Sensory abnormalities are common in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) but are often difficult to assess using standard behavioral methods. Evoked potentials provide objective, non-invasive electrophysio...Sensory abnormalities are common in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) but are often difficult to assess using standard behavioral methods. Evoked potentials provide objective, non-invasive electrophysiological measures of neural sensory processing that could be useful for clinical and investigative studies of individuals with low-functioning autism who are unable to perform behavioral testing. Despite increased use, the reliability of sensory evoked potentials has not been established for individuals with low-functioning autism. Establishing reliability is important for validating the utility of sensory evoked potentials. In this study, we explored the feasibility of assessing the test-retest reliability of sensory evoked potentials using repeat recordings, acquired over 2.5- and 6-month intervals, from a minimally verbal adult with low-functioning autism. Repeat auditory and visual evoked potential recordings showed high test-retest reliability, with cross-correlation coefficients ≥ 0.80. This case demonstrates the feasibility of establishing test-retest reliability for individuals with low-functioning autism and supports the utility of sensory evoked potentials in clinical and investigative ASD studies.展开更多
Artificial Intelligence(AI)is changing healthcare by helping with diagnosis.However,for doctors to trust AI tools,they need to be both accurate and easy to understand.In this study,we created a new machine learning sy...Artificial Intelligence(AI)is changing healthcare by helping with diagnosis.However,for doctors to trust AI tools,they need to be both accurate and easy to understand.In this study,we created a new machine learning system for the early detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD)in children.Our main goal was to build a model that is not only good at predicting ASD but also clear in its reasoning.For this,we combined several different models,including Random Forest,XGBoost,and Neural Networks,into a single,more powerful framework.We used two different types of datasets:(i)a standard behavioral dataset and(ii)a more complex multimodal dataset with images,audio,and physiological information.The datasets were carefully preprocessed for missing values,redundant features,and dataset imbalance to ensure fair learning.The results outperformed the state-of-the-art with a Regularized Neural Network,achieving 97.6%accuracy on behavioral data.Whereas,on the multimodal data,the accuracy is 98.2%.Other models also did well with accuracies consistently above 96%.We also used SHAP and LIME on a behavioral dataset for models’explainability.展开更多
BACKGROUND Managing critical care emergencies in children with autism spectrum disorder(ASD)presents unique challenges due to their distinct sensory sensitivities,communication difficulties,and behavioral issues.Effec...BACKGROUND Managing critical care emergencies in children with autism spectrum disorder(ASD)presents unique challenges due to their distinct sensory sensitivities,communication difficulties,and behavioral issues.Effective strategies and protocols are essential for optimal care in these high-stress situations.AIM To systematically evaluate and synthesize current evidence on best practices for managing critical care emergencies in children with ASD.The review focuses on key areas,including sensory-friendly environments,communication strategies,behavioral management,and the role of multidisciplinary approaches.METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted across major medical databases,including PubMed,Embase,and Cochrane Library,for studies published between 2000 and 2023.Studies were selected based on their relevance to critical care management in children with ASD,encompassing randomized controlled trials,observational studies,qualitative research,and case studies.Data were extracted and analyzed to identify common themes,successful strategies,and areas for improvement.RESULTS The review identified 50 studies that met the inclusion criteria.Findings highlighted the importance of creating sensory-friendly environments,utilizing effective communication strategies,and implementing individualized behavioral management plans.These findings,derived from a comprehensive review of current evidence,provide valuable insights into the best practices for managing critical care emergencies in children with ASD.Sensory modifications,such as reduced lighting and noise,visual aids,and augmentative and alternative communication tools,enhanced patient comfort and cooperation.The involvement of multidisciplinary teams was crucial in delivering holistic care.Case studies provided practical insights and underscored the need for continuous refi-nement of protocols.CONCLUSION The review emphasizes the need for a tailored approach to managing critical care emergencies for children with ASD.Sensory-friendly adjustments,effective communication,and behavioral strategies supported by a mul-tidisciplinary team are integral to improving outcomes.Despite progress,ongoing refinement of care practices and protocols is necessary.This ongoing process addresses remaining challenges and engages healthcare professionals in continuous improvement of care for children with ASD in critical settings.展开更多
Objective Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties with communication and social interaction,restricted and repetitive behaviors.Previous studies have indicated that...Objective Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties with communication and social interaction,restricted and repetitive behaviors.Previous studies have indicated that individuals with ASD exhibit early and lifelong attention deficits,which are closely related to the core symptoms of ASD.Basic visual attention processes may provide a critical foundation for their social communication and interaction abilities.Therefore,this study explores the behavior of children with ASD in capturing attention to changes in topological properties.Methods Our study recruited twenty-seven ASD children diagnosed by professional clinicians according to DSM-5 and twenty-eight typically developing(TD)age-matched controls.In an attention capture task,we recorded the saccadic behaviors of children with ASD and TD in response to topological change(TC)and non-topological change(nTC)stimuli.Saccadic reaction time(SRT),visual search time(VS),and first fixation dwell time(FFDT)were used as indicators of attentional bias.Pearson correlation tests between the clinical assessment scales and attentional bias were conducted.Results This study found that TD children had significantly faster SRT(P<0.05)and VS(P<0.05)for the TC stimuli compared to the nTC stimuli,while the children with ASD did not exhibit significant differences in either measure(P>0.05).Additionally,ASD children demonstrated significantly less attention towards the TC targets(measured by FFDT),in comparison to TD children(P<0.05).Furthermore,ASD children exhibited a significant negative linear correlation between their attentional bias(measured by VS)and their scores on the compulsive subscale(P<0.05).Conclusion The results suggest that children with ASD have difficulty shifting their attention to objects with topological changes during change detection.This atypical attention may affect the child’s cognitive and behavioral development,thereby impacting their social communication and interaction.In sum,our findings indicate that difficulties in attentional capture by TC may be a key feature of ASD.展开更多
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests in the first years of life,with a complex pathogenesis influenced by biological,genetic and epigenetic factors.Many children with...BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests in the first years of life,with a complex pathogenesis influenced by biological,genetic and epigenetic factors.Many children with ASD display marked food selectivity,often restricting themselves to a narrow range of foods.The problems associated with feeding children with ASD can vary widely,from mild cases that pose no immediate health risks,to more severe situations with a risk of mal-nutrition or,conversely,overeating.This scoping review aims to provide an in-depth overview of the frequency,nature and factors related to food selectivity in children with autism.AIM To comprehensively review the literature on food selectivity in ASD.METHODS A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the PubMed,Web of Science and EBSCO databases,to identify articles published in English from 2014 until 2024.Studies on a sample diagnosed with ASD and food selectivity were included.The selected databases were chosen for their broad coverage of the scientific literature.These databases represent reliable sources of high-quality articles,ensuring a comprehensive and up-to-date search.RESULTS We evaluated 222 studies on food selectivity in autism,from which duplicates were removed and unrelated titles were filtered out.Finally,9 articles were included in the review.Five articles provide a general overview of the phenomenon,analysing its nature and factors.Two studies delve into sensory sensitivity,in particular the impact of food textures,tastes and smells.Finally,two studies focus on problem behaviour during mealtimes.CONCLUSION Children with ASD have greater food selectivity than the neurotypical population.The diet should contain a greater variety of fruit,vegetables,yoghurt,while reducing the consumption of rice and pasta.展开更多
