J Autism Dev Disord [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Do ADHD Symptom Clusters Moderate the Association Between Autistic Traits & Error-Related Negativity in Children With and Without Autism?: An EEG/ERP Study.
Soto EF, Shuter M, Shea N … +6 more , Schiros A, Nord J, Kuo YC, Sun H, Antshel K, Russo N
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 May · PMID 42138801 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This study aims to address existing mixed findings in the event-related potential error-monitoring (i.e., error-related negativity; ERN) literature in children with autism spectrum disorders (autism). This study...
PURPOSE: This study aims to address existing mixed findings in the event-related potential error-monitoring (i.e., error-related negativity; ERN) literature in children with autism spectrum disorders (autism). This study is the first to examine the moderating roles of parent-reported attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms (i.e., inattention/hyperactivityimpulsivity) on the relation between autistic traits and the ERN/ΔERN in children with and without autism. METHODS: Data was collected from 40 children (10-17 years of age) diagnosed with (n = 17) and without (n = 23) autism matched on age and IQ. Participants completed a flanker task while ERPs were measured. Autistic traits were measured on the Autism Quotient, while ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity were assessed via parent report on the BASC-2/3 Attention Problems and Hyperactivity subscales. Four moderation models were conducted examining the separate effects of each ADHD symptom cluster on autistic traits predicting the ERN and ΔERN mean amplitudes. RESULTS: Results indicate that the autism group had higher reported Attention Problems and Hyperactivity scores, lower accuracy scores on a traditional Flanker task, and similar reaction times (RT) compared to neurotypically developing peers. Attention Problems moderated the relations between autistic traits and both the ERN and ΔERN, while Hyperactivity only moderated the relation between autistic traits and the ERN. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides an important first step towards understanding how co-occurrence between autism and ADHD symptoms impact neurocognitive processes, such as error-monitoring. These findings suggest future works need to control for co-occurring ADHD symptomology when investigating ERPs in autism samples.
Examining the Lived Experiences of Older Autistic Adults: A Synthesis Review of Qualitative Literature.
Nicholas DB, Nelson H, Shafai F … +6 more , Edelson SM, Bal V, Lawson W, Bauman M, Hendren R, Trollor JN
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 May · PMID 42105016 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This scoping review includes the qualitative literature published from 2013 to 2024 exploring health, healthcare and quality of life among older Autistic adults. Aims were to identify evidence of later life expe...
PURPOSE: This scoping review includes the qualitative literature published from 2013 to 2024 exploring health, healthcare and quality of life among older Autistic adults. Aims were to identify evidence of later life experiences and outcomes for this population. METHODS: The review was based on Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review methodology, with keywords searched within five relevant databases. Studies comprised peer reviewed articles with qualitative or mixed method designs addressing the quality of life, health or healthcare of Autistic adults in mid and later years (50 years and older). Participants in the reviewed studies included Autistic individuals, including those with or without intellectual disability, and/or individuals who support this population (e.g., personal supporters, caregivers, healthcare or service providers). RESULTS: A total of 12 papers were found that had qualitative data and met inclusion criteria. These studies cumulatively identified themes related to (i) aging with autism, with subthemes of sense of self and identity, connection, deriving enjoyment or meaning, and navigating health and healthcare; and (ii) service gaps, with subthemes of service issues, factors that mediate the effectiveness of supports, and professional knowledge gaps. CONCLUSION: Study authors advocate for increased research on aging and autism, improved services, and enhanced training and capacity-building for professionals in this field.
The Protective Role of Trait Mindfulness Against Affiliate Stigma among Parents of Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Serial Mediation of Perceived Problem Behaviors and Parenting Stress.
Chen Z, Zhao Y, Xiao Z … +1 more , Song Y
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 May · PMID 42105015 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are highly susceptible to affiliate stigma. Although parental trait mindfulness is recognized as a protective factor, the mechanisms through which...
