Review
Genetics & Heredity
Victoria Newell, Lucy Phillips, Chris Jones, Ellen Townsend, Caroline Richards, Sarah Cassidy
Summary: Suicidality is highly prevalent in autistic and possibly autistic individuals without co-occurring intellectual disability. This meta-analysis aimed to calculate the pooled prevalence and determine the influencing factors. The findings confirmed the high prevalence of suicidality in both groups and identified potential moderators.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gareth Richards, Simon Baron-Cohen, Varun Warrier, Ben Mellor, Jessica Davies, Laura Gee, John Galvin
Summary: It has been found that romantic partners are more similar than chance in relation to autistic traits. This similarity may be due to individuals choosing partners who are more similar to themselves rather than becoming similar over time. Additionally, there is a significant correlation in autistic traits between partners, although the predictive ability of this correlation is weak, accounting for only 2% of the variance in a person's autistic traits score.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tracy L. Finch, Joan Mackintosh, Alex Petrou, Helen McConachie, Ann Le Couteur, Deborah Garland, Jeremy R. Parr
Summary: This qualitative study aimed to understand the experiences of autistic adults throughout adulthood. The study found six key themes related to their experiences and revealed that while some autistic adults expressed disappointment, others were proud of their achievements. Education and employment were challenging but rewarding for some, and healthcare and social services often fell short in meeting their needs. The study emphasizes the need for greater public understanding of autism in adulthood and improvement in the availability of appropriate services.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Stephen M. Edelson
Summary: This study examines the possibility of reinstating Asperger syndrome as a valid diagnostic category. By comparing the similarities and differences between Asperger syndrome and autism based on different versions of diagnostic criteria, as well as other related characteristics, the researchers draw some conclusions.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Manxue Zhang, Xiao Hu, Jian Jiao, Danfeng Yuan, Sixun Li, Tingting Luo, Meiwen Wang, Mingjing Situ, Xueli Sun, Yi Huang
Summary: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder, with only a small proportion of people obtaining optimal outcomes. This study revealed abnormalities in the white matter microstructure of children with ASD and identified a predictor of optimal outcome.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yukihiko Shirayama, Kazuki Matsumoto, Sayo Hamatani, Katsumasa Muneoka, Akihiro Okada, Koichi Sato
Summary: This study evaluated cognitive and affective empathy in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and found differences in empathy and personality traits compared to a non-ASD control group, providing valuable insights into empathy and personality characteristics in individuals with ASD.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Souta Hidaka, Mizuho Gotoh, Shinya Yamamoto, Makoto Wada
Summary: The number of clinical diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing annually. Interestingly, the human body temperature has also been reported to gradually decrease over the decades. Neurophysiological evidence showed that brain activity decreases as cortical temperature increases, suggesting a possible link between body temperature and ASD.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Hidenori Yamasue, Masaki Kojima, Hitoshi Kuwabara, Miho Kuroda, Kaori Matsumoto, Chieko Kanai, Naoko Inada, Keiho Owada, Keiko Ochi, Nobutaka Ono, Seico Benner, Tomoyasu Wakuda, Yosuke Kameno, Jun Inoue, Taeko Harada, Kenji Tsuchiya, Kazuo Umemura, Aya Yamauchi, Nanayo Ogawa, Itaru Kushima, Norio Ozaki, Satoshi Suyama, Takuya Saito, Yukari Uemura, Junko Hamada, Yukiko Kano, Nami Honda, Saya Kikuchi, Moe Seto, Hiroaki Tomita, Noriko Miyoshi, Megumi Matsumoto, Yuko Kawaguchi, Koji Kanai, Manabu Ikeda, Itta Nakamura, Shuichi Isomura, Yoji Hirano, Toshiaki Onitsuka, Hirotaka Kosaka, Takashi Okada
Summary: Intranasal oxytocin has the potential to be a novel therapy for autism spectrum disorder, but the efficacy of repeated administrations is inconsistent. This study tested the effect of TTA-121, a new formulation of intranasal oxytocin with improved bioavailability, on the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder and determined the dose-response relationship. The findings showed that TTA-121 at a dose of 6 U per day significantly improved the reciprocity score, indicating potential benefits for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
