BackgroundSome autistic children exhibit behavior that caregivers, clinicians, and researchers consider problematic. However, there is little consensus about the types of behaviors that should be treated as a problem and reduced via intervention. In autism intervention research, problem behaviors range from inherently harmful behaviors such as aggression and self‐injury to nonnormative but not harmful

BackgroundFacial emotion processing deficits and atypical eye gaze are often described in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and those with conduct disorder (CD) and high callous unemotional (CU) traits. Yet, the underlying neural mechanisms of these deficits are still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate if eye gaze can partially account for the differences in brain activation

In recent years, the use of longitudinal studies in mental health research has grown, particularly in the United Kingdom. These studies provide numerous benefits and improvements in mental health research, such as facilitating the early detection of risk factors for mental health problems. Nevertheless, they also come with drawbacks, including their high financial costs and the complexity involved

Child and adolescent mental health problems stem from an interaction between biological and environmental factors. In the past decades, conceptualizations of genetic and neurobiological factors have become increasingly detailed. Development of our conceptualizations of environmental factors, in contrast, is lacking behind. Environmental adversity is usually conceptualized as one rather global factor

BackgroundChildhood trauma has been associated with increased risk of substance use and poor sleep, with these factors linked to subsequent poor cardiovascular health. However, there has been little longitudinal research exploring these associations in adolescence, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). To address this, we investigated longitudinal pathways from trauma to risk behaviours

When we think about which environmental influences affect children and young people's mental health, answers that are ‘close to home’ tend to come to mind, such as relationships, screen time, bullying, stressful life events and poverty. These same factors are also often prioritised in child and adolescent mental health research. More distal factors receive less attention, such as the air we breathe

BackgroundAlthough social anxiety runs in families, little is known about how parents and children contribute to the intergenerational transmission of social fears. We examined whether mothers transfer social fear beliefs to their children through verbal communication and how children's behavioral inhibition and social anxiety contribute to this transmission. The associations of children's social fear

In this research review, we present approaches and recommendations for assessing early‐life adversity and childhood trauma aligned with two leading conceptual models of adversity: cumulative risk and dimensional models. We summarize the measurement implications of each conceptual model and common approaches for assessing early‐life adversity in studies utilizing each of these models. We consider other

BackgroundChildren of maltreated mothers are at increased risk for adverse physical and psychological health. Both prenatal and postnatal alterations in offspring biological stress systems have been proposed as mechanisms contributing to such transmission. The aim of the current study was to assess whether maternal postnatal care of the infant moderated any effect of maternal childhood maltreatment

BackgroundSex differences have been identified in young adults along the psychosis continuum, but studies in children and adolescents are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate possible sex differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes in children and adolescents with clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR).MethodsA naturalistic longitudinal cohort study assessed sociodemographics, CHR symptoms

BackgroundNaturalistic developmental behavioural interventions (NDBI) may improve social communication in toddlers/pre‐school aged children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here, we study efficacy of the low‐intensity, complex NDBI ‘Frankfurt Early Intervention Program for ASD’ (A‐FFIP) over 1 year by a confirmatory phase‐III, prospective, randomised, controlled, parallel‐group study with two treatment

BackgroundPlacental malperfusion, categorised into maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM) and foetal vascular malperfusion (FVM), is a main placental pathology known to affect placental functioning and offspring outcomes. The aim of this review is to evaluate the association between exposure to placental malperfusion and offspring neurodevelopment from birth to 18 years of age.MethodsFollowing the registered

BackgroundDespite the higher prevalence of childhood traumatic experiences and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in autistic adults, research on trauma‐related psychopathology and autistic traits in young people is lacking. This study examined if high autistic traits in childhood predispose individuals to traumatic experiences, the development of PTSD and general psychopathology, and greater functional

BackgroundChildren in impoverished families–especially those affected by violence–face risks to healthy development. In the years of strong economic recovery since the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, the Rwandan Government has invested in early child development, social and child protection and violence prevention, but few strategies for scaling evidence‐based interventions (EBIs) in these areas have

BackgroundHumans are inevitably exposed to multiple physical and social environmental risk factors, potentially contributing to psychiatric problems and cognitive deficits; however, the combined effects of prenatal air pollution and psychosocial environments on youth remain unclear. This longitudinal study aimed to examine how prenatal ozone exposure interacts with psychosocial environments at 9–10

