About this Research Topic

Background

Autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia are still conceived as distinct categories based on their behavioral manifestations and course, despite mounting evidence of the limits of this approach. Indeed, both spectra may share neurodevelopmental vulnerability arising from overlapping genes of susceptibility, pathogenesis, brain structural and/or functional alterations and symptoms. The overall goal of this Research Topic is therefore to identify current dimensional and transdiagnostic challenges in clinical and scientific practices and suggest new pathways that may help direct future autism and schizophrenia research. Through this process, we aim to develop theoretical models of the complex dynamics involved in the development of neurodevelopmental diversity and disorders.

A better understanding of biological and clinical heterogeneity within and between diagnostic categories will help develop future theoretical models of mental diversity and illness, redefine concepts and capture mechanisms acting at and between the levels involved in the development of mental diversity, vulnerability and illness, including the genetic, biological, neurocognitive, psychological and social levels. Therefore, our aim is also to suggest how genetic variation, epigenetic processes of development, and epigenetic changes influenced by environmental risk and resilience factors throughout life may contribute to phenotypical expression, time of clinical onset and course. Ultimately, we hope to shed light on how the genetically influenced experience of an individual relates to cognitive phenomena occurring at the interfaces between the brain, mind, and society.

Manuscripts should focus on the increasing clinical and neuroscientific evidence challenging the categorical approaches that hitherto have guided clinical psychiatric practice and the perception of mental diversity, vulnerability and disorders. We welcome submissions that may focus on new stratification approaches taking into account genetic susceptibility and pathogenesis in neurodevelopmental disorders. We strongly encourage original research submissions but reviews, perspectives, case reports and hypothesis and theory articles are also welcomed. Authors are encouraged to address one or more of the following subtopics:

• Genetics and epigenetics involved in the development of neurodevelopmental diversity and disorders, especially how they suggest an alternative to current nosography
• Evidence from translational research linking molecular mechanisms, cognitive and psychological processes as well as social dynamics affecting neurodevelopment to mental health
• Theoretical models of the dynamics involved in the development of neurodiversity and mental illness, especially the interaction between neurobiological susceptibility, compensating mechanisms, and stress-related releasing mechanisms
• The consequences of clinical and neuroscientific evidence on diagnostic and therapeutic practices

Keywords: Autism, Transdiagnostic, Neurodevelopmental, Diagnostic, Cognitive, Schizophrenia

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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