J Autism Dev Disord [JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Autism as a Predictor of Deviant Peer Association: Testing for Dual Systems Model Mediation Effects.
Wojciechowski T
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Feb · PMID 41689701 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Deviant peer association is a robust risk factor for offending, that is, any behavior that violates a criminal law. This can include behaviors like drug use, violence, and theft; among others. Autism is a neurod...
PURPOSE: Deviant peer association is a robust risk factor for offending, that is, any behavior that violates a criminal law. This can include behaviors like drug use, violence, and theft; among others. Autism is a neurodivergent condition characterized by both atypical cognitive development and challenges with social interaction and communication. Despite these impairments, there is a dearth of research focused on the relationship between autism and deviant peer association. Relatedly, there exists no research examining the role that dual systems model constructs (sensation-seeking and impulse control) as mediators of this relationship. This study sought to address these gaps in the literature by examining autism as a predictor of deviant peer association in childhood and whether either or both impulse control or sensation-seeking significantly mediate this relationship. MATERIALS: Waves 1, 3, and 4 of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study were analyzed. Structural equation modeling was used to examine these direct and indirect relationships of interest. RESULTS: Results indicated that autism was associated with lower deviant peer association scores. Lower sensation-seeking scores among youth with autism significantly mediated this relationship, but impulse control did not. CONCLUSION: Autism may be a protective factor against deviant peer association due to diminished sensation-seeking relative to neurotypical peers. Future research should take a developmental perspective on these relationships to examine whether they are consistent at later stages of the life-course.
What Configurations Drive Paternal Involvement in ASD Care? An fsQCA of Individual, Intrafamilial, and Extrafamilial Pathways.
Zhu L, Ge X, Peng T … +1 more , Zhang A
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Feb · PMID 41689700 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Given the critical role of fathers in the care of children with ASD, while prior research has neglected the mechanism by which multi-level factors interact to shape paternal involvement, this study aims to explo...
PURPOSE: Given the critical role of fathers in the care of children with ASD, while prior research has neglected the mechanism by which multi-level factors interact to shape paternal involvement, this study aims to explore the configurational pathways of multi-level factors influencing the involvement of Chinese fathers of children with ASD, under the guidance of Bronfenbrenner's ecosystem theory and by adopting the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method. Specifically, this study intends to clarify how different combinations of individual, intrafamilial, and extrafamilial factors affect paternal involvement, identify the necessary conditions and key drivers therein. METHODS: This study employed fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) - a method uniquely suited to analyze multi-level interactions - to investigate configurational pathways influencing paternal involvement among 203 Chinese fathers of children with ASD. RESULTS: Necessity analysis showed high-frequency couple interaction as a necessary condition (consistency > 0.9, coverage > 0.5) across all configurations, underscoring intrafamilial dynamics' primacy. Five configurations emerged, forming three theoretically distinct models according to ecosystem theory: Individual-Familial Synergy, Intrafamilial-Extrafamilial Support, and Integrated Ecosystem. Key drivers included: working within the public institution (individual), high frequency of couple interaction (intrafamilial), high level of community support (extrafamilial), and high level of other support (extrafamilial). CONCLUSIONS: Paternal involvement in ASD care is the result of the conjunctural effect of multi-level factors, and the configurational pathways for high and low involvement are asymmetric. The core role of intrafamilial interaction and the synergy mechanism of individual, family, and external systems provide important insights for formulating targeted interventions to improve paternal involvement.
Study on the Topological Properties of Language Brain Region Networks in Children With Autism Based on Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI).
Zhang L, Wang M, Jiang Y … +5 more , Wang L, Zheng R, Zhou Z, He F, Jiang H
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Feb · PMID 41689699 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To compare the topological properties of language-related structural brain networks between children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Global Developmental Delay (GDD) and examine their associations with...