PURPOSE: Caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are highly susceptible to affiliate stigma. Although parental trait mindfulness is recognized as a protective factor, the mechanisms through which it protects against stigma remain unclear. This study tested a serial mediation model to investigate whether the association between parental trait mindfulness and affiliate stigma is sequentially mediated by caregivers' perceptions of child problem behaviors and their own parenting stress. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited 358 parents of children with NDDs. Participants completed the Affiliate Stigma Scale, the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. RESULTS: Higher parental trait mindfulness was directly associated with lower affiliate stigma (β = -0.18). The hypothesized serial mediation model was supported by the results. Higher trait mindfulness predicted lower perceived child problem behaviors (β = -0.34), which subsequently predicted lower parenting stress (β = 0.54), ultimately leading to reduced affiliate stigma (β = 0.51). Additionally, trait mindfulness directly predicted lower parenting stress (β = -0.20). The total indirect effect was significant, indicating that perceived problem behaviors and parenting stress are crucial mechanisms elucidating the mindfulness-stigma relationship. CONCLUSION: Parental trait mindfulness protects against affiliate stigma both directly and indirectly by altering parents' perceptions of their child's behaviors and reducing their parenting stress. These findings suggest that interventions designed to enhance parental mindfulness could be a potent strategy for mitigating stigma and improving caregiver well-being in families of children with NDDs.
Cognitive Empathy, Affective Empathy and Empirical Research on the Double Empathy Problem: A Critical Methodology Review.
Fellowes S
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 May · PMID 42101768 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: The double empathy problem posits that autistic people and non-autistic people both lack empathy with the other side rather than the lack of empathy solely residing in one side. There have been empirical studies...
PURPOSE: The double empathy problem posits that autistic people and non-autistic people both lack empathy with the other side rather than the lack of empathy solely residing in one side. There have been empirical studies which lend support for the double empathy problem. I show that these studies are largely not engaging with cognitive nor affective empathy. METHODS: Twenty different papers are assessed on measurement made, set-up of the interaction employed and duration of the interaction to establish whether the evidence those studies generate is applicable to cognitive and affective empathy. RESULTS: Firstly the experimental measures in these studies are largely not making measurements that would detect cognitive or affective empathy. Secondly, many use setups which do not encourage or are not conducive towards cognitive or affective empathy occurring. Thirdly, many involve a short period of interaction for cognitive or affective empathy to occur. CONCLUSION: These studies are largely not generating data about whether the double empathy problem is applicable to cognitive or affective empathy. Which aspects of empathy the evidence supporting the double empathy problem is related to is considered and suggestions are made for how future studies on the double empathy problem could target cognitive and affective empathy.
Relationship of the Persistent Primitive Reflexes to Emotional and Behavioral Problems in Autistic and Typically Developing Children.
Alsaman MA, Elghity RHM
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 May · PMID 42096034 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Currently, there is growing evidence that persistent primitive reflexes (PPRs) may be associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). PPRs can disturb motor development and negatively affect children's emotional...
PURPOSE: Currently, there is growing evidence that persistent primitive reflexes (PPRs) may be associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). PPRs can disturb motor development and negatively affect children's emotional regulation and social behavior. Therefore, they may be associated with clinical variables involved in ASD such as emotional-behavioral factors. Given this, the current study sought to explore the relationship between PPRs and emotional and behavioral problems involved in ASD. METHODS: The present study investigated seven primitive reflexes in 30 autistic children and 30 typically developing (TD) children, analyzing the relationship between PPRs and emotional and behavioral problems related to ASD. RESULTS: The findings of the study showed that compared to the TD group, children with ASD had higher levels of reflexes' retention. In addition, the results indicated that various PPRs were related to several emotional and behavioral problems in autistic children. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the importance of the examination of PPRs as a screening tool for children. Comprehensive investigation of PPRs, particularly in children with ASD, may contribute to a more accurate assessment of problems and higher effectiveness of possible intervention programs.
Concurrent Assessment of Neurotrophic Factors and HPA-Axis Hormones in Early Childhood Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Ferahkaya H, Selen ATH, Tezer Ş … +4 more , Akça ÖF, Akkuş A, Kılınç İ, Coşkun F
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 May · PMID 42096033 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Neurotrophic pathways and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation have been implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet peripheral findings-particularly in early childhood-remain inconsistent....
