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 37 OF 56 · NEWEST FIRST

• SLPPilot2024Mindfulness-based stress reduction for autistic adults: A feasibility study in an outpatient context.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAdapted mindfulness training was feasible for autistic adults, with 79% completing the course. Participants reported reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, and higher credibility of the treatment. However, mindfulness skills and life satisfaction did not change. This is a small open study, not proof of efficacy.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2024Trajectory research in children with an autism diagnosis: A scoping review.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceThis review maps how autism research tracks child development over time. It found inconsistent methods and sample sizes, with many studies failing to report results by child age. This makes it hard to compare findings or determine what typical developmental paths look like for specific outcomes.
• OTSLPQualitative2024A Qualitative Examination of the Impact of COVID-19 on Transition Services for Autistic Youth.Journal of autism and developmental disordersVirtual meetings increased caregiver and provider attendance but reduced student participation. Community-based vocational training stopped, hindering independent living skills. Outside agency connections improved virtually, yet transition programming was deprioritized during the pandemic.
• SLPOther2024Parent-Child Interactions May Help to Explain Relations Between Parent Characteristics and Clinically Observed Child Autistic Behaviours.Journal of autism and developmental disordersIn infants with early autism signs, maternal distress was linked to lower child attentiveness and maternal aloofness was linked to more child negative affect during play; both child patterns were linked to more autistic behaviours. These links cannot show cause.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2024Community perspectives on the appropriateness and importance of support goals for young autistic children.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAutistic adults, parents and professionals in New Zealand and Australia agreed that supporting the adults around the child, reducing harmful behaviours and improving quality of life were the top priorities for young autistic children. Goals targeting autism characteristics, play and participation were rated lowest priority, with autistic adults finding many of these inappropriate.
• SLPOther2024Moving Together: Social Motor Synchrony in Autistic Peer Partners Depends on Partner and Activity Type.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAutistic pairs moved in step at least as much as non-autistic pairs overall, and more during a two-tablet game. This small study does not show a treatment effect.
• SLPSystematic Review2024Participatory Methods to Engage Autistic People in the Design of Digital Technology: A Systematic Literature Review.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAutistic adolescents and adults were reported to engage more in digital design when workshops used hands-on tasks, clear roles, familiar quiet settings, predictable structure, visual aids, and flexible support. These are design-process themes, not proof that technology helps.
• SLPCohort2024Short report on navigating access to care for Medicaid-enrolled autistic youth and young adults: Examining accrual of intellectual disability diagnoses in adolescence.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAutistic Medicaid beneficiaries with coverage gaps were more likely to accrue an intellectual disability diagnosis than those without gaps. This often occurred during the transition to adulthood, suggesting new diagnoses may serve as a mechanism to retain insurance access rather than reflect clinical need.
• OTSLPOther2024Factor structure of the VABS-3 Comprehensive Parent/Caregiver form in autistic individuals: Poor fit of three-factor and unidimensional models.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceThe VABS-3 parent questionnaire did not support its usual three adaptive behavior areas or a single overall score in autistic people. The scores may not separate communication, daily living, and socialization as intended.
• OTSLPOther2024Parent perspectives on treatment: A mixed methods analysis of PEERS® for Preschoolers.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceParents of autistic preschoolers who completed PEERS® for Preschoolers reported changed parenting and described their children's peer interactions as improved. Preparing children and environments before social opportunities was the strategy most linked to better long-term parent and child outcomes.
• SLPOther2024Feasibility of an observational procedure to enhance early identification of autism spectrum disorder in paediatric settings: A mixed-methods study on an Ecuadorian sample.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceFour observation tasks: eye contact, response to name, joint attention and pointing were usable by Ecuadorian paediatric staff after brief training. Social referencing failed. This is feasibility, not evidence it improves autism identification.
• SLPQualitative2024The world is nuanced but pixelated: Autistic individuals' perspective on HIPPEA.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAutistic adults described a predictive coding theory as partially fitting their experience but too deficit-focused. They reported difficulty generalising new situations, requiring conscious effort. Strong emotions shaped expectations, and masking was used to cope with social demands, despite personal cost.
