1. Bagnall R, Russell A, Brosnan M, Maras K. Deceptive behaviour in autism: A scoping review. Autism : the international journal of research and practice. 2022; 26(2): 293-307.

The ability to deceive others is an important skill that usually develops in early childhood. In this review, we give an overview of studies that have examined deceptive behaviour in autistic children, adolescents and adults. We separated the study findings into three main categories and seven sub-categories: (1) Deception ability and prevalence (1a) gameplay deception; (1b) naturalistic deception; (2) Psychological processes in deception (2a) verbal, intellectual and social ability; (2b) ability to understand others’ thoughts and beliefs; (2c) cognitive ability; and (3) Social learning (3a) training; (3b) social contexts. Contrary to some stereotypes, we found that autistic people can and do deceive but often find this more difficult than non-autistic people. We also found that autistic people may use different psychological processes than non-autistic people when deceiving and may get better at deception in adulthood.

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2. Bonney E, Abbo C, Ogara C, Villalobos ME, Elison JT. Sex differences in age of diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder: Preliminary evidence from Uganda. Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism Research. 2022; 15(1): 183-91.

This study was performed to determine (a) the age at which autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is first diagnosed in Ugandan children receiving mental health services, (b) whether age at diagnosis varies by sex and clinical presentation, and (c) the average age of ASD diagnosis in children manifesting comorbid conditions. A retrospective chart review was performed and demographic as well as clinical data were collected from children with ASD diagnoses who attended two mental health clinics in Uganda between 2014 and 2019. Descriptive statistics such as percentages, means, and standard deviations were used to summarize the data. Independent t-test was also performed to determine differences in the mean age of diagnosis between males and females. Two hundred and thirty-seven (156 males, 81 females) children with ASD were identified. The average age of ASD diagnosis was (6.9 ± 4.0) years. A statistically significant difference in age of ASD diagnosis was found between males and females (t = -2.106, p = 0.036), such that on average females received a diagnosis at least 1 year later than males. Of the 237 participants, 53.6% were identified with ASD only, 16.0% had ASD and ADHD, 10.5% were diagnosed with ASD and epilepsy, and 7.2% had a diagnosis of complex ASD. The results confirm delays in access to ASD diagnosis and suggest that females are more likely to receive a ASD diagnosis later than males within the Ugandan context. ASD awareness should be intensified to improve public or professional knowledge about ASD to enhance early identification in Uganda.

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3. Dhanjal DS, Bhardwaj S, Chopra C, Singh R, Patocka J, Plucar B, Nepovimova E, Valis M, Kuca K. Millennium Nutrient N,N-Dimethylglycine (DMG) and its Effectiveness in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Current medicinal chemistry. 2021.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder belonging to the autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In ASDs, the individuals show substantial impairments in social communication, repetitive behaviours, and sensory behaviours deficits in the early stages of their life. Globally, the prevalence of autism is estimated to be less than 1%, especially in high-income countries. In recent decades, there has been a drastic increase in the incidence of ASD, which has put ASD into the category of epidemics. Presently, two US Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs, aripiprazole and risperidone are used to treat symptoms of agitation and irritability in autistic children. However, to date, no medication has been found to treat the core symptoms of ASD. The adverse side effects of conventional medicine and limited treatment options have led families and parents of autistic children to turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments, which are perceived as relatively safe compared to conventional medicine. Recently, N,N-dimethylglycine (DMG), a dietary supplement, has emerged as a useful supplement to improve the mental and physical state of children with ASD. The current review discusses ASD, the prevalence of ASD, CAM approach and efficacy of CAM treatment in children with ASD. Moreover, it highlights the chemistry, pharmacological effect, and clinical studies of DMG, highlighting its potential for improving the lifestyle of children with ASD.

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4. Groenman AP, Torenvliet C, Radhoe TA, Agelink van Rentergem JA, Geurts HM. Menstruation and menopause in autistic adults: Periods of importance?. Autism : the international journal of research and practice. 2021: 13623613211059721.