PURPOSE: Neurotrophic pathways and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation have been implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet peripheral findings-particularly in early childhood-remain inconsistent. We examined peripheral neurotrophic factors and HPA-axis hormones in medication-naïve young children with ASD and evaluated their associations with clinical severity. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 45 medication-naïve children with ASD (18-72 months) and 52 age-matched healthy controls. ASD diagnosis was established per DSM-5, supported by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC). Morning samples (08:30-09:30) were assayed for serum BDNF, GDNF, NT-3, VEGF, cortisol, and plasma ACTH. Group comparisons used ANCOVA adjusted for age, sex, and BMI-for-age z score (BAZ), with Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) correction. Within-ASD associations were tested using covariate-adjusted partial Spearman correlations. RESULTS: BDNF was significantly lower in ASD than controls and remained significant after covariate adjustment and FDR correction. No between-group differences were observed for GDNF, NT-3, VEGF, ACTH, or cortisol. Within the ASD group, lower BDNF correlated with higher CARS total scores and higher ABC relating, social and self-help, and total scores. No significant correlations were found between neurotrophic factors and ACTH/cortisol. CONCLUSIONS: In medication-naïve children with ASD aged 18-72 months, peripheral BDNF is reduced and relates to symptom severity and adaptive/social difficulties, whereas other neurotrophic factors and basal HPA-axis hormones do not differ from controls. Longitudinal studies incorporating standardized sampling and diurnal/stress-reactivity indices are needed to clarify developmental dynamics and clinical implications.
Long-Term Stability of IQ Scores for Children With Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: Stable Global IQ But Unstable Index, Subtest, and Profile IQ Scores.
Stephenson KG, Norris M, Kim SY … +5 more , Russell NCC, Levine A, Murphy C, Youngstrom EA, Butter EM
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 May · PMID 42096032 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Intelligence testing is an important tool for clinicians to help in diagnosis and treatment planning for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Although interpreting IQ profiles is a common clinical prac...
PURPOSE: Intelligence testing is an important tool for clinicians to help in diagnosis and treatment planning for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Although interpreting IQ profiles is a common clinical practice, there are concerns regarding the validity and reliability of such scores. Previous research has shown relatively stable global measures of IQ, but less stable scores within index or subtest score. More research is needed to better understand the long-term stability of IQ scores within autistic and other neurodevelopmental populations who may have more instability in their scores over time. METHODS: We tested the long-term stability of IQ scores using the same test over time (Stanford-Binet, Fifth Edition; SB-5) in a large clinical sample of 650 youth with autism (n = 236) or other neurodevelopmental disabilities (n = 414), over a period of 4 months to 11 years. In addition to IQ scores, we also tested consistency of scatter scores, overall profiles, and strengths and weaknesses using linear mixed effects models. RESULTS: Results indicated overall consistency of FSIQ scores (ICC = 0.86), slightly less stability for VIQ and NVIQ, and low stability for abbreviated IQ as well as index and subtest scores. The consistency of cognitive profiles, scatter scores, and strengths and weaknesses was poor. Younger age was the best predictor of higher FSIQ instability. CONCLUSION: Long-term stability of IQ in neurodevelopmental disabilities appears similar to results from other studies with different clinical and nonclinical groups. Implications and recommendations are discussed.
Correction: Autism Screening Using Parent's Observations of Social Interactions (POSI) in High-Risk Infants.
Vielmetti L, Rajagopal A, Manus R … +2 more , Veis S, deRegnier RA
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 May · PMID 42090025 · Publisher ↗
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Socio-Demographic Associations and Frequencies of Physical Activity Participation of Autistic Adolescents Reported by Parents in Ontario, Canada.
Charalampopoulou M, Beauchamp A, Anagnostou E … +1 more , Jachyra P
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 May · PMID 42090024 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This study explored socio-demographic associations and physical activity (PA) participation of autistic adolescents reported by parents. Parents also reported the patterns and frequencies of PA participation, as...
PURPOSE: This study explored socio-demographic associations and physical activity (PA) participation of autistic adolescents reported by parents. Parents also reported the patterns and frequencies of PA participation, as there is a limited understanding of the activities they engage in Ontario, Canada. There is a need for this research as autistic adolescents are less likely to participate in PA. Studying socio-demographic characteristics and understanding the activities adolescents engage in can inform policies and practice to support participation. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was mailed to parents of 525 autistic adolescents aged 12-19 years about PA participation for the preceding year. Parents provided data about free play and organized PA activities of adolescents (n = 306; 63.7% male; M = 15.1 years), and demographic information. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the relationships between PA scores, activities reported and the six demographic variables. The relationship between the sedentary scores, tallied frequency scores and number of activities was also assessed using linear regression. RESULTS: Overall, 85% of autistic adolescents participated in at least one of the 18 free play activities. Sex, number of siblings, and income were associated with PA participation. Sedentary behaviour was negatively associated with activity frequency and parental education level. Sedentary behaviour was positively associated with income level. CONCLUSION: Ensuring PA reflects socio-demographic characteristics and local priorities is critical to support participation and well-being. Tailoring programs and policies for autistic females, siblings and parent mediated interventions are areas in need of further development to support autistic adolescents in PA.