Article
Neurosciences
Yu-Chiao Wang, Chin-Hao Chen, Cheng-Yi Yang, Pin Ling, Kuei-Sen Hsu
Summary: This study found that a high-fat diet (HFD) worsened the autistic-like phenotypes of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), resulting in increased restricted repetitive behaviors and impaired preference for social novelty. HFD also caused an increase in reactive microglia and astrocytes, as well as exacerbated reductions in dendritic complexity and spine density of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. Chronic treatment with minocycline showed potential in rescuing these behavioral and morphological deficits.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Jyoti Upadhyay, Jeevan Patra, Nidhi Tiwari, Nilima Salankar, Mohd Nazam Ansari, Wasim Ahmad
Summary: Understanding the complexity of the autistic brain and the involvement of genetic and non-genetic factors in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is crucial. Studies have shown alterations in neuronal circuits caused by defects in various signaling pathways during embryogenesis in ASD subjects. Despite advancements in understanding ASD pathogenesis and etiology, there is a need for more research to develop better therapeutic interventions and early detection methods.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Massimiliano Conson, Vincenzo Paolo Senese, Isa Zappullo, Chiara Baiano, Varun Warrier, Simona Raimo, Barbara Rauso, Sara Salzano, Simon Baron-Cohen
Summary: Recent data reveals dissociations between social and non-social skills in both autistic and neurotypical populations. This study investigates the relationship between specific visuospatial abilities and social and non-social autistic traits. Results show that there is a significant interaction between sex, social and non-social traits on mental rotation. There is also a small positive correlation between figure disembedding and social traits.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Ya Wang, Dan Hu, Zhengwang Wu, Li Wang, Wenhua Huang, Gang Li
Summary: This study investigated the developmental changes of structural covariance networks (SCNs) in infants at high familial risk for autism. The results showed that group differences in SCNs of surface area emerged at 12 months, and by 24 months, the autism group exhibited increased integration, decreased segregation, and decreased small-worldness compared to controls. The SCNs of surface area in autistic infants deteriorated and shifted towards randomness. The left lateral occipital cortex showed more prominent group differences with age, suggesting it may be an important biomarker of autism during infancy.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Lot Snijders Blok, Arianna Vino, Joery den Hoed, Hunter R. Underhill, Danielle Monteil, Hong Li, Francis Jeshira Reynoso Santos, Wendy K. Chung, Michelle D. Amaral, Rhonda E. Schnur, Teresa Santiago-Sim, Yue Si, Han G. Brunner, Tjitske Kleefstra, Simon E. Fisher
Summary: This study identified that heterozygous loss-of-function variants in the FOXP4 gene are associated with an autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by speech/language delays, growth defects, and variable congenital abnormalities.
GENETICS IN MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Psychology, Biological
Meng-Chuan Lai
Summary: Mental health challenges significantly impact the well-being of autistic individuals. This review proposes a framework that considers social-contextual determinants, adverse life experiences, autistic cognitive features, and shared genetic and early environmental predispositions as contributing factors to personalized formulation for mental health support. Evidence-based interventions and ongoing development of support for specific mental health areas are emphasized. Tailored mental health support for autistic individuals should be informed by neurodivergence and align with the bio-psycho-social frameworks. The personalized formulation should take into account physical health, transdiagnostic neurodevelopmental factors, intellectual and communication abilities, as well as contextual-experiential determinants and their interactions with autistic cognition and biology, along with resilience. The well-being of families is integral, and mutual empathic understanding is crucial for creating an inclusive society.
