurodevelopmental conditions that pose substantial diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Maternal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) during pregnancy is a well-established risk factor associated with autism-like behaviors in offspring. This study characterized the metabolic phenotypes in the brain tissue of larval zebrafish following VPA exposure. Zebrafish were exposed to 4 μM VPA from 2 hours post-fertilization (hpf) until 4.5 days post-fertilization (dpf), and locomotor activity was assessed at 14 dpf. Comprehensive metabolomic profiling via ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) identified 2,613 metabolites in brain tissue, of which 50 showed potential links to autism (CTRL_CV < 15%, VPA_CV < 20%). Significant reductions were observed in the levels of glutamine, glutamate, and triacylglycerol (TG). Nile red staining confirmed profoundly decreased TG deposition in the dorsal telencephalon (pallium), habenula, and cerebellum of VPA-exposed zebrafish. Furthermore, in vivo imaging revealed attenuated fluorescence intensity in excitatory glutamatergic and inhibitory GABAergic neurons within the habenular nucleus and optic tectum, corresponding to reduced TG levels. Conversely, the cerebellar corpus (central cerebellar body) and inferior olive nucleus exhibited an increase in excitatory glutamatergic neurons and a reduction in inhibitory GABAergic neurons, indicating an excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) imbalance. Collectively, these findings suggest that VPA may promote autism pathogenesis by disrupting the glutamine-glutamate cycle and impairing triacylglycerol metabolism in the zebrafish brain. These findings offer novel insights into metabolic dysfunction in ASD and may facilitate the identification of potential diagnostic biomarkers.

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30. Syriopoulou-Delli CK, Chaudhuri D. Gut and Metabolic Biomarkers in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review of Body Fluid Signatures for Early Detection. J Autism Dev Disord. 2025.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify objective, biological markers -biomarkers- that can signal ASD risk earlier and more reliably. METHODS: A structured literature search was carried out between 2010 and 2025 in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. RESULTS: Twenty (20) empirical studies were identified, meeting inclusion criteria, encompassing microbial taxa, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), fungal species, urinary metabolites, amino acids, and oxidative stress markers. CONCLUSIONS: This review underscores the promise of non-genetic biomarkers in advancing early, objective, and biologically grounded ASD diagnosis, while emphasizing the need for large-scale, longitudinal studies to validate findings and translate them into clinical practice.

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31. Wang Y, Hu H, Huang Y. Advances in the application of bone turnover markers for pediatric growth and developmental disorders: a review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2025; 16: 1615712.

Bone turnover markers (BTMs) are biomedical indicators used to assess the bone metabolism processes reflecting the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. During childhood and adolescence, bone metabolism is highly active, leading to distinct levels and trends of BTMs compared with those of adults. BTMs correlate significantly with age, gender and environmental factors, making them valuable for evaluating bone health and developmental trajectories in pediatric populations. Due to the non-invasive characters and dynamic monitoring capabilities, BTMs are increasingly employed in research and clinical practice. Preliminary observations propose that BTMs demonstrate clinical utility in predicting fracture risk, enabling early diagnosis of osteoporosis and rickets, and monitoring therapeutic efficacy. However, Tracability of BTM measurement results and limited pediatric reference intervals remain critical challenges. Further research is needed to expand our understanding of the their mechanisms and optimize clinical applications. This article reviews the physiological and pathological states in children, discusses the current dilemmas of clinical application, and highlights the future research prospects.

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32. Zhang Y, Hong Y, Zhao Z, Hou F, Hong F, Li F. Localization of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Knowledge Scale Professional Version (ASKSP-R) in western cities of China. Front Psychiatry. 2025; 16: 1550823.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to translate, revise, and validate the Autism Spectrum Knowledge Scale for Professional Version-Revised (ASKSP-R), used to assess the knowledge of professionals involved in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) care and services, such as such as clinicians, educators, and therapist, in the Chinese context. METHODS: The Chinese version of ASKSP-R demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.885) and strong structural validity (KMO = 0.888, RMSEA = 0.059). CFA supported a multidimensional structure, with acceptable fit indices (e.g., IFI = 0.88). IRT analysis showed suitable difficulty (-3 to +3) and discrimination (>0.5) parameters for all items. CONCLUSION: The revised ASKSP-R scale exhibited robust psychometric properties, and it can help assess the relevant knowledge of clinicians, educators, therapists, and other ASD-related professionals, enabling appropriate interventions based on assessment results, promoting targeted training and education, and increasing the rate of early diagnosis and intervention for ASD.

