J Autism Dev Disord [JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Autism, Belief, and Society: Voices of Families in Cultural and Religious Contexts.
Doyumğaç İ, Söner O, Arslan G
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41863676 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This study examines how families of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Türkiye’s Southeastern Anatolia Region interpret autism within social, cultural, and religious contexts. By focusing...
PURPOSE: This study examines how families of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Türkiye’s Southeastern Anatolia Region interpret autism within social, cultural, and religious contexts. By focusing on a socio-culturally conservative region characterized by strong religious values, patriarchal norms, and limited institutional resources, the research aims to reveal how belief systems, social expectations, and cultural narratives shape families’ perceptions of autism, the diagnostic process, and caregiving experiences. METHOD: AA qualitative research design was employed. Data were collected from 12 parents (8 mothers and 4 fathers) who have children diagnosed with ASD through semi-structured interviews and home-based observations. Participants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling methods. The data were analyzed using Erlingsson and Brysiewicz’s four-stage content analysis approach, which involved coding meaning units, developing categories, and identifying overarching themes. RESULTS: The analysis revealed four major themes: (1) delays in diagnosis and processes of denial and acceptance; (2) interpretations of autism through cultural values, social norms, and religious beliefs; (3) mothers’ multiple caregiving roles as educators, therapists, and guides; and (4) strategies of resisting stigmatization and normalizing autism. The findings indicate that autism diagnosis carries social, cultural, and psychological meanings beyond the biomedical framework. Religious narratives frequently function as coping mechanisms that help families reinterpret the diagnosis and manage social stigma. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that families’ experiences with autism are deeply embedded within sociocultural and religious meaning systems. Faith-based interpretations, gender roles, and social expectations significantly influence both the diagnostic process and caregiving practices. The findings highlight the importance of culturally sensitive social policies and family support programs that acknowledge the cultural and religious contexts shaping families’ experiences. This study explores how families of individuals diagnosed with autism disorder in Turkey’s Southeastern Anatolia Region understand autism within social, cultural, and religious contexts. Set in Türkiye’s Southeastern Anatolia Region a socio-culturally conservative area marked by strong religious values, patriarchal norms, and limited institutional resources - this study provides a geographically and culturally grounded perspective that is often underrepresented in global autism research. Specifically, it examines the dynamics of delay, denial, and acceptance; the influence of religious references and social norms; and the multiple roles that mothers assume in the care process. Adopting a qualitative research design, data were collected from 12 parents (8 mothers, 4 fathers) through semi-structured interviews and home observations, using purposive and snowball sampling. Data were analyzed with Erlingsson and Brysiewicz’s four-dimensional content analysis method. The analysis identified four key themes: (1) delays in diagnosis and processes of denial and acceptance; (2) interpretations of autism through cultural values, social norms, and religious beliefs; (3) mothers’ multiple caregiving roles as educators, therapists, and guides; and (4) resistance to stigmatization and strategies for normalizing autism. The findings highlight that diagnosis carries social, cultural, and psychological meanings beyond the medical sphere. Religious and cultural narratives serve as both coping mechanisms and acceptance tools. Mothers emerge as resilient yet often invisible figures who struggle for recognition and support. These results underscore the need for culturally sensitive social policies and comprehensive family support programs.
Critical Incidents: Analysis of Missing Children With Reported Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Sundberg-Alley M, O'Donnell DE
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41860681 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This study aims to identify patterns of behavior and differences in missing child incidents between children with and without reported autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS: The study analyzed 2,278 cases of m...
PURPOSE: This study aims to identify patterns of behavior and differences in missing child incidents between children with and without reported autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS: The study analyzed 2,278 cases of missing children under the age of 17, to include 198 missing children with reported autism, disseminated to a federal law enforcement agency’s crisis watch unit. Chi-square analyses were conducted to compare features associated with disappearances of missing autistic children versus non-autistic children. RESULTS: Missing children with ASD were older than neurotypical missing children and more often male. While over 50% of the cases in the overall sample were abductions, 87% of cases of children with reported ASD were nonforcible departures. Of cases with determinable histories, 75% had previously departed. One-third of cases demonstrated evidence of a precursor event immediately prior to the departure. Children with reported ASD were recovered deceased and died of accident or exposure more than children without ASD. Accidental drowning accounted for most fatal incidents. In cases where search efforts could be determined, of children with reported ASD who were recovered deceased after non-forcible departure, the area where the child was ultimately discovered had been previously searched in 24% of cases. CONCLUSION: Consistent with prior research, children with reported autism spectrum disorder wandered or eloped and suffered fatal injuries more often than children without reported autism. Practical aspects for law enforcement and caregiver response are discussed.