OBJECTIVE: To compare the topological properties of language-related structural brain networks between children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Global Developmental Delay (GDD) and examine their associations with language function. METHODS: Sixty-five children with ASD and fifty-one with GDD underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Graph theoretical analysis was used to evaluate nodal metrics in language-related structural networks. Hierarchical regression models analyzed whether diagnostic group moderated the relationship between network metrics and language performance. RESULTS: Behaviorally, children with ASD exhibited significantly lower auditory and visual comprehension scores than those with GDD, while expressive language scores were comparable. At the network level, the ASD group showed significantly higher degree centrality in the right middle temporal gyrus (MTG-R). In the ASD group specifically, degree centrality of the MTG-R, and both degree centrality and nodal efficiency of the right angular gyrus (ANG-R), were negatively correlated with language performance. Regression analyses confirmed that diagnostic group significantly moderated these structure-function relationships. CONCLUSION: Children with ASD and GDD exhibit differences in the local topological properties of language networks and distinct patterns of association with language ability. Specifically, increased nodal connectivity in the MTG-R and ANG-R was associated with poorer language outcomes in the ASD group, suggesting disorder-specific differences in structural network organization. This study provides network-level evidence for divergent brain organization underlying language impairment in ASD versus GDD.
Anxiety in Williams Syndrome: Qualitative Analysis of Caregiver and Individual Interviews.
Thom RP, Renzi D, Mullett J … +9 more , Gracias KR, Chernicky D, Freni N, Eddie D, Fisher MH, Birtwell K, Ravichandran C, Pober B, McDougle CJ
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Feb · PMID 41689698 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Individuals with Williams syndrome (WS) are disproportionately affected by anxiety. However, gaps remain in our knowledge of the clinical presentation and impact of anxiety in this population. The objectives of...
PURPOSE: Individuals with Williams syndrome (WS) are disproportionately affected by anxiety. However, gaps remain in our knowledge of the clinical presentation and impact of anxiety in this population. The objectives of this study were to (1) better understand the phenomenology and impact of anxiety in this population without the constraints of standardized mental health diagnostic criteria, and (2) compare caregiver and participants with WS report of anxiety. METHODS: One-hundred caregivers and 79 individuals with WS participated in open-ended, semi-structured interviews designed to learn more about the symptoms, content, and impact of anxiety on individuals with WS. The interviews were analyzed using a six-step thematic analysis approach. McNemar's test was performed to compare the frequency for which each code was reported by caregivers versus WS participants. RESULTS: Thematic analysis revealed five main themes: (1) observable signs of anxiety, (2) anxiety content, (3) interference of anxiety, (4) caregiver accommodation, and (5) response to anxiety. Caregivers were more likely to report all codes than participants with WS, with the exception of physical signs of anxiety. CONCLUSION: This study provides a deeper understanding of common signs and symptoms of anxiety in individuals with WS, as well as the types of symptoms that are best ascertained through caregiver versus self-report.
Evaluating Emotion Dysregulation in Autism: Validation and Application of the Emotion Dysregulation Inventory to Identify Subgroup Profiles.
Treviño MS, Gerstein ED
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Feb · PMID 41688813 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Autistic youth experience high rates of emotion dysregulation, which can significantly impact functioning and quality of life. Despite its clinical significance, emotion dysregulation remains understudied and mi...
PURPOSE: Autistic youth experience high rates of emotion dysregulation, which can significantly impact functioning and quality of life. Despite its clinical significance, emotion dysregulation remains understudied and misunderstood, with few validated measures for use in autistic youth. This study aimed to further validate the Emotion Dysregulation Inventory (EDI) and explore its utility in understanding emotion dysregulation, its relationship with autism symptoms, and its associations with treatment-relevant factors. METHODS: Caregivers of autistic youth aged 6-11, recruited through the SPARK initiative, completed questionnaires on child behaviors, emotions, and experiences. A total of 320 families were included, with oversampling of minoritized racial and ethnic backgrounds. Structural equation modeling was used to confirm the EDI's two-factor structure and measurement invariance across diverse groups. Latent profile analysis (LPA) and the R3STEP procedure were used to identify subgroups based on emotion dysregulation and autism symptom severity and examine associations with child and family factors. RESULTS: The EDI demonstrated robust psychometric properties, with measurement invariance supporting its use across diverse racial and ethnic groups, as well as for youth with or without a history of language disorder. LPA identified three phenotypic subgroups, each showing meaningful associations with child and family characteristics, including behavioral problems, parental stress, and sleep disturbances. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to our understanding of emotion dysregulation in autism by supporting the EDI's validity in diverse samples and highlighting associations with autism symptoms, comorbidities, and other challenges. Integrating emotion dysregulation into clinical conceptualizations can improve the quality of care for autistic youth.
