Autistic Disorder Research Articles

Novel Azaindazole Derivatives as HCN2 Modulators for Treating Central Nervous System and Psychiatric Disorders, Namely, Schizophrenia, Autism, and Mood Disorders

Novel Azaindazole Derivatives as HCN2 Modulators for Treating Central Nervous System and Psychiatric Disorders, Namely, Schizophrenia, Autism, and Mood Disorders

ABORDAGENS DO ENFERMEIRO NA PROMOÇÃO DA SAÚDE E BEM- ESTAR DE PESSOAS COM TRANSTORNO DO ESPECTRO DO AUTISMO: REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA.

This study aimed to investigate the role of nurses in promoting the health and well-being of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), through an integrative literature review. The methodology included analyzing studies published between 2015 and 2024, selected from the SciELO, LILACS and BVS databases, based on the descriptors “Autistic Disorder”, “Nursing” and “Child”. Eight articles were included and systematized using the PRISMA 2020 model. The results revealed that, although there have been occasional advances in the care of people with ASD, there are still gaps in academic training and in the continuous training of nurses, reflecting insecurity and weaknesses in care. The evidence points to the importance of early diagnosis, the use of adapted communication strategies and interdisciplinary action integrated with the family. It also identified the need for specific protocols, greater coordination with the educational system and valuing the self-care and autonomy of children with ASD. The conclusion is that nurses’ work with this population must go beyond the technical dimension, requiring sensitivity, empathy and preparation to attend to the singularities of each individual. Continuous training, the strengthening of public policies and multi-professional integration are fundamental to improving care and promoting inclusive, humanized and effective care.

Psycholinguistic Studies on Autism Language Disorder

This study investigates language disorders in individuals with autism from a psycholinguistic perspective, focusing on the cognitive and social factors that affect language development. Language disorders are a defining feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), hindering effective communication and social interaction. The research examines pragmatic difficulties, semantic challenges, and the cognitive processing issues that individuals with autism experience, particularly in understanding and producing language. Through a qualitative approach, this study explores the relationship between these language disorders and psycholinguistic interventions that aim to improve communication skills. The results highlight the significance of targeted interventions, such as speech therapy and social communication training, in enhancing the ability of individuals with autism to engage in social interactions. The study concludes that while language disorders in autism cannot be completely cured, appropriate therapeutic methods can significantly improve language skills and social interactions. The implications of this research suggest that a psycholinguistic approach to autism language disorders can provide deeper insights into effective intervention strategies and improve communication abilities for individuals with ASD.

Camouflaging in autism and borderline personality disorder: Same or different?

In this paper, we tackle the issue of overlapping clinical presentation of autism and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Recently, the phenomenon of camouflaging has been extensively discussed in the context of autism research, whereas it has not been similarly explored in the context of BPD. We aim to show that camouflaging strategies are relevant to the experience of both autistic and BPD individuals, thereby further corroborating the view that the conditions are similar in relevant ways. However, shedding light on distinct forms of camouflaging also reveals important differences between the two conditions, which can be overlooked by focusing on surface similarities. We first propose a broader notion of camouflaging in terms of making unseen , a process through which camouflagers manage to make some aspects of themselves less visible to others. We then interpret different patterns of behavior observed in autism and BPD as different forms of making unseen. Although these forms share the common objectives of fostering a felt connection with others and minimizing experienced divergences, they achieve these objectives in different ways. While individuals with BPD resort to practices such as façading and what we call subversive camouflaging, autistic individuals experience camouflaging as a blend between hiding and imitating. Delving deeper into these forms of making unseen reveals subtle but significant differences between autism and BPD, which can be helpful in clinical settings. We offer an exploratory account of such differences by analyzing three key aspects: sense of self, attitude towards others, and seeking connection.

