Autism最新文献

{"title":"'We're quite good at thinking outside the box: Early autistic sensory experiences expressed by autistic adults and caregivers of autistic children.","authors":"Katy L Unwin, Kelsey Philpott-Robinson, Josephine Barbaro, Patrick Dwyer, Nancy Sadka, Perrin Date, Alison E Lane","doi":"10.1177/13623613251335069","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613251335069","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sensory differences are well documented in autistic individuals. However, early sensory experiences have not been fully explored, particularly from the perspective of autistic people. We sought to understand early sensory experiences in autism from the perspective of autistic adults (some of whom also had autistic children) and caregivers of autistic children (some of whom also had a personal autism diagnosis). Using a qualitative descriptive design, aligned with a constructivist paradigm, focus groups were conducted with 3 autistic adults and 12 caregivers of autistic children. Data were analysed with reflexive thematic analysis. Five themes were generated accounting for early sensory experiences in autism: (1) Acknowledging the uniqueness of sensory preferences, (2) Negative impacts of different sensory experiences, (3) Feeling different and the pursuit of belonging, (4) Controlling sensory experiences to support daily function, and finally (5) Overcoming the challenges of the sensory world. The findings highlight the specific sensory needs of autistic children in early childhood and the adaptability of caregivers. This information can help young autistic people and caregivers advocate the importance of recognising the uniqueness of each autistic child's sensory preferences when seeking support.Lay AbstractSensory behaviours in early childhood can impact how autistic children experience and engage in the world. There is a lot of research about sensory differences in autistic children; however, there is very little known about experiences in early childhood. We asked 3 autistic adults and 12 caregivers of autistic children about their/their child's experiences of sensory behaviours in early childhood. In our sample, autistic adults and caregivers of autistic children shared similar experiences about the challenges they/their children face related to sensory experiences in early childhood and how they overcame these. The findings can influence how researchers and service providers view sensory preferences in early childhood by understanding that everyone's preferences are unique, and the importance of advocating for what works for each autistic person.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"2084-2096"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12255837/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143964785","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":"Self-reported masking in sexual minority and heterosexual autistic adults.","authors":"Goldie A McQuaid, Nancy Raitano Lee, Gregory L Wallace","doi":"10.1177/13623613251335738","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613251335738","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Masking can include suppressing or concealing certain behaviors to appear \"non-autistic\" and is one response to the excess social stressors of being a neurominority in a neurotypical-majority society. It is important to understand how persons who are multiply marginalized (e.g. an autistic person assigned female sex at birth who is bisexual), who experience multiple layers of excess social stressors, may face additional pressures to conceal their authentic selves. Autistic persons may be more likely than neurotypical persons to identify with a sexual minority orientation, such as asexual, bisexual, gay or pansexual. To advance our understanding of how marginalized identities may be associated with masking, we examined self-reported masking using the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire in a sample of autistic adults (<i>N</i> = 462). After matching participants for assigned sex at birth and age, and after controlling for these effects in modeling, we found that sexual minority autistic adults reported significantly higher levels of masking relative to heterosexual autistic adults. We situate these findings within literatures on masking, minority stress, and stigma.Lay AbstractMasking can include hiding certain behaviors to appear \"non-autistic.\" Masking is one response to the stress of being autistic in a non-autistic world. Being autistic is only one part of someone's identity, though. Other parts of a person's identity include things like a person's sexual orientation. Autistic people are more likely than non-autistic people to have a sexual orientation other than heterosexual, like asexual, bisexual, gay, or pansexual. People who are both autistic and a sexual minority may experience social stress because of different pressures from society. These different pressures may mean sexual minority autistic adults feel pressured to social camouflage more than heterosexual autistic adults. Thus, we compared masking in sexual minority autistic and heterosexual autistic adults. In the statistical models, we controlled for two other factors that may impact masking: sex assigned at birth and age. We found that sexual minority autistic adults reported significantly higher levels of masking relative to heterosexual autistic adults. We discuss how these findings fit within previous research on masking and minority stress.