A Comparative Study of Self-Efficacy, Loneliness, and Well-Being in Adolescents Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Specific Learning Disorder.
Kiliç Tülü B, Özbek AB, Girli A
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Feb · PMID 41678133 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) within the neurodevelopmental disorder spectrum face challenges across various developmental domains that persist th...
PURPOSE: Adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) within the neurodevelopmental disorder spectrum face challenges across various developmental domains that persist throughout their lives. This study aimed to examine and compare levels of loneliness, subjective well-being, and self-efficacy among adolescents aged 14–17 with ASD, with SLD, and adolescents with typical development (TD), based on their self-reports, and to explore the relationships among these variables. METHOD: The instruments used in the assessment included the Children’s Self-Efficacy Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale Short Form, and the Adolescent Subjective Well-Being Scale, which were administered to 180 adolescents (39 with ASD, 62 with SLD, and 79 with TD) attending inclusive high school settings. RESULTS: Findings revealed that adolescents with SLD reported significantly higher family satisfaction and lower academic self-efficacy compared to their TD peers and peers with ASD. Adolescents with ASD reported higher levels of loneliness and lower social self-efficacy than those in the other two groups. Correlational analyses across all groups indicated significant relationships between subjective well-being and academic self-efficacy among adolescents with ASD, and between family satisfaction and general self-efficacy among those with SLD. CONCLUSION: These results can be interpreted as suggesting that adolescents with ASD in this study sample are sensitive to or affected by the challenges they face in social–emotional interaction and peer relationships. For adolescents with SLD, the findings underscore the importance of supportive family interactions for their well-being and may indirectly relate to their perceptions of academic challenges.
Correction: Clinical Correlates of Major Depression in Psychiatrically Referred Youth With and Without Autism: A Controlled Study.
Ghumman U, DiSalvo M, Iorini M … +8 more , Srinivasan A, Saeed A, O'Connor M, Ghaziuddin M, Uchida M, Ceranoglu A, Wozniak J, Joshi G
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Apr · PMID 41670813 · Publisher ↗
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Autism Prevalence, Co-occurring Intellectual Disability, and Support Needs Differ for Somali and Hmong Communities in Minnesota.
Esler AN, Hall-Lande J, Poynter JN … +1 more , Hallas L
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Feb · PMID 41661527 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Previous research has documented disparities in autism prevalence and the co-occurrence of intellectual disability (ID) with autism for children from immigrant communities. The current study compared autism prev...
PURPOSE: Previous research has documented disparities in autism prevalence and the co-occurrence of intellectual disability (ID) with autism for children from immigrant communities. The current study compared autism prevalence and co-occurrence of ID in 8-year-olds across racial/ethnic groups using data from the Minnesota site of the CDC Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, with a focus on two large racial/ethnic groups: Somali and Hmong. METHODS: Systematic review of health and educational records was performed within a defined geographic area, and data were combined from 2014 to 2016 surveillance years to obtain adequate sample sizes to compare prevalence and co-occurrence of ID across race/ethnicity. RESULTS: Somali children had a higher autism prevalence compared to Hispanic, Hmong, and non-Hmong Asian children, with prevalence ratios (PR) of 1.8, 2.1, and 2.1, respectively. Hmong children had a significantly lower autism prevalence compared to White (PR 0.6) and non-Somali Black (PR 0.7) children. Significant differences in co-occurring ID status were found by race/ethnicity. CONCLUSION: Identifying subgroups of children with higher prevalence of autism or greater co-occurring ID can inform public health policy and improve outcomes for individuals with autism and their families. Differences in prevalence and co-occurring ID by race/ethnicity may suggest barriers to service utilization.
Bridging Languages, Broadening Access: Examining an Observation-Based Autism Assessment with a Latinx Sample.
