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Linking RDoC and HiTOP: A new interface for advancing psychiatric nosology and neuroscience
The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) and the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) represent major dimensional frameworks proposing two alternative approaches to accelerate progress in the way psychopathology is studied, classified, and treated.
Integrating the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) Into Clinical Practice
The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) is a data-driven, hierarchically based alternative to traditional classifications that conceptualizes psychopathology as a set of dimensions organized into increasingly broad, transdiagnostic spectra.
The Contributions of the RDoC Research Framework on Understanding the Neurodevelopmental Origins, Progression and Treatment of Mental Illnesses
This paper briefly discusses the motivation for and organization of RDoC, and then explores the NIMH portfolio and recent work to monitor the utility and progress that RDoC has afforded developmental research.
Pathological demand avoidance: What and who are being pathologised and in whose interests?
The term ‘pathological demand avoidance’ was first coined in 1983. In recent years, diagnostic tools have emerged to enable practitioners to identify, name and treat pathological demand avoidance and, at least in the United Kingdom, there is an increasing number of children who attract this label.
A Review on Serious Games for ADHD
As an intervention, Serious games for ADHD(SGADs) have shown great potential and are very effective for these ADHD patients.Although many serious games have been developed for ADHD patients, but a review paper that summarizes and generalizes the topic of video games has not yet appeared.
Parenting for strengths: Embracing the challenges of raising children identified as twice exceptional
In this article, we discuss current research about 2E students and focus on how parents can both nurture and find educational opportunities that encourage their children’s strengths and simultaneously address their deficits.
Evidence of increased PTSD symptoms in autistics exposed to applied behavior analysis
This study examines the prevalence of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS) in adults and children who were exposed to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) autism early childhood intervention.
Prevalence of Health Misinformation on Social Media: Systematic Review
This systematic review aimed to identify the main health misinformation topics and their prevalence on different social media platforms, focusing on methodological quality and the diverse solutions that are being implemented to address this public health concern.
Vision Therapy: A Primer and Caution for Pediatricians
Vision therapy, also known as behavioral therapy, is theorized by its practitioners to treat a variety of visual disorders, including learning disability in children. However, the utility of vision therapy to treat various learning disabilities is challenged.
Parenting the Exceptional Social-Emotional Needs of Gifted and Talented Children: What Do We Know?
Parenting gifted and talented (G/T) children is a journey with unique experiences that can differ from the lived experiences of parents raising non-gifted and talented children. These unique experiences typically raise concerns, influence decisions, and exacerbate stress and anxiety regarding the children's future development and education.
Adopted Children with Reactive Attachment Disorder: A Qualitative Study on Family Processes
Children with histories of early childhood neglect can exhibit a multitude of problematic behaviors, along with the potential for numerous physical and cognitive deficits. In some cases, these children can exhibit behaviors reflective of a diagnosis of reactive attachment disorder (RAD).
The myth of vaccination and autism spectrum
Among all of the studied potential causes of autism, vaccines have received some of the most scrutiny and have been the topic of many evidence-based studies. These efforts have led the great majority of scientists, physicians, and public health researchers to refute causation between vaccines and autism.
Paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric syndrome in recurrent acute bacterial pharyngitis – a case report
The aim of the paper is to describe a case of a 4-year-old boy who presented to the Laryngology Clinic due to recurrent tonsillitis, time-correlated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Technological improvements in the genetic diagnosis of rett syndrome spectrum disorders
We revise the evolution of the diagnostic process of RTT spectrum disorders in the past decades, and we discuss the effectiveness of state-of-the-art genetic testing options, such as clinical exome sequencing and whole exome sequencing. Moreover, we introduce recent technological advancements that will very soon contribute to the increase in diagnostic yield in patients with RTT spectrum disorders.
The newborn screening programme revisited: an expert opinion on the challenges of rett syndrom
We revisit the Generation Study (GS) and discuss RTT from the perspective of these four criteria. We provide insight into how data could be collected during the presymptomatic phase, which could facilitate early diagnosis and improve our understanding of the prodromal stage of RTT.
The association between parental age and autism-related outcomes in children at high familial risk for autism
Results suggest the potential for a different relationship between parental age and ASD-related outcomes in families with elevated ASD risk than has been observed in general population samples.
The mmr vaccine and autism: Sensation, refutation, retraction, and fraud
Scientists and organizations across the world spent a great deal of time and money refuting the results of a minor paper in the Lancet and exposing the scientific fraud that formed the basis of the paper. Measles outbreaks in the UK in 2008 and 2009 as well as pockets of measles in the USA and Canada were attributed to the non-vaccination of children.
Otorhinolaryngologic findings in pediatric patients with pandas
From our analysis comes out that even if respiratory diseases could be present in a subgroup of patients, they are mainly related to hypertrophic or malformation conditions, reason why surgical therapy is still considered a first-line therapy.
Trends in children’s mental health services research funding by the national institute of mental health from 2005 to 2015: a 42% reduction
The marked decrease in funding for children’s mental health services research, accompanied by decreased funding for mental health services, threatens to leave an entire generation of children behind.
Screening, diagnosis, and intervention for autism: experiences of black and multiracial families seeking care
Families provided examples of early developmental concern and described provider, systemic, and cultural barriers and facilitators to care. Families also provided insight into the influence of culture and made recommendations on how the medical system could better care for Black and multiracial families of children with autism.
