Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders最新文献

{"title":"Law Enforcement Officers and Autism Stigma: Changes Associated With Autism Training.","authors":"Lauren Gardner, Lindsey Powell, Krystal Montoya, Taichiang Ku, April Lott, Jonathan Campbell","doi":"10.1007/s10803-026-07544-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-026-07544-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Law enforcement officers (LEOs) frequently interact with autistic individuals, often without autism-specific training. Limited training may contribute to stigmatizing attitudes that influence these encounters. This study evaluated changes in LEOs' autism stigma toward autistic individuals following autism training.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A nonrandomized pre-post intervention design examined changes in autism stigma among 438 LEOs who attended autism training in California or Florida. Officers completed either a 2-h or 4-h training, with the California program including additional virtual reality training. Autism stigma was assessed before and after training using a validated measure.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall autism stigma decreased significantly following training. For both samples, female officers reported higher neurodiversity affirming attitudes than male officers before either training. Male officers showed significant increases in neurodiversity affirming attitudes in the California sample. For the Florida sample, officers with a relationship to an autistic person reported higher neurodiversity affirming attitudes; officers without a relationship reported greater increases in neurodiversity affirming attitudes. Item-level analyses showed both positive and unexpected changes with increased neurodiversity-affirming attitudes alongside greater endorsement of normative behavioral expectations and reduced trust in information provided by autistic individuals.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Autism-specific training was associated with increases in neurodiversity affirming attitudes with two samples of LEOs, although the absence of control groups preclude causal inference. These findings provide preliminary support for autism training as a strategy to reduce stigma and underscore the need for randomized controlled trials and longitudinal research to evaluate sustained attitudinal and behavioral change in law enforcement.</p>","PeriodicalId":15148,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149110160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Cross-Lagged Panel Model of Mental Health Amongst UK Undergraduates: The Role of Autism and Gender.","authors":"Hatice Gundeslioglu, Kylie M Gray, Paul A Thompson, Peter E Langdon","doi":"10.1007/s10803-026-07541-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-026-07541-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The aims of this study were to explore the bidirectional relationships between depression, anxiety, and suicidality among autistic and non-autistic undergraduates in the UK, and the impact of gender and autism diagnosis on these relationships, over time.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) was used to explore bidirectional relationships between (i) anxiety and worry, (ii) behavioural symptoms of depression and anxiety, and (iii) suicidality across two time points. At Wave 1 (November 2022/June 2023), 747 undergraduates participated. At Wave 2 (May/December 2023), 209 participants took part, with 179 providing complete data at both waves, six months apart. Autism status was determined via self-reported clinical diagnosis, including participants who reported receiving a first diagnosis between Wave 1 and Wave 2. Autism diagnosis and gender were included as covariates.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Cross-lagged relationships were observed over time between suicidality and anxiety and worry, and suicidality and behavioural symptoms of depression and anxiety. Mental health problems remained stable across participants over time. Although an autism diagnosis was associated to higher levels of anxiety, depression, and suicidality at baseline, neither autism diagnosis nor gender was associated with changes in mental health problems over six months.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Initially, relative to non-autistic undergraduates, autistic undergraduates had elevated (or higher) anxiety, depression, and suicidality. Elevated suicidality predicted subsequent increases in anxiety and depression six months later. However, neither an autism diagnosis nor gender had a significant impact on mental health over time. Interpretation of findings is limited by substantial attrition between waves.</p>","PeriodicalId":15148,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149110128","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Motor Variability of Circular Movements Reveals Differences in Non-Dominant Hand and Foot Control in Autistic Adults.","authors":"Atsushi Takagi, Chihiro Itoi, Kazuaki Honda, Makio Kashino","doi":"10.1007/s10803-026-07546-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-026-07546-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasingly recognized to involve difficulties in sensorimotor control. This study aimed to evaluate whether motor variability during rhythmic circular movements could serve as a measure of movement coordination quality.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Seventeen clinically diagnosed autistic adults and twenty age- and IQ-matched individuals each performed fifteen-second circular movements with their left and right hands and feet, paced by a metronome. Motor variability was quantified as the deviation in circular acceleration trajectories measured using a smartphone's accelerometer sensor.