TOPIC

Autism spectrum research

Everything we have read on autism spectrum. Each paper is summarised from the full article rather than its abstract, so the limitations are in there too, and the funding wherever the paper declares it.

2,764 PAPERS · PAGE 34 OF 56 · NEWEST FIRST

• OTSLPOther2023Consistency between parent report and direct assessment of development in toddlers with autism spectrum disorder and other delays: Does sex assigned at birth matter?Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchOverall, parent report and direct testing did not differ for language and fine motor skills; in matched diagnostic groups, parents reported lower receptive language and fine motor skills, and expressive language agreement differed by sex assigned at birth in autism.
• SLPRCT2023I-SOCIALISE: Results from a cluster randomised controlled trial investigating the social competence and isolation of children with autism taking part in LEGO® based therapy ('Play Brick Therapy') clubs in school environments.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceLEGO therapy in schools showed a small, non-significant gain in teacher-rated social skills at 20 weeks. The effect was larger in secondary schools and pupils with milder symptoms, but no difference remained at 52 weeks. It was safe and well-received by staff and pupils.
• SLPSystematic Review2023Oromotor skills in autism spectrum disorder: A scoping review.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchMost studies find oromotor deficits in autism, but results are inconsistent and methods vary widely. Clinicians should not assume speech is spared; however, current evidence is too heterogeneous to define specific deficits or guide treatment reliably.
• SLPPilot2023Pilot Trial of a Peer-to-Peer Psychoeducational Intervention for Parents of Black Children Awaiting a Developmental Evaluation.Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBPParents of Black children awaiting evaluation reported feeling better equipped to advocate for and teach their children after a peer-led online program. Depression scores also improved. However, the study did not find significant changes in parenting stress or child behavior.
• SLPRCT2023Spoken language outcomes in limited language preschoolers with autism and global developmental delay: RCT of early intervention approaches.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchBoth Discrete Trial Teaching and JASPER significantly improved spoken language in preschoolers with autism and severe delays. Neither approach was superior for the primary outcome, though DTT showed slight advantages in word diversity and play level at follow-up.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023Genetic and environmental contributions to co-occurring physical health conditions in autism spectrum condition and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Molecular autismChildren with autism or ADHD, even at subclinical levels, have higher odds of epilepsy, asthma and gut problems. Twin data show shared genetic factors drive most of these links. This suggests screening for physical health issues is warranted across the neurodevelopmental spectrum.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2023Family Perspectives on In-Home Multimodal Longitudinal Data Collection for Children Who Function Across the Developmental Spectrum.Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBPFamilies want in-home data collection to be flexible, pausable during medical crises, and to include siblings. They value receiving their own data to understand their child's invisible symptoms. This feedback shapes how to design accessible research for complex needs.
• OTSLPCohort2023Working memory of school-aged children on the autism spectrum: Predictors for longitudinal growth.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceFor autistic children, learning behaviours and teacher closeness predicted working memory gains, but special education services did not. Higher socioeconomic status meant better starting scores, yet the gap never closed. Early support matters most, as later services failed to catch those behind.
• SLPPilot2023Telemonitoring of children with risk indicators for Autism Spectrum Disorder: preliminary findings.CoDASRemote parental guidance did not significantly change pragmatic skills in seven children at risk for autism. Descriptive trends showed more communicative acts, but the primary outcome was null, so this is not proof the intervention works.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2023Respite and connection: Autistic adults' reflections upon nature and well-being during the Covid-19 pandemic.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceMost autistic adults found nature provided respite from sensory overload and isolation during lockdowns, while others felt excluded by restrictions or anxious in crowds. Nature was not a universal solution; experiences varied from relief to disconnection.
• SLPSurvey2023Parent reported barriers and facilitators to support services for autistic children in Aotearoa New Zealand.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceParents of autistic children in New Zealand identified lengthy waiting lists as the greatest barrier to support services. They reported that their own ability to advocate for their child was the most helpful facilitator. Lower income families faced significantly more barriers than higher income families.
