Developmental Disorders Research Articles

The role of inner speech in emotion recognition in children with and without developmental language disorder

ABSTRACT Children with developmental language disorder (DLD) often have emotion recognition difficulties. Constructivist theories postulate that language, possibly via inner speech, helps categorise ambiguous behaviours into distinct emotion categories. The relationship between inner speech and emotion recognition may depend upon an abstract and precise word meaning structure. The present study examined how blocking inner speech affects emotion recognition in children with and without DLD, and how these effects relate to word meaning structure. Twenty-three fifth and sixth grade children with DLD, 45 vocabulary controls, and 52 grade controls sorted facial expressions by emotion under two conditions: articulatory suppression (reciting irrelevant verbal material) and motor suppression (foot tapping). Only vocabulary controls showed impaired emotion recognition under articulatory suppression, but not motor suppression. These effects were independent of word meaning structure. We tentatively conclude that unlike vocabulary controls, but similar to grade controls, children with DLD do not rely on inner speech for emotion recognition.

Emotional suffering in school-aged children and adolescents with and without developmental language disorder.

Emotional suffering in school-aged children and adolescents with and without developmental language disorder.

The Role of Story Mode in the Narrative Skills of Children in Arabic Diglossia: Comparing Children With Typical Language Development and Developmental Language Disorder.

The study tested macro- and microstructure narrative skills in kindergarten Arabic-speaking children with developmental language disorder (DLD) and in age-matched children with typical language development (TLD). Specifically, it compared narrative skills in the two groups of children in two story modes: storytelling in Spoken Arabic (SpA) versus retelling of a story heard in Standard Arabic (StA). Two LITMUS-MAIN stories (Language Impairment Testing in Multilingual Settings-Multilingual Assessment Instrument for Narratives) matched on episodic structure were used: one for storytelling and another for story retelling. Eighteen children with DLD (Mage = 5.6 years) and 19 age-matched children with TLD (Mage = 5.7 years) were administered two tasks: a storytelling task in SpA and a retelling of a story heard in StA. Macrostructure was analyzed using setting and goal-attempt-outcome schema. Microstructure analysis addressed productivity, lexical diversity, and morphosyntactic accuracy. Children with TLD demonstrated significantly higher scores compared to children with DLD on macrostructure and on most microstructure features, demonstrating higher productivity and fewer morphosyntactic errors in subject-verb gender agreement. The findings also revealed a significant effect of story mode; both groups demonstrated higher macrostructure skills and higher type-token ratio in the retelling mode yet higher linguistic productivity in the storytelling mode. The results support earlier reports of differences between children with TLD and those with DLD in narrative skills across story modes. Moreover, the results demonstrate the role of the story retelling mode in enhancing macrostructure generation and lexical diversity in both groups of children, even though narration in our case was conducted in StA, a variety less familiar to children. The implications of these findings for assessment and intervention are discussed.

Is There a Core Deficit in Autism Spectrum Disorder? An Analysis of CPEP-3 Assessment Data from 543 Children With Autism.

Identifying a "core deficit" is essential for early detection and intervention in developmental disorders among children. However, the presence of a core deficit within autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continues to be unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the possibility of the core deficit in autism spectrum disorders. This study evaluated 543 children diagnosed with ASD by using Chinese version of the Psychoeducational Profile-Third Edition (CPEP-3). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to construct single-factor models (assuming the presence of a core deficit) and a multi-factor model (assuming the absence of core deficits) based on the assessed data, and then to compare the fit of the two types of models. Assessments revealed developmental delays and adaptive challenges among the children with ASD. The single-factor model assuming the "motor" domain as the "core deficit" showed a superior fit (CFI = 0.86, AIC = 356.47, ECVI = 0.66) than other single-factor models. The multi-factor model, which assumes no core deficit, provided a better fit and greater predictive accuracy (CFI = 0.87, AIC = 351.94, ECVI = 0.65) than all single-factor models. ASD is characterized by widespread developmental delays and adaptive challenges. While motor impairment may serve as an effective predictor of these issues, it does not fully account for the diverse and complex symptomatology observed in children with ASD. The symptoms in these children likely arise from multiple factors, which are not adequately explained by a single core deficit model.

Vocabulary interventions for children with developmental language disorder: a systematic review

Vocabulary interventions for children with developmental language disorder: a systematic review

Optimizing a Vietnamese Sentence Repetition Task Using Item Response Theory.

