Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders – 12-4 – December 2025
1. Huerta Ojeda Á, Barahona-Fuentes G, Villagra Órdenes F, Mena Tapia M, Yeomans-Cabrera M-M, Martínez-Líbano J. Effects of Physical Education on Socializing and Communicating Among Children and Preadolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders;2025 (2025/12/01);12(4):583-598.
Physical education stimulates brain plasticity. However, the effect of physical education interventions on socialization and communication skills in children and preadolescents with autism spectrum disorder is unknown. To review and qualitatively describe studies published between 2012 and 2022 that intervened with physical education to generate changes in socialization and communication skills in children and preadolescents with autism spectrum disorder. The search was designed following the PRISMA® guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses and performed in Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed between 2012 and 2022. Fourteen studies were included in the systematic review and nine in the meta-analysis. Physical education was shown to be effective in increasing socialization and communication skills in children and preadolescents with autism spectrum disorder.
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2. Vieira M, Yeep BH, Carvalho IP. Treating Substance Abuse in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder—a Systematic Review. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders;2025 (2025/12/01);12(4):599-617.
Although the treatment of substance abuse in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) might require adaptations, there are no guidelines to follow. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize the existing research about the treatment of substance abuse in this population.
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3. Hao Y, Du Y, Zhang S, Sun L, Keene G, Ikuta T. Effectiveness of Telehealth Social Communication Intervention on Language Skills Among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders;2025 (2025/12/01);12(4):618-635.
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of telehealth social communication intervention on language skills of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Twenty-one studies were included, among which 17 were single subject experimental design (SSED). Language outcomes were categorized into five linguistic domains (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics), and meta-analysis was planned for each domain. Meta-analysis was only performed for pragmatic outcomes, due to the small number of studies that included outcomes in other domains. The results showed significant pre- to post-intervention improvement, thus supporting the use of telehealth social communication intervention to improve pragmatic skills among children with ASD. More diverse measures should be used to target linguistic domains beyond pragmatics. The predominant use of SSED warrants large-scale studies for robust evidence in the future.
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4. Huang J, Li X, Chen Z, Zou L, Healy S, Tse CYA, Li C. Effects of Mind-Body Exercises on Health-related Outcomes in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders;2025 (2025/12/01);12(4):636-650.
This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of major types of mind-body exercises (MBEs) on health-related outcomes in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Seven major electronic databases were systematically searched from inception to January 3, 2023. Fifteen studies consisting of ten randomized controlled trials and five controlled clinical trials with a total 651 participants aged 3–17 years were identified. While there was some evidence supporting the positive effects of MBE on behavioral problems in children and adolescents with ASD, there was limited evidence supporting their efficacy on other health-related outcomes such as social communication and cognitive functions. Larger and more robust trials with longer follow-up periods are needed to draw more definitive conclusions.
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5. Li Y, Feng Y, Zhong J, Zou Z, Lan W, Shen Y, Gong J, Zhao B, Tong C, Sit CH-P, Hou X. The Effects of Physical Activity Interventions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders;2025 (2025/12/01);12(4):651-665.
We conducted a network meta-analysis to assess and rank the efficacy of different physical activities on motor function, social function, communication, and stereotyped behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder. PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched through May 25, 2023. A total of 37 studies involving 1200 participants and 17 interventions were included in our study. Based on the ranking probabilities, Tai Chi Chuan and fundamental motor skill intervention were ranked as possibly the most effective intervention for motor function and communication, respectively. Kata techniques had the highest probability of being best for stereotyped behavior and social function. This review provides valuable information that physical activity can be a useful strategy in the management of autism spectrum disorder.
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6. Frickel E, Mahony C, Bam S, Buchanan E, van der Watt M, O’Ryan C. Molecular Autism Research in Africa: Emerging Themes and Prevailing Disparities. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders;2025 (2025/12/01);12(4):666-682.
African populations are consistently underrepresented in molecular research on autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Yet, Africa’s genetic diversity could reveal novel mechanisms associated with ASD etiology. We review the molecular ASD research from Africa between 2016–2022, highlighting region-specific limitations, opportunities, and areas of progress. We emphasize a need to advance null-hypothesis based molecular studies in Africa, particularly in critically understudied Sub-Saharan African (SSA) populations. Using South Africa as a case study, we show that this geographical disparity is not solely attributable to sociocultural barriers nor to an absence of molecular research infrastructure. We emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration within SSA and internationally to harness existing infrastructure for the expansion of molecular ASD research in Africa.
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7. Reid K, Sacrey L-AR, Zwaigenbaum L, Brian JA, Smith IM. Autism Observation Scale for Infants: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in Samples at Increased Likelihood of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders;2025 (2025/12/01);12(4):683-705.
