Autistic Patients Research Articles

The utility of volumetric MRI in assessment of volume changes in ventral diencephalon in autistic children

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurobehavioural disorder, characterized by abnormal affiliative and socio-emotional responses which are generally regulated by certain neuropeptides in the hypothalamus (an anatomic component of the ventral diencephalon (VD)). The use of volumetric MRI for studying VD volume change could provide a novel approach for identification of structural brain changes in ASD; this could assist in understanding the pathophysiology of ASD and would reflect on treatment strategies. The aim of the current work was to investigate the role of MRI volumetric analysis of the ventral diencephalon in young children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.MethodsFifty children diagnosed with ASD underwent volumetric brain analysis, on a fully automated MRI brain volumetry system (volBrain), with voxel-based morphometry of various segmental structures of the brain including the VD, using vol2Brain 1.0 pipeline software analysis suite.ResultsThere were 48 out of 50 children who demonstrated abnormal VD volume which was found below the normal limits compared with reference standard normalized volume. All cases were normocephalic demonstrating normal intra-cranial cavity volumes. Forty out of fifty cases showed increased total volume of grey matter, and eighteen out of fifty cases showed increased total volume of white matter. Regarding the amygdala and hippocampus, there were only two cases (4.0%) which showed slightly increased relative volume of the total amygdala, and two other cases (4.0%) demonstrated increased relative volume of the total hippocampus. Comparison between the autistic patients and normal references revealed a significant difference regarding the VD volume and total volume of grey matter, whereas no significant differences were found regarding the white matter amygdala and hippocampus.ConclusionsBased on the consistent significant volume decrease in the ventral diencephalon in patients with childhood autism, this study concluded that volumetric MRI analysis could be useful for diagnosis of childhood spectrum disorder and could be utilized as a reliable screening method in the clinically vague cases. Further study with a larger sample size including more age groups is recommended for more validation of the results.

Current evidences of therapeutic effects of sulforaphane on oral and intestinal microbiota in Autism Spectrum Disorder – ASD

Growing evidence suggests that the Sulforaphane promising agent against oxidative stress related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), can reduce signs and symptoms like impaired communication and socialization, stereotyped behaviour and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. The oral and intestinal microbiota is extremely important, when out of balance, is one of the main causes of various desordens in the human organism. Broccoli is one of the functional foods most investigated by science. It contains Sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate with great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity; with studies focusing on neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. The bibliographic survey was carried out on the Pubmed platform, between 2013 and 2023, in informations provided for Ministério da Saúde – Brasil and in nutrition books. This is a systematic review on Sulforaphane supplementation for people with ASD and its implications for controlling the symptoms that most affect this population, opens a new avenue for managing autistic patients through non-pharmacological intervention.

Intervention of emotional interaction in college art and design courses for autism patients’ emotions

BackgroundPatients with autism experience severe social impairments and sluggish emotional expression. A novel form of autism treatment is now art therapy. There is, however, a dearth of research on the use of art therapy with patients who are students. This study intends to investigate the therapeutic impact of university-level art design classes on autistic patients when they are exposed to emotional interaction.Subjects and Methods100 patients with autism were selected from a certain university and randomly divided into a blank group and an experimental group. The blank group did not use art therapy, while the experimental group used art therapy with emotional interaction and design courses. The experimental period lasts for one month. Both before and after the experiment were evaluated using the Kirschner Autism Behavior Scale (CABS).ResultsAccording to the experimental findings, there were 25 patients had moderate understanding difficulties, 13 patients had mild understanding difficulties. 12 patients in the blank group who had severe emotional understanding difficulties before the experiment. In the experimental group, there were, respectively, 11, 27, and 12 patients with mild, moderate, and severe emotional comprehension difficulties. After the experiment, the number of patients with mild to moderate to severe emotional understanding difficulties increased in the blank group to 11, 27, and 12, while it grew to 19, 28, and 3 in the experimental group.ConclusionsThe therapy of art and design courses in universities with emotional interaction has alleviating effect on the emotional understanding disorders of patients with autism.