Virtual Reality Intervention to Empower Autistic People to Interact With Police: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial for Autistic Teens and Adults.
McCleery JP, Zitter A, Cordero L … +10 more , Russell A, Cola M, Udhnani M, Tena KG, Yates Flanagan A, Turnacioglu S, Solórzano R, Miller JS, Ravindran V, Parish-Morris J
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 May · PMID 42090023 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Interactions with police officers can be a significant source of stress and anxiety, particularly for vulnerable and/or misunderstood populations. Here, we report a parallel randomized controlled clinical trial...
PURPOSE: Interactions with police officers can be a significant source of stress and anxiety, particularly for vulnerable and/or misunderstood populations. Here, we report a parallel randomized controlled clinical trial designed to examine and compare the effects of two different intervention programs designed to support autistic individuals as they prepare to interact with police officers. METHODS: Forty-seven autistic participants, aged 12 to 60 years, were randomized to participate in either the Floreo Police Safety Module virtual reality (VR) intervention or the BeSAFE The Movie video modeling intervention. For both conditions, three 45-min intervention sessions were completed an average of 9 days apart. RESULTS: Results revealed a significant intervention type by time interaction on fidgeting behavior during live interactions with police officers, indicating a reduction from pre-training to post-training that was specific to the VR intervention condition (estimate: 0.47, SE: 0.16, t = 2.95, p = 0.005). The statistical interaction between intervention type and time was not significant for participants' responding in accordance with expectations (p = .07) or overall behavior during live interactions with police officers (p = .23), but planned follow-up tests revealed improvements for both responding in accordance with expectations (estimate: -.21, SE: .07, t = -3.14, p = .02) and overall behavior (estimate: -.29, SE: .10, t = -3.04, p = .02) in the VR intervention condition specifically. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these findings provide empirical support for practice as a means to empower autistic people to prepare for police interactions, with evidence suggesting that practicing police interactions using VR may be especially effective for driving skill acquisition.
IQ Profiles in Bilingual Children With Developmental Language Disorder: The Role of Maternal Education.
Peristeri E, Silleresi S, Tsimpli IM
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 May · PMID 42087012 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: The intellectual profile of monolingual children with Developmental Language Disorder is typically characterized by below-average verbal IQ (VIQ) and average Performance IQ (hence, PIQ) scores. Our knowledge of...
PURPOSE: The intellectual profile of monolingual children with Developmental Language Disorder is typically characterized by below-average verbal IQ (VIQ) and average Performance IQ (hence, PIQ) scores. Our knowledge of IQ functioning in bilingual children with Developmental Language Disorder is still very limited. Furthermore, previous research in IQ functioning in children with Developmental Language Disorder has not addressed maternal education as a possible alternative exploratory variable affecting children's performance in IQ tests. Here, we aimed to investigate if intellectual functioning of children with Developmental Language Disorder is affected by bilingualism, and whether this relation is affected by the children's socioeconomic characteristics, including maternal and parental education, and family income. METHODS: We focused on IQ profile comparisons between 125 bilingual children and 109 monolingual children with Developmental Language Disorder. RESULTS: We found that the bilingual children exhibited 'normalized' performance in those VIQ tests that tapped into metalinguistic knowledge and social understanding. The bilingual children were also more likely to exhibit average skills across PIQ tests. Finally, we found that the positive effect of bilingualism on children's IQ was only observed for the children whose mothers had a low educational level. CONCLUSION: The overall findings hold implications for the broader understanding of intellectual functioning in bilingual neurodiverse populations, also highlighting the unique role of maternal education in studying children's cognitive development.
Prevalence of Co-occurring Mental, Neurodevelopmental and Neurological Conditions in Medicaid Beneficiaries With Autism.