Emerging Discussions on Folinic Acid and Acetaminophen in Autism.
Balkanas M, Durcan G, Doğangün B
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 May · PMID 41854993 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: To provide a balanced update for clinicians and families on folinic acid (leucovorin) in autism and the evidence regarding prenatal acetaminophen (paracetamol) exposure. METHODS: We summarise key randomised tria...
PURPOSE: To provide a balanced update for clinicians and families on folinic acid (leucovorin) in autism and the evidence regarding prenatal acetaminophen (paracetamol) exposure. METHODS: We summarise key randomised trials of folinic acid and the most methodologically rigorous observational evidence on prenatal acetaminophen, with attention to study design and subgroup findings. RESULTS: Several small, randomised trials report short-term improvements in verbal or social communication with folinic acid. These effects appear stronger in biological subgroups, such as children with folate receptor autoantibodies (FRAA). However, the evidence remains limited due to small sample sizes, single-centre designs, and variable outcome measures. Notably, a randomised trial published in 2024 was retracted in January 2026, highlighting the need for caution regarding early findings. For acetaminophen, there is ongoing debate about its potential association with autism. A major Swedish cohort study using sibling control analysis (n = 2,480,797) found no association with autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability after adjusting for familial factors. CONCLUSION: Clear, evidence-based communication is essential to help families navigate emerging evidence without being misled by premature claims.
Internal Consistency of Self-report Anxiety Measures for Autistic Adults Without Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Stanford L, Welham A, Banks S … +1 more , Surtees A
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41854992 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Anxiety prevalence is higher for autistic adults than the general population, yet there is no consensus on whether self-report questionnaires provide internally consistent measurements. This review aimed to iden...
PURPOSE: Anxiety prevalence is higher for autistic adults than the general population, yet there is no consensus on whether self-report questionnaires provide internally consistent measurements. This review aimed to identify and narratively compare the internal consistency of all available self-report anxiety measures for autistic adults, and meta-analyse the measures with enough studies. METHODS: Six databases were searched to identify relevant literature. After eligibility criteria were applied, 27 articles were retained. Included papers were evaluated for risk of bias using bespoke criteria. RESULTS: The Generalised Anxiety Disorder seven-item questionnaire, Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (21-item - anxiety subscale [DASS-21]) were meta-analysed as they were examined in sufficient numbers of studies. Pooled Cronbach's of 0.91 (CI 0.91-0.92), 0.97 (0.96-0.97), and 0.87 (0.83-0.92), respectively, were identified. Acceptable heterogeneity was found for all measures except the DASS-21 (I = 95.4%). Pooled internal consistency was comparable to equivalent measures used with general population samples. A complementary narrative review revealed that internal consistency across all 27 studies ranged from good to excellent. CONCLUSION: Published data suggest self-report anxiety measures have excellent internal consistency when completed by autistic adults. Future studies should explore complementary psychometric properties and include autistic samples with intellectual disabilities to replicate the findings.
FIRST STEPS: A Pilot Randomized Study Analyzing the Preliminary Efficacy of the Incredible Years for Autism Spectrum and Language Delays (IY-ASLD).
Valencia-Agudo F, Villalta-Macià L, Urbiola-Merina E … +5 more , Garriz-Luis A, López-Moreno L, Rivas-Rodríguez M, Parellada M, Romero-González M
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41849025 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Having access to parenting interventions in the early years is key to improve developmental outcomes of children with neurodevelopmental problems. The Incredible Years Parent Program has been adapted for familie...