BackgroundSexual and gender minority (SGM) youth are more susceptible to suicidal ideation and attempts compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers. Yet, it is unclear how interpersonal and online victimization experiences account for the elevated suicide risks in this population. This study investigates the extent of peer and cyber victimization among SGM youth and its contribution to their

BackgroundCriticism from parents is a risk factor for poor youth mental health, including self‐harm and limited response to psychosocial interventions. We identified trajectories of change in parent criticism across treatment for youth self‐harm (suicide attempts and non‐suicidal self‐injury) and compared these trajectories on treatment outcomes.MethodsThis is a preregistered secondary analysis of

BackgroundExposure to psychosocial stress is one of the strongest risk factors for major depressive disorder (MDD) in youth, but underlying neurobiological mechanisms are poorly understood. Previous studies on the neuroendocrine stress response in youth with MDD are scarce, limited to cortisol, and rarely considered sex differences. Due to puberty‐associated neuroendocrine transitions increasing the

BackgroundIt has been proposed that early risk constellations link differentially to later developmental outcomes. However, existing studies often use a limited set of risk indicators, excluding genetic and child‐based risks. It is also unclear if the protective effects of potential moderators, such as kindergarten experiences, differ across risk groups.MethodsUsing data from the Norwegian Mother,

BackgroundAlthough prior studies have established the relation between social interactions and behavioral adjustment, it remains unclear whether aspects of early social interactions are uniquely related to behavioral problems and the relative importance of each in predicting internalizing and externalizing problems. Using traditional theory‐driven and novel data‐driven perspectives, this longitudinal

BACKGROUND Sudden gains (rapid, large, stable improvements in symptoms) are common in psychological therapy and are associated with favourable outcomes, but no studies have investigated sudden gains in children and young people (CYP) with a chronic physical condition. METHODS Within-group study nested in the Mental Health Intervention for Children with Epilepsy (MICE) randomised trial of modular c

BackgroundAnxiety symptoms among adolescents have been increasing globally. The present study aimed to better understand the role of parenting, which is believed to act as both a risk and protective factor for anxiety while also being impacted by adolescent anxiety. Specifically, this preregistered study examined the bidirectional associations between parental autonomy support, intrusiveness, and symptoms

BackgroundThe Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI‐R) is a caregiver interview that is widely used as part of the diagnostic assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Few large‐scale studies have reported the sensitivity and specificity of the ADI‐R algorithms, which are based on DSM‐IV Autistic Disorder criteria. Kim and Lord (Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2012, 42, 82)

Although awareness of the role of environmental exposures in children's cognitive development is increasing, learning difficulties have not yet been a major focus of environmental health science. Learning difficulties disproportionately affect children living in economic disadvantage, yielding an ‘achievement gap.’ Studies examining the neurobiology of reading and math have mostly included economically

As the incoming editor of JCPP's Annual Research Review (ARR), I first would like to extend my appreciation to the outgoing editor, Sara Jaffee, who for 6 years assembled consistently strong, cutting‐edge reviews for the ARR during a time of upheaval in the world in general and child psychology and psychiatry in particular. Personally, I am indebted to Sara for providing invaluable insights into the

BackgroundPrevious research studies have demonstrated cognitive deficits in adolescents with depression; however, the neuroelectrophysiological mechanisms underlying these deficits remain poorly understood. Utilizing electroencephalography (EEG) data collected during cognitive tasks, this study applies time–frequency analysis and functional connectivity (FC) techniques to explore the neuroelectrophysiological

BackgroundSocial motivation is posited as a key factor in the expression of the autism phenotype. However, lack of precision in both conceptualization and measurement has impeded a thorough understanding of its diverse presentation and associated outcomes. This study addresses this gap by identifying subgroups of autism characterized by deficits in distinct facets of social motivation, relative to

BackgroundDespite previous research demonstrating an independent association between cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS; previously termed sluggish cognitive tempo) and depressive symptoms, studies have yet to examine what factors may moderate this link. A negative interpretation bias (i.e., maladaptive information processing whereby emotionally aversive meaning is perceived in ambiguous situations)

