Open access article: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13623613261420085

Abstract

It has been suggested that there is poor clarity of the ‘camouflaging’ concept in autism research, and potential confounding of its measurement tools, such as the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q). A critical review of 389 studies was conducted to investigate these potential conceptual and methodological issues. The findings question whether the same construct has been investigated across studies, as there is inconsistency in: (a) which terms are used; (b) reference made to established conceptual literature; (c) how terms are used (e.g. interchangeably or distinctly); and (d) how terms are defined. Although the CAT-Q has excellent reliability, there is mixed support for its validity, which is evidenced by its confounding by other constructs (e.g. social anxiety) and its limited autism-specificity. The validity of informant discrepancy measures of camouflaging is also questioned due to insufficient reference to established methodology. Finally, the generalisability of camouflaging to the overall autistic population is unclear due to: (a) overrepresentation of autistic females diagnosed during adulthood; and (b) underrepresentation of autistic people with co-occurring intellectual or language difficulties, and those with greater support needs. These issues are considered both in terms of their clinical relevance and how future research might resolve them.

Citation: Arnold, W. M., Bitsika, V., & Sharpley, C. F. (2026). Camouflaging and autism: Conceptualisation and methodological issues. Autism, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613261420085

Open access article: https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jcv2.70038

Abstract

Broader Autism Phenotype (BAP) traits may be present in parents of children on the autism spectrum. However, the prevalence and impact of these traits on parental mental health is poorly understood. We explore BAP traits and its relationship to mental health in 228 fathers and 261 mothers from a sample of 266 scholars from the EPINED study (Spain) grouped as follows: non-autism (N = 122), autism traits (N = 93: 38 subthreshold autism and 55 autism symptoms) and autism (N = 51). BAP rates were higher in fathers (36.9%) than in mothers (26.1%). Moreover, BAP was significantly more frequent in fathers of autistic children (52.3%) than in fathers of children without autistic traits (28.0%), with no differences between autistic conditions groups. Mothers of autistic children exhibited higher psychological distress (36.0%) than mothers of comparison group (19.2%). Fathers with BAP obtained significantly higher scores in emotional problems than fathers without BAP. Multivariate analyses showed that, fathers' emotional problems were associated with their BAP traits, whereas in mothers they were associated with having a child with autism as well as the child's emotional dysregulation. Identifying BAP in parents of autistic conditions children can help professionals to provide specific strategies for improving the well-being of children and parents.

Citation: El-Bouhali-Abdellaoui, F., Voltas, N., Morales-Hidalgo, P. and Canals, J. (2025), Examining the Relationship Between Parental Broader Autism Phenotype Traits, Offspring Autism, and Parental Mental Health. Autism Research, 18: 387-401. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.3295

Open access article: https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jcv2.70038

Abstract

Background

Accounts of emotional dysregulation in autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are typically based on external adult observations anchored in neurotypical notions of emotional responding. These often fail to place neurodivergent people's emotional responses in the context of the upsetting experiences they face; information best provided by the young people themselves.

Methods

We interviewed 57 adolescents (11–15 years; 19 females) with diagnoses of ADHD (n = 24), autism (n = 21) or both (n = 12), about their experience of upsetting events using a co-designed semi-structured interview schedule. Reflexive thematic analysis generated shared themes with diagnosis-specific nuances.

Results

Four themes were extracted: social dislocation, alienation and conflict; need to mask; self-doubt, loathing, embarrassment; and over stimulation/sensory mismatch. Upsetting experiences, for ADHD participants, were typically perceived as instigated by external agents trying to impose control, and/or a sense of injustice; for autistic participants they often related to feelings of ‘not belonging’ and alienation. Masking, for autistic participants, included ‘hiding’ negative emotions to protect others from their intensity; whereas in ADHD, masking usually involved supressing emotional upset to protect oneself from conflict or consequences. Those with a joint diagnosis reported a combination of these experiences, often felt more intensely.

Conclusions

First-person accounts of emotional responding could provide new insights with potential to refine current dysregulation-based accounts of ADHD or autism.

Citation: Pavlopoulou, G., Chandler, S., Lukito, S., Kakoulidou, M., Jackson, I., Ly, E., Matejko, M., Balwani, B., Boyens, T., Poulton, D., Harvey-Nguyen, L., Baker, S., Sonuga-Barke, E. J. S. Sonuga-Barke, E., Chandler, S., Danese, A., Downs, J., Funnell, E., Griffiths, K., … Wilson, A. (2025). Upsetting experiences in the lives of neurodivergent young people: A qualitative analysis of accounts of adolescents diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and/or autism. JCPP Advances, e70038. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcv2.70038

Open access article: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40001-024-01916-2

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect individuals' social interactions, communication skills, and behavioral patterns, with significant individual differences and complex etiology. This article reviews the definition and characteristics of ASD, epidemiological profile, early research and diagnostic history, etiological studies, advances in diagnostic methods, therapeutic approaches and intervention strategies, social and educational integration, and future research directions. The highly heritable nature of ASD, the role of environmental factors, genetic–environmental interactions, and the need for individualized, integrated, and technology-driven treatment strategies are emphasized. Also discussed is the interaction of social policy with ASD research and the outlook for future research and treatment, including the promise of precision medicine and emerging biotechnology applications. The paper points out that despite the remarkable progress that has been made, there are still many challenges to the comprehensive understanding and effective treatment of ASD, and interdisciplinary and cross-cultural research and global collaboration are needed to further deepen the understanding of ASD and improve the quality of life of patients.

Citation: Qin, L., Wang, H., Ning, W. et al. New advances in the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Eur J Med Res 29, 322 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-024-01916-2

Open access article: https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/s-0044-1788269

Abstract

Almost two decades before Kanner's and Asperger's works, the original paper by child psychiatrist Grunya Efimovna Sukhareva had already been written. It was published in 1926 by Sukhareva in a German scientific journal of psychiatry and neurology, with a detailed description of children who presented clinical conditions whose characteristics and evolution closely resemble autism, according to current criteria. In the present historical note, we intend to present Sukhareva's pioneering work and retrieve the meaning of her original contribution.

Citation: Cristina Maria Pozzi, Rudimar dos Santos Riesgo, Francisco Baptista Assumpção Junior. Revisiting the history of autism before Kanner and Asperger: a tribute to Grunya Sukhareva. Arq Neuropsiquiatr 2024; 82: s00441788269. DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1788269