Understanding the barriers to receiving autism diagnoses for hispanic and latinx families
These can limit health care access, and can lead to family and community cultural barriers, poor knowledge about ASD, and social stigma related to disabilities. Understanding and mitigating barriers is essential to reduce disparities to ASD diagnosis in the Hispanic and Latinx community.
California Reducing Disparities Project: Why Community-Defined Evidence to Improving Community Mental Health Disparities in Underserved Populations, and Are We There Yet?
At the heart of achieving this aim, is working closely with these underserved populations and give them a voice and decision-making authority in identifying and evaluating community-defined evidence practices that they consider to be culturally and linguistically appropriate to address their mental health needs.
Troubled Affluent Youth’s Experiences in a Therapeutic Boarding School: The Elite Arm of the Youth Control Complex and Its Implications for Youth Justice
While a degree and the lack of a criminal record ultimately benefited these privileged youth, the strong-arm rehabilitation tactics of this kind of total institution are a problematic model to use to advance youth justice.
Supported discharge service versus inpatient care evaluation (SITE): a randomised controlled trial comparing effectiveness of an intensive community care service versus inpatient treatment as usual for adolescents with severe psychiatric disorders: self‐harm, functional impairment, and educational and clinical outcomes
The addition of ICCS to TAU may lower the risk of multiple self-harm and may reduce the duration of inpatient stay, especially in those patients admitted for private care. Early discharge with intensive community care service treatment (ICCS) appears to be a viable alternative to standard inpatient treatment.
Healing Houses systematic review: design, sustainability, opportunities and barriers facing Soteria and peer respite development
The review highlights 11 architectural design characteristics (atmosphere, size, soft room, history, location, outdoor space, cleanliness, interior design, facilities, staff only areas and accessibility), six service design characteristics (guiding principles, living and working together, consensual treatment, staff, supporting personal meaning making and power), five opportunities (outcomes, human rights, economics, hospitalization and underserved) and four types of barriers (clinical, economic and regulatory, societal and ideological).
Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS): Myth or Reality? The State of the Art on a Controversial Disease
The diagnosis of PANDAS should be made after an exclusion process and should include prepubescent children with a sudden onset of OCD and/or a tic disorder, with a relapsing/remitting disease course, a clear temporal association between GAS infection and onset or exacerbation of symptoms, and the association with other neurological abnormalities such as motoric hyperactivity and choreiform movements. Antibiotic medications are the primary therapeutic modality.
PANDAS/PANS in childhood: Controversies and evidence
In this paper, we review current working definitions of PANDAS/PANS, discuss published evidence for interventions related to this entity, and propose a clinical approach to children presenting with acute symptoms satisfying criteria for PANDAS/PANS.
Auditory processing in children: Role of working memory and lexical ability in auditory closure
These results suggest that lexical knowledge and the ability to retrieve information from LTM is crucial for children’s speech recognition in adverse listening situations. Study findings make a compelling case for the assessment and intervention of lexical knowledge and retrieval abilities in chil- dren with listening difficulties.
Case Studies of Auditory Training for Children With Auditory Processing Difficulties: A Preliminary Analysis
Three children participated in Fast ForWord Language computer-based intervention, 2 children partici- pated in Earobics computer- based intervention, and 2 children participated in a “traditional” intervention using games, worksheets, and hands-on activities. All children showed evidence of improvement on auditory processing measures. No consistent improvement in spoken or written language measures was observed.
Cerebral Folate Deficiency, Folate Receptor Alpha Autoantibodies and Leucovorin (Folinic Acid) Treatment in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Taken together, d,l-leucovorin is associated with improvements in core and associated symptoms of ASD and appears safe and generally well-tolerated, with the strongest evidence coming from the blinded, placebo-controlled studies. Further studies would be helpful to confirm and expand on these findings.
Folinic acid improves verbal communication in children with autism and language impairment: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
There was no significant difference in adverse effects between treatment groups. Thus, in this small trial of children with non-syndromic ASD and language impairment, treatment with high-dose folinic acid for 12 weeks resulted in improvement in verbal communication as compared with placebo, particularly in those participants who were positive for folate receptor-α autoantibody (FRAA)s.
The Effects MTHFR Gene Mutations on Vitamin B12 Concentration in the Blood; Bioinformatics Approach – A Review
There is a relationship between MTHFR gene and vitamin B12 levels. Mutation in MTHFR gene has negatively impact vitamin B12 levels and methylation pathway, which affects the conversion process of homocysteine to methionine. Therefore, several health complications are caused by the observed increases in the levels of homocysteine.
The Effect of Autism Spectrum Disorder on Family Mental Health: Challenges, Emotional Impact, and Coping Strategies
The care of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has a significant and multifaceted impact on family life, deeply affecting the mental health of caregivers. These effects manifest in the form of chronic stress, anxiety, and interpersonal difficulties, altering family dynamics. The quality of life of caregivers varies depending on the coping strategies they employ, which are crucial for their emotional well-being.
Understanding the Challenges and Stressors Faced by the Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Narrative Review
This review specifically focuses on mental health challenges, lack of sufficient time for self-care, problems related to communication, challenges associated with caring for an autistic child, stigmatisation related to mental health disorders, and the financial burdens faced by the parents of autistic children.
A double-edged hashtag: Evaluation of #ADHD-related TikTok content and its associations with perceptions of ADHD
Our findings highlight a discrepancy between mental health professionals and young adults regarding the psychoeducational value of #ADHD content on TikTok. Addressing this is crucial to improving access to treatment and enhancing support for those with ADHD.