The Autism Observation Scale for Infants (AOSI) is being applied to non infant sibling populations. Assessment of the tool’s utility across increased likelihood (IL) populations is therefore needed. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on 17 studies identified from six databases. The AOSI has been used in four IL contexts: infant siblings, infants with Fragile X Syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, and Down Syndrome. There were three main findings: (1) five studies report classification data though no consistent approach was used; (2) group differences between IL-ASD, IL non-ASD, and controls started at 12-months; and (3) large effect sizes between IL-ASD and control samples was identified. Utility of the AOSI to identify early signs of ASD in IL populations was demonstrated.
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8. Goldman SE, Preece KN. Listening to the Perspectives of Autistic Adolescents on Inclusive Education: a Systematic Literature Review. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders;2025 (2025/12/01);12(4):706-722.
Autistic adolescents are increasingly educated in inclusive settings. This likely affects their education and experiences in a variety of ways, yet their opinions on their inclusive educational experiences are rarely sought. Autistic adolescents should be given the opportunity to share their opinions on their inclusive experiences to help identify structural issues that limit their success, as well as the school supports they desire. This literature review synthesizes the opinions of autistic adolescents on their experiences in inclusive education. After identifying 23 eligible studies in a systematic search, five overarching themes were identified relating to (1) negotiating identity, (2) peer interactions, (3) teacher characteristics, (4) instructional practices, and (5) classroom and school environment. Limitations and implications for future research and practice are discussed, including the need to conduct studies on this topic in the USA and to solicit the perspectives of female autistic adolescents more actively.
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9. Dückert S, Gewohn P, König H, Schöttle D, Konnopka A, Rahlff P, Vogeley K, Schulz H, David N, Peth J. Multidimensional Burden on Family Caregivers of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Scoping Review. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders;2025 (2025/12/01);12(4):723-740.
Family caregivers often play a critical role in supporting their relative(s) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across the lifespan. This can lead to great burdens on family caregivers themselves. However, to date, the potential burden on family caregivers has not been in the focus of research, particularly, with respect to caregiver burden as relatives with ASD advance to adulthood. Thus, this scoping review aimed to (a) systematically map research regarding multiple dimensions of caregiver burden on family caregivers of adults with ASD (i.e., time dependence, developmental, physical, social, emotional, and financial burden) and (b) identify interventions designed to reduce such burden. A total of N = 33 eligible studies highlighted the impact of caregiving demands for adults with ASD, mainly focusing on emotional burden of caregiving (n = 27), reporting decreased mental quality of life and mental health. Findings gave indications on all other dimensions of caregiver burden, but evidence is lacking. No study was identified that provided evidence for specific interventions to reduce or to prevent caregiver burden. Findings highlighted the urgent need for more research on this topic and the development of strategies to support family caregivers of adults with ASD.
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10. Hopkins N, Iles J, Satherley R-M. The Experience of Raising Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Systematic Review of Qualitative Research Studies. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders;2025 (2025/12/01);12(4):741-756.
Autistic females often present differently to autistic males, which can lead to difficulties obtaining a diagnosis and subsequent support. Parenting an autistic daughter has been linked to additional parenting stress compared to parenting an autistic son. However, research in this area is limited. A systematic review was undertaken to synthesise qualitative studies on parental experiences of raising autistic females. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and thematic synthesis was completed. Six themes were created. The analysis found issues with diagnosis and differences in lived experience compared to autistic males can present significant challenges. Parents can struggle with a range of negative emotions or feel overwhelmed. However, studies also found benefits to parenting an autistic daughter, such as increased confidence in parenting.
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11. Lindly OJ, Abate DJ, Park HJ, Kuhn J, Fuchu P, Feinberg E, Broder-Fingert S. The Influence of Policy on Early Diagnosis and Other Autism Services: a Narrative Review. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders;2025 (2025/12/01);12(4):757-779.
Little is known about how policy—laws, regulations, procedures, administrative actions, incentives, or voluntary practices of governments or other institutions—shapes access to early autism services including diagnosis before age three. Early diagnosis and treatment are considered critical to improve outcomes. Understanding how policy influences such services could have substantial impact on outcomes for autistic children. We conducted a narrative literature review to determine what is known on how policy impacts early autism diagnosis and treatment. We found 17 articles that describe policy factors promoting early diagnosis and seven articles that identify policy factors affecting variability in autism services. We identified the following themes: (1) state policy factors influence access to diagnosis and other autism services, (2) innovative screening models affect early diagnosis, (3) provider training programs increase autism screening and diagnosis, (4) insurance policy influences autism services variability, and (5) resource availability affects geographic variability in autism services. Although common themes exist, more robust investigation is needed on policy impacting early autism services—beyond insurance and early intervention—and utilizing more rigorous designs.
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12. Babalola T, Sanguedolce G, Dipper L, Botting N. Barriers and Facilitators of Healthcare Access for Autistic Children in the UK: a Systematic Review. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders;2025 (2025/12/01);12(4):780-808.
Individuals with autism are more likely to suffer from various physical and mental health problems and experience disparities in effectively accessing healthcare services. This review aims to identify studies that report on the experiences of autistic children, their parents/carers, and the healthcare professionals treating them; to develop an understanding of the facilitators and barriers to healthcare access in order to inform policies and practice to improve access to healthcare for autistic children in the UK.
