Inhibitory dysfunction and social processing difficulties in autism: A comprehensive narrative review

Parrella, Nina-Francesca; Hill, Aron T.; Dipnall, Lillian M.; Loke, Yuk Jing; Enticott, Peter G.; Ford, Talitha C.

doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.11.014

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 241 publications

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“…Although the diagnosis of ASD is defined by behavioral features, both brain-based and systematic biological abnormalities are associated with ASD [2]. Brain-based abnormalities include abnormalities in monoamine neurotransmitter production, imbalances in the excitatory to inhibitory balance, and epilepsy [3][4][5]. Systemic abnormalities including immune dysfunction, oxidative stress and metabolic disorders may also be linked with ASD [6][7][8][9][10].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Binding Folate Receptor Alpha Autoantibody Is a Biomarker for Leucovorin Treatment Response in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Frye,

McCarty,

Werner

et al. 2024

JPM

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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects up to 1 in 36 children in the United States. It is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder with life-long consequences. Patients with ASD and folate pathway abnormalities have demonstrated improved symptoms after treatment with leucovorin (folinic acid), a reduced form of folate. However, biomarkers for treatment response have not been well investigated and clinical trials are lacking. In this retrospective analysis, a cohort of prospectively collected data from 110 consecutive ASD clinic patients [mean (SD) age: 10.5 (6.2) years; 74% male] was examined. These patients all underwent testing for folate receptor alpha autoantibodies (FRAAs) and soluble folate binding proteins (sFBPs) biomarker and were treated with leucovorin, if appropriate. Analyses examined whether these biomarkers could predict response to leucovorin treatment as well as the severity of ASD characteristics at baseline. The social responsiveness scale (SRS), a measure of core ASD symptoms, and the aberrant behavior checklist (ABC), a measure of disruptive behavior, were collected at each clinic visit. Those positive for sFBPs had more severe ASD symptoms, and higher binding FRAA titers were associated with greater ABC irritability. Treatment with leucovorin improved most SRS subscales with higher binding FRAA titers associated with greater response. Leucovorin treatment also improved ABC irritability. These results confirm and expand on previous studies, underscore the need for biomarkers to guide treatment of folate pathways in ASD, and suggest that leucovorin may be effective for children with ASD.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Binding Folate Receptor Alpha Autoantibody Is a Biomarker for Leucovorin Treatment Response in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Frye,

McCarty,

Werner

et al. 2024

JPM

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Rethinking psychological interventions in autism: Toward a neurodiversity‐affirming approach

Graf‐Kurtulus,

Gelo

2024

Couns and Psychother Res

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BackgroundAutism is characterised by unique patterns of social interaction, communication and repetitive behaviours, often accompanied by comorbid conditions such as mood disorders and anxiety. Standard psychological interventions, such as applied behaviour analysis (ABA) and social skill training (SST), are commonly used but remain controversial due to their focus on aligning autistic individuals with societal norms.AimsThis paper critically evaluates standard approaches targeting core autistic traits and explores the therapeutic potential of prioritising comorbidities coherently with neurodiversity‐affirming strategies.Materials and MethodsA critical analysis of clinical and empirical literature was conducted to evaluate the efficacy, ethical issues and broader implications of interventions such as ABA and SST. Particular emphasis was placed on synthesising findings relevant to mental health outcomes, autistic identity formation and the potential of neurodiversity‐affirming interventions to reduce distress and promote well‐being.ResultsStandard approaches often contribute to adverse effects, such as social camouflaging and increased mental health challenges. Conversely, interventions addressing comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety, combined with neurodiversity‐affirming strategies that support autistic identity and adapt the environment, demonstrate improved mental health outcomes and greater self‐acceptance.DiscussionWe highlight the importance of shifting the therapeutic focus from modifying core autistic traits to addressing comorbidities while fostering a coherent autistic identity. Such a dual approach aligns with the neurodiversity paradigm and emphasises the need for interventions that enhance well‐being by reducing distress caused by comorbid conditions without suppressing autistic characteristics.ConclusionPrioritising comorbid conditions while fostering autistic identity through neurodiversity‐affirming strategies offers a more ethical and effective approach to improving mental health and self‐acceptance in autistic individuals. This dual approach advocates for therapeutic practices that align with their well‐being and identity.

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Carbon monoxide exposure inside UK road vehicles: a pilot study

Duggan

2024

Environment International

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Inhibitory dysfunction and social processing difficulties in autism: A comprehensive narrative review

Cited by 5 publications

References 241 publications

Binding Folate Receptor Alpha Autoantibody Is a Biomarker for Leucovorin Treatment Response in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Binding Folate Receptor Alpha Autoantibody Is a Biomarker for Leucovorin Treatment Response in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Rethinking psychological interventions in autism: Toward a neurodiversity‐affirming approach

Carbon monoxide exposure inside UK road vehicles: a pilot study

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