The Social Media Industry as a Commercial Determinant of HEALTH (CDOH)
This article argues to recognize the social media industry a CDOH due to the direct and indirect consequences of their products and actions. Platforms directly impact users’ health through their products, which are associated with mental health concerns and contain addictive features.
The tic in TikTok and (where) all systems go: Mass social media induced illness and Munchausen’s by internet as explanatory models for social media associated abnormal illness behavior
This paper explores the recent phenomenon of adolescents presenting en masse (both online and in clinical settings) with symptoms seemingly acquired from viewing illness-related content posted by social media influencers.
Mental Health v. Social Media: How US pretrial filings against social media platforms frame and leverage evidence for claims of youth mental health harms
Among the research cited there was little that documented a causal link between social media and youth health harms. Legal filings did not frame, or cite research documenting, this emerging public health problem as one that has disparate impacts among marginalized users, despite ample research attention to this issue.
“You Can’t Possibly Have ADHD”: Exploring Validation and Tensions around Diagnosis within Unbounded ADHD Social Media Communities
To understand these communities better and privilege the lived experiences of people with ADHD, we conduct a digital ethnography of three social media platforms to explore community content, specifcally around acceptance, diagnoses, and tensions with the medical community. We discuss these informal online health communities as a source of knowledge, diferent, but no less important than that of traditional Online Health Communities and further the view of these communities as a valuable resource of shared expertise.
Using TikTok for public and youth mental health – A systematic review and content analysis
The various mechanisms for connecting with younger audiences presents a unique opportunity for youth mental health practitioners to consider, yet there were distinct differences in how TikTok accounts used platform features to interact. Overall, there is an absence of high quality mixed methodological evaluations of TikTok content for public and mental health, despite it being the most used platform for children and young people.
Applied Behavior Analysis in Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Scoping Review
Results reinforce the need for large-scale prospective studies that compare ABA with other non-ABA interventions and include measurements of subject QoL to provide policy makers with valuable information on the impacts of ABA and other existing and emerging interventions.
Comprehensive ABA-based interventions in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder – a meta-analysis
Language abilities, symptom severity or parental stress did not improve beyond the improvement in control groups. Moderator analyses indicate that language abilities at intake could influence the effect sizes and the influence of treatment intensity might decrease with older age. Conclu‐ sions: Practical implications and limitations are discussed.
Expanding upon Best Practice Approaches to Caring for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Who Engage in Challenging Behavior in Hospital Settings Using Behavior Analytic Principles: A Scoping Review
We conducted a scoping review of the existing medical literature on best practices for treating children with autism who engage in challenging behavior within hospital settings. We also discussed how the behavior-analytic literature might contribute to best practice recommendations.
‘When you become addicted to it you start having these unrealistic expectations’: young people’s perceptions of porn addiction
A minority of young men in this study were concerned that they were or had been addicted to porn. Their primary concern with porn was their frequency of use more than any of the myriad of other related issues, which was reflective of broader masculine perspectives and concerns.
The Hidden Cost of Foster-Care: New Evidence on the Inter-Generational Transmission of Foster-Care Experiences
Results show that, while children of foster-care alumni are seven to ten times more likely than other children to experience foster-care, this overrepresentation is halved when we control for parental resources.
Intensive behavioural interventions based on applied behaviour analysis for young children with autism: An international collaborative individual participant data meta-analysis
Data from 491 participants (originally collected in 10 studies) were included. Children receiving early intensive applied behaviour analysis–based interventions improved more on the Vineland adaptive behaviour scale (MD=7.00; 95% confidence interval=1.95–12.06) and cognitive ability (intelligence quotient) (MD=14.13; 95% confidence interval=9.16–19.10) relative to comparators at 2years; though effects varied considerably across studies.
Understanding the Challenges and Stressors Faced by the Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Narrative Review
This review specifically focuses on mental health challenges, lack of sufficient time for self-care, problems related to communication, challenges associated with caring for an autistic child, stigmatisation related to mental health disorders, and the financial burdens faced by the parents of autistic children.
—-Last Updated JANUARY 2026—-
Pathological demand avoidance: Exploring the behavioural profile
‘Pathological Demand Avoidance’ was coined to describe a profile of obsessive resistance to everyday demands and requests, with a tendency to resort to ‘socially manipulative’ behaviour, including outrageous or embarrassing acts.
Interventions with Serious Games and Entertainment Games in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review
The use of serious games and entertainment games was compared as adjuvant tools for intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A comprehensive search was performed in the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science databases.
Mandated reporters’ experiences with reporting child maltreatment: a meta- synthesis of qualitative studies
To systematically search for research about the
effectiveness of mandatory reporting of child maltreatment and to synthesize qualitative research that explores mandated reporters’ (MRs) experiences with reporting.
Efficacy of Interventions Based on Applied Behavior Analysis for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analysis
To systematically evaluate evidence for the use of interventions based on appied behavior analysis (ABA) to manage various symptoms of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
TikTok and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study of Social Media Content Quality
User-generated content about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most popular health topics on the video-sharing social media platform TikTok. We sought to investigate the quality of TikTok videos about ADHD.
A critique of behavioural vision therapy techniques for children with reading difficulties including dyslexia
Specific learning disabilities affect the brain’s ability to process verbal and non-verbal information efficiently and accurately. The most common learning disability is reading disability which includes dyslexia. Evidence supports that dyslexia is a language-based disorder.