Evidence Showing Childhood Vaccinations Are Causing Autism and Other Intellectual Disabilities

The association between vaccines and neurodevelopmental disorders has been referred to by the recently re-elected US President Donald Trump and his new Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F Kennedy Jr. The question is re-opened in this issue of the IJVTPR challenging the claim by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that “vaccines do not cause autism”. This paper reviews preclinical and clinical data, and outlines genetic susceptibilities to toxicants known to be causally associated with intellectual disabilities. Based on the pertinent scientific literature, and my own clinical experience as an MD, the positive association of autism with vaccines is getting more and more difficult to deny. The Bradford Hill criteria, which require temporal connection, significant magnitude of injury, consistency of similar cases across groups, systematic elimination of other possible causes, evidence of dose dependence, and the existence of a plausible theoretical explanation to demonstrate a true causal relationship, are all met. According to the CDC the prevalence of autism was about 1 in 150 children in 2000 and by 2020 it had risen to 1 in 36. Given the alarmingly rapid increase in autism and neurodevelopmental disorders, policymakers, health authorities, and parents should take seriously the message from the independent scientific community about the dangers of vaccines.

Assistive and Emerging Technologies to Detect and Reduce Neurophysiological Stress and Anxiety in Children and Adolescents with Autism and Sensory Processing Disorders: A Systematic Review

This systematic review aims to investigate the ways in which assistive and developing technologies can help children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience less stress and neurophysiological distress. According to recent CDC data, the prevalence of ASD in the United States has climbed to 1 in 36 children. The symptoms of ASD can manifest in a wide range of ways, and the illness itself exhibits significant variations. Furthermore, it has been closely linked to experiencing stress and worry in one’s life, which many people refer to as sensory processing disorder (SPD). SPD is a disorder that describes how people behave when they are exposed to environmental stimuli that they may not normally process by feeling more intense than what is causing them to worry and distress. One of the most significant limiting factors that can prevent someone from engaging in what they need to do in their everyday lives is stress. Individuals with ASD deal with stress on a regular basis, which has a big impact on how they function. In order to address a significant research vacuum concerning the use of assistive and emerging technologies to reduce stress in individuals with ASD, this systematic review aims to investigate performance, measuring techniques, and interventions by gathering data from the past 10 years. In order to determine the research hypothesis, particular research questions, and the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the studies, the research process entails gathering studies through systematic review analysis in accordance with the PRISMA principles. Experimental and observational studies on the use of assistive and emerging technologies for stress and anxiety management in children and adolescents with ASD that were published only in English met the inclusion criteria. Research not directly related to stress and anxiety outcomes, articles published in languages other than English, and research conducted outside of the designated time frame were also excluded. The study’s findings demonstrated that the technologies under examination had beneficial impacts on reducing stress; nonetheless, notable limitations were found that could compromise the replication and generalizability of legitimate and dependable applications in their utilization.

Not Only Anxiety, Preliminary Data on New Clinical Applications of Anxiety Wrap

Abstract In humans, pressure vests have been shown to reduce sympathetic arousal and increase parasympathetic activity, leading to potential improvements. This suggests that pressure stimulation may induce calming states through limbic and hippocampal modulation. While pressure vests have been anecdotally used as supportive therapy for children with autistic disorders and dogs with anxiety, rigorous scientific evidence is lacking to support their efficacy in clinical management. In a preliminary clinical trial, we applied a pressure vest to several dogs hospitalized in the intensive care unit to manage anxiety. Some cases are here reported. While these preliminary results are promising, controlled, randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of this therapy. Nevertheless, given the absence of established treatment protocols, exploring the potential benefits of pressure vests represents a promising avenue for future research in improving the experience of dogs with specific situational or generalized anxiety. Information © The Author 2025

Health Impacts of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs): A Comprehensive Review.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are among the persistent organic pollutants characterized by their persistence in the environment, high mobility, and adverse impact not only on the ecosystem but also on human health. The biggest challenges in human biomonitoring are the low concentrations of PFASs in biological matrices and the presence of matrix interferents in samples. The combination of liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) as a sample preparation technique appears to be the most suitable solution for achieving the desired selectivity and sensitivity in PFAS determination. The aim of this review is to describe possible sources of PFASs, their presence in various human matrices, analytical methods for determining PFASs in different biological matrices using various pretreatment techniques for complex samples, as well as adverse health risks associated with PFAS exposure. The most studied PFASs include PFOA and PFOS, which are most frequently detected in matrices such as plasma, serum, and breast milk. The average concentrations of PFOA range from 1.0 to 2.6 ng.mL-1 in plasma, 1.9 to 2.4 ng.mL-1 in serum, and 0.4 to 3.1 ng.mL-1 in breast milk. For PFOS, the average concentrations were 2.0-4.0 ng.mL-1, 3.7-4.6 ng.mL-1, and 3.6-4.8 ng.mL-1 for plasma, serum, and breast milk, respectively. The most significant health effects associated with exposure to long-chain PFASs (such as PFOA and PFOS) include lipid disorders, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, infertility, cancer, obesity, autism, neurodevelopmental issues, cardiovascular diseases, and kidney and liver disorders. It is of utmost importance to monitor PFAS exposure, predict their toxicity, and develop effective strategies to mitigate their potential effects on human health.