• PTOTSLPNarrative Review2024Motor problems in autism: Co-occurrence or feature?Developmental medicine and child neurologyMotor problems affect most autistic individuals but are documented in only 1% clinically. Screening tools like the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire can identify these issues early, prompting assessment and intervention before age 5.
• SLPQualitative2024Supporting tamariki takiwātanga Māori (autistic Māori children): Exploring the experience of early childhood educators.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceTwelve early childhood educators prioritised wellbeing, relationships, and cultural identity for autistic Māori children, adapting teaching to each child. They wanted autism training that reflects Māori world views, because many felt unprepared to support cultural development.
• OTSLPSystematic Review2024A Practice Pathway for the Treatment of Night Wakings in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Journal of autism and developmental disordersNight wakings in children with autism spectrum disorder are common, but treatment evidence is mostly low or very low. Melatonin and parent or behavioral approaches had mixed results, so start with screening and checking medical contributors rather than assuming a single fix.
• SLPOther2024'It seems like a luxury to be able to offer that': Factors influencing the implementation of annual health checks for autistic people in England.Autism : the international journal of research and practicePrimary-care staff and autistic adults generally backed proposed autism-specific annual health checks, but time and staff shortages made them seem a luxury. Autistic adults described phone appointments, short visits, and communication barriers as access problems.
• OTSLPQualitative2024Dropping the mask: It takes two.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAutistic adults described socialising authentically as a shared effort. It required non-autistic partners to accept different communication styles, avoid demanding eye contact, and ask for clarification instead of assuming rudeness. These interactions reduced anxiety and exhaustion compared to masking.
• SLPOther2023Heterogeneity of autism symptoms in community-referred infants and toddlers at elevated or low familial likelihood of autism.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchInfants and toddlers with autism symptoms who had an autistic sibling showed milder social-communication symptoms and stronger cognitive scores than children with no family history, and less expressive language delay than children with no family history but non-autistic older siblings.
• OTSLPQualitative2024Positive and challenging themes in parents' perceptions of their relationships with their child with autism: Comparison between mothers and fathers.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceParents of boys with autism described their relationships using more positive themes than challenging ones, regardless of their child's symptom severity or cognitive level. Mothers emphasized love and difficulties, while fathers highlighted joint play and guidance. Fathers alone reported limited time with the child.
• PTOTSLPPilot2024Using mobile health technology to assess childhood autism in low-resource community settings in India: An innovation to address the detection gap.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceA tablet app assessing social, sensory and motor tasks identified 78% of children correctly across autism, intellectual disability and typical development groups. It was feasible for non-specialists in homes, but did not separate autism from intellectual disability.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2024"My Autism is Linked with Everything": at the Crossroads of Autism and Diabetes.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAutistic adults with diabetes described prioritising their mental health and avoiding autistic burnout over strict diabetes self-management. They often masked their autism from clinicians, leading to advice that did not fit their sensory or executive functioning needs.
• OTSLPPilot2024The emotional support plan: Feasibility trials of a brief, telehealth-based mobile intervention to support coping for autistic adults.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAutistic adults found a brief, clinician-guided digital coping plan acceptable and relevant. Self-guided versions received mixed feedback, with some users feeling the strategies were redundant if they already had therapy. The plan worked best as a starting point for identifying personal coping tools.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2024School Attendance Problems Among Children with Neurodevelopmental Conditions One year Following the Start of the COVID-19 Pandemic.Journal of autism and developmental disordersFor children with autism or intellectual disability, school absence was driven by unmet needs and anxiety, not COVID-19. Positive parent-teacher relationships and predictable routines helped attendance. Parents reported lack of differentiated support as a major barrier.
• OTSLPQualitative2024"It just depends": Parent, teacher, and expert conceptualization of social communication in young autistic children.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceParents, teachers, and experts said social communication in autistic children aged 2-6 depends on context. Unusual forms like hand leading or scripting can be meaningful, while emotion regulation, AAC, breaks, and familiar partners shape how communication was understood.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2024Experiencing accessibility of historical heritage places with individuals living with visible and invisible disabilities.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesTwenty-one adults with visible and invisible disabilities described how historic sites block participation. Echoes, crowds, and sensory overload hindered autistic and deaf participants, while uneven pavement stopped one interview. Accessibility solutions requiring staff assistance reduced autonomy and caused discomfort.