Enhancing the impact of children’s product design on autism patients: a design psychology perspective

BackgroundAutism patients often encounter challenges in social interaction and emotional expression. This research investigates the potential positive effects of utilizing a design psychology perspective in the creation of children’s products for individuals with autism.Subjects and MethodsA group of autistic patients were selected as the research subjects and divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group used children’s products guided by design psychology theory for daily games and learning activities, to improve the communication and emotional expression abilities of patients with autism. The control group used traditional children’s products. The study collected autism scale scores and communication observation data as the main research indicators and used Epidata2.0 for data processing.ResultsThe autism scale scores of the experimental group of patients with autism significantly decreased. The experimental results showed that the autism scale score of the experimental group patients decreased from the initial 28.6 to 15.2, while the autism scale score of the control group patients decreased from the initial 29.1 to 24.7. The Epidata2.0 method was used to verify the statistically significant differences between the experimental group and the control group.ConclusionsDesigning children’s products through the lens of research and design psychology can yield positive outcomes for patients with autism. This approach contributes to the enhancement of their social communication and emotional expression capabilities, thereby fostering their overall development.

Therapeutic impact of integrating ceramic art and color aesthetics on autism patients

BackgroundAutism is a behavioral and communication disorder caused by neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Art therapy can help patients improve social skills and emotional expression. This study aimed to explore the influence of ceramic art and color aesthetics on the treatment of autism.Subjects and MethodsThirty patients diagnosed with autism were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received fusion treatment of ceramic art and color beauty, and the control group received conventional treatment. The two groups were evaluated by the Stanford Acute Stress Response Questionnaire and the 3-minute Disorder Assessment Scale, and SPSS23.0 was used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe anxiety level of the experimental group decreased significantly after treatment, and the Stanford questionnaire score decreased from 65.3 ± 7.2 to 42.8 ± 5.9. The anxiety level of the control group did not change significantly, and the score decreased from 67.1 ± 6.8 to 65.9 ± 7.1. The cognitive ability of the experimental group was significantly improved, and the disorder assessment scale score decreased from 9.6 ± 1.2 to 4.3 ± 0.9. In the control group, there was no significant change in cognitive ability, and the score decreased from 9.8 ± 1.0 to 9.6 ± 1.2.ConclusionsCeramic art design and color aesthetic fusion therapy have significant effects on the anxiety level and cognitive ability of autistic patients. Compared with traditional treatment, this method can effectively improve patients’ emotional and cognitive functions. Art therapy has potential clinical applications in the treatment of autism.

The psychological impact of art mental health teaching on students suffering from traumatic stress disorder

BackgroundPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental illness that often causes long-term and persistent psychological distress to patients. Therefore, it is crucial to provide effective psychological support and help to these students. In this context, the art mental health teaching activity, as an innovative intervention method, is widely used in the intervention and treatment of students’ mental diseases.Subjects and MethodsArt mental health teaching activities integrate the principles of art and psychology to promote emotional release and psychological rehabilitation by allowing students with PTSD to express, create and share art works. And through the color, lines and shape elements to convey the inner feelings. Data on symptom improvement of PTSD patients were analyzed by 3D-CAM during the experiment.ResultsAfter a detailed analysis of the psychological and emotional effects of students with PTSD, it is found that art and mental health teaching activities play a positive role in helping this special group. The results showed that about 85.15% of students suffering from PTSD achieved significant emotion regulation effects by participating in art activities and 12.55% of autistic patients improved after participating in fine arts mental health teaching activities.ConclusionsFine arts mental health teaching activities have a positive psychological impact on students suffering from PTSD and autism. It can not only help students to regulate their emotions and reduce their anxiety but also provide them with a positive space for growth and development. In addition, art activities also provide an opportunity to relax and meditate to help students restore their inner peace and tranquility.AcknowledgementResearch Center for Aesthetics and Aesthetic Education (No. 22Y014).

The psychological and emotional relief effect of tourism on residents with autism