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Autistic adults showed greater motor variability in both lower limbs and their non-dominant hand compared to the comparison group. They also exhibited greater hand laterality than the comparison group. Individuals with greater foot variability also tended to show greater hand variability. This relationship was similar in the autistic and comparison groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Quantifying the movement variability of circular movements made with the upper and lower limbs may provide a rapid, quantitative assessment of coordination difficulties in autistic adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":15148,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149110126","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Associated Factors of Parenting Stress Among Caregivers of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders in Lianyungang, Eastern China: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Xu Chen, Jiao Tong, Shan Ma, Lu Zhu, Xue Wang, Yiting Tao, Haiyan Zhao, Changjiang Liu, Yu Wang, Tao Wang, Dongmei Yan","doi":"10.1007/s10803-026-07559-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-026-07559-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Parenting stress impairs both caregivers' health and children's long-term well-being. This study aimed to assess parenting stress among caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and analyze its associated factors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lianyungang, eastern China. The participants were caregivers of children aged 2-14 years. The Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF) was used to evaluate parenting stress. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The average score of parenting stress was 44.40 ± 12.22. Caregivers whose children were older than 6 years (B = 2.376, 95% CI: 0.424-4.329, p < 0.05), exhibited stereotyped behaviors (B = 4.207, 95% CI: 1.504-6.909, p < 0.01), and had mealtime behavior problems (B = 0.236, 95% CI: 0.139-0.333, p < 0.001) had higher levels of parenting stress. In addition, caregivers who were not employed (B = 3.182, 95% CI: 0.586-5.779, p < 0.05) and those with high public stigma (B = 0.534, 95% CI: 0.389-0.678, p < 0.001) had higher levels of parenting stress. However, female caregivers (B = -3.580, 95% CI: -6.195--0.964, p < 0.01) and caregivers with good family function (B = -0.383, 95% CI: -0.760--0.006, p < 0.05) and social support (B = -1.228, 95% CI: -1.734--0.723, p < 0.001) had lower levels of parenting stress.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Support to improve family function and social support, as well as reduce public stigma may help to alleviate parenting stress in caregivers of children with ASD.</p>","PeriodicalId":15148,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149110180","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Parenting Experience and Family Dynamics Among Parents of Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Xiaoli Liao, Wei He, Hao Xie, Xingxing Liu, Zhihui Chen, Xiang Lei","doi":"10.1007/s10803-026-07502-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-026-07502-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to examine the associations between family dynamics and parenting experiences among parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs).</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was conducted using convenience sampling among 341 parents of children with NDDs recruited from special education institutions and public healthcare facilities. Data were collected via an online questionnaire comprising the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form, Parenting Sense of Competence Scale, Parental Bonding Instrument, Family Adaptation Partnership Growth Affection Resolve Questionnaire, and Family Closeness and Adaptability Scale. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and hierarchical multiple regression were performed to examine interrelationships among variables. Multicollinearity was assessed using variance inflation factors.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>A total of 341 parents participated, reporting on children primarily diagnosed with developmental delay (DD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and intellectual disabilities (ID). Correlation analyses revealed significant negative relationships between parenting stress and parenting style (r = -0.626, p < 0.01), family functioning (r = -0.831, p < 0.01), and family setting (r = -0.792, p < 0.01). Hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that parenting style (β = -0.159 to -0.157, p < 0.001), family functioning (β = -0.746, p < 0.001), and family setting (β = - 0.733, p < 0.001) were significant negative predictors of parenting stress. A suppression effect was observed for parenting efficacy, which emerged as a significant positive predictor (β = 0.097 to 0.182, p < 0.01) only after accounting for family-level variables. VIF values remained below 2.5 across all models, confirming the absence of multicollinearity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Family functioning and family environment were associated with lower levels of parenting stress among parents of children with NDDs. The suppression effect observed for parenting efficacy suggests that its association with parenting stress may be influenced by the broader family context. Longitudinal studies are warranted to clarify the temporal and directional relationships among these factors.