NATURE HUMAN BEHAVIOUR
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Azadeh Kushki, Robyn E. Cardy, Sina Panahandeh, Mahan Malihi, Christopher Hammill, Jessica Brian, Alana Iaboni, Margot J. Taylor, Russell Schachar, Jennifer Crosbie, Paul Arnold, Elizabeth Kelley, Muhammad Ayub, Robert Nicolson, Stelios Georgiades, Jason P. Lerch, Evdokia Anagnostou
Summary: The study discovered associations between social communication abilities and distributed cortical and subcortical networks implicated in social behaviors, language, attention, memory, and executive functions, as well as three data-driven, diagnosis-agnostic subgroups based on the patterns of association in these networks.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Ifrah Abdullahi, Kingsley Wong, Nicholas De Klerk, Raewyn Mutch, Emma J. Glasson, Jenny Downs, Sarah Cherian, Helen Leonard
DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE AND CHILD NEUROLOGY
(2020)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Melissa K. Licari, Gail A. Alvares, Kandice Varcin, Kiah L. Evans, Dominique Cleary, Siobhan L. Reid, Emma J. Glasson, Keely Bebbington, Jess E. Reynolds, John Wray, Andrew J. O. Whitehouse
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Mirko Uljarevic, Matthew N. Cooper, Keely Bebbington, Emma J. Glasson, Murray T. Maybery, Kandice Varcin, Gail A. Alvares, John Wray, Susan R. Leekam, Andrew J. O. Whitehouse
JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY
(2020)
Article
Pediatrics
Peter Jacoby, Kingsley Wong, Preeyaporn Srasuebkul, Emma J. Glasson, David Forbes, Madhur Ravikumara, Andrew Wilson, Lakshmi Nagarajan, Jenny Bourke, Julian Trollor, Helen Leonard, Jenny Downs
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2020)
Review
Psychology, Developmental
Emma J. Glasson, Nicholas Buckley, Wai Chen, Helen Leonard, Amy Epstein, Rachel Skoss, Peter Jacoby, A. Marie Blackmore, Jenny Bourke, Jenny Downs
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY
(2020)
Article
Pediatrics
Emma J. Glasson, David Forbes, Madhur Ravikumara, Lakshmi Nagarajan, Andrew Wilson, Peter Jacoby, Kingsley Wong, Helen Leonard, Jenny Downs
ARCHIVES OF DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD
(2020)
Review
Psychiatry
Nicholas Buckley, Emma J. Glasson, Wai Chen, Amy Epstein, Helen Leonard, Rachel Skoss, Peter Jacoby, Amanda Marie Blackmore, Ravisha Srinivasjois, Jenny Bourke, Richard J. Sanders, Jenny Downs
AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY
(2020)
Review
Psychiatry
Helen Leonard, Alicia Montgomery, Brittany Wolff, Elissa Strumpher, Anne Masi, Susan Woolfenden, Katrina Williams, Valsamma Eapen, Amy Finlay-Jones, Andrew Whitehouse, Martyn Symons, Melissa Licari, Kandice Varcin, Gail Alvares, Kiah Evans, Jenny Downs, Emma Glasson
Summary: This systematic review aimed to identify the most important risk factors for intellectual disability (ID), including social, environmental, biological, and genetic factors. The review found that factors such as low socioeconomic status, minority ethnicity, teenage motherhood, maternal mental illness, and alcohol abuse may increase the risk of ID.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Review
Psychology, Clinical
Brittany Wolff, Iliana Magiati, Rachel Roberts, Rachel Skoss, Emma J. Glasson
Summary: Siblings of persons with neurodevelopmental conditions are at increased risk of poorer psychosocial functioning. Psychosocial interventions can improve their mental health and wellbeing outcomes, especially in terms of self-esteem, social wellbeing, and NDC knowledge. However, the effectiveness of interventions varies depending on individual and family circumstances.
CLINICAL CHILD AND FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Brittany Wolff, Vithor R. Franco, Iliana Magiati, Matthew N. Cooper, Rachel Roberts, Rachel Skoss, Emma J. Glasson
Summary: Siblings of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) are exposed to unique family environments and experience a range of psychosocial risk and resilience factors. The NDC group reported more depressive and anxious symptoms than controls, and a higher percentage of them had neuropsychiatric diagnosis. Everyday executive functioning difficulties and emotion dysregulation were the most influential transdiagnostic risk factors for poorer functioning within the NDC group network.
DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Gail A. Alvares, Melissa K. Licari, Paul G. Stevenson, Keely Bebbington, Matthew N. Cooper, Emma J. Glasson, Diana W. Tan, Mirko Uljarevic, Kandice J. Varcin, John Wray, Andrew J. O. Whitehouse
Summary: The study found that as birth order increases, adaptive functioning and intelligence scores in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) cases decrease, with later-born children more likely to have intellectual disabilities.
JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Education, Special
K. Wong, E. J. Glasson, P. Jacoby, P. Srasuebkul, D. Forbes, M. Ravikumara, A. Wilson, J. Bourke, J. Trollor, H. Leonard, L. Nagarajan, J. Downs
JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Gail A. Alvares, Keely Bebbington, Dominique Cleary, Kiah Evans, Emma J. Glasson, Murray T. Maybery, Sarah Pillar, Mirko Uljarevic, Kandice Varcin, John Wray, Andrew J. O. Whitehouse