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33. Zheng P, Zhao H, Zhang X, Wu Q, Zheng Z, Liu S. Oolong tea attenuates neuroinflammation by modulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis in a rat model of autism. Front Nutr. 2025; 12: 1643147.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder with limited effective treatments. Emerging evidence implicates dysregulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in ASD pathogenesis. Oolong tea (OT), a traditional Chinese tea with neuroprotective properties, may modulate this axis, but its effects and mechanisms in ASD remain unclear. We investigated whether OT attenuates neuroinflammation in a valproic acid (VPA)-induced rat model of autism through the microbiota-gut-brain axis and the TLR-4/IκB-α/NF-κB signaling pathway. METHODS: An ASD model was established by prenatal VPA exposure (500 mg/kg, i.p., E12.5). Postnatal VPA-treated rats received OT (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. Behavioral assessments included self-grooming, marble burying, and three-chamber social interaction tests. Nissl staining evaluated neuropathology. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing of fecal samples. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were measured in the plasma, intestine, and brain using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Intestinal and blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity (claudin-1/5, occludin, ZO-1) and TLR-4/IκB-α/NF-κB pathway activation were assessed by Western blot/immunofluorescence. Microglial (Iba-1) and astrocytic (GFAP) activation and neuronal TLR-4 localization (co-staining with Neun) were examined. Antibiotic cocktail (ABX)-induced microbiota depletion validated gut microbiota dependency. RESULTS: OT (400 mg/kg/day) significantly ameliorated repetitive behaviors (reduced self-grooming duration and marble burying), sociability deficits (improved sociability/social preference index), and attenuated cortical neuronal loss in VPA-treated rats. OT restored gut microbiota dysbiosis, specifically reducing pathogenic Ruminococcaceae and Bacteroides abundances. It decreased LPS, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in the plasma, intestine, and cortex, while enhancing intestinal and BBB tight junction protein expression. OT suppressed TLR-4/IκB-α/NF-κB activation in both intestine and cortex, with TLR-4 predominantly localized to neurons, and reduced microglial/astrocytic activation. Critically, ABX treatment abolished OT’s neuroprotective effects and restored neuroinflammation. CONCLUSION: OT attenuates ASD-like phenotypes and neuroinflammation in VPA-treated rats by rebalancing gut microbiota, restoring intestinal/BBB barriers, and inhibiting neuronal TLR-4/IκB-α/NF-κB signaling. This study highlights OT’s potential as a microbiota-targeted therapeutic strategy for ASD.

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34. Zhou K, Richard C, Zhai Y, Li D, Fry H. Employment-Related Assistive Technology Needs in Autistic Adults: A Mixed-Methods Study. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ. 2025; 15(9).

Background: Assistive technology (AT) can support autistic adults in navigating employment-related challenges. However, limited research has explored autistic adults’ actual needs and experiences with AT in the workplace. Existing studies often overlook how well current AT solutions align with the real-world demands autistic adults face across the employment process. To address this gap, this study conducted a needs assessment to explore autistic adults’ perceived AT and AT service needs across employment stages, identify satisfaction and discontinuation patterns, and examine barriers and facilitators to effective use. Methods: A total of 501 autistic adults were recruited through an online crowdsourcing platform, Prolific. Participants completed a needs assessment that included Likert-scale items and open-ended questions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and weighted needs scoring procedures. Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative responses regarding satisfaction, discontinuation, and general reflections on AT use. Results: Job retention received the highest total weighted needs score, followed closely by skill development and job performance. Participants reported lower perceived needs for AT in the job development and placement domain. Qualitative findings revealed that AT was described as essential for daily functioning and independence, but barriers such as limited access, inadequate training, and social stigma affected use. Participants also emphasized the need for more person-centered and context-specific AT services. Conclusions: AT has the potential to significantly enhance employment outcomes for autistic adults. However, current services often lack personalization and alignment with real-world needs. Findings support the development of more inclusive, tailored, and accessible AT solutions across all employment stages.

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