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"2137-2150"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12263329/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143960240","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":"Endogenous and exogenous oxytocin modulate interpersonal motor resonance in autism: A context-dependent and person-specific approach.","authors":"Jellina Prinsen, Kaat Alaerts","doi":"10.1177/13623613251335730","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613251335730","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Understanding and interpreting non-verbal actions are critical components of social cognition, which are often challenging for autistic individuals. Oxytocin, a neuropeptide known to modulate social behavior and enhance the salience of social stimuli, is being explored as a therapeutic option for improving social mirroring. However, its effects are mediated by context- and person-dependent factors. This study examines the impact of a single intranasal dose of oxytocin (24 IU) on interpersonal motor resonance in young adult men with and without autism. Neurophysiological assessments of corticomotor excitability were performed using transcranial magnetic stimulation while participants observed real-time hand movements displayed by an experimenter demonstrating varying social intent (i.e. showing direct vs averted gaze). While no overall effect of oxytocin on interpersonal motor resonance was observed across groups, person-specific factors significantly influenced outcomes. In the autism group, individuals with higher endogenous oxytocin levels exhibited greater motor resonance during action observation. Autistic individuals with heightened social difficulties or avoidant attachment styles showed enhanced motor resonance following oxytocin administration. These findings highlight the nuanced role of both endogenous and exogenous oxytocin in shaping neurophysiological motor resonance and emphasize the importance of individual variability in assessing oxytocin's therapeutic potential for addressing social challenges in autism.Lay abstractThis study explores how oxytocin, a hormone that influences social behaviors, affects the ability to interpret and respond to non-verbal cues, particularly in autistic adults. Understanding others' actions and intentions, often guided by observing body language and eye contact, is a critical part of social interaction. Autistic individuals frequently face challenges in these areas. Using a safe, non-invasive brain stimulation technique, the study measured participants' brain responses as they observed real-time hand movements paired with the interaction partner's direct eye contact or averted gaze. Participants included young autistic and non-autistic adult men who received a placebo and a single dose of oxytocin via nasal spray. Results showed no overall differences between the two groups in their brain responses to these movements. However, in the autism group, several factors significantly influenced the effects of oxytocin. Participants with higher natural oxytocin levels or those who reported greater social challenges showed stronger responses after oxytocin administration, particularly when observing hand movements combined with direct gaze. These findings suggest that oxytocin may enhance social understanding in autistic individuals, especially for those experiencing greater difficulties. This highlights the potential of personalized approaches when considering oxytocin as a therapeutic option to improve ","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"2123-2136"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143961192","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 use of multisensory environments in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review.","authors":"Simona Leonardi, Marcella Di Cara, Silvia Giliberto, Adriana Piccolo, Carmela De Domenico, Giulia Leonardi, Angelo Alito, Rosamaria Siracusano, Rocco Salvatore Calabrò, Angelo Quartarone, Francesca Cucinotta","doi":"10.1177/13623613251320424","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613251320424","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Multisensory environment is a setting designed with activities and tools that offered sensory stimulation. Despite their widespread use, no evidence-based guidelines are currently available. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the impact of multisensory environment interventions in autism and to provide guidelines. We included all studies of multisensory environment interventions for autistic individuals retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct up to 30 September 2024. Two researchers appraised the included literature and extracted the data. A total of 1247 unique records were screened for eligibility, and 10 studies were included. Data extraction included demographic characteristics, type of intervention, target symptoms, and outcome measures. Quality assessment tools included the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Cochrane Risk of Bias for randomized controlled trials. The studies were synthesized narratively based on target symptoms. Four studies reported reductions in stereotypic behavior frequency in children and adults; while other studies suggest positive effects on sustained attention, and aggressive and sensory behaviors. Overall, there was insufficient evidence due to the paucity of literature, the significant variation between interventions, and the small sample sizes. Future research should aim to develop a structured intervention approach to address the common limitations of the included designs.Lay abstractMultisensory rooms, also known as multisensory environments, are widely used in clinical practice and schools for autistic people. Despite their widespread use, their usefulness or effectiveness in achieving specific improvements is still unclear. We carry out a comprehensive and systematic quality assessment of all available studies to test the effectiveness of multisensory environment interventions in autism spectrum disorder and to explore what type of targeted intervention is needed to improve both core symptoms and associated features. The results show that multisensory environment could be a useful tool to modulate aggressive and stereotyped behaviors in autistic individuals. Although there is insufficient evidence to conclude on the efficacy of multisensory environment for other types of targets, overall, the results may provide valuable insights for the development of future studies concerning the utility of multisensory environment in therapeutic intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"1921-1938"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12255839/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143633317","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":"The