Autism spectrum conditions were once seen as a predominantly male condition, but this has caused research to have little focus on women. Therefore, little is known about menstruation and menopause in autism spectrum conditions. Some smaller studies indicate that autistic individuals might suffer from increased difficulties surrounding these events. This study aimed to investigate whether autistic women experience more frequent premenstrual dysphoric disorder, causing extreme physical, emotional, and functional impairment. In a partly overlapping sample, we also examined whether women with autism spectrum condition experience increased complaints surrounding menopause. We did not find an increased prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder in autism spectrum conditions (14.3%) compared with non-autistic women (9.5%). Those with autism spectrum conditions did experience increased menopausal complaints. These menopausal complaints were associated with higher levels of depression and autistic traits. In non-autistic women, menopausal complaints were associated with increased inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity (i.e. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder traits), and depression. With this work, we show the important role that major reproductive milestones can have in an autistic woman’s life.

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5. Hofer U. Diet underlying autism-microbiome association. Nature reviews Microbiology. 2022; 20(2): 63.

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6. Lipinski S, Boegl K, Blanke ES, Suenkel U, Dziobek I. A blind spot in mental healthcare? Psychotherapists lack education and expertise for the support of adults on the autism spectrum. Autism : the international journal of research and practice. 2021: 13623613211057973.

Most autistic adults experience mental health problems. There is a great demand for psychotherapeutic support that addresses the specific needs of autistic individuals. However, people with autism encounter difficulties trying to access diagnostic and therapeutic services. This study was conducted by a participatory autism research group: a group in which autistic individuals and scientists collaborate. The group developed a questionnaire for psychotherapists in Germany to assess their knowledge about autism. Psychotherapists also rated their ability to diagnose and treat autistic patients without intellectual disability, and patients with other psychological diagnoses. Many of the 498 psychotherapists that responded reported little knowledge and outdated beliefs about autism, as well as little training on treating patients with autism. Their expertise about other psychological conditions was more comprehensive. However, many psychotherapists were interested in professional training on autism. Those with more knowledge were also more open to treating autistic patients. In conclusion, psychotherapists’ lack of knowledge and expertise seem to be a major barrier for adults with autism to receiving helpful psychotherapeutic support. The results demonstrate the need for an advancement in autism education during psychotherapists’ training and in continuous education.

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7. Logrieco MG, Casula L, Ciuffreda GN, Novello RL, Spinelli M, Lionetti F, Nicolì I, Fasolo M, Giovanni V, Stefano V. Risk and protective factors of quality of life for children with autism spectrum disorder and their families during the COVID-19 lockdown. An Italian study. Research in developmental disabilities. 2022; 120: 104130.

BACKGROUND: The lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult period for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and their families. AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the predictors of the quality of life (QoL) of children with ASD and their parents throughout the first lockdown, providing a snapshot of the impact of the pandemic on these families life. METHOD AND PROCEDURES: A cohort of 243 parents of children with ASD (2-15 years old) completed an original online survey regarding the modification of ASD cores symptoms during lockdown, the type of interventions they had done before and during lockdown and the activities performed by the child. Respondents filled the PedsQL for themselves and their children. OUTCOME AND RESULTS: The data obtained show a worsening of specific ASD core symptoms during lockdown and their role in predicting parents and children’s QoL. Furthermore, protective factors for a better children’s QoL as the Telehealth intervention, and some activities done at home during the lockdown as physical activity and play with parents are identified. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies the QoL’s risk and protective factors for children with ASD and their families. Furthermore, reveals the fundamental role of the parents as children’s QoL protective factor, suggesting a higher collaboration between families and health care providers, whilst potentially improving families and children’s QoL.

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8. Molloy CJ, Gallagher L. Can stratification biomarkers address the heterogeneity of autism spectrum disorder?. Irish journal of psychological medicine. 2021: 1-7.

