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Research

Reduced heart rate variability in adults with autism spectrum disorder

Our data suggest an overall dysregulation in resting autonomic activity in adults with autism spectrum disorder

Research

Effect of Fluoxetine on Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Treatment with fluoxetine compared with placebo resulted in significantly lower scores for obsessive-compulsive behaviors at 16 weeks

Research

The Brain Basis of Comorbidity in Neurodevelopmental Disorders

This review discusses early brain development and the etiological factors that may give rise to atypical developmental trajectories, along with neuroimaging insights

Research

A Survey of Autistic Adults from New Zealand on the Autism Diagnostic Process During Adolescence and Adulthood

The diagnostic experiences of autistic adults in New Zealand have not been investigated and little is known globally about autistic adults' satisfaction with the autism diagnostic process. This study describes the diagnostic experiences of 70 autistic adults living in New Zealand and explores how these experiences are related to satisfaction during three stages of the diagnostic process. The results show that autistic adults were reasonably satisfied with the early query and diagnostic assessment stages, but were dissatisfied with the post-diagnostic support stage, with significant unmet needs. Dissatisfaction during the post-diagnostic support stage was also related to satisfaction during previous stages and poor coordination of supports. Suggestions are made on how to improve the autism diagnostic pathway for autistic adults in New Zealand.

Research

Developmental Vitamin D Deficiency in Pregnant Rats Does Not Induce Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy disorder characterized by hypertension. Epidemiological studies have associated preeclampsia with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, such as autism and schizophrenia. Preeclampsia has also been linked with maternal vitamin D deficiency, another candidate risk factor also associated with autism.

Research

An evidence-based framework for determining the optimal amount of intervention for autistic children

The provision of timely, effective, and socially valid non-pharmacological intervention is at the core of efforts to support the development of young autistic children. These efforts are intended to support children to develop skills, empower their caregivers, and lay the foundation for optimal choice, independence, and quality of life into adulthood.

Research

Exploring the Experience of Seeking an Autism Diagnosis as an Adult

Emerging research suggests that seeking an autism diagnosis as an adult is usually difficult and time-consuming but brings relief once a diagnosis is made. This study explored the experience of the pathway to an autism diagnosis during adulthood for adults living in Australia.

Research

The Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory (CATI): development and validation of a new measure of autistic traits in the general population

Traits and characteristics qualitatively similar to those seen in diagnosed autism spectrum disorder can be found to varying degrees in the general population. To measure these traits and facilitate their use in autism research, several questionnaires have been developed that provide broad measures of autistic traits [e.g. Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire (BAPQ)]. However, since their development, our understanding of autism has grown considerably, and it is arguable that existing measures do not provide an ideal representation of the trait dimensions currently associated with autism. Our aim was to create a new measure of autistic traits that reflects our current understanding of autism, the Comprehensive Autism Trait Inventory (CATI).

Research

Prenatal, perinatal, and neonatal risk factors for specific language impairment: A prospective pregnancy cohort study

Although genetic factors are known to play a causal role in specific language impairment (SLI), environmental factors may also be important. This study...

Research

Perinatal testosterone exposure and cerebral lateralisation in adult males: Evidence for the callosal hypothesis

Two competing theories address the influence of foetal testosterone on cerebral laterality: one proposing exposure to high foetal testosterone concentrations...