moderating role of co-occurring attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in social skills group training for autistic children and adolescents.","authors":"Anna Fridell, Nora Choque Olsson, Christina Coco, Sven Bölte, Ulf Jonsson","doi":"10.1177/13623613251331993","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613251331993","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Social skills group training is frequently used to support autistic children and adolescents in coping with everyday social demands and expectations. Meta-analytic studies suggest small to medium effect sizes. Effect moderators must be better understood to inform implementation and allow optimization of intervention protocols. Using data from two pragmatic randomized trials (<i>N</i> = 241) of the KONTAKT™ social skills group training program as an add-on to standard care in clinical settings, we aimed to explore the moderating role of co-occurring attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children (7-12 years) and adolescents (13-18 years). Two distinct response criteria were defined based on the parent-rated Social Responsiveness Scale: reliable improvement (⩾25 points) and clinically relevant improvement (⩾10 points). Moderator analyses indicated that the intervention effect was moderated by co-occurring attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and age group. Logistic regressions stratified by co-occurring attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder showed significant effects among those without attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (<i>n</i> = 63), both in terms of reliable improvement (odds ratio: 11.85, <i>p</i> = 0.002) and clinically relevant improvement (odds ratio: 10.00, <i>p</i> = 0.001). In contrast, no significant effects were observed in those with co-occurring attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (<i>n</i> = 178). Explorative analyses further stratified by age suggested significant effects in adolescents, but not children, with co-occurring attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The findings preliminarily suggest that autistic children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder may need other or additional support.Lay abstractSocial skills group training can help some autistic children and adolescents improve their social life. Still, the positive effects may be less clear for those who also have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. We used data from two previous projects evaluating the effects of a social skills group training program called KONTAKT™ as an addition to the common healthcare provided. Our study included 241 children (8-12 years) and adolescents (13-18 years). To determine whether the participants had improved their social skills, we used ratings provided by the parents before and after the training and 3 months later. We then explored if KONTAKT led to improvement for autistic children and adolescents with and without attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Autistic children and adolescents often struggle to understand others and express themselves in everyday social situations. These challenges can create barriers to well-being and future life chances. Social skills group training can improve social skills in some autistic youths, but not all will benefit equally from the training. It is therefore important to better understand whether some groups need more support or other forms of assist","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"2030-2043"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12255842/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143961922","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":"'Accumulating harm and waiting for crisis': Parents' perspectives of accessing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services for their autistic child experiencing mental health difficulties.","authors":"Emma Ashworth, Lucy Bray, Claire Hanlon, Harvey Stanway, Georgia Pavlopoulou, David Moore, Bethany Donaghy, Elizabeth Coen, Ellen Firth","doi":"10.1177/13623613251335715","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613251335715","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Autistic children and young people are at increased risk of mental health difficulties, but often face barriers when seeking help from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. This study aimed to (1) explore the experiences of parents/carers seeking help from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services for their autistic child's mental health difficulties, and (2) gain parents' perceptions of the accessibility of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services for their child. A mixed-methods survey design was used. In total, 300 parents/carers took part from across the United Kingdom. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data using qualitative content analysis. Findings demonstrated ongoing struggles that parents/carers faced when seeking help from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Those who were referred reported a lack of reasonable adjustments and offers of ineffective or inappropriate therapies. Ultimately, parents felt their child's mental health difficulties either did not improve or declined to the point of crisis. However, there was a recognition that some professionals were kind and compassionate. There is a need for a more neuro-inclusive and personalised approach in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Further research, funding and training are urgently needed to ensure support is accessible, timely and effective for autistic young people.Lay abstractAutistic children and young people are more likely to experience mental health difficulties than neurotypical peers, but also face more barriers when seeking help from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Findings highlight the need for a more neuroaffirmative approach from the professionals themselves, in the