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with multifaceted origins.In recent studies,neuroinflammation and immune dysregulation have come to the forefront in its pathogenesis.Th...BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with multifaceted origins.In recent studies,neuroinflammation and immune dysregulation have come to the forefront in its pathogenesis.There are studies suggesting that stem cell therapy may be effective in the treatment of ASD.AIM To evolve the landscape of ASD treatment,focusing on the potential benefits and safety of stem cell transplantation.METHODS A detailed case report is presented,displaying the positive outcomes observed in a child who underwent intrathecal and intravenous Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells(WJ-MSCs)transplantation combined with neurorehabilitation.RESULTS The study demonstrates a significant improvement in the child’s functional outcomes(Childhood Autism Rating Scale,Denver 2 Developmental Screening Test),especially in language and gross motor skills.No serious side effects were encountered during the 2-year follow-up.CONCLUSION The findings support the safety and effectiveness of WJ-MSC transplantation in managing ASD.展开更多
We performed a PubMed search for microRNAs in autism spectrum disorder that could serve as diagnostic biomarkers in patients and selected 17 articles published from January 2008 to December 2023,of which 4 studies wer...We performed a PubMed search for microRNAs in autism spectrum disorder that could serve as diagnostic biomarkers in patients and selected 17 articles published from January 2008 to December 2023,of which 4 studies were performed with whole blood,4 with blood plasma,5 with blood serum,1 with serum neural cell adhesion molecule L1-captured extracellular vesicles,1 with blood cells,and 2 with peripheral blood mononuclear cells.Most of the studies involved children and the study cohorts were largely males.Many of the studies had performed microRNA sequencing or quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays to measure microRNA expression.Only five studies had used real-time polymerase chain reaction assay to validate microRNA expression in autism spectrum disorder subjects compared to controls.The microRNAs that were validated in these studies may be considered as potential candidate biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder and include miR-500a-5p,-197-5p,-424-5p,-664a-3p,-365a-3p,-619-5p,-664a-3p,-3135a,-328-3p,and-500a-5p in blood plasma and miR-151a-3p,-181b-5p,-320a,-328,-433,-489,-572,-663a,-101-3p,-106b-5p,-19b-3p,-195-5p,and-130a-3p in blood serum of children,and miR-15b-5p and-6126 in whole blood of adults.Several important limitations were identified in the studies reviewed,and need to be taken into account in future studies.Further studies are warranted with children and adults having different levels of autism spectrum disorder severity and consideration should be given to using animal models of autism spectrum disorder to investigate the effects of suppressing or overexpressing specific microRNAs as a novel therapy.展开更多
This article describes a pilot study aiming at generating social interactions between a humanoid robot and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), through the practice of a gesture imitation game. The partici...This article describes a pilot study aiming at generating social interactions between a humanoid robot and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), through the practice of a gesture imitation game. The participants were a 17-year-old young lady with ASD and intellectual deficit, and a control participant: a preadolescent with ASD but no intellectual deficit (Asperger syndrome). The game is comprised of four phases: greetings, pairing, imitation, and closing. Field educators were involved, playing specific roles: visual or physical inciter. The use of a robot allows for catching the participants’ attention, playing the imitation game for a longer period of time than with a human partner, and preventing the game partner’s negative facial expressions resulting from tiredness, impatience, or boredom. The participants’ behavior was observed in terms of initial approach towards the robot, positioning relative to the robot in terms of distance and orientation, reactions to the robot’s voice or moves, signs of happiness, and imitation attempts. Results suggest a more and more natural approach towards the robot during the sessions, as well as a higher level of social interaction, based on the variations of the parameters listed above. We use these preliminary results to draw the next steps of our research work as well as identify further perspectives, with this aim in mind: improving social interactions with adolescents with ASD and intellectual deficit, allowing for better integration of these people into our societies.展开更多
Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder affecting over 2%of the global population,marked by social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors.Kabatas et al explored the efficacy and ...Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder affecting over 2%of the global population,marked by social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors.Kabatas et al explored the efficacy and safety of Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cell(WJ-MSC)therapy in a 4-year-old child with ASD.Using the childhood autism rating scale and Denver II develop-mental screening test,significant improvements were seen after six WJ-MSC sessions,with no adverse events over 2 years.Despite promising results,the study’s single-case design limits generalizability.Larger,multi-center trials are needed to validate the findings and assess long-term effects of WJ-MSC therapy in ASD.展开更多
Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is an early-onset neurodevelopmental disorder marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction,alongside restricted,repetitive patterns of behaviors(RRB),interests,or ...Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is an early-onset neurodevelopmental disorder marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction,alongside restricted,repetitive patterns of behaviors(RRB),interests,or activities.It often co-occurs with various neuropsychiatric disorders,though their frequency varies widely due to unclear boundaries between the core features of ASD and common comorbidities.Catatonia,increasingly noted in neurodevelopmental conditions like ASD,shares striking similarities with ASD in symptomatology,brain mech-anisms,and treatment responses,prompting the question of whether it is a core feature of ASD or a distinct condition.This paper delved into this overlap,ex-ploring the relationship between catatonia and ASD through a narrative review of peer-reviewed literature from 1943 to 2024,sourced from PubMed and psy-chiatric journals.Focusing on ASD diagnostic evolution,symptom overlap with catatonia,and shared neurobiological and therapeutic characteristics,we used thematic analysis to synthesize findings into key areas such as historical nosology,phenomenological overlap,neurobiological parallels,and treatment response.The evidence revealed weak support for separating catatonia from overlapping RRB features of ASD,suggesting that some RRB might align more with comorbid catatonia than intrinsic ASD traits.However,this idea needs further validation through rigorous clinical trials.Clarifying this relationship could refine diagnostic approaches and open doors to targeted treatments,potentially improving out-comes for those affected.展开更多
To the editor:Social communication impairment(SCI)is a core symptom of autism spectrum disorder(ASD),and evidence-based interventions targeting this domain remain limited.In the past decade,repetitive transcranial mag...To the editor:Social communication impairment(SCI)is a core symptom of autism spectrum disorder(ASD),and evidence-based interventions targeting this domain remain limited.In the past decade,repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS),one of the most commonly applied non-invasive neurostimulation techniques,has shown efficacy in treating neuropsychiatric disorders,such as depression.展开更多
