The perceived social support and its relationship between occupational balance and family functioning in rehabilitation among Turkish parents of pre-school children with autism

Introduction   Imagine the immense challenges faced by parents raising a child with autism. The preschool years are particularly demanding, as intervention and rehabilitation are often most intensive during this crucial developmental period. A recent study published in April 2024 aimed to shed light on how Turkish parents of autistic preschoolers navigate these challenges. The … Read more

To the Roots of Theory of Mind Deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Narrative Review

Introduction   Imagine this: you’re playing with a friend, and you’ve hidden a toy car under the couch. You expect your friend to look under the couch to find it, because that’s where you hid it. But to your surprise, your friend starts looking everywhere else – under the table, behind the curtains, even in … Read more

Prebiotic diet normalizes aberrant immune and behavioral phenotypes in a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder

Introduction   Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting how individuals process information, interact with others, and experience the world. Characterized by social communication challenges and repetitive behaviors, ASD can vary greatly in its presentation. While the exact causes of ASD remain under investigation, recent research has shed light on the potential … Read more

High-Functioning Autism and Virtual Reality Applications: A Scoping Review

Introduction   Virtual Reality (VR) technology has taken the world by storm, creating immersive experiences that blur the lines between reality and simulation. This technology holds immense potential for various applications, and the field of autism research is no exception. A recent scoping review published in April 2024 dives into this exciting area, exploring the … Read more

Autism Knowledge Assessments: A Closer Examination of Validity by Autism Experts

  Introduction   In the ever-evolving world of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) research and diagnosis, ensuring accurate and up-to-date knowledge is crucial for professionals, caregivers, and individuals on the spectrum themselves. This is where autism knowledge assessments come in – supposedly objective tools designed to measure understanding of ASD. However, a recent study published in … Read more

When words are not enough: The combined effects of autism meta‐stereotypes and recruitment practices aimed at attracting autistic job‐seekers

Introduction   The war for talent is raging on, and in today’s competitive job market, businesses can’t afford to overlook any potential pool of qualified candidates. This is especially true for autistic job seekers, who often possess unique skills and perspectives that can bring tremendous value to a company. However, attracting and retaining autistic talent … Read more

Multigenerational Association Between Smoking and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Findings from a Nation-Wide Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction   For expectant mothers, the dangers of smoking during pregnancy are well-established. But a recent groundbreaking study published in the April 2024 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology suggests a potential multigenerational risk factor for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The research, titled “Multigenerational Association Between Smoking and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Findings from a … Read more

Dynamic graph transformer network via dual-view connectivity for autism spectrum disorder identification

Introduction   Early and accurate diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies and improving quality of life. Researchers are constantly exploring new methods to improve ASD identification, and a recent study published in April 2024 presents a promising approach using dynamic graph transformer networks. This blog post dives deeper into … Read more

Exploring key genes and pathways associated with sex differences in autism spectrum disorder: integrated bioinformatic analysis

Introduction   Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication challenges, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. While it affects individuals of all genders, research consistently shows a significant male bias in diagnoses. Females with ASD are often underdiagnosed or diagnosed later in life, potentially due to a combination of factors … Read more

Impaired recognition of interactive intentions in adults with autism spectrum disorder not attributable to differences in visual attention or coordination via eye contact and joint attention

Introduction   Making eye contact and following someone’s gaze are fundamental aspects of social interaction. These nonverbal cues, often referred to as gaze cues, are like a silent language, helping us navigate social situations, understand intentions, and build connections with others. A recent study published in Scientific Reports in April 2024 sheds light on how … Read more