• SLPCohort2024The relationship between camouflaging and mental health: Are there differences among subgroups in autistic adults?Autism : the international journal of research and practiceCamouflaging correlates with mental health struggles in autistic adults, but this link is strong only for those with high negative affect. For most, the association is weak or non-existent. Sex, age, and education did not predict the strength of this relationship.
• SLPCohort2023Prenatal depression and risk of child autism-related traits among participants in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes program.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchChildren of mothers with prenatal depression scored slightly higher on autism-related traits. The difference was small, averaging 1.31 points on a 195-point scale, but rose with depression severity. This suggests monitoring social development in these children.
• SLPOther2023Method for Developing Communication Skills in Autism - DHACA: appearance and content validation.CoDASTen speech-language-hearing judges rated the DHACA autism communication book suitable in appearance and content. They suggested colored pictogram backgrounds and replacing this and that with my and your. This checks design, not patient outcomes.
• OTSLPRCT2024Comparative effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction and psychoeducational support on parenting stress in families of autistic preschoolers.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceMindfulness training reduced parenting stress more than psychoeducation over 12 months. Both groups improved, but mindfulness showed a steeper decline, with significant differences emerging only at the final follow-up. This suggests mindfulness offers sustained benefit beyond initial support.
• SLPPilot2023Paisley: Preliminary validation of a novel app-based e-Screener for ASD in children 18-36 months.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchA new app-based screener helped community providers identify likely autism in toddlers with high accuracy. Early interventionists and medical providers achieved similar discrimination rates as psychology providers. The tool is designed to support decision-making, not replace formal diagnosis.
• SLPCase Report2023Use of the Prompts for Reestructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT) in Autism Spectrum Disorder: a case study.CoDASA six-year-old boy with autism received 16 PROMPT sessions. His speech accuracy and motor control scores improved, reaching all seven target words. This describes one child's response, not proof that PROMPT works for autism.
• SLPRCT2023Improving parents' ability to advocate for services for youth with autism: A randomized clinical trial.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchParents who joined the 12-week ASSIST advocacy group gained more knowledge about adult services and felt more skilled advocating than those who only received written materials. Parents with lower initial advocacy skills and less active coping styles benefited the most.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023Early Sleep Differences in Young Infants with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBPInfants later diagnosed with autism slept less overall in their first six months, but their night-day sleep pattern matched typical peers. How much sleep they got did not predict later development. However, sleeping more at night predicted better fine motor and language skills.
• PTOTSLPCohort2024Fewer children with autism spectrum disorder with motor challenges receive physical and recreational therapies compared to standard therapies: A SPARK data set analysis.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceMost children with autism in this large US sample were at risk for motor impairment, but few received physical or recreational therapy compared to speech and occupational therapy. Even children with the most severe motor difficulties had far lower access to gross motor services than fine motor or sedentary therapies.
• SLPOther2024Autistic adults' inclination to lie in everyday situations.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAutistic and non-autistic adults reported a similar inclination to lie in everyday situations. Autistic adults rated themselves poorer liars, and their reported lying tendency was associated with their views about lying and their speed on a lie task.
• SLPOther2024A comparison of the presentations of males and females with autism spectrum disorder and those narrowly below the diagnostic threshold.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceGirls and boys assessed for autism differed in reported behaviours: boys were more likely to meet the restricted-interests criterion, while girls more often had parent-reported facial expression differences and unusual made-up words.
• OTSLPCase Report2023Fragile X Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Occurrence of Dual Diagnosis in a Set of Triplets.Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBPDespite equal prenatal alcohol exposure, two identical fragile X triplets had more severe neurobehavioral problems than their fraternal triplet, who met partial fetal alcohol syndrome criteria. Fragile X features may mask alcohol-related facial signs. It does not test a treatment.
• PTOTSLPCohort2024Depressive symptoms and activity engagement in autistic adolescents and those with other developmental disabilities.Disability and health journalAutistic teens and those with other disabilities had more depressive symptoms and less activity engagement than peers. Sports linked to fewer symptoms, but the group showing the benefit depended on how depression was defined. No cause can be proven from this data.