What Else Is Happening to the Mirror Neurons?-A Bibliometric Analysis of Mirror Neuron Research Trends and Future Directions (1996-2024).

Since its discovery in the late 20th century, research on mirror neurons has become a pivotal area in neuroscience, linked to various cognitive and social functions. This bibliometric analysis explores the research trajectory, key research topics, and future trends in the field of mirror neuron research. We searched the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database for publications from 1996 to 2024 on mirror neuron research. Statistical and visualization analyses were performed using CiteSpace and VOSviewer. Publication output on mirror neurons peaked in 2013 and remained active. High-impact journals such as Science, Brain, Neuron, PNAS, and NeuroImage frequently feature findings on the mirror neuron system, including its distribution, neural coding, and roles in intention understanding, affective empathy, motor learning, autism, and neurological disorders. Keyword clustering reveals major directions in cognitive neuroscience, motor neuroscience, and neurostimulation, whereas burst detection underscores the emerging significance of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Research methodologies have been evolving from traditional electrophysiological recordings to advanced techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and BCIs, highlighting a dynamic, multidisciplinary progression. This study identifies key areas associated with mirror neurons and anticipates that future work will integrate findings with artificial intelligence, clinical interventions, and novel neuroimaging techniques, providing new perspectives on complex socio-cognitive issues and their applications in both basic science and clinical practice.

Long-term risk of psychiatric disorders in childhood and adolescence following neonatal invasive group B Streptococcus disease-A Danish cohort study.

Long-term risk of psychiatric disorders in childhood and adolescence following neonatal invasive group B Streptococcus disease-A Danish cohort study.

THE USE OF QUANTITATIVE ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY (EYES CLOSED)TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NEUROFEEDBACK IN THERAPY IN CHILDREN WITH MILD AUTISM SPECTRUMDISORDERS THAT REVEAL ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDERS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Neurofeedback therapy in children who have mild symptoms of autism or attention deficit disorder. The method we used is widely regarded as safe, non-invasive, and can be used in conjunction with other therapies for people with autism spectrum disorders. The study we conducted is a pilot study, which will serve as a foundation for more comprehensive research.A study was conducted with six children aged 8-10 years with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Neurofeedback was administered to all patients. The subject of the analysis was to assess the change in brain wave range with eyes closed, before and after Neurofeedback therapy.Following Neurofeedback therapy, significant differences were observed in Delta, Beta1, Beta2 and SMR waves. It was found that the amplitude of the Delta wave and Beta1 wave at the Cz point was higher prior to NFT treatment, whereas the amplitude decreased significantly following this intervention. Furthermore, the amplitudes of Beta2 and SMR waves were observed to increase in the parietal area P4.Neurofeedback can be a valuable approach to augment other therapeutic methods used in children with autism, particularly in the context of improving executive functions. Our study demonstrated that Neurofeedback is beneficial for treating individuals with combined disorders: ASD and ADD, adapting therapy to each child's needs. Our research and analysis of the results obtained by other authors confirm that it is necessary to create individual profiles of children with ASD using EEG due to the different specificity and intensity of symptoms and the presence of various disorders accompanied by this dysfunction. It depends largely on differences in the neurophysiology of ASD patients and additional conditions, primarily the degree of brain damage. It is therefore necessary to conduct further research in this area.