Do Students in Gifted Programs Perform Better? Linking Gifted Program Participation to Achievement and Nonachievement Outcomes
Growing concerns about inequitable access have made public investment in gifted programs controversial in many school districts, yet advocates maintain that gifted services provide necessary enrichment for exceptional students to succeed at school.
Quantifying the effect of Wakefield et al. (1998) on skepticism about MMR vaccine safety in the U.S.
Efforts to trace the rise of childhood vaccine safety concerns in the US often suggest Andrew Wakefield and colleagues’ retracted 1998 Lancet study, which alleged that the MMR vaccine can cause children to develop autism–as a primary cause of US vaccine skepticism.
PANDAS: Too Narrow a View of the Neuroimmune Landscape
A subset of children and adolescents with obsessive- compulsive disorder (OCD) have extremely rapid onsets, some occurring over the course of a day.
ACETAMINOPHENN USE DURING PREGNANCY AND CHILDREN’S RISK OF AUTISM, ADHD, and INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
Acetaminophen use during pregnancy was not associated with children’s risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in sibling control analyses. This suggests that associations observed in other models may have been attributable to confounding.
Decomposition of phenotypic heterogeneity in autism reveals underlying genetic programs
We discover that class-specific differences in the developmental timing of affected genes align with clinical outcome differences. These analyses demonstrate the phenotypic complexity of children with autism, identify genetic programs underlying their heterogeneity, and suggest specific biological dysregulation patterns and mechanistic hypotheses.
Association between vaccine refusal and vaccine-preventable diseases in the united states
A substantial proportion of the US measles cases in the era after elimination were intentionally unvaccinated. The phenomenon of vaccine refusal was associated with an increased risk for measles among people who refuse vaccines and among fully vaccinated individuals. Although pertussis resurgence has been attributed to waning immunity and other factors, vaccine refusal was still associated with an increased risk for pertussis in some populations.
Acetaminophen in pregnancy and attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder
According to the current scientific evidence, in utero exposure to acetaminophen is unlikely to confer a clinically important increased risk of childhood ADHD or ASD. The current level of evidence does not warrant changes to clinical guidelines on the treatment of fever or pain in pregnancy.
Understanding parental vaccine refusal: implicit and explicit associations about vaccines as potential building blocks of vaccine beliefs and behavior
Collectively, study findings suggest that vaccine associations—especially those related to helpfulness/harmfulness—may serve as psychological building blocks for parental vaccine beliefs and behaviors.
Paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric syndrome in recurrent acute bacterial pharyngitis- a case report
The aim of the paper is to describe a case of a 4-year-old boy who presented to the Laryngology Clinic due to recurrent tonsillitis, time-correlated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
social determinants of health: the impact of racism on early childhood mental health
Recent literature indicates that racism is a social determinant of health that adversely impacts infant and early childhood socioemotional, and behavioral development. Future studies should focus on understanding the mechanisms through which racism impacts early childhood development and health, and interventions to prevent and mitigate the effects of racism.
Racial disparities in autism diagnosis, assessment, and intervention among minoritized youth: sociocultural issues, factors, and context
This review underscores the importance of including diverse samples in ASD research to improve understanding of the strengths, challenges, perspectives, and preferences of underrepresented and underserved families of youth with ASD. These efforts can lead to culturally responsive service delivery.
“They don’t know, don’t show, or don’t care”: autism’s white privilege problem
We engage in open honest dialogue with one another, even when it is hard. In doing so, we con- tinuously learn from one another, foster a sense of mutual respect and understanding, stimulate ideas for future research and exploration, and help build a forum for deep meaningful discussions on the issues that matter most to autistic adults.
Institutionalized Child Abuse: The Troubled Teen Industry
There are two major legal loopholes allowing institutionalized child abuse to occur: the consequences of signing over parental rights and inadequate state regulation.
MORE THAN TROUBLING: THE ALARMING ABSENCE OF ‘TROUBLED TEEN INDUSTRY’ REGULATION AND PROPOSALS FOR REFORM
By establishing a comprehensive legislative framework, beginning with the passage of the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, continuing with further federal legislation under the Commerce Clause and the implementation of a uniform states’ rights framework for children in residential treatment programs, we have the opportunity to finally protect some of the most vulnerable youth.
Clinical and social factors associated with involuntary psychiatric hospitalisation in children and adolescents: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and narrative synthesis
Over-representation of involuntary psychiatric hospitalisation in certain groups might begin in childhood, potentially establishing a cycle of inequality that continues into adulthood. Further research into the systemic factors underlying these health-care inequalities and the barriers to accessing less coercive psychiatric treatment is urgently required, with specific consideration of racial and ethnic factors.
Effectiveness of Two Hospitalization Alternatives Compared to Psychiatric Admission: An Ecological Longitudinal Study
Soteria exhibited significantly greater improvement of psychotic symptoms compared to TAIHT but not compared to the psychiatric ward. The psychiatric ward and Soteria both demonstrated significantly greater improvements in functioning compared to technologically assisted intensive home treatment (TAIHT), with no significant differences between them.
PANDAS/PANS in the COVID-19 Age: Autoimmunity and Epstein–Barr Virus Reactivation as Trigger Agents?
The discussion of PANS, which represents a model of immune-mediated neuropsychiatric manifestations, is particularly relevant, with the aim of uncovering the mechanisms that lead to neuropsychiatric Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS). Prospects for future studies and treatment implications are discussed.
Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and immunomodulatory treatment in children with symptoms corresponding to the research condition PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome): A systematic review
This systematic review reveals very low certainty of evidence of beneficial effects, and moderate certainty of evidence of adverse effects, of anti-inflammatory, antibacterial or immunomodulating treatments in patients with symptoms corresponding to the research condition PANS.
Auditory Processing and Reading Disability: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
This meta-analysis documents a large, multiple-domain non-linguistic, auditory processing impairment in RD. Contrary to previous studies, we found a significant deficit in intensity discrimination. The impairments described here must be accounted for by future causal hypotheses in RD and suggest that auditory processing impairments are broader than previously thought.
AudBility: Effectiveness of an online central auditory processing screening program
AudBility showed variations in sensitivity and specificity values between the auditory tasks and age groups, with better effectiveness in schoolchildren between the ages of 6 and 7 than eight-year-olds, except for the FG task. For screening purposes, the application of the protocol involving five tasks for the 6 to 7-year-olds group and with four tasks for the 8-year- olds group is suggested.
Folate Metabolism Abnormalities in Autism: Potential Biomarkers
Some of the same abnormalities are also found in mothers of children with ASD and supplementing folate during preconception and gestational periods reduces the risk to the offspring from developing ASD. These data suggest that folate pathway abnormalities may be a major metabolic disturbance underlying ASD that can be leveraged as biomarkers to improve symptoms and prevent ASD.
Efficacy of oral folinic acid supplementation in children with autism spectrum disorder: a randomized double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Oral folinic acid supplementation is effective and safe in improving ASD symptoms, with more pronounced benefits in children with high titers of folate receptor autoantibodies.
MTHFR polymorphisms and vitamin B12 deficiency: correlation between mthfr polymorphisms and clinical and laboratory findings
Our results suggest a role for MTHFR enzyme activity in the severity of hematologic manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency and as an independent mechanism of predisposition to the development of atrophic gastritis.
Burden of treatment, emotion work and parental burnout of mothers to children with or without special needs: A pilot study
Additional psychological, cultural and environmental factors should be investigated, in order to gain new perspectives regarding Parental Burnout as a psychological phenomenon that affects parenting and the ability to utilize coping mechanisms for mothers generally and for mothers of children with special needs especially.
‘When you become addicted to it you start having these unrealistic expectations’: young people’s perceptions of porn addiction
A minority of young men in this study were concerned that they were or had been addicted to porn. Their primary concern with porn was their frequency of use more than any of the myriad of other related issues, which was reflective of broader masculine perspectives and concerns.
Phenotypic divergence between individuals with self-reported autistic traits and clinically ascertained autism
The groups also differed in their social tendencies during two decision-making tasks; the in-person ASD group was less perceptive of opportunities for social influence and acted less affiliative toward virtual characters. These findings highlight the need for a differentiation between clinically ascertained and trait-defined samples in autism research.
TikTok and public health: a proposed research agenda
We argue that public health is served by paying ur- gent attention to the potential health-related impli- cations of TikTok and suggest research agenda to inform decision-makers, health providers, research- ers and the public.
“I See Me Here”: Mental Health Content, Community, and Algorithmic Curation on TikTok
Our interviews suggest that the “For You Page" is a runaway train that encourages diverse community and content engagement but also displays harmful content that par- ticipants feel they cannot escape. We propose design implications to support better mental health, as well as implications for social computing research on community in algorithmic landscapes.
Exploring How Youth Use TikTok for Mental Health Information in British Columbia: Semistructured Interview Study With Youth
Findings suggest that TikTok can be a useful tool to increase mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage youth to learn and address their mental health challenges while providing a source of peer connection and support. Simultaneously, TikTok can adversely impact mental health through repetitive exposure to mentally distressing content and misleading diagnosis and treatment information.
Autistic discussion forums: insights into the topics that clinicians don’t know about
We conclude that forums contain high-value information for clinicians because all concepts in the DSM 5 text revision were discussed by posters in the years before the text revision appeared. Ideas that are only slowly becoming part of the research literature are discussed at length in forums. Reading and analyzing forums is useful for both clinicians and scientists. In addition, the relative ease of forum analysis lowers the bar for entry into the research process.
Combating Health Misinformation in Social Media: Characterization, Detection, Intervention, and Open Issues
In this survey, we present a comprehensive review of existing research about online health misinformation in different disciplines. Furthermore, we also systematically or- ganize the related literature from three perspectives: characterization, detection, and intervention. Lastly, we conduct a deep discussion on the pressing open issues of combating health misinformation in social media and provide future directions for multidisciplinary researchers.
Intensive behavioural interventions based on applied behaviour analysis (ABA) for young children with autism: A cost-effectiveness analysis
The results of this economic analysis suggest that early intensive ABA-based interventions are unlikely to represent value for money, based on a £20,000 to £30,000 per QALY threshold typically adopted to inform UK healthcare funding decisions. Further research, focusing on the trajectory of autistic children following intervention is likely to be highly beneficial to resolving some of these uncertainties.
Pervasive Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest in Applied Behavior Analysis Autism Literature
Pervasive, undisclosed COIs likely lead to researcher bias, and could at least partially account for persistent poor quality research in this area. The high prevalence of COIs among this research corroborates the concerns expressed by many autistic people. The autism community – including autistic people, autism researchers, and other stakeholders – should be aware of the prevalence of undisclosed COIs in this literature and take this into account when using, providing, or recommending ABA services.