BACKGROUND Folate metabolism gene polymorphisms may play an important role in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder(ASD).However,most studies have primarily used single candidate gene typing strategies(such as ...BACKGROUND Folate metabolism gene polymorphisms may play an important role in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder(ASD).However,most studies have primarily used single candidate gene typing strategies(such as targeted polymerase chain reaction technology),and current findings remain inconsistent.AIM To investigate the association of folate metabolism gene polymorphisms with ASD susceptibility and symptom severity among Chinese children.METHODS Whole-exome sequencing(WES)was conducted to systematically screen for coding region variants of key genes in the folate metabolism pathway among children with ASD,focusing on identifying polymorphisms with high mutation frequencies and potential pathogenic effects.A case-control study was then conducted to explore the association of candidate folate metabolism gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility and severity of ASD.RESULTS WES was performed on 70 children with ASD,and the case-control study included 170 children with ASD and 170 healthy controls.WES revealed that 84.3%(59/70)of children with ASD carried potentially pathogenic variants enriched in folate metabolism pathways.MTHFR C677T and MTRR A66G were significantly associated with an increased risk of ASD in both codominant and dominant models(P<0.05).The dominant model of MTRR A66G was also significantly associated with higher scores in the domains of social relations,body and object use,social and adaptive skills,total scores on the Autism Behavior Checklist,as well as emotional reactivity,nonverbal communication,and activity level on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Most children with ASD carry deleterious variants in folate metabolism-related pathways.MTHFR C677T and MTRR A66G mutations are significantly associated with ASD.展开更多
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social communication,restricted interests,and repetitive stereotyped behaviors.In recent years,the prevalence o...BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social communication,restricted interests,and repetitive stereotyped behaviors.In recent years,the prevalence of ASD has continued to rise,with boys having a significantly higher incidence rate than girls.Children with ASD often have intellectual and language impairments,which seriously affect their social skills,emotional regulation,and daily life.Although traditional treatment methods have shown some effectiveness,they still have limitations in addressing social and emotional regulation.Neurobiofeedback therapy is a noninvasive,drug-free treatment method that helps individuals regulate physiological responses through feedback mechanisms,and it has shown potential in various psychological disorders and emotional regulation.However,there is limited research on the social skills and emotional regulation in children with ASD.Therefore,this study aims to explore the impact of neurobiofeedback technology on children with ASD through a retrospective cohort study,supplementing existing treatment methods and promoting a more comprehensive treatment of ASD.AIM To investigate the effects of neurobiofeedback therapy on social skills and emotional regulation in children with ASD.METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on 92 children with ASD who were admitted to our hospital from January 2023 to June 2024.According to their different trea-tment plans,they were divided into a conventional group(conventional rehabilitation treatment;n=43)and a combined group(conventional rehabilitation treatment combined with neurobiofeedback therapy;n=49).The general characteristics,Aberrant Behavior Checklist scores,Chinese version of the Psycho-Educational Profile,Third Edition scores,Social Responsiveness Scale scores,Emotion Regulation Checklist scores,Social Communication Questionnaire scores,and the incidence of adverse reactions were compared between groups.RESULTS After intervention,the Aberrant Behavior Checklist and Social Responsiveness Scale scores of the combined group were lower than those of the conventional group.In contrast,scores on the Chinese version of the Psycho-Educational Profile,Third Edition,Emotion Regulation Checklist,and Social Communication Questionnaire were significantly higher in the combined group than in the conventional group(all P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups.CONCLUSION Neurobiofeedback therapy can effectively improve clinical symptoms,emotional regulation,and social skills in children with ASD.展开更多
Objective To examine the temporal trends in the prevalence,incidence,and disability-adjusted life years(DALYs)of autism spectrum disorder(ASD)in China from 1990 to 2021 and to project the future burden to 2036.Methods...Objective To examine the temporal trends in the prevalence,incidence,and disability-adjusted life years(DALYs)of autism spectrum disorder(ASD)in China from 1990 to 2021 and to project the future burden to 2036.Methods Data were sourced from the Global Burden of Disease(GBD)2021 provided by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation(IHME).Join-point regression was applied to estimate the annual percentage change(APC)of prevalence,incidence,and DALYs.Age-period-cohort analysis was used to assess the effects of age,period,and cohort.Decomposition analysis quantified the contributions of population growth,demographic aging,and epidemiological changes.An AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average(ARIMA)model was employed for projections to 2036.Results Between 1990 and 2021,the average annual percentage change(AAPC)was 0.22%(95%uncertainty interval[UI]:0.20%-0.24%)for prevalence,-0.07%(95%UI:-0.14%-0.28%)for incidence,and 0.23%(95%UI:0.21%-0.25%)for DALYs.ASD prevalence and DALYs peaked in children aged 0-5 years and declined after age 60.Rising prevalence and DALYs were mainly attributable to population growth(89.7%and 95.2%)and epidemiological changes(32.6%and 36.2%),while aging offset growth(-22.4%and-16.0%).Projections indicated stable agestandardized incidence for both sexes but divergent prevalence trends,with rates increasing among males and decreasing among females.Conclusions The ASD burden in China is rising,largely driven by demographic and epidemiological dynamics,with young children and males being the most affected groups.Prioritizing early detection and gender-sensitive interventions are recommended.展开更多
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect children’s social interaction and communication skills and exert a serious effect on children’s perception,language,emot...BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect children’s social interaction and communication skills and exert a serious effect on children’s perception,language,emotion,and especially social interaction development.AIM To determine the clinical and psychological characteristics of children with ASD according to the C-PEP-3.METHODS This retrospective study included 225 children with autism aged 2-7 years who were treated in our hospital from 2021 to 2024.The C-PEP-3 scale was used for assessment,and the evaluation results were analyzed.RESULTS The comparison of children with ASD in the age groups of<3.5 years and>3.5 years revealed significant differences in the scores of imitation,fine motor,gross motor,hand-eye coordination,cognitive performance,and verbal cognition development areas(P:Pass)(P<0.01).However,no significant differences in the scores of perception,emotion,interpersonal relationships,play,sensation,and language(S:Severe)were observed on pathological scales(P>0.05).The difference in age in the gross motor developmental delay of the scale was the smallest,whereas that of the verbal cognition was the largest,followed by the imitation functional area.An inverse correlation was found between the scores of imitation,perception,hand-eye coordination,and cognitive performance(P)developmental function areas in children with ASD and those of emotion,interpersonal relationships,game and item preferences,sensory patterns,and emotion(S)in the pathological scale(P<0.05).Fine and gross motor skills were negatively correlated with interpersonal relationships,game and item preferences,and emotions in the pathological scale(P<0.05).Age was significantly positively correlated with the scores of imitation,perception,fine motor,gross motor,hand-eye coordination,cognitive performance,and verbal cognition developmental function areas(P)(P<0.05).Further,age was not associated with emotions,interpersonal relationships,game and item preferences,sensory patterns,and emotions(P>0.05).No gender difference was observed between the scores of each developmental area(P)of the scale and the scores of each functional area(S)of the pathological scale.CONCLUSION The C-PEP-3 scale reflects the differences in clinical characteristics of children with autism,and the pathological scale is associated with the severity of developmental function areas.The C-PEP-3 scale can be utilized to assess the effect of age changes on children with autism.Attention in rehabilitation should be focused on addressing the pathological behaviors of children with autism.展开更多
Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)represents a neurodevelopmental disorder that has been the focus of numerous studies on the central nervous system(CNS).The embryological origin of the brain and retina is shared,with the ...Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)represents a neurodevelopmental disorder that has been the focus of numerous studies on the central nervous system(CNS).The embryological origin of the brain and retina is shared,with the axons of retinal ganglion cells(RGC)developing into the optic nerves that enter the brain through the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus(LGN)of the thalamus,LGN,and other visual cortices.Given the evidence that individuals with ASD exhibit impairments in the visual mechanisms,including deficits in emotional face recognition,and difficulty in maintaining gaze control as well as eye contact,some studies have documented retinal alterations in individuals with ASD.These have been identified through ophthalmic assessments,including optical coherence tomography(OCT),optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA),and electroretinography(ERG).With the improvements in ASD animal models,it is possible to obtain a better understanding of vision dysfunction in ASD by analyzing the molecular mechanisms of retinal function and structure abnormalities.This review aims to provide a summary of the recent research on ocular alterations in ASD patients and animal models,intending to contribute to further investigation of the eye-brain connection and communication.展开更多
Autism is a heterogeneous condition with a rising prevalence and demand for specialized care.Autistic children are more likely than neurotypical peers to experience co-occurring conditions(CCs),including medical,psych...Autism is a heterogeneous condition with a rising prevalence and demand for specialized care.Autistic children are more likely than neurotypical peers to experience co-occurring conditions(CCs),including medical,psychiatric,and behavioral issues,highlighting the urgent need for autism-competent healthcare providers in general healthcare.This review aims to equip primary care providers(PCPs)with a concise summary of common CCs and strategies for effective identification.A panel of experts with extensive experience in caring for autistic children collaboratively summarized key literature,research evidence,and existing clinical trial outcomes,supplementing their clinical expertise.Autistic children consistently show higher rates of both medical and mental health issues.Despite greater healthcare utilization,many autistic individuals report unmet needs.CCs can impair behavior,functioning,and well-being,but are often treatable when recognized early.Timely identification and management of medical and psychiatric CCs are critical for improving outcomes for autistic children and their families.This evidence-based review supports PCPs in enhancing their knowledge,fostering early recognition,and delivering comprehensive,responsive care.展开更多
The prevalence of autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders is increasing worldwide.Recent studies suggest the excessive intake of ultra-processed food plays a role in the inheritance of these disorders via...The prevalence of autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders is increasing worldwide.Recent studies suggest the excessive intake of ultra-processed food plays a role in the inheritance of these disorders via heavy metal exposures and nutritional deficits that impact the expression of genes.In the case of the metallothionein(MT)gene,biomarker studies show dietary zinc(Zn)deficits impact MT protein levels in children with autism and are associated with the bioaccumulation of lead and/or mercury in children exhibiting autism/attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders symptomology.The impact of dietary changes on lead and mercury exposures and MT gene behavior could be determined using a randomized test and control group design.Pregnant women serving in the testgroup would participate in a nutritional epigenetics education intervention/course designed to reduce ultra-processed food intake and heavy metal levels in blood while increasing whole food intake and MT and Zn levels.Changes in maternal diet would be measured using data derived from an online diet survey administered to the test and control groups pre-post intervention.Changes in maternal lead,mercury,Zn,and MT levels would be measured via blood sample analyses prior to the intervention and after childbirth via cord blood analyses to determine infant risk factors.展开更多
Background:Parents of children with autism are susceptible to parenting burnout due to tremendous parenting burden and parenting challenges.Parenting burnout has a detrimental effect on both children with autism and t...Background:Parents of children with autism are susceptible to parenting burnout due to tremendous parenting burden and parenting challenges.Parenting burnout has a detrimental effect on both children with autism and their parents.However,the underlying mechanisms that lead to parenting burnout remain unclear.This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parenting stress and parenting burnout,along with the serial mediation effect of social support and coping strategies in the context of families with autistic children.Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional study in 231 parents of autistic children in four autism facilities located in central Hubei province.Data were collected through the Parental Stress Index,Social Support Rating Scale,Simplified Coping Strategies Questionnaire,and Caregiver Burnout Assessment Questionnaire.Results:Parenting stress and burnout status were:72.3%of parents reported high-stress levels,16.9%experienced risks for parenting burnout,and 19.9%were currently experiencing burnout.Both social support and coping strategies played partial mediating roles in the relationship between parental stress and burnout,forming a serial mediation effect.Conclusion:Parenting stress is a risk factor for parenting burnout.Social support and coping strategies play a chain mediating role between parenting stress and parenting burnout,which may act as the underlying mechanisms.The study offers insights into potential intervention points for reducing parenting burnout.Future efforts are needed to devote to parenting stress,social support and coping strategy to enhance the psychological well-being of parents with autistic children.展开更多
Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)poses significant challenges for families,with limited access to specialized care being a critical concern.The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote supp...Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)poses significant challenges for families,with limited access to specialized care being a critical concern.The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote support,highlighting its potential to enhance family-centered care for children with ASD.In this editorial,we comment on the article by Lu et al,emphasizing the effectiveness of integrating remote support courses with traditional caregiver-mediated interventions.We further explore the benefits of remote support in delivering family-centered care,summarize the essential components of effective family-centered remote support,outline key considerations for implementation,and discuss potential future research directions.We conclude that family-centered remote support has the potential to significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for individuals with ASD and their families.展开更多
文摘Sensory abnormalities are common in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) but are often difficult to assess using standard behavioral methods. Evoked potentials provide objective, non-invasive electrophysiological measures of neural sensory processing that could be useful for clinical and investigative studies of individuals with low-functioning autism who are unable to perform behavioral testing. Despite increased use, the reliability of sensory evoked potentials has not been established for individuals with low-functioning autism. Establishing reliability is important for validating the utility of sensory evoked potentials. In this study, we explored the feasibility of assessing the test-retest reliability of sensory evoked potentials using repeat recordings, acquired over 2.5- and 6-month intervals, from a minimally verbal adult with low-functioning autism. Repeat auditory and visual evoked potential recordings showed high test-retest reliability, with cross-correlation coefficients ≥ 0.80. This case demonstrates the feasibility of establishing test-retest reliability for individuals with low-functioning autism and supports the utility of sensory evoked potentials in clinical and investigative ASD studies.