The search for biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder (henceforth autism) has received a lot of attention due to their potential clinical relevance. The clinical and aetiological heterogeneity of autism suggests the presence of subgroups. The lack of identification of a valid diagnostic biomarker for autism, and the inconsistencies seen in studies assessing differences between autism and typically developing control groups, may be partially explained by the vast heterogeneity observed in autism. The focus now is to better understand the clinical and biological heterogeneity and identify stratification biomarkers, which are measures that describe subgroups of individuals with shared biology. Using stratification approaches to assess treatment within pre-defined subgroups could clarify who may benefit from different treatments and therapies, and ultimately lead to more effective individualised treatment plans.

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9. Patterson JW, Armstrong V, Duku E, Richard A, Franchini M, Brian J, Zwaigenbaum L, Bryson SE, Sacrey LR, Roncadin C, Smith IM. Early trajectories of motor skills in infant siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism Research. 2022; 15(3): 481-92.

Delays in motor development are not considered a core feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Yet, recent studies of infant siblings of children with ASD suggest that early delays in motor skills may be associated with later delays in developmental areas considered to be core features of an ASD diagnosis. While these studies demonstrate the longitudinal association between core features and motor delays observed at single time points, there is considerable interest in studying the trajectories of motor development over the first 3 years of life. To accomplish this, we investigated early trajectories of motor development in a cohort of 499 infant siblings of children with ASD and 176 children with no family history of ASD. Data for the current study were drawn from the prospective, multi-site, Canadian Infant Sibling Study. We evaluated trajectories of fine and gross motor development over the first 3 years using group-based trajectory modeling. Our results show that membership for both fine and gross motor trajectory groups was related to expressive language skills, receptive language skills, ASD symptom severity scores, and diagnostic classification at age 3. These results provide evidence that the trajectory of a child’s early motor development may have important prognostic implications in ASD.

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10. Santosh A, Kakade A, Mali S, Takate V, Deshmukh B, Juneja A. Oral Health Assessment of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Special Schools. International journal of clinical pediatric dentistry. 2021; 14(4): 548-53.

BACKGROUND: Sensory over-responsivity is an important factor influencing the ability of children with an autism spectrum disorder to receive proper oral care. Dental care remains the most prevalent, unmet health care need for children with special health care needs. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To assess the oral health of children with autism in special schools. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to record the oral health problems of 142 autistic children attending special schools across the suburbs of Mumbai city in India. Clinical examination was carried out for the presence of dental plaque, gingivitis, caries, restorations, traumatic injuries, and self-injurious habits. The participants were divided into three groups based on their age. RESULTS: Children with primary and mixed dentition had a higher incidence of dental caries when compared with the permanent dentition group. Good oral hygiene was observed in the study population with a mean OHI-S score of 0.88 ± 0.79. Traumatic dental injuries, bruxism, drooling of saliva from the corner of the mouth, and self-injurious habits were also recorded. CONCLUSION: Due to the nature of their neurological deficit and difficulty in providing dental treatment, it is recommended that preventive dental care be enforced on these children. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Santosh A, Kakade A, Mali S, et al. Oral Health Assessment of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Special Schools. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(4):548-553.

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11. Sasson NJ, Bottema-Beutel K. Studies of autistic traits in the general population are not studies of autism. Autism : the international journal of research and practice. 2022; 26(4): 1007-8.

Studies of autistic traits in the general population are becoming increasingly prevalent. In this letter to the editor, we caution researchers against framing and interpreting studies of autistic traits in the general population as extending to autism and implore them to be clear about when their study sample does and does not include autistic participants.

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12. Singh I, Gusti V, Vaghadia H. Role of computed tomography (CT) in identifying foreign body ingestion in an individual with autism – A case report. Radiology case reports. 2022; 17(1): 216-8.

Foreign body ingestions are quite common and most often will uneventfully pass in stool, however, some ingestions, can lead to complications such as obstruction. If left untreated, this can lead to perforation and fistula formation. Hence, threshold for intervention should be low and diagnostic imaging can assist with treatment decisions. We present to you a case of 17-year-old male with non-verbal autism with an unusual hollow foreign body ingestion leading to small bowel obstruction.

