Rita Barone

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition whose conceptualization has been shaped, over decades, by predominantly male clinical samples. The Research Topic “Women in Psychiatry 2025: Autism” brings together 17 contributions that reflect the aims of the Women in Psychiatry series—challenging male-centered models of autism, deepening understanding of biological and social mechanisms, and pointing toward individualized supports across the lifespan.

Introduction Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous disorder (1, 2) and it affects 1 out of 36 children (3). Due to its heterogeneity, the causes of ASD are still poorly understood and scientific research is now focused on the early identification of bio-behavioral markers to anticipate the age of diagnosis (4).

Introduction Social anxiety, defined as concern or avoidance of social situations in response to a fear of negative evaluation by others, can cause significant disruption to everyday routines and sense of well-being.