基金the King Salman center for Disability Research for funding this work through Research Group No.KSRG-2024-050.
文摘Artificial Intelligence(AI)is changing healthcare by helping with diagnosis.However,for doctors to trust AI tools,they need to be both accurate and easy to understand.In this study,we created a new machine learning system for the early detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD)in children.Our main goal was to build a model that is not only good at predicting ASD but also clear in its reasoning.For this,we combined several different models,including Random Forest,XGBoost,and Neural Networks,into a single,more powerful framework.We used two different types of datasets:(i)a standard behavioral dataset and(ii)a more complex multimodal dataset with images,audio,and physiological information.The datasets were carefully preprocessed for missing values,redundant features,and dataset imbalance to ensure fair learning.The results outperformed the state-of-the-art with a Regularized Neural Network,achieving 97.6%accuracy on behavioral data.Whereas,on the multimodal data,the accuracy is 98.2%.Other models also did well with accuracies consistently above 96%.We also used SHAP and LIME on a behavioral dataset for models’explainability.
文摘BACKGROUND Managing critical care emergencies in children with autism spectrum disorder(ASD)presents unique challenges due to their distinct sensory sensitivities,communication difficulties,and behavioral issues.Effective strategies and protocols are essential for optimal care in these high-stress situations.AIM To systematically evaluate and synthesize current evidence on best practices for managing critical care emergencies in children with ASD.The review focuses on key areas,including sensory-friendly environments,communication strategies,behavioral management,and the role of multidisciplinary approaches.METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted across major medical databases,including PubMed,Embase,and Cochrane Library,for studies published between 2000 and 2023.Studies were selected based on their relevance to critical care management in children with ASD,encompassing randomized controlled trials,observational studies,qualitative research,and case studies.Data were extracted and analyzed to identify common themes,successful strategies,and areas for improvement.RESULTS The review identified 50 studies that met the inclusion criteria.Findings highlighted the importance of creating sensory-friendly environments,utilizing effective communication strategies,and implementing individualized behavioral management plans.These findings,derived from a comprehensive review of current evidence,provide valuable insights into the best practices for managing critical care emergencies in children with ASD.Sensory modifications,such as reduced lighting and noise,visual aids,and augmentative and alternative communication tools,enhanced patient comfort and cooperation.The involvement of multidisciplinary teams was crucial in delivering holistic care.Case studies provided practical insights and underscored the need for continuous refi-nement of protocols.CONCLUSION The review emphasizes the need for a tailored approach to managing critical care emergencies for children with ASD.Sensory-friendly adjustments,effective communication,and behavioral strategies supported by a mul-tidisciplinary team are integral to improving outcomes.Despite progress,ongoing refinement of care practices and protocols is necessary.This ongoing process addresses remaining challenges and engages healthcare professionals in continuous improvement of care for children with ASD in critical settings.
文摘Objective Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties with communication and social interaction,restricted and repetitive behaviors.Previous studies have indicated that individuals with ASD exhibit early and lifelong attention deficits,which are closely related to the core symptoms of ASD.Basic visual attention processes may provide a critical foundation for their social communication and interaction abilities.Therefore,this study explores the behavior of children with ASD in capturing attention to changes in topological properties.Methods Our study recruited twenty-seven ASD children diagnosed by professional clinicians according to DSM-5 and twenty-eight typically developing(TD)age-matched controls.In an attention capture task,we recorded the saccadic behaviors of children with ASD and TD in response to topological change(TC)and non-topological change(nTC)stimuli.Saccadic reaction time(SRT),visual search time(VS),and first fixation dwell time(FFDT)were used as indicators of attentional bias.Pearson correlation tests between the clinical assessment scales and attentional bias were conducted.Results This study found that TD children had significantly faster SRT(P<0.05)and VS(P<0.05)for the TC stimuli compared to the nTC stimuli,while the children with ASD did not exhibit significant differences in either measure(P>0.05).Additionally,ASD children demonstrated significantly less attention towards the TC targets(measured by FFDT),in comparison to TD children(P<0.05).Furthermore,ASD children exhibited a significant negative linear correlation between their attentional bias(measured by VS)and their scores on the compulsive subscale(P<0.05).Conclusion The results suggest that children with ASD have difficulty shifting their attention to objects with topological changes during change detection.This atypical attention may affect the child’s cognitive and behavioral development,thereby impacting their social communication and interaction.In sum,our findings indicate that difficulties in attentional capture by TC may be a key feature of ASD.