• OTSLPCohort2023Relationship between quantitative digital behavioral features and clinical profiles in young autistic children.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchIn 485 toddlers, tablet-recorded gaze and movement patterns lined up with parent and clinician measures of autism-related behavior, language, and fine motor skills. The authors call this an initial validity check.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023Characterizing the autism spectrum phenotype in DYRK1A-related syndrome.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchChildren with DYRK1A syndrome showed social communication deficits similar to other children with autism and intellectual disability, but parents reported more severe nonverbal issues. They displayed fewer rigid routine behaviors and more repetitive sensory motor movements than children with idiopathic autism.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023The prevalence and developmental course of auditory processing differences in autistic children.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchAuditory filtering difficulties are common in autistic children and remain stable from age 3 to 9. Children with more reported auditory difficulties at age 3 showed more agitation, hyperactivity, and lower adaptive skills at age 9, independent of their cognitive ability.
• SLPCohort2023Trajectories of internalizing symptoms among autistic and nonautistic youth during the COVID-19 pandemic.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchAutistic youth reported lower anxiety and depression from June to December 2020, while nonautistic youth showed no change. Parents did not report these decreases in their autistic children. Baseline symptom levels were similar between groups.
• OTSLPQualitative2023Exploring the Experiences of Autistic Transgender and Non-Binary Adults in Seeking Gender Identity Health Care.Autism in adulthoodAutistic transgender and non-binary adults reported being denied or delayed gender healthcare due to providers misinterpreting autism as mental illness or incompetence. Participants described hiding their autistic identity to avoid gatekeeping and highlighted the need for sensory-friendly environments and clear, written communication.
• SLPCohort2023Prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms among autistic individuals, with and without co-occurring intellectual disability.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchParents of autistic children with intellectual disability were less certain about internal symptoms like pain or nausea, but not observable ones like constipation. Symptom frequency did not differ significantly between groups, except for vague 'other' tummy complaints.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023Anxiety, depression, and well-being in autistic adults and adults with other developmental disabilities: A longitudinal cross-lagged analysis.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchIn adults with autism or developmental disabilities, caregiver-reported anxiety predicted later depression, but depression did not predict later anxiety. Depression linked to lower purpose and growth, while both anxiety and depression linked to lower self-acceptance.
• PTOTSLPOther2023Shank3 deletion in PV neurons is associated with abnormal behaviors and neuronal functions that are rescued by increasing GABAergic signaling.Molecular autismDeleting Shank3 in parvalbumin neurons caused repetitive grooming and memory issues in mice. Ganaxolone, which boosts GABA signaling, reversed these deficits. This suggests GABAergic modulation may help Shank3-related symptoms, but human trials are needed.
• PTOTSLPOther2023Examining the latent structure and correlates of sensory reactivity in autism: a multi-site integrative data analysis by the autism sensory research consortium.Molecular autismCaregiver questionnaires often combine sensory behaviors across different senses into single scores. This study found that while overall hyperreactivity scores are valid, hyporeactivity and seeking scores are not. Clinicians should assess sensory issues by specific sense rather than relying on broad totals.
• SLPOther2023Personalized estimates of brain cortical structural variability in individuals with Autism spectrum disorder: the predictor of brain age and neurobiology relevance.Molecular autismChildren and adolescents with autism showed greater variability in brain structure than typical peers, and this variability decreased as they aged. Those whose brains appeared to mature faster than their actual age had more severe communication difficulties.
• SLPSurvey2024Predictors of Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD: Results from the National Survey of Children's Health.Disability and health journalGirls were less often reported to have ADHD, autism, or both than boys among U.S. children. Black, Hispanic, and multiple/other race children were less often reported to have ADHD and both diagnoses, while Hispanic children were more often reported to have autism only.
• SLPSurvey2023Coping resources and stress due to demands in parents to children with autism spectrum disorder.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesIn 266 parents of children with ASD, daily demands were linked to stress. Dysfunctional coping and lower self-efficacy partly explained this, while functional coping and social support did not.
• SLPOther2024Brief Report: Response to Joint Attention and Object Imitation as Predictors of Expressive and Receptive Language Growth Rate in Young Children on the Autism Spectrum.Journal of autism and developmental disordersChildren on the autism spectrum who followed adult points better gained expressive language faster during the study. This did not predict faster receptive language growth, and object imitation no longer predicted expressive growth once response to joint attention was included.
• SLPPilot2024Brief Report: Assessment of a Caregiver-Implemented Intervention for Improving Social Communication Skills in Toddlers and Young Children with Autism.Journal of autism and developmental disordersIn eight toddlers, a four-week caregiver coaching program was linked to increased caregiver knowledge and improvements in social affect and language skills during the treatment period. Changes were not seen before or after the intervention. This small pilot suggests the approach is feasible and warrants a controlled trial.
