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.

The Predictability of Stress Coping Strategies and Psychological Capital on the Psychological Well-Being of Autistic Spectrum Children's Mothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

There is an increasing number of studies concerned with the study of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). At the same time, there is a lack of interest in studies on their families, especially on mothers who represent the first breadwinner for a child who suffers from a deficit in social communication with others, reflected in their well-being (PWB). This study aimed to reveal the possibility of predicting the PWB of autistic spectrum children's mothers through the variables of coping strategies and psychological capital (PsyCap).

Coupling Up: A Dynamic Investigation of Romantic Partners' Neurobiological States During Nonverbal Connection.

Nonverbal connection is an important aspect of everyday communication. For romantic partners, nonverbal connection is essential for establishing and maintaining feelings of closeness. EEG hyperscanning offers a unique opportunity to examine the link between nonverbal connection and neural synchrony among romantic partners.

Identifying Cyclical Patterns of Behavior Using a Moving-Average, Data-Smoothing Manipulation.

For some individuals, rates of destructive behavior change in a predictable manner, irrespective of the contingencies programmed. Identifying such cyclical patterns can lead to better prediction of destructive behavior and may allow for the identification of relevant biological processes. However, identifying cyclical patterns of behavior can be difficult when using traditional methods of visual analysis.

Chemogenetic Inhibition of Prefrontal Cortex Ameliorates Autism-Like Social Deficits and Absence-Like Seizures in a Gene-Trap Haploinsufficiency Mouse Model.

Background: (absent, small, or homeotic-like 1), a histone methyltransferase, has been identified as a high-risk gene for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We previously showed that postnatal severe deficiency in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of male and female mice caused seizures. However, the synaptic mechanisms underlying autism-like social deficits and seizures need to be elucidated.

Calcium Signaling and Molecular Adhesion Processes May Hold the Key to Genetic Risk for Autism: A Molecular Pathway Analysis on Two Independent Samples.

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by limited interests, difficulties in social interactions, repetitive behaviors, and impairments in social communication. ASD tends to run in families, and twin studies suggest a strong genetic basis for the disorder. However, the definition of a genetic profile that indicates a risk for ASD remains unclear.

Analyses of Human Genetic Data to Identify Clinically Relevant Domains of Neuroligins.

Neuroligins (NLGNs) are postsynaptic adhesion molecules critical for neuronal development that are highly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here, we provide an overview of the literature on rare variants. In addition, we introduce a new approach to analyze human variation within genes to identify sensitive regions that have an increased frequency of ASD-associated variants to better understand NLGN function.

Effects of Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field Treatment on ASD Symptoms in Children: A Pilot Study.

Background/objectives: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders marked by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. People with ASD may exhibit repetitive behaviors, unique ways of learning, and different ways of interacting with the world. The term "spectrum" reflects the wide variability in how ASD manifests in individuals, including differences in abilities, symptoms, and support needs, and conditions characterized by difficulties in social interactions, communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.

A Normative Model Representing Autistic Individuals Amidst Autism Spectrum Phenotypic Heterogeneity.

Background: Currently, there is a need for approaches to understand and manage the multidimensional autism spectrum and quantify its heterogeneity. The diagnosis is based on behaviors observed in two key dimensions, social communication and repetitive, restricted behaviors, alongside the identification of required support levels. However, it is now recognized that additional modifiers, such as language abilities, IQ, and comorbidities, are essential for a more comprehensive assessment of the complex clinical presentations and clinical trajectories in autistic individuals.

The "Reading the Mind in Films" Task: A Pilot Study on Complex Emotion and Mental State Recognition for the Italian Adaptation in Adults with and Without Autism Spectrum Conditions.

The present pilot study tested and reports the Italian adaptation of the Reading the Mind in Film test (RMF), an ecological test for assessing, in Italian adults with and without Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), complex emotion and mental state recognition in natural settings and everyday situations. : A sample of young adults with Autism Spectrum Condition (with ASC; = 22), attending a filmmaking course at a post-diploma school () took part in the study and was compared with a control group of neurotypical university students (without ASC; = 22). All participants underwent individual testing and completed the Italian version of the Autism Questionnaire before performing the Italian version of both the RMF task and the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET).

Gender Dysphoria and Related Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Bilingual Review of the Literature.

The association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and gender dysphoria (GD) has attracted a great deal of interest among child and adolescent psychiatrists in Japan. In clinical settings, it is common to hear complaints or concerns related to GD from adolescents with ASD. In the past few years, several review articles have been published on ASD and GD.

Obsessive-Compulsive Traits and Problematic Internet Use Are Increased Among Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Is There a Role of Obsessive Doubts and Communication Impairment?

Background: The link between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and the complexity of their differential diagnosis has been vastly investigated. Growing attention has been paid to the presence of problematic Internet use (PIU) in autistic individuals. Studies assessing OCD traits in autistic individuals are scarce and even less take into account the role that this overlap may have on the development and maintenance of PIU.

Face Processing in Prematurely Born Individuals-A Systematic Review.

Background/objectives: Prematurely born individuals are at risk for developing socio-emotional difficulties and psychopathologies such as autism spectrum disorder. Particular difficulties processing social information conveyed by the face may underlie these vulnerabilities.

Methods: This comprehensive review provides an overview of 27 studies published between 2000 and mid-2022 concerning face processing in individuals born preterm and/or born with low birth weight across different age ranges, paradigms, and outcome measures.

Relevant Factors in the Schooling of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Early Childhood Education.

Background: Educational professionals face significant challenges in determining the most appropriate educational placement for each child with ASD, which is a major concern for their parents. The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors in the development of students with ASD (language development, cognitive development, and socio-emotional development) that are most relevant in determining the modalities of schooling in early childhood education.

Methods: A total of 381 Psychopedagogical Evaluation Reports from students with ASD aged 3 to 5 years were reviewed.

Neurotrophin-3 as a mediator in the link between PM exposure and psychiatric disorders: A Mendelian randomization study.

Background: The causal relationship between PM (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm) and common mental disorders, along with its neuropathological mechanisms, remains unclear.

Methods: We used genome-wide association study datasets from the UK Biobank and Psychiatric Genomics Consortium to systematically investigate the causal relationship between PM and nine common psychiatric disorders using two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) methods.

Reports of Echolalia and Related Behaviors in Autism From Parents, Teachers, and Clinicians: Evidence From the Simon Simplex Collection.

Echolalia, the immediate or delayed repetition of speech, is a core diagnostic criterion for autism spectrum disorder. It has been studied for over 50 years and is well-described; however, no consensus on prevalence estimates exists for echolalia's occurrence in autistic youth. The current study sought to (1) describe endorsement of echolalia-related items using parent-, teacher-, and clinician-reports in a well-validated sample of autistic youth and (2) characterize relations between echolalia and other key factors, including age, language ability, and repetitive behaviors.

The overlooked role of microbiota-gut-brain communication in child psychiatry: a call for integration in early intervention strategies.

Emerging research has highlighted the significant role of microbiota-gut-brain communication in child psychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and anxiety disorders. Despite this, mainstream psychiatric interventions for children continue to focus predominantly on neurological and psychological therapies, neglecting the critical influence of gut microbiota on brain development and behavior. This commentary underscores the need for greater integration of microbiota-targeted therapies, such as dietary interventions, prebiotics, and probiotics, into early psychiatric intervention strategies.