文摘BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests in the first years of life,with a complex pathogenesis influenced by biological,genetic and epigenetic factors.Many children with ASD display marked food selectivity,often restricting themselves to a narrow range of foods.The problems associated with feeding children with ASD can vary widely,from mild cases that pose no immediate health risks,to more severe situations with a risk of mal-nutrition or,conversely,overeating.This scoping review aims to provide an in-depth overview of the frequency,nature and factors related to food selectivity in children with autism.AIM To comprehensively review the literature on food selectivity in ASD.METHODS A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the PubMed,Web of Science and EBSCO databases,to identify articles published in English from 2014 until 2024.Studies on a sample diagnosed with ASD and food selectivity were included.The selected databases were chosen for their broad coverage of the scientific literature.These databases represent reliable sources of high-quality articles,ensuring a comprehensive and up-to-date search.RESULTS We evaluated 222 studies on food selectivity in autism,from which duplicates were removed and unrelated titles were filtered out.Finally,9 articles were included in the review.Five articles provide a general overview of the phenomenon,analysing its nature and factors.Two studies delve into sensory sensitivity,in particular the impact of food textures,tastes and smells.Finally,two studies focus on problem behaviour during mealtimes.CONCLUSION Children with ASD have greater food selectivity than the neurotypical population.The diet should contain a greater variety of fruit,vegetables,yoghurt,while reducing the consumption of rice and pasta.
文摘BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with multifaceted origins.In recent studies,neuroinflammation and immune dysregulation have come to the forefront in its pathogenesis.There are studies suggesting that stem cell therapy may be effective in the treatment of ASD.AIM To evolve the landscape of ASD treatment,focusing on the potential benefits and safety of stem cell transplantation.METHODS A detailed case report is presented,displaying the positive outcomes observed in a child who underwent intrathecal and intravenous Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells(WJ-MSCs)transplantation combined with neurorehabilitation.RESULTS The study demonstrates a significant improvement in the child’s functional outcomes(Childhood Autism Rating Scale,Denver 2 Developmental Screening Test),especially in language and gross motor skills.No serious side effects were encountered during the 2-year follow-up.CONCLUSION The findings support the safety and effectiveness of WJ-MSC transplantation in managing ASD.
文摘We performed a PubMed search for microRNAs in autism spectrum disorder that could serve as diagnostic biomarkers in patients and selected 17 articles published from January 2008 to December 2023,of which 4 studies were performed with whole blood,4 with blood plasma,5 with blood serum,1 with serum neural cell adhesion molecule L1-captured extracellular vesicles,1 with blood cells,and 2 with peripheral blood mononuclear cells.Most of the studies involved children and the study cohorts were largely males.Many of the studies had performed microRNA sequencing or quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays to measure microRNA expression.Only five studies had used real-time polymerase chain reaction assay to validate microRNA expression in autism spectrum disorder subjects compared to controls.The microRNAs that were validated in these studies may be considered as potential candidate biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder and include miR-500a-5p,-197-5p,-424-5p,-664a-3p,-365a-3p,-619-5p,-664a-3p,-3135a,-328-3p,and-500a-5p in blood plasma and miR-151a-3p,-181b-5p,-320a,-328,-433,-489,-572,-663a,-101-3p,-106b-5p,-19b-3p,-195-5p,and-130a-3p in blood serum of children,and miR-15b-5p and-6126 in whole blood of adults.Several important limitations were identified in the studies reviewed,and need to be taken into account in future studies.Further studies are warranted with children and adults having different levels of autism spectrum disorder severity and consideration should be given to using animal models of autism spectrum disorder to investigate the effects of suppressing or overexpressing specific microRNAs as a novel therapy.
文摘This article describes a pilot study aiming at generating social interactions between a humanoid robot and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), through the practice of a gesture imitation game. The participants were a 17-year-old young lady with ASD and intellectual deficit, and a control participant: a preadolescent with ASD but no intellectual deficit (Asperger syndrome). The game is comprised of four phases: greetings, pairing, imitation, and closing. Field educators were involved, playing specific roles: visual or physical inciter. The use of a robot allows for catching the participants’ attention, playing the imitation game for a longer period of time than with a human partner, and preventing the game partner’s negative facial expressions resulting from tiredness, impatience, or boredom. The participants’ behavior was observed in terms of initial approach towards the robot, positioning relative to the robot in terms of distance and orientation, reactions to the robot’s voice or moves, signs of happiness, and imitation attempts. Results suggest a more and more natural approach towards the robot during the sessions, as well as a higher level of social interaction, based on the variations of the parameters listed above. We use these preliminary results to draw the next steps of our research work as well as identify further perspectives, with this aim in mind: improving social interactions with adolescents with ASD and intellectual deficit, allowing for better integration of these people into our societies.
文摘Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder affecting over 2%of the global population,marked by social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors.Kabatas et al explored the efficacy and safety of Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cell(WJ-MSC)therapy in a 4-year-old child with ASD.Using the childhood autism rating scale and Denver II develop-mental screening test,significant improvements were seen after six WJ-MSC sessions,with no adverse events over 2 years.Despite promising results,the study’s single-case design limits generalizability.Larger,multi-center trials are needed to validate the findings and assess long-term effects of WJ-MSC therapy in ASD.
文摘Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is an early-onset neurodevelopmental disorder marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction,alongside restricted,repetitive patterns of behaviors(RRB),interests,or activities.It often co-occurs with various neuropsychiatric disorders,though their frequency varies widely due to unclear boundaries between the core features of ASD and common comorbidities.Catatonia,increasingly noted in neurodevelopmental conditions like ASD,shares striking similarities with ASD in symptomatology,brain mech-anisms,and treatment responses,prompting the question of whether it is a core feature of ASD or a distinct condition.This paper delved into this overlap,ex-ploring the relationship between catatonia and ASD through a narrative review of peer-reviewed literature from 1943 to 2024,sourced from PubMed and psy-chiatric journals.Focusing on ASD diagnostic evolution,symptom overlap with catatonia,and shared neurobiological and therapeutic characteristics,we used thematic analysis to synthesize findings into key areas such as historical nosology,phenomenological overlap,neurobiological parallels,and treatment response.The evidence revealed weak support for separating catatonia from overlapping RRB features of ASD,suggesting that some RRB might align more with comorbid catatonia than intrinsic ASD traits.However,this idea needs further validation through rigorous clinical trials.Clarifying this relationship could refine diagnostic approaches and open doors to targeted treatments,potentially improving out-comes for those affected.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82125032,81930095,82204048 and 81761128035)the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality(19410713500 and 2018SHZDZX01)+3 种基金the Foundation of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Health and Family Planning(GWV-10.1-XK07,2020CXJQ01 and 2018YJRC03)the Shanghai Clinical Key Subject Construction Project(shslczdzk02902)the Innovative Research Team of High-Level Local Universities in Shanghai(SHSMU-ZDCX20211100)the Guangdong Key Project(2018B030335001).