PURPOSE: Having access to parenting interventions in the early years is key to improve developmental outcomes of children with neurodevelopmental problems. The Incredible Years Parent Program has been adapted for families of children with autism or language delays (IY-ASLD). The aim of this study is to analyze the preliminary efficacy of the intervention in the Spanish public mental health services. METHODS: The FIRST STEPS study is a multicenter, pilot randomized controlled trial. Sixty-two families of children with autism spectrum disorder and preterm children with communication and/or socialization difficulties (aged 2-5 years) were recruited. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the intervention was performed online. A generalized estimating equations model was conducted. RESULTS: No significant differences in parental stress ([Formula: see text] = 2.01, [Formula: see text]0.640), depressive symptoms ([Formula: see text] = - 1.42, [Formula: see text]0.437), child psychopathology ([Formula: see text] = 0.74, [Formula: see text]0.886) ), positive parenting [Formula: see text] = 2.25, [Formula: see text]0.076) or total expressed emotion ([Formula: see text] = - 0.10, [Formula: see text]0.605) were found between groups at T2. In terms of expressed emotion at T2, a significant interaction was observed between positive comments at T1 (a subscale of the expressed emotion tool) and study group ([Formula: see text] = 0.75, [Formula: see text]0.007). CONCLUSION: Future studies should analyze the efficacy of the program using a larger sample. Families showing higher levels of expressed emotion might need more support during the therapy groups to improve this variable. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol for the study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (ID number: NCT04358484. Unique Protocol ID: PIC-220-19).
The Development of Risky Decision Making in Adolescents at Risk of Developmental Language Disorder.
Chan LFJ, St Clair MC
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41843314 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Poor risky decision making (RDM) may lead to negative consequences across various aspects of daily life, especially during adolescence. Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is associated with abnormality in the...
PURPOSE: Poor risky decision making (RDM) may lead to negative consequences across various aspects of daily life, especially during adolescence. Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is associated with abnormality in the neural pathway responsible for RDM. However, there is little research that directly examines the development of RDM in the DLD population. The current study evaluated RDM in the DLD population and the general population from early to late adolescence. METHODS: Data from the Millennium Cohort Study was used to examine RDM performance at ages 11, 14, and 17 in adolescents at risk of DLD (rDLD; N = 891) and their age-matched peers in the general population (GP) as a comparison group (N = 13372). The participant’s performance in the Cambridge Gambling Task (CGT) and a monetary risk preference task were assessed. RESULTS: The results indicated that adolescents at risk of DLD had a significantly higher tendency to take risks and poorer quality of decision making at age 11 and 14, as well as poorer adjustment to changes in risk at age 11. There were no significant between-group differences in risk adjustment at 14 or risk preference at 17 and no significant interaction between time and group differences in CGT measures from early to mid-adolescence. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that both groups showed similar trajectories in the development of RDM, implying that the development of RDM in the rDLD group is more likely delayed rather than impaired. The current study provides insights regarding the RDM abnormalities in the DLD population.
Handwriting Challenges in Autistic Children: A Comparative Study of Legibility and Character Processing in Logographic Chinese Writing.
Weng ZC, Chang JC, Chen HL … +1 more , Wang TN
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41843313 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Handwriting is a crucial skill for school-age children, significantly impacting their academic performance. For autistic children, handwriting can be particularly challenging due to differences in how they proce...
PURPOSE: Handwriting is a crucial skill for school-age children, significantly impacting their academic performance. For autistic children, handwriting can be particularly challenging due to differences in how they process visual information. These children often focus on smaller details rather than seeing the overall shape of letters or characters, a cognitive trait known as Weak Central Coherence (WCC). Despite these challenges, there is still limited research on handwriting legibility and character processing in autistic children within the context of logographic languages. METHODS: This study conducted comparative analyses between 30 autistic children and 30 age-matched peers. The Chinese Handwriting Legibility Assessment for Children was administered to evaluate legibility, while character processing tasks were conducted to assess the impact of WCC on character recognition. RESULTS: Results indicated that autistic children exhibit poorer legibility in Chinese handwriting, particularly in radical proportion and spacing arrangement. In terms of character processing, both groups performed similarly with familiar characters, but autistic children were influenced by WCC when processing unfamiliar characters. No clear correlation between legibility and WCC was found, potentially due to handwriting legibility being assessed only with familiar characters, but not unfamiliar characters. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the challenges faced by autistic children in handwriting legibility, particularly in the radical arrangement. While the impact of WCC significantly impacts the processing of unfamiliar characters, it does not notably affect familiar characters, suggesting that familiarity helps mitigate WCC’s influence. Understanding these challenges can inform the development of targeted interventions to support handwriting skills in autistic children.
Discourse Marker Use in Mothers of Autistic Individuals and FMR1 Premutation Carriers.