DiGuiseppi C, Ing C, Blanchard A … +2 more , Russell MT, Li G
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 May · PMID 42084820 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: As more children with autism enter adulthood, updated data on co-occurring conditions throughout the lifespan are needed. We examined mental, neurodevelopmental and neurological (MNN) conditions among people wit...
PURPOSE: As more children with autism enter adulthood, updated data on co-occurring conditions throughout the lifespan are needed. We examined mental, neurodevelopmental and neurological (MNN) conditions among people with and without autism overall and by demographics. METHODS: Using Medicaid claims data for beneficiaries aged ≥ 1 year enrolled during 2020, we identified autism and MNN diagnoses using ICD-10 codes. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) in beneficiaries with versus without autism were calculated using log-binomial models. RESULTS: Among 993,965 beneficiaries with autism, attention-deficit-hyperactivity and conduct disorders (ADHD/CD, 30.5%), intellectual disabilities (ID, 20.4%), and anxiety disorders (19.3%) were most common. Prevalence of every condition except ADHD/CD increased with age and was higher in females. For most conditions, prevalence was lowest in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) and Hispanic individuals. Every condition except alcohol/drug use disorders was significantly more prevalent in those with autism; aPRs ranged from 1.8 (depression) to 21.2 (ID). APRs were higher in middle and older ages for neurodevelopmental conditions, in children and adolescents for mental and neurological conditions, and in women for neurodevelopmental and neurological conditions. AI/AN beneficiaries had the highest aPRs for nearly all conditions. CONCLUSION: Among publicly-insured individuals, MNN conditions were more common in beneficiaries with than without autism across the lifespan, in both sexes and across racial/ethnic groups. Demographic variation may reflect underdiagnosis of autism in previous generations and females, respectively, and less access to mental health services in some racial/ethnic groups. Screening for ADHD and mental health disorders in youth and adults with autism may improve health outcomes. Screening for ADHD and mental health disorders in youth and adults with autism may improve health outcomes.
Coping Profiles of Parents at the Time of Their Child's Autism Diagnosis: Differences Between Mothers and Fathers, and Associations With Family Mental Health.
Monnier M, Michelon C, Rattaz C … +4 more , Redlinger F, Peyre H, Baghdadli A, Elena Study Group
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 May · PMID 42068511 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Given theoretical and methodological criticisms surrounding coping strategies, this study examines coping profiles and differences between mothers and fathers at the time of their child's autism diagnosis. METHO...
PURPOSE: Given theoretical and methodological criticisms surrounding coping strategies, this study examines coping profiles and differences between mothers and fathers at the time of their child's autism diagnosis. METHODS: Multi-group confirmatory factor analyses (MG-CFAs) were conducted to improve construct validity of the French Ways of Coping Checklist-Revised in 554 parents in France and to test measurement invariance between mothers and fathers. Linear mixed models were performed to examine parental status (mother vs. father) differences in coping strategies. Dyadic latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify distinct coping profiles and the R3STEP approach to examine differences in latent profile membership by parental status. RESULTS: MG-CFAs supported four coping dimensions (problem solving-positive reappraisal, seeking social support, wishful thinking, and self-blame) and demonstrated configural and metric invariances, with partial scalar invariance between mothers and fathers. Fathers reported a significantly lower use of all coping strategies except wishful thinking. LPA identified three coping profiles -Varied Coping, Adaptive-Dominant Coping, and Maladaptive-Dominant Coping-with no significant differences in latent profile membership between mothers and fathers. In both parents, coping profiles differed by anxiety symptoms; additionally, maternal profiles were associated with socio-economic status, stress levels, and the child's internalizing difficulties, and paternal profiles with depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide a more nuanced understanding of mother-father differences in coping among parents of autistic children and underscore the need for tailored, profile-based interventions in clinical practice and future research.
A Telehealth Diagnostic Tool for Autistic Children With Phrased and Fluent Speech: Comparison to In-person Diagnosis.
Meltzoff KK, Alexander C, Hoffman A … +1 more , Blacher J
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 May · PMID 42068510 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Given the existing barriers to timely ASD diagnosis and the potential of telehealth to mitigate these barriers, it is critical to create and validate telehealth autism diagnostic instruments. Existing instrument...