Sentence repetition can contribute to the identification of developmental language disorder (DLD). However, few studies have attempted to optimize the task for clinical practice. This study uses the item response theory (IRT) to optimize a Vietnamese sentence repetition task for screening and full-assessment purposes and evaluate the diagnostic utility of the new item sets. We expanded the original task from 28 to 40 items to maximize the chances of having robust final item sets. The 40 items were administered to 196 children in Vietnam, ages 4-6 years. Participants met criteria for DLD (n = 28) or typical development (n = 122), while a subset did not meet criteria for either classification (i.e., Risk, n = 46). Using IRT, we compared different scoring systems and selected item sets with robust parameters and adequate fit to serve two clinical purposes, assessment and screening. We calculated diagnostic accuracy of these item sets using discriminant function analysis and compared results to raw score cut-points. The optimal item set for full assessment included 28 items (15 original items) and showed strong diagnostic accuracy, as did a 14-item subset (seven original items) designed for screening. The item set for full assessment also provided a quick characterization of children's grammatical performance. The strongest diagnostic values were derived from discriminant function analysis. This study optimized two sentence repetition tasks for monolingual Vietnamese children for use in a full assessment or screening. Implications are discussed on how to utilize tasks in clinical practice. Future studies need to evaluate sentence repetition in older children and bilingual populations. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.28570475.

Loss of Tbx4 Affects Postnatal Lung Development and Predisposes to Pulmonary Hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive vascular disease characterized by remodeling of the precapillary pulmonary arteries. Genomic variation within the T-box 4 (TBX4) transcription factor is the second most common genetic cause of PAH, and can also cause severe lung developmental disorders with neonatal PH. Currently, the effect of TBX4 loss-of-function on later stages of lung development and predisposition to lung disease, including PH, is not well understood. Therefore, we have generated Tbx4 conditional knockout (Tbx4-CKO) mice in which Cre recombinase deletes exon 5 of Tbx4 within the embryonic lung mesenchyme to create a null allele. We harvested lungs from these mice at various timepoints to examine alveologenesis, vascularization, vascular remodeling, lung cellular composition, and disruption of transcriptional activity compared with control lungs. Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was measured in six-month-old mice to evaluate for PH. Tbx4-CKO lungs show enlargement of airspaces, as confirmed by an increase in mean linear intercept at P14 (24.9%), P36 (31.5%), and P180 (49.6%). These lungs also show a 39.3% decrease in von Willebrand Factor-positive vessels and a 14.2% increase in vessel wall thickness. Consistent with these results, Tbx4-CKO mice show a statistically significant increase of 15.7% in RVSP and 16.3% in the Fulton index. Bulk-RNA sequencing analysis revealed enrichment of pathways and genes relevant to lung alveologenesis, angiogenesis, and PH. Our results show that disruption of Tbx4 expression during early lung development is sufficient to disrupt postnatal lung development and circulation.

Factors Associated with Leaving Ambulatory Psychiatric Treatment in a Large, Academic Health System During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Detailed evaluation of changes in patient retention in psychiatric care as a result of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic have not been studied. Here, we present a retrospective analysis of aggregate data from a large academic health system (n = 16,701 patients) to examine if there were differences in patients leaving psychiatric care from the pre-COVID-19 period to the first 12months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Demographic, clinical, and behavioral factors were studied using logistic regressions to determine significant associations in leaving psychiatric care during COVID-19 and in the 12months immediately prior to the pandemic. Factors identified with a higher odds of leaving psychiatric care during COVID-19 that were not associated with leaving care prior to COVID-19 included demographic (male sex, uninsured (self-pay) status), behavioral (inactive patient health portal), and diagnostic (anxiety and trauma stressor disorders, pervasive and specific developmental disorders, and disorders of childhood) factors. These results highlight that the reasons patients left care during the period immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic may have been multifactorial in nature, although certain patterns seem to have appeared. Further study is needed to elucidate why these specific factors may have driven patients to leave psychiatric treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Children Suspected for Developmental Coordination Disorder in Hong Kong and Associated Health-Related Functioning: A Survey Study

Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) have motor difficulties that interfere with their daily functions. The extent to which DCD affects children in Hong Kong has not been established. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of children suspected of DCD (sDCD) in Hong Kong and to examine the relationship between motor performance difficulties and health-related functioning. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of parents of children aged 5 to 12 years across Hong Kong (N = 656). The survey consisted of the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ) and short forms on global health, physical activity, positive affect, and cognitive function of the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) parent-proxy report scales. We found that the total DCDQ score categorized 18.29% of the children as sDCD. Logistic regression revealed that household income (OR 0.776, p < 0.001) and child age (OR 1.012, p = 0.004) contributed to being categorized as sDCD. Children categorized as sDCD had lower global health (p < 0.001), less positive affect (p < 0.001), and more impaired cognitive function (p < 0.001) than children categorized as probably not DCD (nDCD). The findings of this study contribute to clarifying the extent to which DCD might affect Hong Kong children and serve as a basis to advocate for programs that address motor, health, affective, and cognitive outcomes. Further research is recommended to estimate the prevalence of a DCD diagnosis in Hong Kong.

Deciphering the Genetic Basis of Degenerative and Developmental Eye Disorders in 50 Pakistani Consanguineous Families Using Whole-Exome Sequencing

Degenerative and developmental eye disorders, including inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs), anophthalmia, and congenital cataracts arise from genetic mutations, causing progressive vision loss or congenital structural abnormalities. IRDs include a group of rare, genetically, and clinically heterogeneous retinal diseases. It is caused by variations in at least 324 genes, affecting numerous retinal regions. In addition to IRDs, other developmental eye disorders such as anophthalmia and congenital cataracts also have a strong genetic basis. Autosomal recessive IRDs, anophthalmia, and congenital cataracts are common in consanguineous populations. In many endogamous populations, including those in Pakistan, a significant proportion of IRD and anophthalmia cases remain genetically undiagnosed. The present study investigated the variations in IRDs, anophthalmia, and congenital cataracts genes in 50 affected families. These unrelated consanguineous families were recruited from the different provinces of Pakistan including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtoon Khwa, Sindh, Gilgit Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was conducted for the proband of each family. An in-house customized pipeline examined the data, and bioinformatics analysis predicted the pathogenic effects of identified variants. The relevant identified DNA variants of selected families were assessed in parents and healthy siblings via Sanger sequencing. WES identified 12 novel variants across 10 known IRD-associated genes. The four most frequently implicated genes were CRB1 (14.3%), GUCY2D (9.5%), AIPL1 (9.5%), and CERKL (7.1%) that together accounted for 40.4% of all molecularly diagnosed cases. Additionally, 25 reported variants in 19 known IRDs, anophthalmia, and congenital cataracts-associated genes were found. Among the identified variants, p. Trp278X, a stop–gain mutation in the AIPL1 (NM_014336) gene, was the most common causative variant detected. The most frequently observed phenotype was retinitis pigmentosa (46.5%) followed by Leber congenital amaurosis (18.6%). Furthermore, 98% of pedigrees (49 out of 50) were affected by autosomal recessive IRDs, anophthalmia and congenital cataracts. The discovery of 12 novel likely pathogenic variants in 10 IRD genes, 25 reported variants in 19 known IRDs, anophthalmia and congenital cataracts genes, atypical phenotypes, and inter and intra-familial variability underscores the genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity of developmental and degenerative eye disorders in the Pakistani population and further expands the mutational spectrum of genes associated with these ocular disorders.

KMT2D Regulates Tooth Enamel Development.