BackgroundIn the context of rural revitalization, the tourism industry, as an important economic growth point, has been widely concerned. At the same time, as a special group, autistic residents are facing the challenges of psychological and emotional distress and social integration. Therefore, it is of great theoretical and practical significance to explore the development path of the rural tourism industry to alleviate the psychological emotions of autistic residents.Subjects and MethodsThe rural tourism industry provides opportunities for autistic residents to work and social integration. In the tourism service industry, autistic residents can play the role of tour guide, receptionist or handicraft producer. Through the accumulation of work experience, they can improve their self-confidence and social skills, and increase their sense of identity in society, which can help to improve their emotional state and self-feeling.ResultsThrough the analysis of the psychological and emotional relief effect of autistic patients, it is found that the development path of the tourism industry under the background of rural revitalization has an emotional regulation effect on 80.65% of autistic patients. About 22.65% of people with autism showed significant improvement.ConclusionsThe rural tourism industry is characterized by diversity and interaction, which provides rich experience and participation opportunities. By participating in tourism activities, autistic residents can get the opportunity for physical and mental relaxation, emotional pleasure, and social interaction. Elements such as natural environment, cultural landscape and animal proximity in tourism activities provide autistic residents with sensory stimulation and emotional connection and help to improve their emotional state and self-feeling.AcknowledgementResearch on the Development Strategy of Tourism Advertising Media from the Perspective of Rural Revitalization, (No. GHKJ2021-02-103); Study on the reform strategies and path of supplying side of Guangxi tourism industry under the background of global tourism, (No. 2018KY0647).

A realist review of health passports for Autistic adults.

Autism is a normal part of cognitive diversity, resulting in communication and sensory processing differences, which can become disabling in a neurotypical world. Autistic people have an increased likelihood of physical and mental co-occurring conditions and die earlier than neurotypical peers. Inaccessible healthcare may contribute to this. Autism Health Passports (AHPs) are paper-based or digital tools which can be used to describe healthcare accessibility needs; they are recommended in UK clinical guidance. However, questions remained as to the theoretical underpinnings and effectiveness of AHPs. We undertook a systematic literature search identifying studies focused on AHPs for adults (aged over 16 years) from five databases. Included literature was subjected to realist evaluation. Data were extracted using a standardised form, developed by the research team, which considered research design, study quality for realist review and the Context, Mechanisms and Outcomes (CMOs) associated with each AHP tool. 162 unique records were identified, and 13 items were included in the review. Only one item was considered high quality. Contextual factors focused on the inaccessibility of healthcare to Autistic patients and staff lack of confidence and training in supporting Autistic needs. Interventions were heterogeneous, with most sources reporting few details as to how they had been developed. The most frequently included contents were communication preferences. Mechanisms were often not stated or were inferred by the reviewers and lacked specificity. Outcomes were included in four studies and were primarily focused on AHP uptake, rather than Outcomes which measured impact. There is insufficient evidence to conclude that AHPs reduce the health inequalities experienced by Autistic people. Using an AHP tool alone in a healthcare Context that does not meet Autistic needs, without the inclusion of the local Autistic community developing the tool, and a wider intervention to reduce known barriers to health inequality, may mean that AHPs do not trigger any Mechanisms, and thus cannot affect Outcomes.

Effect of dental hygienists' self-efficacy on intention to provide dental care to autistic individuals.

The study aimed to investigate the influence of dental hygiene providers' self-efficacy and the factors affecting self-efficacy on their intent to provide care for autistic individuals. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a nonprobability sample of dental hygienists (n=1075), yielding a completion rate of 70.6%. The survey included validated measures to assess participants' demographics, autism training and experience, autism knowledge, self-efficacy, environmental factors, and intention to treat the autistic population. Participants' self-efficacy scores (r=0.416; p<.001) and support from dental offices (r=[0.174; 0.465]; p<.001) had the greatest influence on intent. Clinicians who had more experience treating (r=0.280; p=.005) and received more hours of training/education on treating autistic patients (r=0.344; p<.001) showed a stronger inclination to provide care to this population. Notably, autism knowledge had a weaker impact on intent when compared to self-efficacy and training/education. Autism-focused education and training have a positive effect on provider self-efficacy when caring for autistic individuals. Increased emphasis on such interventions is necessary at all levels of dental hygiene education. The findings from this study can help overcome barriers to preventive dental care for the autistic community.