Maltman N, Martin GE, Barstein J … +2 more , Berry-Kravis E, Losh M
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41831151 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: The subtle pragmatic language differences that characterize the broad autism phenotype have also been observed among female FMR1 premutation carriers, suggesting a potential role of the FMR1 gene in autism-relat...
PURPOSE: The subtle pragmatic language differences that characterize the broad autism phenotype have also been observed among female FMR1 premutation carriers, suggesting a potential role of the FMR1 gene in autism-related pragmatic language differences. This study evaluated the use of discourse markers (language units that support conversational discourse) in a direct comparison of these groups to examine how this key pragmatic skill may be used differently and potentially contribute to pragmatic language profiles in each group. METHOD: Participants included 83 mothers of autistic individuals, 61 female FMR1 premutation carriers, and 41 female controls. Discourse marker use was evaluated in the context of a semi-structured conversation. Patterns were compared across groups and evaluated in relationship to global pragmatics and variability in the FMR1 gene across the CGG range. RESULTS: Mothers of autistic individuals demonstrated clear differences in discourse marker patterns compared with FMR1 premutation carriers and controls. Relationships to pragmatics were observed in the use of backchannels only. Links to FMR1 were observed within the premutation CGG range. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that differences in discourse marker use could be an important component of the broader pragmatic differences noted in first degree relatives of autistic individuals, although evidence of a direct relationship with FMR1 was limited.
Adult Clinical Outcomes, Diagnostic Loss and Predictors in Individuals Diagnosed With Autism in Childhood.
Özmeral Erarkadaş K, Erarkadaş M, Altuğ Özboduroğlu A … +1 more , Şişmanlar ŞG
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41817621 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Increasing numbers of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in childhood are now reaching adulthood, yet knowledge of their long-term outcomes remains limited. This study evaluated adult clin...
PURPOSE: Increasing numbers of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in childhood are now reaching adulthood, yet knowledge of their long-term outcomes remains limited. This study evaluated adult clinical characteristics, outcomes, and prognostic factors in individuals diagnosed with ASD in childhood. METHODS: Eighty-seven adults participated, including five (5.7%) in whom loss of autism diagnosis (LAD) was identified. The remaining participants (n = 82) were classified by their initial childhood diagnoses: autistic disorder (49.4%), pervasive developmental disorder–not otherwise specified (20.7%), and Asperger’s syndrome (24.7%). Adult outcomes were assessed using a structured functional and psychosocial rating system. RESULTS: Subtypes differed significantly in age at first sentence, regression history, age at diagnosis, and initiation of special education. Individuals with Asperger’s syndrome and LAD had higher university attendance and graduation rates. Overall outcomes were very poor (5.7%), poor (55.2%), fair (24.2%), good (8%), and very good (6.9%), with significant group differences. Poor outcomes were significantly more frequent among individuals with intellectual disability (ID), regression history, co-occurring psychiatric conditions, and older age at first sentence. ID and regression significantly predicted poor outcomes, while absence of ID predicted LAD. CONCLUSION: Findings highlight the heterogeneity of ASD trajectories across the lifespan. While some individuals lose the diagnosis, outcomes vary widely depending on individual characteristics and diagnostic subtype. ID and regression emerged as key predictors for poorer outcomes. These findings offer clinically relevant insights by clarifying prognostic markers and long-term outcomes, informing diagnostic assessment and intervention planning, and emphasizing the need for tailored support strategies.
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 Mar · PMID 41817620 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: The Parent's Observations of Social Interactions (POSI) is a brief, targeted screening measure for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There is minimal data on its use in infants at high risk for developmental delay...
PURPOSE: The Parent's Observations of Social Interactions (POSI) is a brief, targeted screening measure for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There is minimal data on its use in infants at high risk for developmental delays. The objective was to evaluate the use of the POSI as an ASD screener in a cohort of infants at high risk for neurodevelopmental impairments. Our hypothesis was that positive POSI scores would be associated with developmental delays and the later diagnosis of ASD. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included toddlers born between 2016 and 2019 assessed using the POSI and Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSITD) at 18-33 months corrected age. Children with positive and negative POSI screens were compared for developmental delays, cerebral palsy, and later diagnoses of ASD by a developmental pediatrician as noted in the electronic health record. RESULTS: Positive POSI scores were noted in 106/291 (36.4%) children, with 25/291 (8.6%) subsequently diagnosed with ASD. Toddlers with a positive score were more likely to have developmental delays and cerebral palsy compared with those with negative scores. The sensitivity of a positive POSI score for a later diagnosis of autism was 76% with a specificity of 66.7%. CONCLUSIONS: The POSI was a feasible method of ASD screening for high-risk children, in conjunction with other developmental evaluations. Due to low specificity, future research is warranted to improve the accuracy of early ASD screening in high-risk infants and long-term follow up.