Amelogenesis, the process of enamel formation, is tightly regulated and essential for producing the tooth enamel that protects teeth from decay and wear. Disruptions in amelogenesis can result in amelogenesis imperfecta, a group of genetic conditions characterized by defective enamel, including enamel hypoplasia, marked by thin or underdeveloped enamel. Mutations in the KMT2D (MLL4) gene, which encodes histone H3 lysine 4 methyltransferase, are associated with Kabuki syndrome, a developmental disorder that can involve dental anomalies such as enamel hypoplasia. However, the specific role of KMT2D in amelogenesis remains poorly understood. To address this gap, we generated a conditional knockout (cKO) mouse model with ectoderm-specific deletion of Kmt2d (Krt14-Cre;Kmt2dfl/fl, or Kmt2d-cKO) and characterized the resulting enamel defects using gross, radiographic, histologic, cellular, and molecular analyses. Micro-computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy revealed that adult Kmt2d-cKO mice exhibited 100% penetrant amelogenesis imperfecta, characterized by hypoplastic and hypomineralized enamel, partially phenocopying human Kabuki syndrome. Additionally, Kmt2d-cKO neonates developed molar tooth germs with subtle cusp shape alterations and mild delays in ameloblast differentiation at birth. RNA sequencing analysis of the first molar tooth germ at birth revealed that 33.7% of known amelogenesis-related genes were significantly downregulated in the Kmt2d-cKO teeth. Integration with KMT2D CUT&RUN sequencing results identified 8 overlapping genes directly targeted by KMT2D. Reanalysis of a single-cell RNA sequencing data set in the developing mouse incisors revealed distinct roles for these genes in KMT2D-regulated differentiation across various cell subtypes within the dental epithelium. Among these genes, Satb1 and Sp6 are likely direct targets involved in the differentiation of preameloblasts into ameloblasts. Taken together, we propose that KMT2D plays a crucial role in amelogenesis by directly activating key genes involved in ameloblast differentiation, offering insights into the molecular basis of enamel development and related dental pathologies.

Genotypic and clinical phenotypic analysis of DEPDC5 gene mutations.

Mutations in the DEPDC5 gene are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and can lead to various clinical phenotypes, including focal seizures. While numerous case reports on DEPDC5 mutations exist, functional validation studies remain scarce. We analyzed seven cases of epilepsy or developmental disorders caused by DEPDC5 mutations, summarizing their clinical manifestations and conducting genetic analysis of the mutation sites. The age of onset in the seven patients ranged from 2 months to 4 years. Six mutation sites were identified, including three nonsense mutations: c.1443del (p.C481X), c.2512C > T (p.R838X), and c.2620C > T (p.R874X); one missense mutation: c.1140C > A (p.F380L); and two splice-site mutations: c.2802-13C > G (splicing) and c.4034-2A > G (splicing). Among these, c.2512C > T (p.R838X) and c.2620C > T (p.R874X) had been previously reported, while the remaining mutations were novel. Minigene experiments confirmed that the c.4034-2A > G mutation resulted in a slightly truncated protein.Focal seizures were the predominant symptom in six cases. Among the four patients with nonsense mutations, three (Cases 2, 4, and 5) exhibited drug-resistant epilepsy. Four out of seven patients responded effectively to lacosamide treatment. DEPDC5 mutations can cause focal seizures, with truncating mutations associated with more severe symptoms. Lacosamide may offer better therapeutic outcomes. The intronic mutation c.463 + 4A > G (splicing) led to protein truncation and was determined to be pathogenic.

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.

Optical Imaging of Cilia in the Head and Neck

Background/Objectives: Cilia are hair-like organelles with various mechanosensory and chemosensory functions. In particular, motile cilia generate directional fluid flow important for multiple processes. Motile ciliopathies have serious clinical implications, including developmental and respiratory disorders. Evaluating the most suitable imaging methods for studying ciliary structure and function has great clinical significance. Methods: Here, we provide an overview of ciliary function, imaging modalities, and applications in ciliopathic diseases. Results: Optical imaging has become a crucial tool for studying ciliary structure and function, providing high-resolution, non-invasive imaging capabilities that are valuable for in vivo applications. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is well suited for the visualization of ciliary anatomy and quantitative studies of microfluidic flow. Conclusions: A deeper understanding of ciliary biology can lead to novel approaches in diagnosing, treating, and monitoring ciliopathies, contributing to more effective and individualized care.

Involvement of a Novel Variant of FGFR1 Detected in an Adult Patient with Kallmann Syndrome in Regulation of Gonadal Steroidogenesis