PURPOSE: Given the existing barriers to timely ASD diagnosis and the potential of telehealth to mitigate these barriers, it is critical to create and validate telehealth autism diagnostic instruments. Existing instruments largely focus on children under 3 and/or those with minimal verbal speech. We created and investigated the accuracy and validity for two novel instruments: Tele-ASD-KIDS, phrased speech (TAK-PS), and Tele-ASD-KIDS, fluent speech (TAK-FS) alongside an existing measure for minimally verbal children -the Tele-ASD-PEDS (TAP). METHODS: We assessed 39 children for autism in a university-based free clinic, both in-person and using telehealth, with blinded assessment teams- TAP (n = 10; M = 47.5 months), TAK-PS (n = 7, M = 74 months), TAK-FS (n = 22, M = 102.77 months). Data were analyzed for diagnostic accuracy and social validity for each telehealth instrument separately. RESULTS: Our findings suggest that the TAK-PS is highly accurate, whereas the TAK-FS is accurate for some children but not others. Older children, those with behaviors unrelated to ASD that may affect social-communication abilities, and those with ADHD appear least likely to benefit from telehealth diagnostic assessments. For social validity, caregivers were largely satisfied with both TAK versions. CONCLUSIONS: The TAK-PS and TAK-FS are, to our knowledge, the first telehealth diagnostic measures for ASD in children with phrased or fluent speech that have been systematically compared to in-person assessments using blinded clinical teams and randomized assessment order. Although the initial accuracy and validity of these measures are promising, more research on these measures is needed.
Brief-Report: Associations Between Early Sensory Processing and Emotional-Behavioral Dysregulation in Autistic Toddlers.
Eleonora B, Stefano S, Chiara P … +11 more , Michela B, Fabio A, Romina C, Valeria C, Chiara F, Roberta I, Alice M, Beatrice M, Lucia P, Raffaella T, Sara C
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Apr · PMID 42047994 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Atypical sensory processing is a core feature of autism that emerges early in life and is frequently accompanied by difficulties in emotional and behavioural regulation. This study aimed to examine whether profi...
PURPOSE: Atypical sensory processing is a core feature of autism that emerges early in life and is frequently accompanied by difficulties in emotional and behavioural regulation. This study aimed to examine whether profiles derived from the Toddler Sensory Profile–2 (T-SP2) are associated with emotional and behavioural dysregulation, as measured by the Child Behavior Checklist 1½–5 (CBCL) in autistic toddlers. METHODS: Caregivers of 89 autistic toddler (M = 28.1 months, SD = 4.3; range = 18–35) completed the T-SP2 and the CBCL 1½–5. Spearman correlations (Holm-Bonferroni corrected) were calculated between T-SP2 quadrants (Seeking, Sensitivity, Avoiding, Registration) and CBCL scales (Anxious/Depressed, Attention Problems, Aggressive Behaviour), as well as an aggregate dysregulation index (AAA). Multiple regressions with robust standard errors (HC3 robust SEs), controlling for age and sex, were conducted to identify unique predictors. RESULTS: 75% of participants showed sensory processing scores outside the expected range in at least one T-SP2 quadrant. Sensory profiles were moderately to strongly associated with dysregulation outcomes (ρ = 0.22–0.55), with sensitivity consistently emerging as the strongest correlate. In regression analyses, sensitivity uniquely predicted Anxious/Depressed (β = 0.37), Aggressive Behaviour (β = 0.56), and the AAA composite (β = 0.49), whereas registration uniquely predicted Attention Problems (β = 0.27). Overall, models explained 29–50% of the variance. CONCLUSION: Sensory hypersensitivity was the strongest predictor of early emotional–behavioural dysregulation in autistic toddlers. Results support incorporating sensory screening into early assessments and considering sensory-informed approaches to promote regulation in this developmental period.
Cross-cultural Adaptation of the RAADS-R to Brazilian Portuguese: Ritvo Autism Diagnostic Scale-Brazilian Version (RADS-R-BR).
Hartwig M, Pires EU, Ritvo-Slifka RA … +1 more , de Souza IE
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Apr · PMID 42047993 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This study presentes the cross-cultural adaptation and preliminary psychometric evaluation of the Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R) for Brazilian Portuguese (RADS-R-BR). METHOD: The adapta...