Atypical Tactile Expressions Using Japanese Ideophones in Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Nakano T, Awada S, Oizumi M … +4 more , Kuwano D, Tanji K, Kato N, Saji N
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41806250 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Japanese ideophones (onomatopoeia) constitute a unique lexical system that conveys complex sensations and emotions through embodied sound symbolism. Because adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show weak s...
PURPOSE: Japanese ideophones (onomatopoeia) constitute a unique lexical system that conveys complex sensations and emotions through embodied sound symbolism. Because adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show weak sensitivity to sound-symbolism, their engagement with ideophones may diverge from that of typically developing (TD) adults. We addressed this possibility in two experiments involving adults with ASD who have normal language abilities and no sensory-processing abnormalities. METHODS: In Study 1, thirty-one tactile ideophones were rated on five physical and two emotional dimensions using a semantic-differential questionnaire. In Study 2, participants palpated 15 fabrics and selected all ideophones that captured each sensation. RESULTS: In Study 1, mean ratings, representational-similarity matrices, and response variabilities did not differ between groups, indicating that ASD adults share a semantic understanding of ideophones with TD adults. In Study 2, group-level choice distributions and the fabric representational-similarity structure based on those choices again aligned across ASD and TD groups. However, multidimensional scaling of individual choice profiles revealed pronounced dispersion in ASD. Two factors accounted for this variability: ASD participants selected fewer ideophones per fabric, and their ideophone combinations were highly idiosyncratic, whereas ideophone combinations were widely shared among TD individuals. CONCLUSION: Taken together, the results show that adults with ASD possess intact semantic representations of tactile ideophones yet adopt a more restricted and individualized strategy when translating concrete sensory experiences into linguistic expressions. This localized, less convergent usage may contribute to the qualitative communication difficulties often observed in ASD, despite intact lexical-semantic knowledge and representational similarity structures.
Individual and Combined Associations of Maternal Fever, Placental Inflammation, and Prematurity With Autism and ADHD.
Starr A, Qu X, Hong X … +2 more , Safi S, Wang X
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41806249 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Prenatal maternal immune activation (MIA) and preterm birth (PTB) have each been linked to increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/h...
PURPOSE: Prenatal maternal immune activation (MIA) and preterm birth (PTB) have each been linked to increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, MIA definitions varied across studies and few investigations have examined their combined effects. This study assessed the relationship between MIA and NDDs using two MIA definitions: binary (fever and/or placental inflammation) and a four-level subtype (fever only, inflammation only, both, or neither); and examined the joint associations of MIA and PTB with NDDs. METHODS: This report includes 2,975 mother-child dyads. Adjusted logistic regressions estimated associations between MIA and NDDs. Additive interactions between MIA and PTB were assessed using the Relative Excess Risk due to Interaction (RERI). Mediation-moderation analyses examined the extent to which the association between MIA and ADHD was statistically explained by PTB. RESULTS: Binary MIA was associated with elevated odds of NDD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.33, 1.08-1.64) and ADHD (aOR = 1.71, 1.30-2.25). Using the four-level definition, the highest risk was among children exposed to both maternal fever and placental inflammation (NDD: aOR = 3.25, 1.87-5.66; ADHD: aOR = 3.16, 1.50-6.65). Co-occurrence of binary MIA and PTB yielded a RERI of 0.88 (0.28-1.48) for ADHD, while both (Fever + IUI) MIA subtype and PTB yielded RERI of 2.14 (0.66-3.62), indicating greater-than-additive joint associations. In mediation analyses, we found that the positive associations of MIA with NDD and ADHD were partly explained by PTB. CONCLUSION: Placental inflammation, more so than fever, is associated with NDDs and ADHD risk, supporting the value of MIA subtype measure. MIA and PTB are jointly associated with increased ADHD risk beyond additivity, and PTB partially mediated the association between MIA and ADHD.