• OTSLPQualitative2023'If I don't Do It, I'm Out of Rhythm and I Can't Focus As Well': Positive and Negative Adult Interpretations of Therapies Aimed at 'Fixing' Their Restricted and Repetitive Behaviours in Childhood.Journal of autism and developmental disordersFour autistic adults described childhood therapies aimed at stopping harmless stimming as distressing and isolating. They reported that stopping these behaviours disrupted their focus and emotional regulation. Positive outcomes came from supportive relationships and accepting their own needs, not from having their behaviours fixed.
• SLPCohort2023Video Game Use, Aggression, and Social Impairment in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAutistic adolescents played video games more often and for longer than their typically developing peers. Among those with autism, playing more than average was linked to higher aggression and social awareness deficits compared to average players, though this may reflect lower scores in the average group rather than pathology in heavy gamers.
• OTSLPOther2023Sex as a Moderator Between Parent Ratings of Executive Dysfunction and Social Difficulties in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Journal of autism and developmental disordersIn girls with autism, higher parent-reported executive difficulty was linked to more social and communication problems. In boys, that link was not seen. Clinicians assessing girls may need to consider executive functioning alongside social communication.
• SLPOther2023Distinct Symptom Network Structure and Shared Central Social Communication Symptomatology in Autism and Schizophrenia: A Bayesian Network Analysis.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAdults with autism and schizophrenia showed different symptom patterns overall, yet social communication problems were most connected to other symptoms in both groups. Restricted/repetitive behaviors stood out in autism; ideas of reference and eccentric behavior in schizophrenia.
• PTOTSLPOther2023Effects of Intersectionality Along the Pathway to Diagnosis for Autistic Children With and Without Co-occurring Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in a Nationally-Representative Sample.Journal of autism and developmental disordersBlack non-Hispanic children received ASD diagnoses 10 months later than White non-Hispanic children. Co-occurring depression delayed diagnosis by 13.5 months, while behavioral problems sped it up by 18 months. Wait times averaged two years regardless of whether ADHD was also present.
• SLPSurvey2023The Extent and Nature of Autistic People's Violence Experiences During Adulthood: A Cross-sectional Study of Victimisation.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAutistic adults reported higher rates of sexual harassment, stalking, sexual violence and physical violence than non-autistic adults. Most autistic participants experienced more than one type of violence, and repeated incidents of the same type.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023Is quality of life related to high autistic traits, high ADHD traits and their Interaction? Evidence from a Young-Adult Community-Based twin sample.Journal of autism and developmental disordersYoung adults with high autistic traits reported lower quality of life across all domains, even after accounting for ADHD traits and mental health difficulties. High ADHD traits were also linked to poorer physical and psychological quality of life. The combination of both traits did not worsen outcomes beyond their individual effects.
• SLPCohort2023Sexual Knowledge, Experiences, and Pragmatic Language in Adults With and Without Autism: Implications for Sex Education.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAutistic adults reported fewer partnered sexual experiences but similar sexual knowledge accuracy compared to non-autistic adults. They scored lower on pragmatic language skills when defining sexual terms, particularly in providing relevant information without redundancy. This suggests a gap in communicating existing knowledge effectively.
• SLPCohort2023The Autism Impact Measure (AIM): Meaningful Change Thresholds and Core Symptom Changes Over One Year from an Online Survey in the U.S.Journal of autism and developmental disordersCaregiver-reported AIM autism symptom scores may flag meaningful 12-month change: a drop of 4.5 points suggested improvement, while a rise of 9.9 points suggested worsening. These are preliminary thresholds, not proof of treatment effect.
• OTSLPOther2023Autistic Traits and College Adjustment.Journal of autism and developmental disordersHigher levels of autistic traits predicted lower GPAs, more course failures, and poorer social outcomes in college students, even among those without an autism diagnosis. Clinicians should support students struggling with these issues regardless of diagnostic status.
• SLPCohort2024Brief report: bidirectional association of core autism features and cognitive abilities in early childhood.Journal of autism and developmental disordersHigher cognitive ability at age 2 predicted lower autism features one year later more strongly than autism features predicted later cognitive ability. This was an observational study, so it shows a link, not that improving cognition reduces autism symptoms.
• SLPCohort2023Parental Imitations and Expansions of Child Language Predict Later Language Outcomes of Autistic Preschoolers.Journal of autism and developmental disordersParents who repeated back their autistic child's sounds and words, then added one or two more, had children with better later language skills. Simple comments or questions did not predict progress. Focus on echoing and expanding your child's speech.