The Shank/ProSAP N-Terminal (SPN) Domain of Shank3 Regulates Targeting to Postsynaptic Sites and Postsynaptic Signaling

Members of the Shank family of postsynaptic scaffold proteins (Shank1–3) link neurotransmitter receptors to the actin cytoskeleton in dendritic spines through establishing numerous interactions within the postsynaptic density (PSD) of excitatory synapses. Large Shank isoforms carry at their N-termini a highly conserved domain termed the Shank/ProSAP N-terminal (SPN) domain, followed by a set of Ankyrin repeats. Both domains are involved in an intramolecular interaction which is believed to regulate accessibility for additional interaction partners, such as Ras family G-proteins, αCaMKII, and cytoskeletal proteins. Here, we analyze the functional relevance of the SPN-Ank module; we show that binding of active Ras or Rap1a to the SPN domain can differentially regulate the localization of Shank3 in dendrites. In Shank1 and Shank3, the linker between the SPN and Ank domains binds to inactive αCaMKII. Due to this interaction, both Shank1 and Shank3 exert a negative effect on αCaMKII activity at postsynaptic sites in mice in vivo. The relevance of the SPN-Ank intramolecular interaction was further analyzed in primary cultured neurons; here, we observed that in the context of full-length Shank3, a closed conformation of the SPN-Ank tandem is necessary for proper clustering of Shank3 on the head of dendritic spines. Shank3 variants carrying Ank repeats which are not associated with the SPN domain lead to the atypical formation of postsynaptic clusters on dendritic shafts, at the expense of clusters in spine-like protrusions. Our data show that the SPN-Ank tandem motif contributes to the regulation of postsynaptic signaling and is also necessary for proper targeting of Shank3 to postsynaptic sites. Our data also suggest how missense variants found in autistic patients which alter SPN and Ank domains affect the synaptic function of Shank3.

A Spectrum of Solutions: Unveiling Non-Pharmacological Approaches to Manage Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that causes difficulty while socializing and communicating and the performance of stereotyped behavior. ASD is thought to have a variety of causes when accompanied by genetic disorders and environmental variables together, resulting in abnormalities in the brain. A steep rise in ASD has been seen regardless of the numerous behavioral and pharmaceutical therapeutic techniques. Therefore, using complementary and alternative therapies to treat autism could be very significant. Thus, this review is completely focused on non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions which include different diets, supplements, antioxidants, hormones, vitamins and minerals to manage ASD. Additionally, we also focus on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, herbal remedies, camel milk and cannabiodiol. Additionally, we concentrate on how palatable phytonutrients provide a fresh glimmer of hope in this situation. Moreover, in addition to phytochemicals/nutraceuticals, it also focuses on various microbiomes, i.e., gut, oral, and vaginal. Therefore, the current comprehensive review opens a new avenue for managing autistic patients through non-pharmacological intervention.

Conceptualizing Epigenetics and the Environmental Landscape of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Complex interactions between gene variants and environmental risk factors underlie the pathophysiological pathways in major psychiatric disorders. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neuropsychiatric condition in which susceptible alleles along with epigenetic states contribute to the mutational landscape of the ailing brain. The present work reviews recent evolutionary, molecular, and epigenetic mechanisms potentially linked to the etiology of autism. First, we present a clinical vignette to describe clusters of maladaptive behaviors frequently diagnosed in autistic patients. Next, we microdissect brain regions pertinent to the nosology of autism, as well as cell networks from the bilateral body plan. Lastly, we catalog a number of pathogenic environments associated with disease risk factors. This set of perspectives provides emerging insights into the dynamic interplay between epigenetic and environmental variation in the development of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder among a Sample of Egyptian Children

Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a biologically based neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in two major domains; deficits in social communication and social interaction and restricted repetitive patterns of behavior, interests and activities. Aim of the Work Understanding and correlating the socioeconomic status (SES), clinical characteristics and the severity of ASD. Patients and Methods 100 autistic patients were assessed using DSM-V criteria, intelligence quotient (IQ) assessment using Stanford Binnet intelligence scale, assessment of severity of autistic symptoms using childhood autism rating scale (CARS), and psychometric evaluation for comorbid psychiatric conditions by using Pediatric Symptoms Checklist (PSCL), Full clinical examination, neurological examination, Electroencephalography (EEG) for some patient &amp; socioeconomic status (SES) assessment were also done. Results Severity of ASD was correlated with each of motor &amp; social delay (p = 0.007) (p = 0.000) respectively, impairment in Sphincter control (p = 0.012), imitation impairment (p = 0.010) and stereotypic behavior (p = 0.015. Our patients had comorbidities in the form of; gastrointestinal tract (GIT) symptoms, eating disorders and EEG findings (p = 0.004) (p = 0.005) (p = 0.038) respectively. Our patients mainly belonged to middle SES (57%) and severity of ASD was correlated with family possessions domain of SES (p = 0.001). Children who belonged to high SES were more likely to be diagnosed earlier (p = 0.016) with better IQ (p = 0.003) than those from lower SES. Conclusion It is important for developing countries to have their own research and to increase public awareness in all socioeconomic strata and establish integrated services for autism.