PURPOSE: This study presentes the cross-cultural adaptation and preliminary psychometric evaluation of the Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R) for Brazilian Portuguese (RADS-R-BR). METHOD: The adaptation process followed international guidelines and included translation, synthesis, expert review (n = 5), back-translation, and validation by the original author. A pilot study was conducted with 142 autistic adults aged 19–60 years (M = 33.49, SD = 8.44). Data were collected online via Google Meet by trained assistants. The internal structure was examined through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) using the WLS estimator and fit indices (χ², CFI, TLI, RMSEA, SRMR). Reliability was estimated with Cronbach’s α, McDonald’s ω, and Composite Reliability (CR), and item parameters were assessed using Item Response Theory (IRT). RESULTS: Semantic and conceptual equivalence was preserved, with high content validity coefficients for Language Clarity (LC) (0.89), Practical Relevance (PR) (0.87), and Theoretical Relevance (TR) (0.88). Participant comprehension exceeded 80%. The four-factor and two-factor CFA models showed poor fit, with 27 items displaying non-significant loadings. The reduced 14-item screening model (RAADS-14) demonstrated adequate fit indices [χ² (74) = 88.07, p = 0.126], although two items were non-significant. IRT analyses revealed moderate discrimination (mean a = 1.25) and balanced item difficulty (mean b = 0.95). CONCLUSIONS: The RADS-R-BR achieved satisfactory semantic and cultural equivalence but limite structural validity. Results indicate weak performance under Classical Test Theory an IRT, suggesting several items may not adequately capture autistic traits in Brazilian Adults. Future research should refine low-performing items and test a shortened version to improve psychometric precision and critical applicability.
Social Adaptation to Change in Peer Behavior Before and After a Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial of a Theatre-Based Intervention for Adults With Autism.
Muscatello RA, Klemencic ME, Calvosa R … +1 more , Corbett BA
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Apr · PMID 42043633 · Full text
PURPOSE: Psychosocial interventions have been designed for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but most focus on youth. Adaptation to social context was examined before and after a pilot randomized control trial of a theatre...
PURPOSE: Psychosocial interventions have been designed for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but most focus on youth. Adaptation to social context was examined before and after a pilot randomized control trial of a theatre-based intervention for autistic adults. Depressive symptom impact on treatment outcomes was also investigated. METHODS: Sixty-one adults, ages 18–40 years with ASD, randomized to an experimental (EXP, n = 29) or waitlist control (WLC, n = 32) group, participated in a social interaction paradigm (Contextual Assessment of Social Skills; CASS) pre- and post-intervention. Depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory) were examined as a predictor of behavioral change on the CASS post-intervention. RESULTS: Before the intervention, adults in the EXP and WLC group had significant behavior adaptation between the Interested and Bored CASS conditions (corrected p < .01). Analysis of covariance of a Social Adaptation Index, controlling for pretest scores, was not significant for group (EXP vs WLC) (F(1,36) = 0.398, p = .532, ηp2 = 0.011) or sex (F(1,36) = 0.160, p = .691, ηp2 = 0.004). Depression and perception of peer behavior were correlated at pretest (r = -.277, p = .032), but pre-intervention depressive symptoms were not predictive of post-intervention behavior, nor was there a depression-by-group interaction (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The intervention did not significantly impact social adaptation as measured by behavioral changes across social interaction contexts; however, autistic adults were already able to differentiate social conditions prior to the intervention. The CASS may not be optimal for broadly measuring treatment effects in adults. Paradigms are needed to more comprehensively measure behaviors that may be enhanced following social skills interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was pre-registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT04349644).
Differences in Prosocial Behaviors of Preschoolers on the Autism Spectrum and Their Non-autistic Peers.
Taylan SB, Bakkaloğlu H
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Apr · PMID 42029871 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Prosocial behaviors (PBs) play a significant role in achieving desired outcomes from childhood through adulthood. This necessitates an in-depth examination in children on the autism spectrum (AS), as potential l...