Tafolla M, Lerner J, Kim SH … +1 more , Lord C
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Feb · PMID 41661526 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Standardized observational tools are part of the gold standard for autism assessment, leading to the most reliable diagnoses. Widely used tools are often costly, require extensive training, and lack validation f...
PURPOSE: Standardized observational tools are part of the gold standard for autism assessment, leading to the most reliable diagnoses. Widely used tools are often costly, require extensive training, and lack validation for use with multilingual and low-income populations, factors that contribute to prolonged diagnostic wait times. METHOD: This study examined psychometric properties of the Brief Observation of Symptoms of Autism (BOSA), a 12- to 14-min semi-structured observation designed as an autism assessment tool for both virtual and in-person administration. We evaluated the BOSA's sensitivity and specificity in both English and Spanish within a Latinx, predominantly low-income sample (N = 98), among other psychometric properties. RESULTS: Findings indicate that the BOSA is a promising tool that can be used as a screener or as a part of a comprehensive evaluation administered across languages, settings (home, clinic, community), and interactants (caregivers, clinicians) for individuals with limited verbal abilities, though further research is needed to optimize its use with more verbally fluent populations. CONCLUSION: These results add to the literature, positioning the BOSA as a promising, affordable, and adaptable tool for improving timely access to high-quality autism assessments in culturally and linguistically diverse, underserved communities. Additional research is needed to assess its usefulness in different circumstances while aiming to increase ease and efficiency of coding. The BOSA's suitability for use by non-specialists in intervention and school-based settings could help reduce diagnostic delays that disproportionately affect families of color from non-English-speaking households, making its optimization an important future goal.
Associations Between Autistic Adolescents' Biological and Behavioral Characteristics and Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Functioning.
Heidenreich A, Sullivan W, Kouros CD … +2 more , Bubb M, Ekas NV
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Feb · PMID 41653338 · Full text
PURPOSE: There is limited research examining predictors of physiological functioning in autistic adolescents. The current study aimed to extend prior research by examining a variety of biological (body mass index, pubert...
PURPOSE: There is limited research examining predictors of physiological functioning in autistic adolescents. The current study aimed to extend prior research by examining a variety of biological (body mass index, pubertal status, age, sex) and behavioral (intellectual functioning, receptive language, adaptive skills, autism-related behaviors) characteristics that may be associated with multiple indices of physiological functioning in a sample of autistic adolescents. METHODS: The sample consisted of 110 autistic adolescents (10–17 years of age) who completed a baseline measure of multiple indices of physiological functioning (respiratory sinus arrythmia, pre-ejection period, and skin conductance levels), and then watched a video of their parents engaging in a conflict discussion while their physiology was measured to capture physiological reactivity to an interpersonal stressor. Biological and behavioral characteristics of the adolescent were also measured. RESULTS: In multiple regression models, adolescent body mass index was a significant predictor of baseline levels of respiratory sinus arrythmia, age predicted baseline levels of pre-ejection period, and autism-related behaviors and adaptive functioning were significant predictors of reactivity levels of skin conductance. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the need to consider biological or behavioral covariates when designing future studies examining autistic adolescents’ physiological functioning.
Factors Associated With Psychiatric Emergency Visits of Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder in an Upper-Middle-Income Country.
Machado MCL, Ferreira ACBM, Chaves ACM … +3 more , Leite FDMC, Viana BM, de Miranda DM
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Feb · PMID 41653337 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This study aimed to characterize the epidemiological and clinical profile of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluated at a regional Youth Psychiatric Emergency Unit, and to explore...
PURPOSE: This study aimed to characterize the epidemiological and clinical profile of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluated at a regional Youth Psychiatric Emergency Unit, and to explore factors leading families to seek emergency psychiatric care. METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted through retrospective chart review of patients seen in the emergency service over a one-year period. Patients with a confirmed ASD diagnosis were included. Categorical variables were compared using Pearson's chi-square or Fisher's exact test, and continuous variables were analyzed using independent samples Student's t-test. RESULTS: During the study period, 112 patients with ASD (6.7% of total visits) were seen, and 26 (23.2%) received their first ASD diagnosis at the emergency service. The majority were male (83%) with a mean age of 10 ± 4 years. The mean age at diagnosis among those identified for the first time in the emergency setting was 8.86 ± 4.7 years, indicating a late diagnosis. The most frequent presenting complaints were agitation, aggression, and irritability. Compared to the non-ASD group, ASD patients had significantly higher rates of intellectual disability and epilepsy. CONCLUSION: Findings highlight the role of psychiatric emergency units as potential entry points into the mental health system for children and adolescents with ASD, particularly in middle-income countries where early access to specialized care is often limited. These results underscore the importance of training emergency professionals in managing neurodevelopmental crises and providing families with guidance on how to respond to behavioral emergencies.