• PTOTSLPCohort2024Using adaptive behavior scores to convey level of functioning in children with autism spectrum disorder: Evidence from the Study to Explore Early Development.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceCognitive scores alone misclassify support needs in autistic preschoolers. Twenty-five percent labeled low-functioning had no adaptive delays, while eight percent labeled high-functioning had significant socialization delays. Assess adaptive behavior directly to identify actual service needs.
• SLPCohort2024Utility of the Language Use Inventory in Young Children at Elevated Likelihood of Autism.Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHRFor 36-month-olds, low scores on the parent-report Language Use Inventory strongly tracked autism symptom severity, outperforming standard language tests. Most children later diagnosed with autism scored at or below the 10th percentile, suggesting this tool can help flag children for urgent diagnostic referral.
• SLPQualitative2024'Let me tell you, I see echolalia as being a part of my son's identity': Exploring echolalia as an expression of neurodiversity from a parental perspective.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceEight parents described their autistic child's echolalia as enjoyable, part of identity, and not something to change. They rejected social pressure to suppress it. This is a parental perspective, not evidence that treatment should stop.
• PTOTSLPOther2024Digital citizenship of children and youth with autism: Developing guidelines and strategies for caregivers and clinicians to support healthy use of screens.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceExperts and caregivers agreed on 64 strategies for managing screen time in autistic children, shifting focus from strict time limits to content quality and family values. They resolved conflicts by adding flexibility, such as using separate devices for learning only if financially feasible.
• PTOTSLPCohort2024An observational study of parental language during play and mealtime in toddlers at variable likelihood for autism.Journal of child languageParents spoke more and used more directives during play, while mealtime drew out more questions and descriptive adjectives. For toddlers at elevated likelihood for autism, parental language did not differ from lower-likelihood peers based on status alone, but varied with the child's specific skills.
• SLPCohort2024Maternal obesity and diabetes during pregnancy and early autism screening score at well-child visits in standard clinical practice.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceChildren of mothers with obesity or diabetes during pregnancy scored higher on autism screening at 18-24 months. These links held even for children who were not later diagnosed with autism, suggesting these prenatal exposures associate with broader social and behavioral differences.
• OTSLPOther2024Enhancing stakeholder roles in autism early interventions in the United States: A stakeholder-driven research agenda.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAutistic adults, parents, and providers set an autism early intervention research agenda. Communication, diagnosis, access, lifespan, and policy were shared priorities. It is a research direction list, not proof any treatment works.
• SLPOther2023Autistic adults benefit from and enjoy learning via social interaction as much as neurotypical adults do.Molecular autismAutistic adults learned more unfamiliar facts from live video calls with a teacher than from recorded videos, and they enjoyed live learning more. Their gains matched neurotypical adults, so live online learning may be better than pre-recorded videos.
• SLPQualitative2023Lockdown Experiences and Views on Future Research Participation of Autistic Adults in the UK During the First 6 Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic.Autism in adulthoodAutistic adults found the UK lockdown both relieving and unsettling. Reduced social demands helped, but broken routines and unclear rules raised anxiety. They wanted flexible, chosen online or face-to-face ways to communicate, access services and take part in research.
• SLPOther2024Electrophysiological Measures of Listening-in-Noise With and Without Remote Microphone System Use in Autistic and Non-Autistic Youth.Ear and hearingNo differences were found between autistic and non-autistic youth. A remote microphone system improved syllable identification accuracy in babble noise to quiet levels, but response speed did not improve and brain responses remained delayed.
• OTSLPCohort2024Changes in the severity of autism symptom domains are related to mental health challenges during middle childhood.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceChildren whose social communication symptoms worsened had increasing anxiety and ADHD. Those whose repetitive behaviors decreased had higher anxiety at age 11. Worsening social symptoms and reducing repetitive behaviors were both linked to more mental health challenges.
• OTSLPCohort2023Habituation of auditory responses in young autistic and neurotypical children.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchYoung autistic children showed less brain habituation to repeated sounds than neurotypical peers, but this neural difference did not match caregiver-reported sound sensitivity. Clinicians should not assume these lab findings explain a child's everyday noise distress.