BackgroundThe prevalence of mental health problems among college students has increased over the past decade. Even when mental health services are available, many students still struggle to access these services. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to identify the rates at which students actively seek or consider using formal help and to determine the main reasons for not seeking help.MethodsA

BackgroundPediatric anxiety disorders are prevalent, particularly among children with anxious parents. This trial evaluated a program for anxious parents aimed at preventing offspring anxiety disorders and symptoms over 12 months.MethodsThis parallel, randomized, controlled, open‐label trial was conducted at Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Inclusion criteria comprised heightened parental

BackgroundOral language skills are a critical foundation for education and psychosocial development. Learning to read, in particular, depends heavily on oral language skills. The Nuffield Early Language Intervention (NELI) has been shown to improve the language of 4–5‐year‐old children entering school with language weaknesses in four robust trials. To date, however, there is limited evidence on the

BackgroundAvoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a feeding and eating disorder characterized by extremely restricted dietary variety and/or quantity resulting in serious consequences for physical health and psychosocial functioning. ARFID often co‐occurs with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) and psychiatric conditions, but previous data are mostly limited to small clinical samples

BackgroundError monitoring, a neurocognitive process reflecting self‐detection of errors, has been proposed as a marker of social anxiety. However, the way in which this marker relates to social anxiety is not consistent across age, as older children and adolescents with anxiety exhibit heightened error monitoring and younger children with anxiety exhibit diminished error monitoring. One way to contextualize

BackgroundEmpirical evidence supports the efficacy of behavioral online parent training. However, further large trials in school‐age children with externalizing behavior problems and analyses on the impact of additional therapist support are needed. This three‐arm randomized controlled trial examined the efficacy of guided and unguided web‐assisted self‐help (WASH) for parents of children with externalizing

BackgroundPeople with early‐life experiences of deprivation are more likely to develop psychotic symptoms. While the mechanisms of this relationship are poorly understood, research suggests a role of cortical development.MethodsIn 6323 youth from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study, we examined associations between total, material, interpersonal, cognitive and neighbourhood deprivation

BackgroundWhether, and how, infant characteristics and parenting quality interact is one of developmental psychology's key questions. However, whether specific interaction patterns replicate across cohorts or developmental outcomes is largely unknown. This study investigates whether infant characteristics and parenting quality are independent predictors (additive effects) of child outcomes or interact

BackgroundThe present study sought to extend the existing knowledge on the relationship between risky behavior and ADHD by studying transactions between these two variables within participants and across various time scales.MethodsParticipants were 281 adolescents (170 girls), age 13–18 years old (M = 14.8, SD = 1.3), and 1 of their parents. Risky behavior and ADHD symptoms measurements were taken

BackgroundExposure to trauma in childhood is associated with an increased risk for internalising symptoms. Alterations in pubertal development has been proposed as a potential mechanism underpinning this association. However, longitudinal studies, which are needed to examine pubertal development over time, are scarce. The goal of this pre‐registered study was to examine how trauma exposure shapes the

Blader et al.'s (2025) recent annual review article makes an important contribution to the literature on emotion dysregulation in child and adolescent mental health. In addition to synthesizing the current evidence base, the authors put forth a cogent formalized view of emotion regulatory processes and how they go awry. Much has been written on emotion (dys)regulation and psychopathology (for overviews

BackgroundAutistic individuals often receive psychiatric diagnoses prior to their autism diagnosis. It remains unclear to what extent autistic females and males differ in their likelihood of receiving psychiatric diagnoses prior to their autism diagnosis and continue seeking care for them after an autism diagnosis.MethodsIn a nationwide cohort of all individuals born in Sweden 1990–2015 with a clinical

The spectrum of psychosis is highly relevant to child and adolescent mental health. Psychotic symptoms are common in children and adolescents. The onset of psychotic disorders is often preceded by neurodevelopmental problems in early childhood, and some 13% of adolescents attending specialist mental health services will later be diagnosed with a psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder. Although 12%

BackgroundCertain temperament characteristics, such as low effortful control and high negative affectivity, are linked to an elevated likelihood for later psychopathology. Although genetic vulnerability has been associated with a number of psychiatric conditions, little work has examined the genetic architecture underlying temperament or the genetic overlap between early temperament profiles and later