adjustments offered, and in the therapies provided. Barriers to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services for autistic children and young people include diagnostic overshadowing (i.e. assuming mental health difficulties are part of autism), high thresholds for assessment and a lack of professional knowledge about autism and care pathways. Healthcare policies should ensure that all Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services professionals receive neuroaffirmative training and that resources/funding are provided for appropriate adjustments and early support. There is also a need for further research and funding to develop and evaluate effective neuroaffirmative therapeutic interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"2111-2122"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12255833/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143955200","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":"\"I'm not feeling alone in my experiences\": How newly diagnosed autistic adults engage with a neurodiversity-affirming \"Welcome Pack\".","authors":"Chris Edwards, Abigail Ma Love, Ru Ying Cai, Melanie Heyworth, Alexandra Johnston, Fiona Aldridge, Vicki Gibbs","doi":"10.1177/13623613251335070","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613251335070","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Receiving an autism diagnosis in adulthood can be profoundly transformative, yet many newly diagnosed autistic adults experience a lack of accessible, affirming post-diagnostic support. This study explores how a self-guided, neurodiversity-affirming resource-the \"Welcome Pack\"-supports newly diagnosed autistic adults in navigating their evolving identity. Using a qualitative approach, we recruited 11 autistic adults without intellectual disability in Australia who had received a diagnosis within the past 6 months. Participants engaged with the \"Welcome Pack\" over a 2-month period before taking part in semi-structured interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis generated four key themes: (1) a sense of belonging through community and representation, as participants found validation in shared narratives; (2) the \"Welcome Pack\" as one of many tools supporting their self-understanding; (3) emotional reflections, including both relief and grief over years of masking; and (4) challenges in self-advocacy and educating others. While participants described the \"Welcome Pack\" as an important and validating resource, they also highlighted the need for additional structured peer support and practical guidance. These findings underscore the value of integrating self-guided resources within broader post-diagnostic ecosystems, ensuring that newly diagnosed autistic adults receive timely, accessible, and neurodiversity-affirming support as they navigate their identity.Lay Abstract.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"2072-2083"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12255835/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143955776","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":"The role of obstetric adversities in neurodevelopmental conditions: A sibling study.","authors":"Sandra Gómez-Vallejo, Oaia Iriondo-Blanco, Gonzalo Salazar de Pablo, Rosa Calvo Escalona, Luisa Lázaro García","doi":"10.1177/13623613251359317","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613251359317","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Neurodevelopmental conditions (NDC) are highly heritable. Obstetric complications (OC) have been studied as potential predictors for NDC, although results are inconsistent. Inconsistencies might be related to biases such as family confounders. While some studies using sibling and twin designs have examined the association between OC and NDC, this body of research remains limited, and findings to date remain inconsistent. We used a case-control sibling study including children aged 6-17 years across five groups: those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), co-occurring ASD + ADHD, their unaffected siblings and a comparison group without NDC. For analytic purposes, we created a combined NDC group including all individuals with ASD, ADHD or both. Participants were recruited between 2021 and 2022 from a tertiary hospital in Spain. We examined the association of NDC and OC using single predictors and cumulative OC. The study adheres to the STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. A total of 238 participants were included (NDC = 117, unaffected siblings = 82, comparison group = 39). We found that NDC individuals showed more neonatal complications than the comparison group (β = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.00-2.98, p = 0.04), which remained significant in the sibling analysis (β = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.02-2.00, p = 0.04). This study supports that the cumulative neonatal complications, rather than specific factors, are associated with increased likelihood of being diagnosed with NDC, beyond familial confounding. Results highlight the neonatal period as a relevant window of vulnerability.Lay Abstract<b>The role of complications during pregnancy in neurodevelopmental disorders: a sibling study</b>This study examined the association between complications during pregnancy and autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and the combination of both conditions. We compared children with these conditions and their siblings, as well as a group comparison without diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders. We gathered information through parents' interviews. We found that children with autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder presented more problems in the first 4 weeks of the child's life than their siblings and the group of comparison. We did not find that children with these conditions present more complications during pregnancy. In addition, we observed that the probability of being diagnosed with these conditions is increased due to cumulative problems rather than specific problems.