Concerns About ABA‐Based Intervention: An Evaluation and Recommendations
The purpose of this manuscript is to examine some expressed concerns about ABA-based intervention and suggest productive ways of moving forward to provide the best outcomes for autistics/individuals diagnosed with ASD. The authors represent stakeholders from multiple sectors including board certified behavior analysts, licensed psychologists, parents, and autistics/individuals diagnosed with ASD.
Differential Response and the Reduction of Child MaltreatmenT and Foster Care Services Utilization in the U.S. From 2004 to 2017
Using a quasi-experimental study design with data drawn from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System, we found states with DR programs had approximately 19% fewer substantiated reports, 25% fewer children substantiated for neglect, and a 17% reduction in foster care services utilization when compared to states without DR programs. We nd these estimates to be robust to the opioid epidemic and incarceration rates.
“Unfortunately what’s right isn’t always what’s best”: Exploring teacher and school staff experiences witH mandated reporting
The current study utilizes reflexive thematic analysis to explore how school personnel identify and respond to suspected abuse. Analysis of interviews with 14 school personnel who made reports resulted in three themes.
Mandatory Reporting “will Paralyze People” or “Without it, People Would not Report”: Understanding Perspectives from Within the Child Protection System
Overall, we found much disagreement on mandatory reporting both within and across the two systems. Some participants identified that mandatory reporting could prevent communities from intervening, damage therapeutic relationships, and be overly intrusive to families. Others thought mandatory reporting was a meaningful way to increase the identification of maltreated children and reduce the burden on individuals and systems outside of child protection.
‘I shouldn’t have to educate their school about what autism is’: Community attitudes and parent reports of autistic primary and secondary school experiences in Australia
The general population had a favourable attitude towards autistic students receiving supports in school. However, the lived experience of autistic students, as reported on by their parents, highlighted significant gaps in the provision of support. Qualitative data from the 2021 survey with parents of autistic students found that system-level challenges were pervasive, and a lack of inclusion and support caused significant harm to autistic students.
Virtual reality exposure therapy for anxiety and related disorders: A meta- analysis of randomized controlled trials
Since then, new trials have compared VRET to more diverse anxiety and related disorders including social anxiety disorder (SAD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and panic disorder (PD) with and without agoraphobia. With the availability of this data, it is imperative to re-examine the efficacy of VRET for anxiety.
Parenting the Exceptional Social-Emotional Needs of Gifted and Talented Children: What Do We Know?
Parenting gifted and talented children is a journey with unique experiences that can differ from the lived experiences of parents raising non-gifted and talented children. These unique experiences typically raise concerns, influence decisions, and exacerbate stress and anxiety regarding the children’s future development and education.
Time to Make a Call? The Ethics of Mandatory Reporting
Over 50 years ago, the first U.S. laws were passed regarding the mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect. During the ensuing decades, other laws have emerged that delineate the role of the physician in protecting his or her patients as well as the public.
Applied Behavior Analysis in Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Scoping Review
This manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of applied behavior analysis (ABA) on children and youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
TikTok Tourette’s: Are We Witnessing a Rise in Functional Tic-Like Behavior Driven by Adolescent Social Media Use?
Perceptions of Tourette syndrome (TS) and tic disorders are often driven by social media. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social media consumption greatly increased, particularly in the adolescent population.
Understandings and Misunderstandings About Dyslexia: Introduction to the Special Issue
The purpose of this special issue was to provide a forum for contemporary research and thoughtful discourse about dyslexia.
Adoption and Trauma: Risks, Recovery, and the Lived Experience of Adoption
This article examines the links between early adversity, trauma, and adoption. We begin by defining trauma and then describe the way in which pre-placement adversity can undermine neurobehavioral and interpersonal functioning, increasing the risk for long-term psychological difficulties.
Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy Among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Parents of Children with Non-Autism-Developmental Delays
Parents of children with ASD may be at greater risk for developing anti-vaccine beliefs that lead to vaccine delays and/or refusals for their children. We investigated current parental vaccine hesitancy, parents’ beliefs about causes of children’s developmental delays, and children’s vaccination histories among parents of children with ASD or non-ASD developmental delays.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in PANS/PANDAS in Children: In Search of a Qualified Treatment—A Systematic Review and Metanalysis
Several treatment options have been proposed for (PANS/PANDAS). Still, no clear therapeutic protocol has been recognized to prevent these neuropsychiatric diseases. The study aims to report on the literature evidence and different treatment strategies related to these disorders
Taking The STAND: FOR SCIENTISts, going to court as an expert witness brings risks and rewards
Cote took less than 2 weeks to reject the scientific case that the plaintiffs’ experts had laid out. “Their analyses have not served to enlighten but to obfuscate the weakness of the evidence on which they purport to rely,” she wrote. Her decision put an abrupt end to the case, unless it’s appealed and overturned.
Wakefield’s article linking MMR vaccine and autism was fraudulent
The Lancet paper has of course been retracted, but for far narrower misconduct than is now apparent. The retraction statement cites the GMC’s findings that the patients were not consecutively referred and the study did not have ethical approval, leaving the door open for those who want to continue to believe that the science, flawed though it always was, still stands.
Novel Treatments for autism spectrum disorder based on genomics and systems biology
Identifying effective pharmacologic treatments for the core and associated symptom domains in ASD will require further collaboration and innovation in the areas of outcome measurement, biomarker research, and genomics, as well as systematic efforts to identify and treat subgroups of individuals with ASD who may be differentially responsive to specific treatments.
