Substance use, misuse, and addictions within the autism community have emerged as critical areas of concern, with recent studies indicating that autistic individuals are at a higher risk for substance use-related problems compared to the general population. This increased vulnerability is often linked to elevated rates of trauma and social coping mechanisms, such as camouflaging or masking.
Despite these findings, prevailing stereotypes and misconceptions persist, portraying autistic individuals as too naïve or child-like to engage in substance use, or suggesting they have inherent aversions to substance-related sensations. These misconceptions, coupled with outdated and inadequate assessments that predominantly focus on autistic individuals requiring significant assistance, have hindered the development of effective treatment options. Current literature on the intersection of autism and substance use remains largely descriptive, lacking in-depth exploration of the impact of the opioid epidemic on the autism community and the identification of effective treatment approaches. Addressing these gaps is crucial, particularly given the heightened risk of behavioral addiction and substance use-related issues faced by autistic individuals.

This Research Topic aims to deepen our understanding of substance use-related problems and addiction treatment preferences among autistic individuals. It seeks to explore the potential mechanisms that contribute to the increased risk of substance use, misuse, and addiction disorders within the autism spectrum leading to pathological addiction, including internet addiction, exercise addiction, compulsive behaviors, and sexual compulsivity pathological behaviors. By incorporating insights from the autism community, the research will strive to identify effective treatment approaches, while also examining the broader implications of substance use within this population.

To gather further insights into the complex interplay between autism and substance use, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Potential underlying biological mechanisms, including dopaminergic dysregulation and synaptic alterations
• Potentially involved genes
• Related behaviors, such as repetitive or restricted behaviors and compulsive behaviors
• Commonly co-occurring mental health concerns and complicating factors, such as anxiety, depression, impulsivity, ADHD, stress, social or sensory challenges, bullying or trauma, and related self-medication
• Association between adverse childhood experiences, masking, and substance use in autistic people
• Behavioral addictions, such as those concerning internet use, exercise, compulsive shopping, sex, eating, gambling, and gaming
• Autistic perspectives on substance use, prescription drug misuse, and desired supports

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Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience

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