Cross-Cultural Differences in the Interpretation of Autistic Traits: A Comparison Between Iran, Malaysia, Morocco, and The Netherlands.
Fani OR, de Jonge MV, Janssen SMJ … +2 more , Ahami AOT, de Vries M
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Feb · PMID 41649746 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: The diagnosis of Autism relies partly on the evaluation of social behavior. What is perceived as "appropriate" (social) behavior is influenced by culture, as culture shapes norms and beliefs about behavior. Cult...
PURPOSE: The diagnosis of Autism relies partly on the evaluation of social behavior. What is perceived as "appropriate" (social) behavior is influenced by culture, as culture shapes norms and beliefs about behavior. Culture might thus influence the interpretation of autistic traits and the diagnostic process. We aimed to study whether culture affects the interpretation and reporting of autistic traits and how autism knowledge is associated with these relations. METHODS: To do so, we investigated cross-cultural differences in self-reported autistic traits (autism-spectrum Quotient) and the commonness of these traits in Iran (n = 88), Malaysia (n = 181), Morocco (n = 94), and the Netherlands (n = 113). Additionally, we explored the relationship between (the commonness of) autistic traits and autism knowledge (Revised Autism Knowledge Survey) across these countries. RESULTS: The results indicated, consistent with previous studies, cross-cultural differences in both self-reported autistic traits and the commonness of these traits. Cross-cultural differences in reporting autistic traits showed that cultural background might affect their interpretation. There was a relationship between self-reported and the commonness of autistic traits. When autistic traits are considered more common, people also self-report more traits. In addition, more knowledge about autism was related to lower self-reported traits. However, within individual countries, the relationships were more nuanced. CONCLUSION: It is, hence, essential to consider cultural background and autism knowledge when assessing autism cross-culturally.
Emotional Contagion and Autistic Traits: Disentangling Components of Social-Emotional Processing.
Lundqvist LO
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Feb · PMID 41649745 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Emotional contagion, the automatic sharing of another person’s affective state, is a foundational component of social–emotional processing. Despite extensive research on empathy in autism spectrum disorder (ASD)...
PURPOSE: Emotional contagion, the automatic sharing of another person’s affective state, is a foundational component of social–emotional processing. Despite extensive research on empathy in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), little is known about automatic affective mechanisms and their relation to autistic traits. Therefore, this study examined susceptibility to emotional contagion in adults with and without ASD, considering gender, emotion type, and autistic traits. METHODS: Adults with ASD (n = 130) and typically developing (TD) peers (n = 219) completed the Autism-Spectrum Quotient and Emotional Contagion Scale. ANCOVAs tested group, gender, and group-by-gender effects, while regression analyses examined associations between AQ subscales and emotion-specific contagion. RESULTS: Individuals with ASD reported lower susceptibility to both positive (happiness, love) and negative (anger, fear, sadness) emotions than TD participants. Gender differences were present in TD participants, with women reporting higher susceptibility, but largely absent or reversed in ASD (notably for love). Across groups, reduced social skills predicted lower emotional contagion; other traits (attention-switching, imagination) showed group-specific associations. CONCLUSION: Emotional contagion in ASD is attenuated but not absent, reflecting qualitative differences in affective resonance rather than a global deficit. Findings highlight the importance of considering both automatic and cognitive components of empathy and support dimensional approaches to social–emotional functioning in autism.
A Mixed Methods Exploration of Emergency Service Use Among Autistic Youth.