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13. Wang J, Zhang F, Jia X, Wang X, Zhang H, Ying S, Wang Q, Shi J, Shen D. Multi-Class ASD Classification via Label Distribution Learning with Class-Shared and Class-Specific Decomposition. Medical image analysis. 2022; 75: 102294.

The behavioral and cognitive deficits in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients are associated with abnormal brain function. The resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) is an effective non-invasive tool for revealing the brain dysfunction for ASD patients. However, most rs-fMRI based ASD diagnosis methods are developed for simple binary classification, instead of classification of multiple sub-types in ASD. Besides, they assume that the class boundary in ASD classification is crisp, whereas the symptoms of ASD sub-types are a continuum from mild to severe impairments in both social communication and restrictive repetitive behaviors/interests, and do not have crisp boundary between each other. To this end, we introduce label distribution learning (LDL) into multi-class ASD classification and propose LDL-CSCS under the LDL framework. Specifically, the label distribution is introduced to describe how individual disease labels correlate with the subject. In the learning crierion of LDL-CSCS, the label distribution is decomposed into the class-shared and class-specific components, in which the class-shared component records the common knowledge across all persons and the class-specific component records the specific information in each ASD sub-type. Low-rank constraint is imposed on the class-shared component whereas the group sparse constraint is imposed on the class-specific component, respectively. An Augmented Lagrange Method (ALM) is developed to find the optimal solution. The experimental results show that the proposed method for ASD diagnosis has superior classification performance, compared with some existing algorithms.

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14. Yang JH, Strodl E, Wu CA, Yin XN, Wen GM, Sun DL, Xian DX, Chen JY, Chen YJ, Chen J, Chen WQ. Association between environmental tobacco smoke exposure in early life and autistic-like behaviors in Chinese preschoolers. Journal of psychosomatic research. 2021; 152: 110680.

OBJECTIVE: Few studies have evaluated the association between children’s exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in early life (during pregnancy, from birth to one year and from one to three years) and autistic-like behaviors. This study aimed to explore this association. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed data collected in 2017 as part of the Longhua Child Cohort Study. Autistic-like behaviors were measured using the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC). Data on ETS exposure and autistic-like behaviors of children were collected via self-administered questionnaires completed by the mothers. Multivariate logistic regression models were undertaken to assess the associations. RESULTS: Of the 65,243 participants included in this study, 1958 children met criteria for having autistic-like behaviors. The results showed that children were more likely to exhibit autistic-like behaviors when they were exposed to ETS in early life (AOR = 1.38; 95% CI = 1.26-1.52), compared to preschoolers without ETS exposure at any period of their early life. Compared with their unexposed counterparts, children who were exposed to ETS during gestation (AOR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.29-1.57), or from birth to one year old (AOR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.19-1.69) had significantly increased risk of autistic-like behaviors. In addition, with the increase in duration of exposure and average number of cigarettes smoked in the child’s immediate environment, the risk of autistic-like behaviors increased. CONCLUSION: Our study indicated that children’s ETS exposure in early life was significantly associated with autistic-like behaviors. When children’s exposure to cigarettes in early life increased in duration and number, the likelihood of the presence of autistic-like behaviors was higher.

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15. Ye JY, Qin XJ, Cui JF, Ren Q, Jia LX, Wang Y, Pantelis C, Chan RCK. A Meta-analysis of Mental Time Travel in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Journal of autism and developmental disorders. 2021.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are associated with cognitive dysfunctions, including mental time travel (MTT). However, findings on diminished MTT ability may be confounded by a number of factors, including the individuals’ language ability, factors related to the MTT task and the demographic factors of participants. The present study provided a meta-analysis of MTT ability in people with ASD. The results showed significant overall reductions in MTT ability in people with ASD. Moderator analyses revealed that the variables examined did not explain the reduction in MTT ability. These findings suggest that MTT ability is diminished in people with ASD and that the degree of this diminishment may not depend on the characteristics of measures or demographic variables of people with ASD.

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