Atypical Olfactory Identification, Memory and Metacognition in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Zhang A, Peng F, Lai W … +2 more , Qu C, Zou L
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41806248 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Sensory dysfunction is highly prevalent in individuals with ASD. Olfactory abnormalities in ASD remain under-explored. The present study aimed to examine olfactory identification, memory and metacognition in chi...
PURPOSE: Sensory dysfunction is highly prevalent in individuals with ASD. Olfactory abnormalities in ASD remain under-explored. The present study aimed to examine olfactory identification, memory and metacognition in children with ASD. METHODS: Fifty children with ASD (aged 7–10 years) and fifty age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled. Olfactory identification ability was assessed with the Universal Sniff (U-Sniff) test, and olfactory memory ability with a modified U-Sniff test. Olfactory metacognition was assessed using the Children’s Personal Significance of Olfaction (ChiPSO), the Body Odor Sniffing Questionnaire (BOSQ) and the Chemosensory Pleasure Scale for Children (CPS-C). RESULTS: Results revealed that participants with ASD exhibited atypical olfactory identification, memory and metacognition abilities compared to typically developing controls. Additionally, both olfactory identification and metacognition were significantly associated with social deficits (evaluated by the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 and the Autism Spectrum Quotient-Children’s version) in the ASD group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of studying olfactory dysfunction as a key sensory aspect in ASD, providing insights into the link between olfactory processing impairments and social deficits in the disorder.
Neurodiversity Knowledge Among Secondary Educators: Findings From an Initial Participatory Survey Study.
O'Brien K, Cai C, Combs A … +5 more , Li E, Lu F, Tian L, Zhang S, Blacher J
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41806247 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This brief report examines high school teachers’ knowledge of neurodivergent student needs in cooperation with the students themselves, since autism is increasingly common in the classroom and centering the pers...
PURPOSE: This brief report examines high school teachers’ knowledge of neurodivergent student needs in cooperation with the students themselves, since autism is increasingly common in the classroom and centering the perspectives and insights of neurodivergent people is preferred. METHOD: Knowledge of research and best practices was measured using a 14-item survey developed through participatory action research with neurodivergent and allied students. RESULTS: Responses from 104 teachers in two Southern California districts revealed a significantly above-chance mean knowledge score (M = 45.02, p < .001). Teachers with neurodivergent family members scored higher than those without (M = 45.64, p < .05), while other demographic factors, including self-identification as neurodivergent, were not significant. CONCLUSION: Findings highlight the role of lived experience in shaping educator understanding and underscore the need for evidence-based professional development in neurodiversity-affirming practices.
Non-social Language Exposure Facilitates Autistic Children's Language Learning.
Hwang H, Louie K, To CKS
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41806246 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: We aim to identify the mechanisms underlying autistic children’s language difficulties by evaluating three competing accounts: (1) autistic children experience language difficulties primarily due to challenges i...
PURPOSE: We aim to identify the mechanisms underlying autistic children’s language difficulties by evaluating three competing accounts: (1) autistic children experience language difficulties primarily due to challenges in social engagement, with limited benefit from both social and non-social language input; (2) autistic children have deficits in the core language learning mechanisms irrespective of input type; and (3) autistic children possess intact learning mechanisms, but social input hinders their learning, while non-social input facilitates it. METHODS: To test these accounts, we examined immediate syntactic learning—the tendency to reuse recently encountered sentence structures—and cumulative syntactic learning—the long-term reuse of structures after repeated exposure. Autistic and typically developing (TD) children, matched on language ability and non-verbal IQ, were exposed to syntactic structures via a live human speaker, computer, or a mix of both across two sessions one week apart. RESULTS: Both groups showed equivalent immediate learning across all exposure conditions. However, cumulative learning revealed striking group differences. Autistic children showed cumulative learning only in the computer condition, while TD children did in all conditions except the computer. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that autistic children are capable of both immediate and cumulative syntactic learning, but their cumulative learning is hindered by social exposure and facilitated by non-social exposure. In line with the third account, these results suggest that autistic children possess intact learning mechanisms, but the effectiveness of their learning is modulated by contextual factors in ways that differ from TD children.
A Scoping Review of Caregiver Worries of Transition-Aged Autistic Youth.