Bradley RS, Quetsch L, Del Rosario EA … +1 more , Shields K
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Feb · PMID 41649744 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Autistic youth are at increased risk for needing emergency services compared to their non-autistic peers. While research has begun to explore the nature of emergency service use in this group, researchers have n...
PURPOSE: Autistic youth are at increased risk for needing emergency services compared to their non-autistic peers. While research has begun to explore the nature of emergency service use in this group, researchers have not yet assessed important individual-, family-, and community-level factors that may be associated with these encounters. This study aimed to address this gap in the field via a mixed methods design by characterizing families of autistic children who have utilized emergency services, examining factors accounting for significant differences in service utilization, and exploring family experiences and satisfaction with emergency service encounters. METHOD: 77 caregivers of autistic individuals who endorsed current child challenging behavior completed measures assessing child, family, and community variables. 38 caregivers had used emergency services in recent years; a subset of caregivers (n = 8) completed interviews about their experiences with emergency services. RESULTS: Bivariate analyses and a multivariate analysis of variance were conducted with individual, family, and community variables to determine group differences for families with and without recent emergency service use. Child psychiatric co-occurring conditions (F(3, 70) = 17.40, p < .001, partial η = 0.20) and child aggressive behavior (F(1, 72) = 11.22, p = .001, partial η = 0.14) were significantly associated with emergency service use. In qualitative interviews, caregivers described a range of facilitators and barriers to emergency care. CONCLUSIONS: These findings shed light on clinical characteristics that may be important for developing prevention efforts and indicate a significant need for broad reform at the intersection of emergency care and autism services.
Measuring Theory of Mind: A Multiple-Choice Response Format Version of the Short Story Task.
Goodhew SC, Edwards M
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Feb · PMID 41649743 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Theory of mind is the capacity to understand others' mental states, such as their thoughts, beliefs, and feelings, even when they differ from one's own. The Short Story Task is a measure of individual difference...
PURPOSE: Theory of mind is the capacity to understand others' mental states, such as their thoughts, beliefs, and feelings, even when they differ from one's own. The Short Story Task is a measure of individual differences in theory of mind in adults, where respondents are scored on the accuracy of their mental state inferences about characters in the story. However, it collects open-ended responses and thus requires labour-intensive subjective scoring. The present study tested the validity of a new multiple-choice response format of the Short Story Task (SST-MCQ). METHOD: People on the Autism Spectrum can have difficulty with theory of mind. Therefore, a common validation approach for theory of mind measures is to demonstrate reduced task performance for those on the Autism Spectrum and/or those higher in autistic traits. Here, participants with an Autism Spectrum diagnosis and neurotypical participants were recruited for two studies, and participants completed the SST-MCQ and Autism Quotient (AQ-10). RESULTS: A combined analysis of the two studies (256 Autism Spectrum participants and 263 neurotypical) showed higher autistic traits as measured by the AQ-10 were associated with lower SST-MCQ scores (r = - 0.11). When restricted to those who AQ scores matched their group classification (126 Autism Spectrum and 246 neurotypical), the Autism Spectrum group had lower SST-MCQ scores than neurotypical participants (r = 0.13). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that SST-MCQ scores provide a valid measure of individual differences in theory of mind ability for adult participants.
Too Tired, Too Busy, Still Trying: Perspectives on Exercise Participation Among Latino Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities.
Concepción JLJ, Yadav TS, Pickett KA … +3 more , Doyle KL, Del Calvo MCO, Columna L
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Feb · PMID 41649742 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Latino parents of children with developmental disabilities (DD) face elevated risk of depression, chronic pain, and other health disparities. While physical activity can support their well-being, little is known...
