Articles in the "Research" category.
A study of infants with both elevated and typical likelihood of autism suggests that certain patterns of brain activity at 10 months may be linked to how language develops over the next few years.
A preliminary study suggests that some autistic and neurodivergent children may experience improvements in anxiety and sensory difficulties during bumetanide treatment, but the results are still early and uncertain.
A study of social media posts suggests that discovering autism or ADHD later in life can bring a mix of relief, grief, self-understanding, and emotional exhaustion.
A small study explored how adult siblings of autistic people in China described responsibility, closeness, loneliness, and balancing family needs with their own lives.
In a large U.S. healthcare system, electronic tracking tools were linked to more completed screening forms and faster follow-through for families.
A small study suggests an online self-compassion course may help mothers feel less self-critical and emotionally stronger, even if parenting stress stays high.
A multilingual study on X/Twitter found growing neuroaffirmative language, with important differences across languages and cultures.
A Cochrane review suggests some short-term reduction in irritability with risperidone and aripiprazole in children, but evidence on benefits and harms remains uncertain.
A large Cochrane review suggests that some medications may help reduce irritability in autistic people, but evidence for aggression, self-injury, and long-term safety is still limited.
A small Cochrane review found no clear evidence that medications such as donepezil or galantamine improve core autism-related difficulties in children and teenagers.
A large Cochrane review suggests that most children diagnosed with autism in early childhood still met diagnostic criteria years later.
A small Cochrane review found no clear evidence that memantine improves core autism-related difficulties in children and adolescents.
A large Cochrane review suggests that music therapy may help autistic children with overall development, emotional connection, and quality of life, although effects on specific communication skills are less certain.
A large research review found that peer support groups often help parents feel less alone, but clear scientific evidence for reducing stress or improving wellbeing is still limited.
A Cochrane review found very little research on CBT for obsessive-compulsive disorder in autistic people — and only one small trial to learn from.
A small Cochrane review found no clear evidence that adding D-cycloserine to social skills training improves communication or social interaction in autistic children.
A large Cochrane review suggests cognitive behavioural therapy often helps children with anxiety disorders, including autistic children.
A Cochrane review of two small trials found weak evidence for gluten- or casein-free diets and called for larger, rigorous studies.
A Cochrane review found only limited evidence that parent play training or PECS lead to lasting improvements in communication for autistic children who speak very little or not at all.
A large review found that tools like ADOS, CARS, and ADI-R can help identify autism in young children, but no single test is reliable enough to replace a full clinical evaluation.
A Cochrane review suggests intensive early behavioral programs may help some autistic children improve language and everyday skills, though results vary from child to child.
A Cochrane review suggests methylphenidate may help some autistic children with hyperactivity and attention, but appetite loss was common and evidence is still limited.
A Cochrane review found no randomised trials of family therapy for autism — only a call for better studies on communication and family stress.
A Cochrane review of 22 studies found that some Theory of Mind programs improved specific test skills, but there is still little evidence that those gains meaningfully change everyday social life.
A Cochrane review of nine trials found no clear benefit of SSRIs for core autism symptoms in children, with limited and mixed evidence in adults.
A Cochrane review suggests that programs teaching parents how to interact and communicate with autistic children may improve everyday parent-child interaction, although evidence for broader developmental changes is still limited.
A Cochrane review of five studies suggests social-skills groups may modestly improve confidence and friendships for some autistic young people.
A Cochrane review suggests aripiprazole may help reduce irritability and hyperactivity in some autistic children, but the medication can also cause important side effects such as weight gain and sleepiness.
A Cochrane review of seven trials with 182 participants found no reliable evidence that auditory integration or similar sound therapies improve autism symptoms.
A Cochrane review of two small trials found no clear evidence that omega-3 fatty acid supplements improve core autism symptoms.
A Cochrane review found no strong evidence that acupuncture improves core autism features, and reported possible side effects in some children.