• SLPSystematic Review2023Factor associated with the occurrence of epilepsy in autism: a systematic review.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAutistic people with intellectual disability or low cognitive ability were most consistently reported to have co-occurring epilepsy. Language and social difficulties also appeared often, but their link to epilepsy may reflect intellectual disability.
• SLPRCT2023Social Story Based Toothbrushing Education Versus Video-Modeling Based Toothbrushing Training on Oral Hygiene Status Among Male Students Aged 7-15 Years Old with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Tehran, Iran: A Quasi-Randomized Controlled Trial.Journal of autism and developmental disordersVideo modeling improved oral hygiene scores more than social stories in boys with autism, but both methods helped. The video group also received extra school support, so the video alone may not be the reason for the bigger gain.
• SLPCohort2023School Social Capital Mediates Associations Between ASD Traits and Depression Among Adolescents in General Population.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAdolescents with more autism-like traits had lower school trust and cohesion and more depression. School trust and cohesion partly accounted for that association. The association was slightly stronger for girls.
• OTSLPSurvey2024Autistic People's Perinatal Experiences I: A Survey of Pregnancy Experiences.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAutistic people described pregnancy as more overwhelming and less supported. They were more likely to be overwhelmed by the sensory environments of appointments, to feel unheard by professionals, and to report all-day nausea, anxiety, depression, and pelvic girdle pain.
• SLPSurvey2023Clinician Knowledge, Confidence, and Treatment Practices in Their Provision of Psychotherapy to Autistic Youth and Youth with ADHD.Journal of autism and developmental disordersClinicians used the same psychotherapy approaches for autistic youth and youth with ADHD, but rated them less helpful for autistic clients. They reported lower knowledge and confidence for autism across every item, despite high overall confidence.
• SLPCohort2023Differential Maturation of Auditory Cortex Activity in Young Children with Autism and Typical Development.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAn early auditory brain response did not differ between children with autism and typically developing children aged 6 to 9. Other auditory cortex activity differences faded by later follow-up, while one difference before the tone remained.
• SLPCase-Control2023Evidence of a reduced role for circumscribed interests in the social attention patterns of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Journal of autism and developmental disordersChildren with autism looked less at faces than typical peers. High-interest objects also pulled typical children's attention, so interests alone did not explain the lower face looking.
• SLPOther2023Parent Implementation of DTT Following Telehealth Instruction.Journal of autism and developmental disordersTelehealth training taught three parents to deliver discrete trial training (DTT) with high accuracy, which children maintained for six weeks. As parents improved, children’s skill acquisition increased, though one nonverbal child did not reach mastery criteria.
• SLPSurvey2023Silver linings of the Covid-19 pandemic… for some! Comparing Experiences and Social demographic characteristics of autistic and non-autistic children with SEND in England.Journal of autism and developmental disordersParents did not report different lockdown effects on mental or physical health for autistic versus other SEND children. Some parents who reported no detrimental effect described reduced school stress, calmer children at home, and more family support.
• SLPQualitative2023Mapping the Dilemmas Parents Face with Disclosing Autism Diagnosis to their Child.Journal of autism and developmental disordersParents struggle to disclose autism to their children due to fears about stigma and the child’s understanding. Most believe the child should be told, but few have done so, citing a lack of practical guidance on how and when to start the conversation.
• OTSLPQualitative2023Understanding the Use of the Term "Weaponized Autism" in An Alt-Right Social Media Platform.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAutistic people online describe the term "weaponized autism" as a badge of honour that offers identity and belonging, but it rests on a stereotype that devalues them as socially awkward tools. This acceptance can make hate groups more appealing than mainstream society.
• SLPRCT2023A Randomized Controlled Trial for Audiovisual Multisensory Perception in Autistic Youth.Journal of autism and developmental disordersOn average, eight half-day computerized sight-and-sound timing sessions did not make autistic youths better at judging whether speech sounds and mouth movements happened together versus camp-only control. Higher IQ/language participants improved. Lower IQ participants worsened.
• SLPRCT2023Effects of Social Skills Training for Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: a Randomized Controlled Trial of the Polish Adaptation of the PEERS® Intervention via Hybrid and In-Person Delivery.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAdolescents on the autism spectrum who received the adapted PEERS package improved in social skills knowledge and parent-reported peer socialization more than those waiting. Hybrid online and in-person delivery produced similar gains, but the trial was small.