PURPOSE: Latino parents of children with developmental disabilities (DD) face elevated risk of depression, chronic pain, and other health disparities. While physical activity can support their well-being, little is known about the factors that influence their exercise participation. The purpose of this study was to explore factors that influence exercise participation among Latino parents of children with DD in Wisconsin, United States, and Puerto Rico. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews in Spanish. Participants were recruited employing purposive and snowball sampling strategies. Fifteen Latino parents (11 mothers and 4 fathers; 43.3 ± 6.83 years) of children aged 3 to 21 with developmental disabilities, residing in Wisconsin (n = 7) and Puerto Rico (n = 8), were interviewed. Interview data were transcribed and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four themes related to the perceived barriers and facilitators to exercise participation were constructed: (1) the everyday struggles to exercise; (2) there are no places to exercise; (3) taking care of ourselves for them and for us; and (4) with support, we stay active. CONCLUSION: Latino parents highlight key barriers, including limited time, exhaustion, cultural expectations, financial constraints, and lack of program awareness. Despite these challenges, parents identified facilitators that either supported or could help their exercise participation, such as personal health goals, family support, and the use of creative planning strategies. These findings may support the design of culturally responsive strategies to increase physical activity participation and reduce health disparities in Latino families of children with developmental disabilities.
A Scale Development and Examination of Neurotypical College Students' Perceived Barriers to Interacting With Peers on the Autism Spectrum.
Chagnon ZH, Casper DM, Witte TH … +1 more , Tomeny TS
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Feb · PMID 41649741 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Difficulties in social interaction faced by autistic college students can lead to challenges in their college experience. Additionally, there remains a gap in understanding regarding barriers to interaction with...
PURPOSE: Difficulties in social interaction faced by autistic college students can lead to challenges in their college experience. Additionally, there remains a gap in understanding regarding barriers to interaction with autistic peers from the neurotypical perspective. METHOD: Two online studies were conducted to investigate barriers to interacting with college students on the autism spectrum. In Study 1, participants (n = 35) who were primarily white (86.84%) and female (100%) with a mean age of 22.14 years (SD = 3.17) provided narrative responses to open-ended questions about perceived barriers. These responses were then used to develop two new scales: Barriers to Interaction with Peers on the Autism Spectrum, Perceived Norms (BIPAS-PN), and Self-Report (BIPAS-SR). Study 2 aimed to evaluate the new scales and examine the possible moderating effect of quality of prior contact between perceived barriers and unwillingness to interact, as well as the potential mediating effect of perceived attitudes between self-reported barriers and unwillingness to interact. Participants (n = 363) were primarily white (87.3%) and female (90.9%) with a mean age of 19.86 (SD = 3.66). Principal component analysis was used to evaluate the psychometric properties of the scales. RESULTS: Results from Study 1 point to a range of barriers to interacting with peers on the autism spectrum, some that are attributed to college students on the autism spectrum and some attributed to neurotypical peers. Participant narrative responses were used to develop two new scales. Study 1 results informed Study 2. In addition to evaluating the psychometric properties of the two scales, we found that perceived barriers were associated with affective attitudes, and barriers attributed to autistic peers were linked to behavioral attitudes. Self-reported barriers were positively associated with unwillingness to interact and negatively associated with quality of prior contact. Perceived attitudes partially mediated the link between self-reported barriers and unwillingness to interact. CONCLUSION: These findings contribute to the literature regarding autistic college students and shed light on the previously unexplored area of barriers to cross-neurotype interactions.
Autistic Adults and Loved Ones' Experiences of a Later Life Diagnosis.
Ward N, Randle-Phillips C, Aldridge R
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Feb · PMID 41639542 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Increasing numbers of autistic people are diagnosed later in life (i.e., over 35 years old), but little research has looked at how an autism diagnosis impacts on autistic people and/or loved ones of autistic peo...
PURPOSE: Increasing numbers of autistic people are diagnosed later in life (i.e., over 35 years old), but little research has looked at how an autism diagnosis impacts on autistic people and/or loved ones of autistic people. This qualitative study aimed to understand the emotional and relational impact of a later life autism diagnosis. METHODS: Six autistic individuals (> 35years) and six loved ones of autistic adults were interviewed and their results analysed using multi-perspective interpretative phenomenological analysis. RESULTS: Eight themes were generated; six themes across both samples: (1) positive changes, (2) autism stigma, (3) accepting and adjusting, (4) missed opportunities, (5) mental health difficulties, and (6) understanding autism creates a lens to see autism in others. Two themes were generated for autistic participants only: (7) feeling different, and (8) post-diagnostic support. Many autistic participants experienced mental health difficulties, felt different to others, and wondered whether an earlier autism diagnosis may have made life easier. Families were supportive, although adjusting to support autistic loved ones was difficult. Autism stigma affected autism disclosure for fear of rejection. An autism diagnosis increased sense-making, self-compassion, and confidence. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the importance of earlier assessments and post-diagnostic support for autistic adults and/or loved ones to overcome emotional and relational difficulties experienced pre-and-post-diagnosis.