</p>","PeriodicalId":15148,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149110197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Early-Life Feeding Behavior and Sensory Processing in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Krisztina Szalkay, Dorottya Gergő, Tamás Kói, Dorottya Kenesei, Klementina Ocskay, Miklós Garami, Péter Hegyi, Rita Nagy, Kinga Farkas","doi":"10.1007/s10803-026-07543-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-026-07543-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects around 2.8% of the population, yet early diagnosis remains challenging and may delay beneficial interventions. Atypical sensory processing and feeding difficulties are frequently reported in ASD and have been discussed as early behavioral correlates. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine associations between these features and to delineate behavioral patterns that may support early developmental assessment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Studies published until November 15, 2023, were included if they assessed feeding behavior alongside sensory processing or multisensory integration. Articles without original data were excluded. Risk of bias was evaluated using the QUIPS tool, and the protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023483136). We searched PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Scopus. For continuous outcomes, we calculated mean differences (MDs), standardized mean differences (SMDs) and pooled correlation coefficients.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 46 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 17 contributed to meta-analysis. Children with ASD showed more frequent and severe mealtime behavioral problems than neurotypical peers, with a large difference in BAMBI total scores (SMD = 1.41, 95% CI [0.53, 2.30]). Sensory differences were most pronounced in the tactile domain (SMD = -1.80, 95% CI [-2.52, -1.08]), also evident in taste-smell, visual, and auditory modalities. A moderate correlation was found between sensory processing and feeding difficulties (|r|=0.47, 95% CI [-0.55, -0.44]).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings demonstrate robust cross-sectional associations between sensory processing differences and feeding difficulties in children with ASD, outlining a clinically relevant behavioral pattern that may guide early developmental assessment and complement existing ASD screening recommendations.</p>","PeriodicalId":15148,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149110121","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beyond Food Selectivity: Feeding Problems, Nutritional Status, and Parental Quality of Life in Autism Spectrum Disorder.","authors":"Gül Eda Kılınç Tulum, Yasemin Açar Kuru, Aliye Özenoğlu","doi":"10.1007/s10803-026-07558-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-026-07558-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the feeding-related behaviors of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), identify feeding-related factors from caregivers' perspectives, and investigate associations among nutritional status, quality of life, and behavioral problems.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study included 48 children and adolescents with ASD and their parents. Feeding behaviors, feeding problems, parental feeding strategies, caregiver quality of life, and dietary intake patterns were assessed using validated questionnaires (BAMBI, STEP, FSQ, QoLA, and a food frequency questionnaire).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of the children was 8.98 ± 3.86 years, 75.0% were male, and 33.3% were classified as overweight/obese. The mean total BAMBI score was 40.25 ± 8.24, with the highest score observed in the limited variety sub-dimension (20.6 ± 5.87), indicating that restricted food variety was the most prominent feeding concern. Among the STEP sub-dimensions, nutrition-related behavioral problems had the highest mean score (3.27 ± 3.12), while the highest FSQ score was found in the child control of intake sub-dimension (19.33 ± 6.14). The mean QoLA Part A and Part B scores were 91.0 ± 16.53 and 59.88 ± 19.27, respectively. A significant positive correlation was found between BAMBI and STEP total scores (p = 0.009), whereas BAMBI total score was negatively correlated with QoLA Part A score (p = 0.039). STEP total score was positively associated with the QoLA Part B score (p = 0.004).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Food selectivity and feeding problems are common in children and adolescents with ASD and are associated with lower parental quality of life in both affected individuals and their caregivers, highlighting the need for early, family-centered multidisciplinary nutritional interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":15148,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149110186","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Self-Compassion and Psychological Health of Parents: A Meta-Analysis Focused on Some Neurodevelopmental Disorders.","authors":"Cansu Ozturk, H Senay Guzel","doi":"10.1007/s10803-025-06841-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10803-025-06841-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) may face various psychological problems and experience parenting stress because of the nature of these disorders. Parents' psychological distress and high levels of parenting stress have a negative impact on their well-being. In addition, recent studies on the buffering effect of self-compassion related with psychological difficulties have also attracted attention. At this point, this study aims to carry out a meta-analytic review of studies examining the association between self-compassion and psychological distress, parenting stress, and well-being. Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, and EBSCOHost (APA PsycArticles, MEDLINE, TR Index, ERIC) electronic databases were searched in November 2023. Studies were included if they were quantitative and included parents of children with NDDs as the study population. As a result, 131 studies were obtained. After the duplicate studies were removed and evaluated according to the inclusion criteria, n = 15 were included. The random effects model was used to obtain the pooled effect sizes. The results showed that there was a large, negative, and significant relationship between self-compassion and parental depression score and parenting stress; a moderate, negative, and significant relationship between self-compassion and parental anxiety score; and a large, positive, and significant relationship between self-compassion and parental well-being. According to these findings, it is important to observe and measure the level of self-compassion for the well-being of parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Moreover, increasing self-compassion in parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders may be a protective factor for the psychological health of these parents.</p>","PeriodicalId":15148,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders","volume":" ","pages":"3828-3843"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13538213/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144010888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sensitivity and Specificity of Developmental Surveillance and Autism Screening in an Australian Multicultural Cohort: The Watch Me Grow Study.","authors":"Charmaine Bernie, Alicia Montgomery, Louise Sealy, Joseph Descallar, Cheryl Dissanayake, Bin Jalaludin, Elisabeth Murphy, Sue Woolfenden, Katrina Williams, Valsamma Eapen","doi":"10.1007/s10803-025-06859-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10803-025-06859-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To examine accuracy of two-tiered surveillance to detect developmental disability and autism in a multicultural birth cohort; a subset of the Watch Me Grow Study. Surveillance tools were used at or soon after 18 months of age, including the Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS), the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3), and the revised Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT-R/F). Children with and without identified concerns were assessed between 18 and 23 months using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2). Sensitivity and specificity of the surveillance tools used in isolation and in combination in this cohort ranged from 51 to 87% (n = 165). Some children (n = 21) who were not identified with high likelihood of difficulties were later assessed as having probable developmental disability. Adding the M-CHAT-R/F did not significantly improve autism likelihood identification in comparison with tiered developmental surveillance. There was highly variable sensitivity and specificity of combined tools for tiered developmental surveillance in this cohort. There remains a need in Australia to improve methods of, and engagement in, developmental screening and surveillance that includes detection of concerns in community and primary healthcare settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":15148,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders","volume":" ","pages":"4164-4174"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13538240/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144078267","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Social Responsiveness as a Mediator in Adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Autistic Youth with Maladaptive and Interfering Anxiety.","authors":"Jeffrey J Wood, Eric A Storch, Katherine Sung, Karen S Wood, Philip C Kendall","doi":"10.1007/s10803-025-06866-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10803-025-06866-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Numerous adaptations to interventions have been included in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for autistic youth. This study examines the degree to which CBT adapted to the social needs of autistic youth confers significant benefit by promoting social responsiveness. A secondary analysis was conducted on a multisite randomized clinical trial (Wood et al. in JAMA Psychiatry 77:474-483, 2020) comparing adapted CBT with standard-of-practice CBT and treatment-as-usual (TA). Autistic youth (N = 167; aged 7-13) with maladaptive and interfering anxiety participated. The adapted CBT (BIACA) uses a modular format, with an emphasis on supplementing common CBT practice elements (reframing and graded exposure) with social skill supports. The primary outcome measure was the Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale. Social responsiveness was assessed with the Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition. Participants' general mental health was assessed as a secondary outcome using the Brief Problem Checklist. Mediation was tested using the SPSS PROCESS macro. Analyses suggested that the effect of adapted CBT on anxiety was mediated by its effects on social responsiveness, with a statistically significant indirect effect. Youth randomly assigned to adapted CBT exhibited better overall mental health at posttreatment compared to those randomized to the other conditions, and this effect was also mediated by improved social responsiveness. CBT adapted to address some of the social needs of autistic youth may enhance mental health outcomes by supporting social responsiveness, perhaps increasing the ease and effectiveness with which some youth can navigate potentially stressful situations such as entering and participating in group activities.</p>","PeriodicalId":15148,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders","volume":" ","pages":"3755-3764"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13538194/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143968263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}