Study suggests a novel approach for building communication and social connection among individuals with autism spectrum disorder
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 29-Dec-2025 18:11 ET (29-Dec-2025 23:11 GMT/UTC)
New research has revealed that people with similar levels of autistic traits are more attracted to each other, and their brains synchronize in unique ways during passive and active communication. The findings of the novel study in Biological Psychiatry, published by Elsevier, offer new insights into the Double Empathy Problem and the neural mechanisms of social interaction, suggesting that tailoring environments could reduce social fatigue and increase meaningful connection for individuals with autism.
Many might think that when fatigue sets in during a running race, the key to perseverance is reminding oneself why the effort is worth it or focusing on reasons why they set the goal—intuition that lines up with motivational posters, sports psychology clichés, and coaching advice. However, a new study by a team of New York University psychology researchers finds that runners get to the finish line more so by using focused attentional tactics than by reflecting on the larger goal of completing the race.
The university stage, particularly its beginning, is a time of tension and emotional stress for young students-many of whom are under the age of 20. This is a group in which suicidal ideation has increased significantly in recent years, surpassing the general population. The study, part of the World Mental Health International College Student Initiative led by Harvard University, invited nearly 73,000 students from 71 universities in eighteen countries to participate. It is the most comprehensive study conducted to date on this population. Experiencing traumatic events during childhood and having parents with mental health disorders are the main risk factors for suicidal behavior. In addition, transgender students are 2.4 times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts than other students.
Recovery colleges (RCs) support personal recovery through education, skill development and social support for people with mental health problems, carers and staff. Guided by co-production and adult learning principles, RCs represent a recent mental health innovation. Since the first RC opened in England in 2009, RCs have expanded to 28 countries and territories. However, most RC research has been conducted in Western countries with similar cultural characteristics, limiting understanding of how RCs can be culturally adapted. The 12-item Recovery Colleges Characterisation and Testing (RECOLLECT) Fidelity Measure (RFM) evaluates the operational fidelity of RCs based on 12 components, but cultural influences on these components remain underexplored. The authors aimed to assess associations between Hofstede’s cultural dimensions and RFM items to identify cultural influences on fidelity components.
A new poll of 2,143 California adults conducted by University of California, Irvine researchers reveals overwhelming bipartisan support for stricter regulations on children's use of digital technology, including school smartphone restrictions and social media age limits.