, a Retrovirus-Derived Gene Implicated in Autism Spectrum Disorder, Is a Microglial Gene That Responds to Noradrenaline in the Postnatal Brain.

Retrotransposon Gag-like 4 (), a gene acquired from a retrovirus, is a causative gene in autism spectrum disorder. Its knockout mice exhibit increased impulsivity, impaired short-term spatial memory, failure to adapt to novel environments, and delayed noradrenaline (NA) recovery in the frontal cortex. However, due to its very low expression in the brain, it remains unknown which brain cells express RTL4 and its dynamics in relation to NA.

Genetic Variant Analyses Identify Novel Candidate Autism Risk Genes from a Highly Consanguineous Cohort of 104 Families from Oman.

Deficits in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviours are hallmarks of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite high genetic heritability, the majority of clinically diagnosed ASD cases have unknown genetic origins. We performed genome sequencing on mothers, fathers, and affected individuals from 104 families with ASD in Oman, a Middle Eastern country underrepresented in international genetic studies.

Disabilities and Disparities in Oral Health-Related Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in Saudi Arabia.

: In Saudi Arabia, persons with disabilities (PWDs) face considerable oral health challenges, including a higher prevalence of dental caries and gingival inflammation, which adversely affects their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). This population experiences distinct and substantial barriers in accessing adequate dental care. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to quantify disparities in OHRQoL between PWDs and individuals without disabilities in Saudi Arabia, focusing on caries and gingivitis prevalence, and to identify specific areas for intervention.

First Diagnostic Questionnaire for Assessing Patients' Social Functioning: Comprehensive DDX3X Syndrome Patient Profile.

DDX3X syndrome is often misdiagnosed as autism spectrum disorder (ASD, Rett Syndrome, and Dandy-Walker Syndrome). Precise phenotyping is needed with reference to neurodevelopmental diagnosis. Observation of behavior and communication in parents with DDX3X syndrome in the USA, France, and Poland; conversations with the parents of patients; and rudimentary information in evidence-based medical articles prompted us to identify differences in communication, play, and social interaction between children with ASD only, those with both ASD and , and those with only.

Chronobiology in Paediatric Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Harmonizing Care with Biological Clocks.

: Chronobiology has gained attention in the context of paediatric neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, including migraine, epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Disruptions in circadian rhythms are associated with key symptoms such as sleep disturbances, mood dysregulation, and cognitive impairments, suggesting a potential for chronobiology-based therapeutic approaches. : This narrative review employs a systematic approach to identify relevant studies through searches of three major scientific databases, NCBI/PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus, up to July 2024.

Predictors of Adaptive Behaviors in Individuals on the Autism Spectrum as Assessed by Teachers and Parents: An Analysis Based on ABAS-3.

This present study focuses on analyzing the adaptive behaviors of individuals on the autism spectrum as perceived by parents and teachers of these individuals. This study was conducted in Poland with the use of the ABAS-3 (Adaptive Behavior Assessment System). The ABAS-3 tool involves both parents (or primary caregivers) and teachers in the diagnostic process and monitoring of adaptive development.

Comparative Pacing Profile and Chronometric Performance in Elite Swimmers with Intellectual Impairments and Able-Bodied Athletes.

Pacing strategy is a complex self-regulation process, crucial for optimising sports performance. Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (IIs) face unique challenges due to cognitive limitations that may hinder their ability to pace effectively, impacting chronometric performance. This study analysed the pacing profiles and chronometric performance across 253 event entries by elite swimmers with II, divided into three groups: 100 entries for group II1 (intellectual disability), 85 for group II2 (Down syndrome), and 68 for group II3 (autism spectrum disorder).

The Use of Nutraceutical and Pharmacological Strategies in Murine Models of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition mainly characterized by both a scarce aptitude for social interactions or communication and engagement in repetitive behaviors. These primary symptoms can manifest with variable severity and are often paired with a heterogeneous plethora of secondary complications, among which include anxiety, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), cognitive impairment, sleep disorders, sensory alterations, and gastrointestinal issues. So far, no treatment for the core symptoms of ASD has yielded satisfactory results in a clinical setting.

Development and Psychometric Properties of the Pain and Sensitivity Reactivity Scale in a Diverse Sample of Autistic People.

Background: Recent studies indicate the need to examine how the gut microbiota-brain axis is implicated in pain, sensory reactivity and gastro-intestinal symptoms in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but no scale exists that assesses all these constructs simultaneously.

Methods: We created a pool of 100 items based on the real-world experience of autistic people, and a multidisciplinary team and stakeholders reduced this pool to 50 items assessing pain, sensory hypersensitivity, and sensory hyposensitivity. In the present study, we present this new assessment tool, the Pain and Sensitivity Reactivity Scale (PSRS), and examine its psychometric properties in a sample of 270 individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; mean age = 9.

The Association Between In Utero Exposure to Painkillers and Trajectories of Hyperactivity and Emotional Problems in Children with Autism Compared with Neurotypical Peers.

: In utero exposure to painkillers has raised concerns regarding its potential impact on neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study investigates the association between in utero exposure to painkillers and trajectories of hyperactivity and emotional problems in children with and without ASD, separately. Data were drawn from 5107 participants enrolled in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children.

Music Therapy as a Tool to Unveil Musical Potential or Hidden Savant in Children with Autism: A Case Study.