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), also known as KAL2, is a tyrosine kinase receptor, and variants of FGFR1 have been detected in patients with Kallmann syndrome (KS), which is a congenital developmental disorder characterized by central hypogonadism and anosmia. Herein, we report an adult case of KS with a novel variant of FGFR1. A middle-aged male was referred for a compression fracture of a lumbar vertebra. It was shown that he had severe osteoporosis, anosmia, gynecomastia, and a past history of operations for cryptorchidism. Endocrine workup using pituitary and gonadal stimulation tests revealed the presence of both primary and central hypogonadism. Genetic testing revealed a novel variant of FGFR1 (c.2197_2199dup, p.Met733dup). To identify the pathogenicity of the novel variant and the clinical significance for the gonads, we investigated the effects of the FGFR1 variant on the downstream signaling of FGFR1 and gonadal steroidogenesis by using human steroidogenic granulosa cells. It was revealed that the transfection of the variant gene significantly impaired FGFR1 signaling, detected through the downregulation of SPRY2, compared with that of the case of the forced expression of wild-type FGFR1, and that the existence of the variant gene apparently altered the expression of key steroidogenic factors, including StAR and aromatase, in the gonad. The results suggested that the novel variant of FGFR1 detected in the patient with KS was linked to the impairment of FGFR1 signaling, as well as the alteration of gonadal steroidogenesis, leading to the pathogenesis of latent primary hypogonadism.

Personal Quality of Life as an Outcome Measure of Antipsychotic Drug Management of Problem Behaviours in Adults with Intellectual Developmental Disorders with or Without Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background/Objectives: First-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) and second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are frequently prescribed for the management of problem behaviours (PBs) in people with intellectual developmental disorders (IDDs) with or without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the different effectiveness of these two groups of drugs has not been adequately investigated, especially in terms of person-centred outcomes, such as quality of life (QoL). The aim of the present observational study was to compare the personal QoL of two groups of people with IDDs with and without ASD, attending the same residential facility, but receiving FGAs and SGAs, respectively, for the management of PBs. Methods: Twenty-two people with IDDs (ten with ASD) receiving FGAs and twenty-three (eleven with ASD) receiving SGAs for the management of PBs were consecutively recruited. The participants underwent a complex clinical and instrumental evaluation, including the systematic psychopathological assessment for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities—general screening (SPAIDD-G), the Wing’s handicaps, behaviours, and skills schedule (HBS), the DOTES, and the BASIQ (QoL Assessment tool battery). Follow-up evaluations were carried out after 6, 12, and 18 months. Results: The use of antipsychotics was withdrawn only in 16 cases, of which only 4 were for significant improvement. Treatment with FGAs was associated with more frequent discontinuation, a higher incidence of side effects, and a trend toward a lower efficacy on PBs than treatment with SGAs. FGAs also improved generic QoL significantly less than SGAs. Conclusions: The present pilot study is the first to compare FGAs and SGAs with respect to the generic QoL in people with IDDs and PBs. SGAs resulted to have a significantly greater positive impact on QoL than FGAs, despite demonstrating similar efficacy in treating PBs.

Methodological Components for Evaluating Intervention Effectiveness of SOS Feeding Approach: A Feasibility Study

Background/Objectives: There is a paucity of research that explores the effectiveness of the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding. The purpose of this feasibility study was to evaluate the necessary components for the implementation of a treatment effectiveness study on the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding. The primary aims were to develop a fidelity measure, determine the feasibility of video coding, create an observational coding scheme, and determine if the outcome measures were sensitive to change. Methods: Over a 4-year period, data were collected from twelve participants aged 4 to 8 years with developmental disorders, with the assistance of four occupational therapy doctoral students. A fidelity measure was created, and inter-rater reliability was established among the four coders. Videotapes were collected at home and in the clinic. A behavioral coding system, consistent with the SOS Steps to Eating hierarchy, was developed for scoring feeding behaviors. Results: The preliminary inter-rater reliability was reported, and the coding results were represented graphically. Two additional outcome measures were piloted—a visual analog scale (VAS) and the Parenting Stress Index (PSI). The VAS was sensitive to changes in each parent’s ability to support their child, as well as in each client’s progress. The PSI also showed sensitivity to changes in the decline of parent-reported stress and child stress indices. Conclusions: Findings demonstrate fidelity to the SOS Approach, as well as sensitive outcomes, using behavioral coding and parent-reported measures. These evidence-based tools and procedures offer researchers and clinicians objective and meaningful feeding outcomes.

Marfan syndrome variation of the POGLUT2 and POGLUT3 consensus sequence can produce aberrant fibrillin-1 O-glucosylation.

Marfan syndrome variation of the POGLUT2 and POGLUT3 consensus sequence can produce aberrant fibrillin-1 O-glucosylation.

Impact of virtual reality training on executive functions and cognitive dominance in children with developmental coordination disorder: a semi-experimental study

Impact of virtual reality training on executive functions and cognitive dominance in children with developmental coordination disorder: a semi-experimental study

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.