Balser S, Wei W, Johnson LR … +2 more , Wenzell ML, Zauszniewski JA
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41793611 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This scoping review aimed to summarize the worries of caregivers of transition-aged autistic youth and to assess whether these worries are captured in related measures. METHODS: As the first known review on the...
PURPOSE: This scoping review aimed to summarize the worries of caregivers of transition-aged autistic youth and to assess whether these worries are captured in related measures. METHODS: As the first known review on the topic, a scoping review was most appropriate for summarizing the state of empirical literature. Six databases were used to identify 25 peer-reviewed articles published in English from 1993 to June 2025. Included articles were those that captured the worries of caregivers of autistic youth ages 16 to 30, who were living in the United States. RESULTS: Across the literature, caregivers expressed worries at the individual (i.e., focused on the youth or the caregivers), interpersonal (i.e., related to interpersonal relations and community interactions), and organizational levels (i.e., higher educational systems, employment, living arrangements, and service systems). While some aspects of caregiver worries were captured in the reported measures, other worries were either not included (e.g., education-related worries) or were only partially captured (e.g., measures that included health-related worries focused on physical health and not mental health). CONCLUSIONS: Most articles qualitatively captured caregivers’ expressed worries (84%), suggesting a need for further exploration to assess the relationships between caregiver worries and other variables, including the long-term impact of worry on the caregiver’s health and overall well-being. Additionally, only a subset of worries was captured or partially captured in the identified measures, suggesting the potential need for developing alternative measures or for further adapting and validating currently available measures for this population.
Identifying Neurodevelopmental Domain Subgroups in Autism and ADHD.
Krakowski AD, Cost KT, Vandewouw M … +11 more , Szatmari P, Anagnostou E, Crosbie J, Schachar R, Duku E, Georgiades S, Ayub M, Kelley E, Nicolson R, Pullenayegum E, Barnett-Tapia C
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41793610 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have considerable overlap in clinical presentation, supporting the need for a framework of symptom domains which crosses traditi...
PURPOSE: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have considerable overlap in clinical presentation, supporting the need for a framework of symptom domains which crosses traditional diagnostic boundaries. We aimed to identify latent groups based on similarities in factor scores across ASD and ADHD neurodevelopmental domains and to compare these groups on adaptive functioning and neuroimaging measures. METHODS: Participants included children and youth with a clinical diagnosis of ASD (n = 727) or ADHD (n = 770). Parents completed measures of autism and ADHD symptoms. We identified latent profiles of four symptom factors (inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, social communication, and restricted, repetitive behaviours and interests). The profiles were then compared on adaptive functioning and global structural and functional neuroimaging measures. RESULTS: A four-profile model was the best fitting model. All four profiles had varying levels of co-occurring ASD and ADHD symptoms, regardless of whether the class consisted of predominately ASD or ADHD participants. There was no profile with all ASD or ADHD participants. Adaptive Behavior Assessment System scores were significantly different among latent profiles after adjusting for age, sex and diagnosis (Χ2(3) = 360.747, p < 0.001). Total subcortical volume was significantly different among latent profiles after adjusting for age, sex, and brain volume (Χ2(4) = 10.868, p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: We identified four latent profiles with varying levels of co-occurring ASD and ADHD symptoms, spanning diagnostic labels, and between-profile variation on adaptive functioning and subcortical volume. These results provide support for phenotypic overlap between ASD and ADHD and reinforce the need to focus on dimensionality in ASD and ADHD.
Associations Between Feeding Difficulties, Parental Quality of Life, and Coparenting in Turkish Families of Children With and Without Autism.
Doğan ND, Turan F
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41784759 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Feeding difficulties are widely reported among children with autism, yet their broader implications for parental quality of life and coparenting remain underexplored, particularly in non-Western contexts. This s...