: Savant syndrome is a perplexing condition characterized by the exceptional abilities or talents of individuals with disabilities or low IQ. : This study shows an individual case of a child with autism, detailing how music therapy may facilitate the discovery of musical abilities and how it can improve different areas of development, e.g.

Misuse of the Term Retrospective Cohort. Comment on Alsayouf et al. Atomoxetine Treatment of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in 3-6-Year-Old Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Retrospective Cohort Study. 2024, , 163.

Recently, an article entitled "Atomoxetine Treatment of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in 3-6-Year-Old Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Retrospective Cohort Study" was published in the journal . In this letter, the methodology of the mentioned study is discussed.

Nonverbal Skills Evolution in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder One Year Post-Diagnosis.

: Gestural production, a crucial aspect of nonverbal communication, plays a key role in the development of verbal and socio-communicative skills. Delays in gestural development often impede verbal acquisition and social interaction in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Although various interventions for ASD focus on improving socio-communicative abilities, they consistently highlight the importance of integrating gestures to support overall communication development.

Motor Competence in Autistic Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Background/objectives: Children with autism exhibit deficits in fundamental motor skills, which are intensified when associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Objective: To correlate motor competence in children with autism, autism levels according to the CARS scale, and the association with ADHD.

Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed motor competence using the Motor Competence Assessment (MCA), the severity of Autism Spectrum Disorder by Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), and the presence of clinical signs for ADHD using Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham (SNAP-IV) questionnaire.

The Impact of Dog-Assisted Therapy Among Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review.

Background And Objectives: Animal-assisted therapies have been utilized in various profiles to improve people's quality of life. This systematic review aims to assess the impact of dog-assisted therapies (DAT) on children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The benefits provided, the feasibility of implementation, and potential limitations are analysed.

Effectiveness of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Update.

Background/objectives: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition requiring personalised therapeutic approaches. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAATs) in 86 children with varying ASD severity levels (levels 1-3).

Methods: Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales and the Parenting Stress Index were used.

Dysregulation Profile in Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Italian Multi-Center Perspective.

: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication impairments and repetitive behaviors. Recent reports show that one in thirty-six 8-year-old children are autistic, signifying a considerable public health concern. According to previous studies, emotional dysregulation (ED) affects 50-60% of individuals with ASD and includes symptoms such as poor emotional control, heightened reactivity, and a low frustration tolerance.

Executive Functions Assessment in a Child with Autism: A Pilot Single-Case Study from a Longitudinal and Mixed Methods Approach.

Unlabelled: Although the literature confirms executive deficits in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that hinder adaptation, evidence-based intervention programs targeting this area are scarce, and even fewer have evaluated their effectiveness.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess a pilot program designed to improve the executive functions of a child five years and nine months in age with ASD.

Methods: To evaluate the effects of the intervention, observational methodology was used, which is considered a mixed method in itself as it integrates both qualitative and quantitative elements in its various phases.

Chronic Tic Disorders in Youth: Clinical Phenotypes and Response to Pharmacological Treatment with Aripiprazole.

Background/objectives: Tic disorders are neurodevelopmental conditions often associated with comorbidities like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our aims were: (a) in a sample of youth with tic disorders to explore the clinical and psychopathological characteristics of different phenotypes based on the presence of comorbid ADHD and/or ASD and gender; (b) in a subgroup of patients treated with Aripiprazole, to evaluate symptoms variation over time and to identify potential predictors of response.

Methods: A total of 95 subjects with tic disorders (age range 6 to 17.

Apocynin, a Selective NADPH Oxidase (Nox2) Inhibitor, Ameliorates Behavioural and Learning Deficits in the Fragile X Syndrome Mouse Model.

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is associated with intellectual disability, hyperactivity, social anxiety and signs of autism. Hyperactivation of NADPH oxidase has been previously described in the brain of the male -KO mouse. This work aims to demonstrate the efficacy of Apocynin, a specific NADPH oxidase inhibitor, in treating Fragile X mouse hallmarks.

Microbiota and Autism: A Review on Oral and Gut Microbiome Analysis Through 16S rRNA Sequencing.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with multifactorial etiologies, including genetic, environmental, and microbiological factors. In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the role of the gut microbiota in ASD. Emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiota dysbiosis may influence the central nervous system through the gut-brain axis, potentially impacting behavior and neurodevelopment.

Does Bisphenol A (BPA) Exposure Cause Human Diseases?

Background: Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), attention-deficit disorder (ADHD), Parkinson's disease (PD), polycystic ovary disease (PCOS), and Alzheimer's disease (AD) have all been linked to exposure to bisphenol A (BPA).

Methods: This paper is a review and discussion of the published literature.

Results: Animal studies have shown BPA to be a broad-spectrum endocrine disruptor.

Mobile Application for Tracking Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder: Content Validation and Usability.

Background: This study aims to validate the content and evaluate the usability of the Autism App for screening children with autism spectrum disorder.

Methods: This methodological study was conducted between August 2023 and March 2024. The study included 15 experts for content validation and nine for usability evaluation, all of whom had experience in the health/technology field.

Increased Risk of Dentoalveolar Trauma in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

The prevalence of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) in patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) remains unclear. Given these discrepancies, an updated review of the evidence on the risk of TDI in patients with ASD is essential. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prevalence of TDI in patients with ASD and compare it to that in neurotypical patients.