Quantifying the effect of wakefield et al. (1998) on skepticism about mmr vaccine safety in the US
Efforts to trace the rise of childhood vaccine safety concerns in the US often suggest Andrew Wakefield and colleagues’ retracted 1998 Lancet study (AW98)–which alleged that the MMR vaccine can cause children to develop autism–as a primary cause of US vaccine skepticism. Vaccine skepticism increased following the publication of AW98, which was potentially made possible by increased negative media coverage of MMR.
Socioeconomic status and child psychopathology in the united states: a meta-analysis of population-based studies
The relation between SES and child psychopathology is likely to vary in different populations of children and in different communities. These findings highlight the need for additional research on the mechanisms of SES-related psychopathology risk in children in order to identify targets for potential intervention.
Inequities in insurance coverage and well-child visits improve, but insurance gains for white and black youth reverse
Recent policy changes to the Affordable Care Act appear to be associated with reversing improvements in insurance coverage for youth. Despite this reversal, racial and ethnic inequities in insurance coverage as well as well-child visits for all youth continue to improve.
Review: structural racism, children’s mental health service systems, and recommendations for policy and practice change
Our analysis highlights gaps and opportunities in the evidence base for policy implementation strategies including: mental health services for youth of color, interventions addressing interpersonal racism and bias in the mental health service system, interventions addressing structural racism, changes to provider licensure and license renewal, and development of the community health workforce.
Divided communities and absent voices: the search for autistic BIPOC Parent blogs
I examine the attitudes of these bloggers to get a sampling of their opinions on autism, how they parent autistic children, and how their social location, specifically race, impacts their experiences. More intersectional research needs to be done to boost the perspectives of BIPOC autistics and the expertise of autistic parents.
Ring the alarm: the crisis of black youth suicide in america
Over the last several years, data has emerged indicating an alarming increase in the suicide rates for Black children and teenagers over the past generation. While research has also shown climbing rates for youth from other racial and ethnic groups, this trend in Black youth runs counter to historical data showing lower rates of suicide among Black Americans
Troubling the ‘troubled teen’ industry: Adult reflections on youth experiences of therapeutic boarding schools
Case study interviews with former US-based therapeutic boarding school students demonstrate the role of sanism, adultism and epistemic injustice in constructing and regulating the ‘troubled teen’. The schools’ strict structure and surveillance culture could not override students will and their ability to find means to resist.
Investigating the impact of involuntary psychiatric hospitalization on youth and young adult trust and help-seeking in pathways to care
Findings draw attention to the ways in which coercive experiences may impact youth pathways to and through care. Finally, these data may inform the development and testing of inpatient and post-discharge interventions designed to mitigate potential harm.
“To Use This Word ... Would Be Absurd”: How the Brainwashing Label Threatened and Enabled the Troubled-Teen Industry
This article poses a two-part question about the troubled-teen industry (TTI). How did stakeholders invoke the brainwashing label when criticizing American teen treatment programs and how did program directors, and those financially and ideologically invested in them, respond?
Estimate of the incidence of PANDAS and PANS in 3 primary care populations
The estimated annual incidence of PANDAS/PANS was 1/11,765 for children between 3 and 12 years with some variation between different geographic areas. Our results indicate that PANDAS/PANS is a rare disorder with substantial heterogeneity across geography and time. A prospective investigation of the same question is warranted.
Diagnostic Approach to Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated With Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS): A Narrative Review of Literature Data
We propose a test panel to support clinicians in the workout of PANDAS/PANS patients establishing an appropriate treatment. However, further studies are needed to improve our knowledge on these acute-onset neuropsychiatric conditions.
Evaluating CAPDOTS Training for Children and Adolescents with APD
Results of the present study indicated significant improvements in dichotic listening with 7 of the 8 measures showing large and very large effect sizes. Thus, the conclusion drawn is that CAPDOTS therapy not only can make a significant improvement in dichotic listening but can also change other auditory processing factors.
Efficacy of computer-assisted rehabilitation program for central auditory processing disorder on auditory perception and dictation of students with reading disorder
Due to the obtained results, it can be concluded that the computer-assisted rehabilitation program for central auditory processing disorder improves auditory perception and spelling problems of students with reading disorders.
Preliminary Evaluation of a Computerized Auditory Training Program to Enhance Binaural Listening Skills in Children with Specific Learning Disabilities
This study’s findings suggest that computerized auditory training focused on binaural interactions may effectively address binaural processing challenges in children with SLD. Further research is recommended to confirm these initial findings and explore the benefits of binaural auditory training for social communication in this population.
Folate Receptor Alpha Autoantibodies in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention
The diagnosis of folate receptor autoimmune disorder by measuring autoantibodies against FRα in the serum provides a marker with the potential for treatment and perhaps preventing the pathologic consequences of folate receptor autoimmune disorder.
Differentiated Approach to Pharmacotherapy of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Biochemical Aspects
An integrated approach, including clinical observation, clinical-psychological assessment of the patient behavior, study of medical history and description of individual molecular profiles should become a new strategy for stratifying patients with ASD for clinical pharmacotherapeu- tic trials, as well as for evaluating their efficiency.