文摘To the editor:Social communication impairment(SCI)is a core symptom of autism spectrum disorder(ASD),and evidence-based interventions targeting this domain remain limited.In the past decade,repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS),one of the most commonly applied non-invasive neurostimulation techniques,has shown efficacy in treating neuropsychiatric disorders,such as depression.
基金Supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China,No.2024YFC2707801the Science and Technology Innovation Commission of Shenzhen,No.JCYJ20230807143800002.
文摘BACKGROUND Folate metabolism gene polymorphisms may play an important role in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder(ASD).However,most studies have primarily used single candidate gene typing strategies(such as targeted polymerase chain reaction technology),and current findings remain inconsistent.AIM To investigate the association of folate metabolism gene polymorphisms with ASD susceptibility and symptom severity among Chinese children.METHODS Whole-exome sequencing(WES)was conducted to systematically screen for coding region variants of key genes in the folate metabolism pathway among children with ASD,focusing on identifying polymorphisms with high mutation frequencies and potential pathogenic effects.A case-control study was then conducted to explore the association of candidate folate metabolism gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility and severity of ASD.RESULTS WES was performed on 70 children with ASD,and the case-control study included 170 children with ASD and 170 healthy controls.WES revealed that 84.3%(59/70)of children with ASD carried potentially pathogenic variants enriched in folate metabolism pathways.MTHFR C677T and MTRR A66G were significantly associated with an increased risk of ASD in both codominant and dominant models(P<0.05).The dominant model of MTRR A66G was also significantly associated with higher scores in the domains of social relations,body and object use,social and adaptive skills,total scores on the Autism Behavior Checklist,as well as emotional reactivity,nonverbal communication,and activity level on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Most children with ASD carry deleterious variants in folate metabolism-related pathways.MTHFR C677T and MTRR A66G mutations are significantly associated with ASD.
文摘BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social communication,restricted interests,and repetitive stereotyped behaviors.In recent years,the prevalence of ASD has continued to rise,with boys having a significantly higher incidence rate than girls.Children with ASD often have intellectual and language impairments,which seriously affect their social skills,emotional regulation,and daily life.Although traditional treatment methods have shown some effectiveness,they still have limitations in addressing social and emotional regulation.Neurobiofeedback therapy is a noninvasive,drug-free treatment method that helps individuals regulate physiological responses through feedback mechanisms,and it has shown potential in various psychological disorders and emotional regulation.However,there is limited research on the social skills and emotional regulation in children with ASD.Therefore,this study aims to explore the impact of neurobiofeedback technology on children with ASD through a retrospective cohort study,supplementing existing treatment methods and promoting a more comprehensive treatment of ASD.AIM To investigate the effects of neurobiofeedback therapy on social skills and emotional regulation in children with ASD.METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on 92 children with ASD who were admitted to our hospital from January 2023 to June 2024.According to their different trea-tment plans,they were divided into a conventional group(conventional rehabilitation treatment;n=43)and a combined group(conventional rehabilitation treatment combined with neurobiofeedback therapy;n=49).The general characteristics,Aberrant Behavior Checklist scores,Chinese version of the Psycho-Educational Profile,Third Edition scores,Social Responsiveness Scale scores,Emotion Regulation Checklist scores,Social Communication Questionnaire scores,and the incidence of adverse reactions were compared between groups.RESULTS After intervention,the Aberrant Behavior Checklist and Social Responsiveness Scale scores of the combined group were lower than those of the conventional group.In contrast,scores on the Chinese version of the Psycho-Educational Profile,Third Edition,Emotion Regulation Checklist,and Social Communication Questionnaire were significantly higher in the combined group than in the conventional group(all P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups.CONCLUSION Neurobiofeedback therapy can effectively improve clinical symptoms,emotional regulation,and social skills in children with ASD.
文摘Objective To examine the temporal trends in the prevalence,incidence,and disability-adjusted life years(DALYs)of autism spectrum disorder(ASD)in China from 1990 to 2021 and to project the future burden to 2036.Methods Data were sourced from the Global Burden of Disease(GBD)2021 provided by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation(IHME).Join-point regression was applied to estimate the annual percentage change(APC)of prevalence,incidence,and DALYs.Age-period-cohort analysis was used to assess the effects of age,period,and cohort.Decomposition analysis quantified the contributions of population growth,demographic aging,and epidemiological changes.An AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average(ARIMA)model was employed for projections to 2036.Results Between 1990 and 2021,the average annual percentage change(AAPC)was 0.22%(95%uncertainty interval[UI]:0.20%-0.24%)for prevalence,-0.07%(95%UI:-0.14%-0.28%)for incidence,and 0.23%(95%UI:0.21%-0.25%)for DALYs.ASD prevalence and DALYs peaked in children aged 0-5 years and declined after age 60.Rising prevalence and DALYs were mainly attributable to population growth(89.7%and 95.2%)and epidemiological changes(32.6%and 36.2%),while aging offset growth(-22.4%and-16.0%).Projections indicated stable agestandardized incidence for both sexes but divergent prevalence trends,with rates increasing among males and decreasing among females.Conclusions The ASD burden in China is rising,largely driven by demographic and epidemiological dynamics,with young children and males being the most affected groups.Prioritizing early detection and gender-sensitive interventions are recommended.