Comparison of iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D levels in healthy children and children with speech and language disorders

Aims: This study investigated the relationship between speech and language disorders in children and their levels of vitamin D (25(OH)D3), vitamin B12, and iron. Methods: A total of 163 children participated in the study. Among 111 children diagnosed with speech and language disorders, the distribution included stuttering (n=12), articulation disorder (n=55), developmental language disorder (n=36), fluency disorder (n=4), atypical autism (n=3), and rapid speech disorder (n=1). Additionally, 52 healthy children were included as a control group. The levels of iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D were recorded for both groups. Results: Average levels in the study group were as follows: vitamin D at 24.88±14.788 ng/ml, vitamin B12 at 267.43±174.523 pg/ ml, and iron at 74.19±34.479 µg/dl. Iron levels were significantly lower in children with speech disorders compared to those in the control group (z=1.986, p=0.049). However, no significant differences were found among the various subgroups of speech disorders in terms of iron, vitamin B12, or vitamin D levels. A positive correlation was observed between vitamin D and vitamin B12 levels within the speech disorder group (p

Vaccine Induced Autoimmunity May Cause Autism and Neurological Disorders

Vaccine Induced Autoimmunity May Cause Autism and Neurological Disorders

Vaccine Induced Autoimmunity May Cause Autism and Neurological Disorders

Vaccine Induced Autoimmunity May Cause Autism and Neurological Disorders

Evaluating the CELF-5 Screening Test and Vineland-3 for Identifying Language Difficulties in Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Language screening tools are frequently used to identify children with potential undiagnosed language difficulties. These difficulties are more prevalent in autistic children and those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to neurotypical peers. Despite the widespread use of tools like the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals, Fifth Edition Screening Test (CELF-5 Screener) and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition (Vineland-3), their sensitivity and specificity for this population have not been empirically validated. This study aimed to evaluate the screening accuracy of the CELF-5 Screener and Vineland-3 in children diagnosed with autism and/or ADHD and compare their performance to the gold standard measure. The sample consisted of 132 participants (nautism = 25; nADHD = 29, and nautism+ADHD = 78; Mage in years = 9.6; % male = 59) from the Monash Autism-ADHD Genetics and Neurodevelopment Project. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the CELF-5 Screener and Vineland-3 receptive and expressive language subdomain scores were compared against those of the clinician-administered CELF-5 receptive and expressive language composite scores. The screening accuracy of each tool was further evaluated through Receiver Operating Characteristic analyses and calculations of Youden's J statistic. The CELF-5 Screener demonstrated poor sensitivity for receptive language difficulties (35.6%) while demonstrating high specificity (95.3%). Similarly, for expressive language difficulties, the sensitivity was low (37.9%), and the specificity was high (91.1%). The Vineland-3 showed high sensitivity (93.3%) but low specificity (48%) for expressive language difficulties and inadequate sensitivity (80.9%) and specificity (22.4%) for receptive language difficulties. Both the CELF-5 Screener and Vineland-3 may miss a significant number of children with co-occurring language difficulties related to autism and/or ADHD. Examiners must understand these tools' strengths and limitations, especially when assessing neurodivergent children whose language development might not follow a normative trajectory.

DSM-5 based algorithms for the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised for children ages 4-17 years.

The Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R) is a caregiver interview that is widely used as part of the diagnostic assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Few large-scale studies have reported the sensitivity and specificity of the ADI-R algorithms, which are based on DSM-IV Autistic Disorder criteria. Kim and Lord (Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2012, 42, 82) developed revised DSM-5-based toddler algorithms, which are only applicable to children under 4 years. The current study developed DSM-5-based algorithms for children ages 4-17 years and examined their performance compared to clinical diagnosis and to the original DSM-IV-based algorithms. Participants included 2,905 cases (2,144 ASD, 761 non-ASD) from clinical-research databanks. Children were clinically referred for ASD-related concerns or recruited for ASD-focused research projects, and their caregivers completed the ADI-R as part of a comprehensive diagnostic assessment. Items relevant to DSM-5 ASD criteria were selected for the new algorithms primarily based on their ability to discriminate ASD from non-ASD cases. Algorithms were created for individuals with and without reported use of phrase speech. Confirmatory factor analysis tested the fit of a DSM-5-based two-factor structure. ROC curve analyses examined the diagnostic accuracy of the revised algorithms compared to clinical diagnosis. The two-factor structure of the revised ADI-R algorithms showed adequate fit. Sensitivity of the original ADI-R algorithm ranged from 74% to 96%, and specificity ranged from 38% to 83%. The revised DSM-5-based algorithms performed similarly or better, with sensitivity ranging from 77% to 99% and specificity ranging from 71% to 92%. In this large sample aggregated from US clinical-research sites, the original ADI-R algorithm showed adequate diagnostic validity, with poorer specificity among individuals without phrase speech. The revised DSM-5-based algorithms introduced here performed comparably to the original algorithms, with improved specificity in individuals without phrase speech. These revised algorithms offer an alternative method for summarizing ASD symptoms in a DSM-5-compatible manner.