PURPOSE: Prosocial behaviors (PBs) play a significant role in achieving desired outcomes from childhood through adulthood. This necessitates an in-depth examination in children on the autism spectrum (AS), as potential limitations in this area may pose risks for an individual's entire life. This study aimed to compare PBs of preschoolers on the AS with their non-autistic (NA) peers. METHODS: 50 Turkish-speaking NA children aged between 48 and 72 months, and 50 Turkish-speaking children on the AS aged between 48 and 80 months participated in the study. The groups were matched in terms of nonverbal cognitive competency (NCC). The Coloured Progressive Matrices Test (CPM) was used to assess NCC, and the Prosocial Assessment Protocol (PAP) was used to assess PBs. RESULTS: Differences were found in helping and sharing behaviors, as well as in overall PBs. However, the groups exhibited similar levels of comforting behavior. Additionally, children on the AS needed more social cues to engage in PBs. DISCUSSION: The results align with literature, indicating that children on the AS may experience limitations in PBs real-life situations-based assessments, and that they have a marked need for explicit social cues. Further research is needed to deepen the knowledge on the behavioral and motivational characteristics that influence PBs in children on the AS.
Parent Perspectives on Mobile Health Autism Screeners.
Vazquez LR, Tangkilisan G, Fuchu P … +6 more , Sanders B, Dolata JK, Bedrick S, Fombonne E, Broder-Fingert S, Zuckerman KE
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Apr · PMID 42029870 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Mobile health (mHealth) screening tools for autism are gaining in prevalence and have the potential to improve inequities in autism screening for families of color and/or low-income families. It is unclear wheth...
PURPOSE: Mobile health (mHealth) screening tools for autism are gaining in prevalence and have the potential to improve inequities in autism screening for families of color and/or low-income families. It is unclear whether current tools will reduce disparities or further help those already advantaged in autism care. METHODS: User testing and qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 English and/or Spanish speaking parents of children with high or low autism likelihood and were less than 5 years old. Parents were low-income and/or a parent of a child of color. Parents were asked about their general technology knowledge in phone interviews and tested 1–2 mHealth autism screening tools at an in-person interview using their own mobile device. Each interview was video-recorded and transcribed. Verbal and non-verbal information was coded using a phenomenological approach to develop key themes. Spanish videos and transcripts were coded in the original language by 2 bilingual team members. RESULTS: 4 themes and 9 subthemes emerged. These included tool accessibility (e.g. physical/logistical access, parent skills and background), tool usability (e.g. content, design and function), tool purpose and appropriateness (e.g. tool links to resources and next steps, tool role in accessing autism care), and tool acceptability (e.g. data privacy and trust, tool legitimacy and parent trust in tool, tool framing of autism/disability). CONCLUSION: Parents suggested improvements such as reducing reading level of text, improved question wording to clarify response options, and making tools shorter to fit in parents’ daily lives.
The Unique and Complex Experience of Growing Up With a Sibling Who Exhibits Severe Challenging Behaviors in the Context of a Neurodevelopmental Disability: A Trauma-Based Study.
Rochefort C, Rivard M, Paradis A
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Apr · PMID 42029869 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSES: Growing up with a sibling who has a developmental disability (DD) is a complex experience that becomes even more challenging in the presence of severe challenging behaviors (SCBs). SCBs include behaviors that m...
PURPOSES: Growing up with a sibling who has a developmental disability (DD) is a complex experience that becomes even more challenging in the presence of severe challenging behaviors (SCBs). SCBs include behaviors that may endanger the physical and psychological integrity of both the individual and their close environment. Despite increasing research on parental experiences, the perspectives of brothers and sisters remain largely overlooked. These conditions often expose them to prolonged and repeated interpersonal harm, aligning with the context described in complex trauma theory which outlines symptoms that may arise from such environments across seven domains: affect regulation, interpersonal relationships, self-concept, cognition, behavior control, physical symptoms, and dissociation. This study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of individuals who grew up with a sibling with an DD in the context of SCBs, using complex trauma theory as a framework. METHODS: Eleven participants took part in two semi-structured interviews exploring both their childhood and adult lives. A directed content analysis, based on the domains of complex trauma theory, was conducted on the full interview transcripts. RESULTS: Findings indicate that the context described by participants shares many features with environments characterized by complex trauma. Furthermore, all seven symptom domains outlined by the theory were reflected in their narratives. CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the need to recognize the potentially traumatic nature of growing up in such environments and to approach brothers' and sisters' experiences through a trauma-informed lens. Greater awareness of their reality is essential to developing clinical interventions.
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