Exploring the causes and countermeasures of employment difficulties of autistic patients from multiple perspectives

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) cannot be completely cured by acquired causes. According to surveys, 30% to 80% of individuals with ASD suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and the co-morbidity rate for all types of anxiety disorders in adults with ASD is 17.8% higher. As a result, many individuals with ASD in their job search period face employment difficulties after completing their education. The team identified the research question in this regard: What are the social and self-factors that contribute to the low employment rate of individuals with ASD? The team makes the following hypothesis. The low employment rate of people with autism involves a combination of internal and external factors. Weaknesses such as psychological deficits and poor communication skills put people with autism at a disadvantage when seeking employment. At the same time, companies are not willing to hire the relevant group. The team reviewed information to obtain the current situation of the employment difficulties of patients, and used online questionnaires, online interviews and offline research and visits from the patients' perspective. Based on the results of this survey, we further explored the attitudes of companies towards employing people with autism and proposed a feasible solution to this problem. Ultimately the team's findings are consistent with the hypothesis and provide support for subsequent research to provide more employment opportunities for patients who are experiencing employment problems.

Sex-related beneficial effects of exercise on cardiac function and rhythm in autistic rats.

Cardiovascular diseases are prevalent in autistic patients. As exercise is useful in the treatment of medical conditions, this study aimed to identify the effect of low-intensity endurance exercise (LIEE) and moderate-intensity endurance exercise (MIEE) on cardiovascular events in autistic rats. Valproic acid (VPA) was administrated once on gestational day 12.5 to pregnant rats to produce autism-like symptoms in offspring. Thirty-day-old offspring were divided into 12 groups: Male-CTL, Male-VPA, Male-CTL + LIEE, Male-CTL + MIEE, Male-VPA + LIEE, Male-VPA + MIEE, Female-CTL, Female-VPA, Female-CTL + LIEE, Female-CTL + MIEE, Female-VPA + LIEE, and Female-VPA + MIEE. LIEE and MIEE were performed 5 days a week for 30 days. Twenty-four hours after the last exercise session, electrocardiogram and hemodynamic and cardiac function indices were recorded. The results indicated that +dp/dt max and contractility index (CI) decreased in the Female-VPA group compared to the Female-CTL group. LIEE increased these parameters in the Female-VPA + LIEE group. However, MIEE normalized CI in the Male-VPA + MIEE compared to the Male-VPA group. Tau increased in the Female-VPA group compared to the Female-CTL group and it decreased in the Female-VPA + MIEE group compared to the Female-VPA group. LIEE and MIEE recovered the reduction of heart rate and the increase in P, R, and T amplitudes in Male-VPA group. LIEE and MIEE increased heart rate variability in the Male-VPA and Female-VPA groups. The findings showed that LIEE and MIEE alleviated cardiac dysfunction and disturbances in heart rhythm in the autistic offspring. Exercise may be recommended as a routine program for autistic patients to prevent and treat the harmful cardiovascular consequences of autism.

Potential blindness from nutritional xerophthalmia in autistic patients

Vitamin A is vital to retinal rod function and epithelial cell differentiation. Although uncommon in the developed world, vitamin A deficiency (VAD) secondary to poor diets or gastrointestinal disease has been reported and can lead to xerophthalmia, which is characterized by night blindness and a spectrum of ocular surface changes. Patients with autism spectrum disorder have been shown to have restrictive diets secondary to sensory issues leading to rejection of foods except for those of certain color or texture. We present a case series of 6 pediatric patients with autism who developed varying degrees of xerophthalmia due to VAD, which resulted from restrictive eating. All patients presented with a history of eye irritation that was not relieved by antibiotic or allergy eye drops. Further questioning revealed they had restrictive diets consisting of only or mostly white and tan foods, and serum vitamin A testing confirmed severe VAD. Most stages of xerophthalmia were completely reversed with vitamin A supplementation, but in 2 patients more advanced xerophthalmia resulted in irreversible blindness and ocular damage. Both pediatricians and pediatric eye care providers must be vigilant for VAD as an etiology of eye irritation, photophobia, or new-onset visual impairment in autistic children. A review of the child's diet must be implemented as a standard part of routine history taken in this vulnerable population. Early identification and vitamin A supplementation can prevent irreversible ocular compromise and vision loss.