Peer Acceptance of Autistic College Students.

As autistic young adults increasingly enter into higher education, many are faced with difficult social adjustment (e.g., making friends, acquiring social support) in college (McLeod et al. McLeod et al., Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 49:2320-2336, 2019). Understanding peer acceptance of autistic college students is critical for community growth toward an equitable education experience. Predictors of autism acceptance, such as knowledge of autism, quantity and quality of experience with autism, and family relationships were explored. Acceptance of autism was assessed with a standardized vignette describing behavior of a hypothetical peer on campus, with no disclosure of a diagnosis (Nevill & White (Nevill and White, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 41:1619-1628, 2011). Following the reading, participants made ratings on statements regarding willingness to engage and interact with the hypothetical case. Results revealed a positive correlation between raters' quality of past experience with autism and their acceptance of a hypothetical autistic peer. Knowledge and quantity of experience did not predict acceptance. Having an autistic family member was also not associated with higher acceptance, however, the closeness of relationships with diagnosed family members was positively correlated with acceptance. These findings promote the idea that increasing acceptance of autistic college students could be facilitated through high quality social experiences with autistic individuals.

Applications of Motor Learning Strategies in Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Scoping Review

Abstract Synthesized knowledge of motor learning strategies could be used to facilitate the motor development of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). To map the current research, we followed the established framework and protocol for scoping reviews. Among the 25 papers, the most studied strategies include dual-task and observational learning. The studies predominantly involved children with cerebral palsy, but research is growing among children with intellectual disability, autism and developmental coordination disorder. Most of the studies integrated motor learning strategies in researcher-led interventions that are delivered over several weeks in school, home, or clinic settings. Further research using robust study designs and those that facilitate the use of motor learning strategies by practitioners who provide support for children with NDDs are needed.

Usefulness in rehabilitation of the paper Multiple Errands Test to assess executive functions in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar or autism disorders. Results from the REHABase cohort study.

Usefulness in rehabilitation of the paper Multiple Errands Test to assess executive functions in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar or autism disorders. Results from the REHABase cohort study.

Analysis of neurexin-neuroligin complexes supports an isoform-specific role for beta-neurexin-1 dysfunction in a mouse model of autism

Neurexins are presynaptic plasma membrane proteins that regulate key aspects of synapse physiology through the formation of transcellular complexes with postsynaptic ligands, including neuroligins (Nlgns). Each neurexin gene (NRXN1-3) generates two main alternative-spliced transcripts that generate alpha and beta-Nrxn isoforms differing in their extracellular domains. Mutations in NRXN1 are associated with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. However, whether dysfunction of NRXN1 occurs through common or isoform-specific postsynaptic partners for alpha- and beta-Nrxn1 is not completely known. The association of Nrxn1 proteins with postsynaptic partners has been mostly analysed in experiments that test binding, but Nrxn proteins must interact with Nlgns in opposing cells, which requires transcellular oligomerization. Here, we studied the interactions of Nrxn1/Nlgn pairs across the synapse and identified the type of association affected in a mouse model of autism. We found that beta-Nrxn1 can be recruited at synaptic contacts by glutamatergic Nlgn1 and GABAergic Nlgn2, whereas alpha-Nrxn1 is a presynaptic partner of Nlgn2. Insertion of alternative spliced segment 4 (AS4) negatively modulates the presynaptic recruitment of Nrxn1 by Nlgns. These data obtained in transcellular assays help clarify previous knowledge based on the ability of Nrxn1 to bind to Nlgns. Interestingly, we found that a mutant beta-Nrxn1 shows ligand restriction for glutamatergic Nlgn1 in the brain of a mouse model of autism. These findings suggest that autism-associated mutations affecting beta-Nrxn1 can act through specific synaptic partners that may be different from those of its alpha-Nrxn1 counterparts.