BackgroundInfants vary significantly in the way they process and respond to sensory stimuli, and altered sensory processing has been reported among infants later diagnosed with autism. Previous work with adolescents and adults suggests that variability in sensory processing may have a strong genetic basis. Yet, little is known about the etiological factors influencing sensory differences in infancy

BACKGROUND Dyslexia is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. There have been many definitions over the past century, and debate continues as to how dyslexia should be defined. This debate contributes to confusion and misinformation. We move beyond the debate by establishing areas of consensus among a wide range of experts. METHODS We conducted a Delphi study with a panel of dyslexia

It was early 2020, a week or two into Hilary Term, what everyone else calls Spring Term, but we at Oxford love our arcane traditions. I recall one of my graduate students, from China, coming to me ashen‐faced at the end one of my lectures on the effects of bilingualism on the linguistic and cognitive development of young learners. “Please be careful,” she said. “Have you heard about the disease. It's

Jaffee and colleagues present a masterful review of the evidence for the impacts of cash transfer programmes on child and adolescent mental health in the United States. While global meta‐analyses find evidence of effectiveness, Jaffee and colleagues highlight the limited number of studies in Northern America, but find overall results indicating small but meaningful effect sizes on improving emotional

Research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) has progresses at a rapid pace over the last 30 years and publications now span many fields and disciplines. With a literature this vast, it is important to stake stock of what is known and where gaps in knowledge remain by reviewing and synthesizing published findings. In this commentary, I center remarks on a well‐designed umbrella review conducted

Proliferation of the term “emotion dysregulation” in child psychopathology parallels the growing interest in processes that influence negative emotional reactivity. While it commonly refers to a clinical phenotype where intense anger leads to behavioral dyscontrol, the term implies etiology because anything that is dysregulated requires an impaired regulatory mechanism. Many cognitive, affective, behavioral

Maheux et al.s' annual review (2024) summarizes a rapidly evolving literature on the specific components (including content, features and functions) of social media that can help or hinder healthy adolescent development, highlighting how proposed effects of social media components appear to matter more for some adolescents than others. This commentary explores how conclusions of Maheux et al. (2024)

BackgroundEarly identification of bipolar disorder (BD) provides an important opportunity for timely intervention. In this study, we aimed to develop machine learning models using large‐scale electronic health record (EHR) data including clinical notes for predicting early‐onset BD.MethodsStructured and unstructured data were extracted from the longitudinal EHR of the Mass General Brigham health system

BackgroundThe impact of maternal sleep disturbances during pregnancy on long‐term neurodevelopment and the role of metabolites in this process are not well understood. In a prospective cohort study, we aimed to investigate the associations between maternal sleep disturbances during each trimester and child intelligence quotient (IQ) at the age of 4 years and to identify metabolites that might mediate

BackgroundAnxiety and depression are highly prevalent in youth and can cause significant distress and functional impairment. The presence of maternal anxiety and depression are well‐established risk factors for child internalizing psychopathology, yet the responsible mechanisms linking the two remain unclear.MethodsWe examined the potential mediating and moderating roles of EEG frontal alpha asymmetry

Since the debate surrounding controversial theories, such as the refrigerator mother theory, the influence of parenting on the course of neurodevelopmental conditions has been a taboo topic for many years. However, recent research analyzing the complex interplay between genetics and the environment has introduced new approaches to examining the role of parenting. Several articles in this issue examine

BackgroundEffective face‐to‐face treatments for Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are available, but most young people with PTSD do not receive effective treatment. Therapist‐supported online Cognitive Therapy has the potential to improve accessibility of effective treatment. This early‐stage trial gathered data on the feasibility, acceptability, and initial signal of clinical efficacy of a novel

BackgroundUnderstanding the mechanisms of change and between‐family differences in behavioural parenting interventions for children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may help personalise interventions. Therefore, we examined whether improvements in parenting are associated with changes in child behaviour and functional outcomes, and how these associations vary based on parents' baseline

A recent publication in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry examined the role of executive functioning in treatment outcomes and engagement for adolescents receiving cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for binge eating. While some executive functioning facets, such as impulsive decision making and cognitive flexibility, predicted eating and weight outcomes in this sample, others including