Parents’ Voice: Parents’ Emotional and Practical Coping with a Child with Special Needs
Findings revealed that parents from all groups, were experiencing a difficult period following diagnosis and in their daily routines. They described a lot of stress, anxiety, and anger. Some parents described their relationships as unstable and as involving conflicts and disagreements, others adopted a more positive mindset and with the chal- lenges they were facing.
‘I shouldn’t have to educate their school about what autism is’: Community attitudes and parent reports of autistic primary and secondary school experiences in Australia
Our surveys with parents of autistic students, one in 2020 and 2021, found many barriers within the school system that make it hard for autistic children to feel included and supported. This lack of support negatively impacts the well-being of autistic children. It is important to note that this study focused on the perspectives of parents, not the students themselves.
Social media as an incubator of personality and behavioral psychopathology: Symptom and disorder authenticity or psychosomatic social contagion?
We provide a detailed historical overview of this transdiagnostic phenomenon and suggest a conceptual model to organize thinking and research examining it. We then discuss the implications of our suggested model for accurate assessment, diagnosis, and medical-psychiatric treatment.
TikTok Tourette’s: Are We Witnessing a Rise in Functional Tic-Like Behavior Driven by Adolescent Social Media Use?
Functional tic-like behaviors (FTLBs) are likelya specific subgroup of functional tics largely influenced by the portrayal of and growing popularity of functional tics posted on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, several factors, including increased anxiety, social isolation, and social media use in general during the pandemic are likely also contributing factors to the surge of FTLBs seen recently.
Public Health and Online Misinformation: Challenges and Recommendations
Misinformation concerning health has partic- ularly severe consequences with regard to people’s quality of life and even their risk of mortality; therefore, understanding it within today’s modern context is an extremely important task.
Health information seeking in the digital age: An analysis of health information seeking behavior among US adults
This study examined factors associated with heath infor- mation seeking from the internet, traditional media, and health care professionals among a diverse population of US adults. Findings indicated that there is a possibility that while the Web is an easily available source of health information, it could also create inequalities in health information accessibility.
Paging Dr. Google: Availability and Reliability of Online Evidence-Based Treatment Information about ADHD
Results indicate that, although conducting online searches about ADHD treatment could be beneficial in the context of shared-decision making, it is important for clinicians and caregivers to understand the limitations of this approach and to continue to engage in evidence-based treatment of ADHD to ensure positive outcomes for children and adolescents with the disorder.
TikTok and Self-Diagnosing Mental Illnesses: Perceived Reliability Factors, Vulnerabilities, and Dangers
The purpose of this thesis is not only to analyze this information but to devise a study about people’s interactions and perceptions of TikTok. This study will examine if and why people self-diagnose themselves with mental illnesses they see on TikTok. An extensive literature review will be conducted to overview the dangers of TikTok when it comes to selfdiagnosing. An app with a user base like TikTok needs to be analyzed, for there are many potential dangers that can arise.
Efficacy of Interventions Based on Applied Behavior Analysis for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analysis
Those results suggested outcomes of socialization, communication and expressive language may be promising targets for ABA-based interventions involving children with ASD. However, significant effects for the outcomes of autism general symptoms, receptive language, adaptive behavior, daily living skills, IQ, verbal IQ, nenverbal IQ, restricted and repetitive behavior, motor and cognition were not observed.
Dopamine Dysregulation in Reward and Autism Spectrum Disorder
The mesolimbic dopamine (DA) mediated brain reward system is held to play a key role, but the rapidly expanding literature reveals intricate, nuanced signaling involving a wide array of mesolimbic loci, neurotransmitters and receptor subtypes, and neuronal variants. This subdivision of ASD into a logical progression of potentially addressable parts may help facilitate the rational formulation of diagnostics and targeted treatments.
Long-term ABA Therapy Is Abusive: A Response to Gorycki, Ruppel, and Zane
Research in ABA continues to neglect the structure the autistic brain, the overstimulation of the autistic brain, the trajectory of child development, or the complex nature of human psychology, as all of these factors were ignored in the response and are ignored in ABA practice itself. Providing a treatment that causes pain in exchange for no benefit, even if unknowingly, is tantamount to torture and violates the most basic requirement of any therapy, to do no harm.
Recalling hidden harms: autistic experiences of childhood Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA)
Current controversy exists surrounding perceptions of the need for early intervention. From an outsider perspective, it would seem those who form part of the debate would fit into one of two sides; those who assert early intervention as a necessity for autistic children and those within the autistic community who see these interventions as having a detrimental impact on autistic identity.
The Overlaps between Intergenerational (Dis)Continuity of Child Protection Services Involvement and Mental Illness Diagnoses from Hospital Admissions
Our findings underline the need for early access to mental health supports for families involved with the child protection system, which could help prevent the cycle of maltreatment.
Examining mental health service use across intergenerational patterns of child protection system contact: A case for cross-sector supports
The significant overlaps between Mental Health (MH) and CPS contact suggest a need for ongoing research, and integrated consideration of MH and family risks and needs in both systems, to support positive intergenerational outcomes.
Commentary on decision-making and judgments in child maltreatment prevention and response
This issue of Child Abuse and Neglect is one of many steps that we believe are needed in order to keep the issue of decision-making an active part of the child protection research agenda, and part of the development of an important sub-field in the broader research being done in the field of child welfare.
Burden of treatment, emotion work and parental burnout of mothers to children with or without special needs: A pilot study
According to the findings, mothers of children with special needs reported significantly higher parental burnout, a higher perceived burden of treatment and deeper emotional work than mothers of children without special needs.