PURPOSE: Feeding difficulties are widely reported among children with autism, yet their broader implications for parental quality of life and coparenting remain underexplored, particularly in non-Western contexts. This study examined the associations between children’s feeding difficulties, parental quality of life, and coparenting in families of children with and without autism in Türkiye. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 125 parents in Türkiye (67 parents of children with autism; 58 parents of typically developing children) who had children aged 3–9 years. Data were collected using the Quality of Life in Autism Questionnaire (QoLA), the Coparenting Relationship Scale, and the Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory (BAMBI). The study explored (a) group differences in feeding difficulties, parental quality of life, and coparenting, and (b) the associations among these variables within both groups. RESULTS: Children with autism showed higher feeding difficulties than typically developing (TD) peers (z = 2.52, p = .012, r = .23). In the autism group, feeding difficulties were negatively associated with parental quality of life (ρ = −0.43, 95% CI [− 0.61, − 0.21], p < .001) and coparenting (ρ = −0.33, 95% CI [− 0.53, − 0.10], p < .01). In the TD group, the quality of life association was weaker (ρ = −0.27, 95% CI [− 0.49, − 0.01], p < .05), and the coparenting association was not significant. CONCLUSION: Feeding difficulties may operate as stressors linked to reduced parental QoL and, in autism, to lower coparenting quality. Findings support the value of family-informed approaches to feeding challenges and warrant longitudinal and intervention research across settings.
Genetic Testing History in Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Mierau SB, Thom RP, Ravichandran CT … +7 more , Nagy A, Rice C, Macenski C, Keary CJ, Palumbo ML, McDougle CJ, Neumeyer AM
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41784758 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Many genes have been identified in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Yet how many adults with ASD receive recommended genetic testing and their outcomes is unknown. We investigated the percentage of adults with AS...
PURPOSE: Many genes have been identified in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Yet how many adults with ASD receive recommended genetic testing and their outcomes is unknown. We investigated the percentage of adults with ASD with documented genetic testing in our ASD specialty clinic and the percentage with positive findings. METHODS: Adults were identified through search of our data repository and ASD diagnoses confirmed using record review by psychiatrists specializing in ASD. Patients were included (N = 630) who had at least one visit with a qualifying clinician between 5/1/2010 and 12/15/2020. Data were collected through manual retrospective record review. RESULTS: Only 41% of the adults with ASD (261/630) had a documented history of genetic testing. Genetic testing was declined by patients or families for 11% of records and not recorded in 47%. Mean (SD; range) age for the 261 adults was 28.5 (5.3; 22-58) years; 26% were female and 73% had intellectual disability (ID). The genetic testing method was recorded in 91% (238). Only 54% of these patients had testing using a recommended method (chromosomal array, autism/ID sequencing panel, or exome sequencing). Few adults received testing with sequencing technologies. A genetic cause of ASD was found in 28%. CONCLUSION: ASD-related genetic testing is underutilized in adults with ASD. Nearly half of the adults in our sample lacked documentation of genetic testing. Adults with ASD may benefit from having their genetic testing history reviewed in the clinic and the recommended testing performed.
Child Quality of Life as an Outcome Following Pivotal Response Treatment: Findings From Four Randomized Controlled Trials With Autistic Children.
Schuck RK, Ferguson EF, Spackman EK … +9 more , Jevtic E, Millan ME, Paszek K, Komaki H, Ma Q, Phillips JM, Uljarević M, Gengoux GW, Hardan AY
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41779339 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Literature points to the efficacy of Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) in supporting children with autism in improving social communication. Given PRT’s positive impact on skill development and its child-centered...
PURPOSE: Literature points to the efficacy of Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) in supporting children with autism in improving social communication. Given PRT’s positive impact on skill development and its child-centered, play-based implementation, it is plausible that it could have positive impacts on child quality of life (QoL), an important outcome according to autistic self-advocates and family members. However, few studies have investigated QoL as an intervention outcome. METHODS: We combined data from four randomized controlled trials of PRT with young autistic children (N = 160). All studies included parent training; two also included clinician-delivered intervention. Control group participants received treatment as usual in the community. Parents filled out the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory before and after 12 weeks of intervention. Analysis of covariance models assessed whether receiving PRT led to changes in QoL, controlling for child age. RESULTS: Baseline QoL ratings varied, with Physical QoL rated highest and Social QoL lowest. QoL change was not dependent on whether studies included only parent training versus also included clinician-delivered PRT. There were no significant impacts of intervention group on changes in QoL from baseline to post-intervention. CONCLUSION: Despite benefits in social communication, short-term PRT did not lead to increases in parent-reported child QoL. While it is possible that PRT does not impact child QoL, future research should consider whether other measures of child QoL are more likely to be sensitive to change, ensure autistic conceptualizations of QoL are incorporated, and investigate the impact of PRT on QoL over longer periods of time.
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