Antipsychotic Drug Prescriptions for Transition-Age Youth on the Autism Spectrum.
Benevides TW, Rast J, Lee B … +6 more , Anderson K, Ventimiglia J, Jaremski JE, Poon J, Brodkin ES, Shea L
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Jan · PMID 41619149 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Research questions included: (1) What are rates of on- versus off-label prescribing among transition age youth and young adults on the autism spectrum (with and without intellectual disability [ID]) compared to...
PURPOSE: Research questions included: (1) What are rates of on- versus off-label prescribing among transition age youth and young adults on the autism spectrum (with and without intellectual disability [ID]) compared to similar-aged youth with ID and a comparison group? (2) What types of antipsychotics are prescribed to transition-age youth, and what factors are associated with prescribing ? METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 2019 U.S. Medicaid data from all states, DC, and Puerto Rico to evaluate antipsychotic prescribing in four transition-age groups aged 14-29y: autistic youth with ID (n = 108,892) and without ID (n = 218,484), an ID-only group (n = 193,733), and a comparison group without autism or ID (n = 269,819). RESULTS: Almost half of autistic youth with ID were prescribed an antipsychotic (45%), compared to 22% of autistic youth, 19% of youth with ID, and 3% of youth with no autism or ID. Among youth taking any antipsychotic, off-label prescribing was highest for autistic youth with ID. Autistic youth with ID were more likely to be prescribed both typical and atypical antipsychotics compared to youth without autism or ID. Young adults 18-29y were significantly more likely to be prescribed atypical and typical antipsychotics compared to youth 14-17y. CONCLUSION: Prescribing of antipsychotics for individuals with developmental disabilities is high, particularly for those with ID. Additional research on prescribing reasons and prescriber characteristics is needed. Well-controlled longitudinal studies evaluating the short-term and long-term consequences of antipsychotic prescribing on autistic people across the lifespan is required.
Sensory Subgroups in Autism: The Role of Cognitive Abilities.
Shulman C, Peretz-Bornstein Y, Kagya S … +1 more , Shalom DB
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Jan · PMID 41609989 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Sensory processing differences are a core feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and can substantially affect adaptive functioning. This study aimed to examine how sensory profiles interact with autism charac...
PURPOSE: Sensory processing differences are a core feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and can substantially affect adaptive functioning. This study aimed to examine how sensory profiles interact with autism characteristics and cognitive abilities. Specifically, it investigated whether distinct sensory subgroups emerge based on cognitive stratification and how these profiles relate to behavioral and adaptive outcomes. METHODS: The study included 823 children diagnosed with ASD, categorized into cognitive ability groups based on IQ scores (< 70 and ≥ 85). Sensory profiles were measured using the Sensory Profile-2 and analyzed using a two-step clustering algorithm to identify sensory subgroups. Behavioral and adaptive functioning were assessed across these subgroups to explore their associations with sensory patterns. RESULTS: Seven distinct sensory subgroups were identified: two among children with lower cognitive abilities (< 70 IQ), two among children with borderline cognitive abilities (> 70 < 85), and three among those with higher cognitive abilities (≥ 85). A unique subgroup emerged in the higher IQ group, characterized by increased sensory avoidance. Across all groups, atypical sensory profiles were associated with greater behavioral challenges and reduced adaptive functioning. Notably, avoidance behaviors in the higher IQ subgroup correlated with better adaptive outcomes, suggesting a possible compensatory role for sensory regulation strategies. CONCLUSION: The findings emphasize the importance of incorporating cognitive stratification in sensory subtyping research in ASD. Sensory avoidance, particularly in individuals with higher cognitive abilities, may serve as a beneficial self-regulation strategy. This study advances understanding of sensory-cognitive interplay in ASD, and can inform personalized approaches to support adaptive functioning and mitigate behavioral challenges.
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