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"13623613251359317"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144726984","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":"Autism epidemiology in Hong Kong children and youths aged 6-17: Implications on autism screening and sex differences in the community.","authors":"Oscar Wh Wong, Sandra Sm Chan, Steven Wh Chau, Winnie Cw Chu, Carol Sw Ho, Stephy Ws Ho, Se Fong Hung, Samara Hussain, Kelly Yc Lai, Angela Mw Lam, Holly Hl Lo, Karen Ky Ma, Suk Ling Ma, Flora Ym Mo, Pak Chung Sham, Caroline Ks Shea, Suzanne Hw So, Kelvin Kf Tsoi, Patrick Wl Leung","doi":"10.1177/13623613251360269","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613251360269","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Epidemiological studies on autism lack representation from Asia. We estimated the prevalence of autism among children and youths in Hong Kong using a two-stage approach. In addition, we evaluated the psychometric properties of the screening instrument and explored sex differences within an epidemiological context. A random school-based sample of 5,865 children and youths were screened with the Autism Spectrum Quotient-10 (AQ-10). Then, a subsample of 317 participants underwent the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised assessment. Prevalence was estimated by applying positive and negative predictive values (PPV/NPV) of AQ-10 derived from the subsample to the entire cohort. None of the screened negative participants had autism, resulting in an NPV of 100%. Discrepant PPVs were noted for males (20.4%) and females (5.20%). The estimated prevalence was 2.57% using sex-specific PPVs. Explorative analysis on AQ-10 Positive participants without the diagnosis (i.e. 'false positives') showed significantly elevated autistic symptoms. The prevalence of autism in Hong Kong is comparable to the recent estimates in Western countries, which poses a significant public health challenge. Despite the high false-positive rates, AQ-10 remains valuable for excluding autism and identifying those with autistic symptoms. Furthermore, community-based studies are crucial to address sex differences in autism expression.Lay abstractAlthough studies have found that autism is becoming more common, little is known whether this is true in Asian countries. This study looked into how many children and teenagers in Hong Kong might have autism. We first screened 5,865 school-aged children and youths with the Autism Spectrum Quotient-10 (AQ-10). Then, we conducted in-depth interviews with 317 of them to assess for autism. We found that around 2.57% of children and youths aged 6-17 years in Hong Kong might have autism. This number is similar to that of the Western countries. Furthermore, we also discovered that boys who were screened positive on the AQ-10 were more likely to have autism than girls. This could be because autism is more common in boys, and the AQ-10 might be better at spotting autism in boys than in girls. In the future, studies will need to find an optimal way of detecting autism in the community, considering how autism may present differently in boys and girls.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"13623613251360269"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144726983","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":"How do parents scaffold their autistic children's bilingual language interactions in everyday settings?","authors":"Shana R Cohen, Alison Wishard Guerra, María José Aragón, Angeline Estrada, Eunsu Lee","doi":"10.1177/13623613251355259","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613251355259","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examines how multilingual caregivers use their linguistic resources to support their autistic children's language development, challenging historical narratives recommending therapists use only one language, English. Using a critical language socialization framework in which multilingualism is considered a practice that transcends linguistic competence, we analyzed 108 videos from five Spanish-dominant, Mexican heritage families. Findings showed that (1) families flexibly used their linguistic resources in daily interactions; (2) home activity settings predicted language use in distinct ways, transportation activities provided fewer constraints for interlocutors to use decontextualized language, language for abstract reasoning and prediction; and (3) variability in maternal scaffolding strategies influenced children's decontextualized language. We recommend the implementation of asset-based interventions designed to leverage the strengths of multilingual autistic children and their families.Lay AbstractMexican heritage bilingual mothers of autistic children use a variety of language practices when talking with their children. We asked mothers to video record their language interactions with their autistic child over 10 days. Specifically, we analyzed the verbal language practices parents and children used during daily routine activities (e.g. meals). Historically, therapists have recommended that multilingual families only use English when talking with their autistic children, so as not to confuse them and interfere with their development. It is important to understand how multilingual parents use this non-empirical advice. In our sample, we found that mothers used a variety of language strategies including Spanish, English, describing and labeling their environment, action directions (directing a child to perform an action), close-ended questions (e.g. what color is this?), open-ended questions (e.g. How does the radio work?), and abstract reasoning to interact with their children. These strategies varied across activity settings. In particular, transportation was an important setting for children to use abstract language. Mothers' verbal strategies influenced children's language output, including children's use of abstract reasoning and prediction, one of the most complex language strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"13623613251355259"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144939692","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}