'It seems like a luxury to be able to offer that': Factors influencing the implementation of annual health checks for autistic people in England.

Autistic people are more likely to have mental and physical health problems than non-autistic people. Annual health checks could reduce these problems by finding and treating them early. Annual health checks are yearly medical appointments where a primary healthcare provider (such as a doctor or nurse) can check things like a patient's weight and heart rate and ask if they have any worries about their health. In this study, we wanted to understand what might encourage primary healthcare providers to use annual health checks with their autistic patients. First, we spoke to 10 autistic people and 11 primary healthcare providers. Using the findings from these conversations, we created an online survey for primary healthcare providers in England. We used the findings from the interviews and survey to help us understand what would encourage primary healthcare providers to offer annual health checks for autistic people. Our participants said that a lack of time and staff would make it hard to provide health checks. To help, they said other members of staff (such as nurses and healthcare assistants) could do the health checks, rather than doctors. They also said parts of the process could be made automatic to save time (e.g. sending automatic reminders). Knowledge about autism was important too (e.g. knowing about the common conditions autistic people have, and how to best support autistic patients). Participants said training on these topics, produced and delivered with autistic people, could encourage them to use annual health checks with their autistic patients.

Assessing Child Life Specialists' Management of Challenging Behaviors in Autistic Pediatric Patients.

Given that autistic children are hospitalized at higher rates than neurotypical peers, it is important to understand the autism-specific preparedness of healthcare providers. Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLSs) play a crucial role in pediatric hospitalizations by providing socioemotional support and coping strategies. The present study assessed perceived competency and comfort levels among 131 CCLSs regarding the management of challenging behaviors exhibited by autistic pediatric patients, including aggression and self-injury. All participants reported experiences providing care to autistic children who exhibited challenging behaviors, but very few reported both high perceived competency and high comfort in managing these behaviors. Autism-specific training positively correlated with perceived competency and comfort. These results have implications for providing autistic children high quality hospital care.

The effect of physical exercise on disordered social communication in individuals with autism Spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to systematically investigate the intervention effect of physical exercise on disordered social communication in patients with autism spectrum disorders. This systematic review and meta-analysis used the PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Embase electronic databases to conduct a systematic search of literature describing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of physical exercise on disordered social communication in autistic patients from the first year of inclusion to 21 January 2023. A total of 14 RCTs including 460 autistic patients were analyzed. A meta-analysis showed that physical exercise had a positive effect on social communication disorder (SMD = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.74, p < 0.05) in autistic patients. Subgroup analysis showed that exercise programs with multiple components (SMD = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.39, 1.06, P < 0.001), a moderate duration (SMD = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.38, 1.08, P < 0.001), a moderate-high frequency (SMD = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.53, 1.14, P < 0.001), and a long duration (SMD = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.36, 1.18, P < 0.001) led to significant improvement. Physical exercise can improve disordered social communication in patients with autism spectrum disorders. Specifically, early intervention, multi-component exercise, a moderate period, moderate and high frequency, long duration, and multi-participant programs were most effective. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ RecordID= CRD42023422482.

Non-invasive brain stimulation for patient with autism: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To comprehensively evaluate the efficacy of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in randomized controlled trials (RCT), providing a reference for future research on the same topic. Five databases were searched (Pubmed, Web of Science, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane library) and tracked relevant references, Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Twenty-two references (829 participants) were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed that NIBS had positive effects on repetitive and stereotypical behaviors, cognitive function, and executive function in autistic patients. Most of the included studies had a moderate to high risk of bias, Mainly because of the lack of blinding of subjects and assessors to treatment assignment, as well as the lack of continuous observation of treatment effects. Available evidence supports an improvement in some aspects of NIBS in patients with ASD. However, due to the quality of the original studies and significant publication bias, this evidence must be treated with caution. Further large multicenter randomized double-blind controlled trials and appropriate follow-up observations are needed to further evaluate the specific efficacy of NIBS in patients with ASD.