文摘BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect children’s social interaction and communication skills and exert a serious effect on children’s perception,language,emotion,and especially social interaction development.AIM To determine the clinical and psychological characteristics of children with ASD according to the C-PEP-3.METHODS This retrospective study included 225 children with autism aged 2-7 years who were treated in our hospital from 2021 to 2024.The C-PEP-3 scale was used for assessment,and the evaluation results were analyzed.RESULTS The comparison of children with ASD in the age groups of<3.5 years and>3.5 years revealed significant differences in the scores of imitation,fine motor,gross motor,hand-eye coordination,cognitive performance,and verbal cognition development areas(P:Pass)(P<0.01).However,no significant differences in the scores of perception,emotion,interpersonal relationships,play,sensation,and language(S:Severe)were observed on pathological scales(P>0.05).The difference in age in the gross motor developmental delay of the scale was the smallest,whereas that of the verbal cognition was the largest,followed by the imitation functional area.An inverse correlation was found between the scores of imitation,perception,hand-eye coordination,and cognitive performance(P)developmental function areas in children with ASD and those of emotion,interpersonal relationships,game and item preferences,sensory patterns,and emotion(S)in the pathological scale(P<0.05).Fine and gross motor skills were negatively correlated with interpersonal relationships,game and item preferences,and emotions in the pathological scale(P<0.05).Age was significantly positively correlated with the scores of imitation,perception,fine motor,gross motor,hand-eye coordination,cognitive performance,and verbal cognition developmental function areas(P)(P<0.05).Further,age was not associated with emotions,interpersonal relationships,game and item preferences,sensory patterns,and emotions(P>0.05).No gender difference was observed between the scores of each developmental area(P)of the scale and the scores of each functional area(S)of the pathological scale.CONCLUSION The C-PEP-3 scale reflects the differences in clinical characteristics of children with autism,and the pathological scale is associated with the severity of developmental function areas.The C-PEP-3 scale can be utilized to assess the effect of age changes on children with autism.Attention in rehabilitation should be focused on addressing the pathological behaviors of children with autism.
基金Supported by Jiangsu Department of Science and Technology Key R&D Program(No.BE2023777)the Jiangsu Commission of Health(No.H2022185)Jiangsu Province Hospital(the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University)Clinical Capacity Enhancement Project(No.JSPH-MB-2023-18).
文摘Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)represents a neurodevelopmental disorder that has been the focus of numerous studies on the central nervous system(CNS).The embryological origin of the brain and retina is shared,with the axons of retinal ganglion cells(RGC)developing into the optic nerves that enter the brain through the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus(LGN)of the thalamus,LGN,and other visual cortices.Given the evidence that individuals with ASD exhibit impairments in the visual mechanisms,including deficits in emotional face recognition,and difficulty in maintaining gaze control as well as eye contact,some studies have documented retinal alterations in individuals with ASD.These have been identified through ophthalmic assessments,including optical coherence tomography(OCT),optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA),and electroretinography(ERG).With the improvements in ASD animal models,it is possible to obtain a better understanding of vision dysfunction in ASD by analyzing the molecular mechanisms of retinal function and structure abnormalities.This review aims to provide a summary of the recent research on ocular alterations in ASD patients and animal models,intending to contribute to further investigation of the eye-brain connection and communication.
文摘Autism is a heterogeneous condition with a rising prevalence and demand for specialized care.Autistic children are more likely than neurotypical peers to experience co-occurring conditions(CCs),including medical,psychiatric,and behavioral issues,highlighting the urgent need for autism-competent healthcare providers in general healthcare.This review aims to equip primary care providers(PCPs)with a concise summary of common CCs and strategies for effective identification.A panel of experts with extensive experience in caring for autistic children collaboratively summarized key literature,research evidence,and existing clinical trial outcomes,supplementing their clinical expertise.Autistic children consistently show higher rates of both medical and mental health issues.Despite greater healthcare utilization,many autistic individuals report unmet needs.CCs can impair behavior,functioning,and well-being,but are often treatable when recognized early.Timely identification and management of medical and psychiatric CCs are critical for improving outcomes for autistic children and their families.This evidence-based review supports PCPs in enhancing their knowledge,fostering early recognition,and delivering comprehensive,responsive care.
文摘The prevalence of autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders is increasing worldwide.Recent studies suggest the excessive intake of ultra-processed food plays a role in the inheritance of these disorders via heavy metal exposures and nutritional deficits that impact the expression of genes.In the case of the metallothionein(MT)gene,biomarker studies show dietary zinc(Zn)deficits impact MT protein levels in children with autism and are associated with the bioaccumulation of lead and/or mercury in children exhibiting autism/attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders symptomology.The impact of dietary changes on lead and mercury exposures and MT gene behavior could be determined using a randomized test and control group design.Pregnant women serving in the testgroup would participate in a nutritional epigenetics education intervention/course designed to reduce ultra-processed food intake and heavy metal levels in blood while increasing whole food intake and MT and Zn levels.Changes in maternal diet would be measured using data derived from an online diet survey administered to the test and control groups pre-post intervention.Changes in maternal lead,mercury,Zn,and MT levels would be measured via blood sample analyses prior to the intervention and after childbirth via cord blood analyses to determine infant risk factors.
基金supported by the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Planning Fund of Chinese Ministry of Education(22YJAZH150).
文摘Background:Parents of children with autism are susceptible to parenting burnout due to tremendous parenting burden and parenting challenges.Parenting burnout has a detrimental effect on both children with autism and their parents.However,the underlying mechanisms that lead to parenting burnout remain unclear.This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parenting stress and parenting burnout,along with the serial mediation effect of social support and coping strategies in the context of families with autistic children.Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional study in 231 parents of autistic children in four autism facilities located in central Hubei province.Data were collected through the Parental Stress Index,Social Support Rating Scale,Simplified Coping Strategies Questionnaire,and Caregiver Burnout Assessment Questionnaire.Results:Parenting stress and burnout status were:72.3%of parents reported high-stress levels,16.9%experienced risks for parenting burnout,and 19.9%were currently experiencing burnout.Both social support and coping strategies played partial mediating roles in the relationship between parental stress and burnout,forming a serial mediation effect.Conclusion:Parenting stress is a risk factor for parenting burnout.Social support and coping strategies play a chain mediating role between parenting stress and parenting burnout,which may act as the underlying mechanisms.The study offers insights into potential intervention points for reducing parenting burnout.Future efforts are needed to devote to parenting stress,social support and coping strategy to enhance the psychological well-being of parents with autistic children.
基金Supported by Lanzhou Philosophy and Social Science Planning Project,No.24-B13the Youth Project of Philosophy and Social Science Foundation of Gansu Province,No.2024QN015the General Project of Philosophy and Social Science Foundation of Gansu Province,No.2024YB049.
文摘Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)poses significant challenges for families,with limited access to specialized care being a critical concern.The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote support,highlighting its potential to enhance family-centered care for children with ASD.In this editorial,we comment on the article by Lu et al,emphasizing the effectiveness of integrating remote support courses with traditional caregiver-mediated interventions.We further explore the benefits of remote support in delivering family-centered care,summarize the essential components of effective family-centered remote support,outline key considerations for implementation,and discuss potential future research directions.We conclude that family-centered remote support has the potential to significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for individuals with ASD and their families.
