Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of early-onset neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by disturbances in the connectivity of the brain with cascading events in neuropsychological functions. The etiopathogenesis of ASD is still unclear. Nevertheless, a growing number of epidemiological reports and experimental trials have introduced a strong body of evidence about the presence of a strong association between oxidative stress and the development of ASD in the offspring.

The notion of the implication of oxidative stress in ASD pathogenesis has been derived from several lines of evidence comprising elevated nitric oxide concentration, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels, and xanthine oxidase activity in the red blood cells of autistic individuals. Consistent with these increased oxidative stress biomarkers in children with autism, a reduced endogenous antioxidant capacity, specifically the total reduced glutathione levels, altered glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities were found in autistic individuals compared to controls. Despite that, the mechanisms through which oxidative stress might lead to developing ASD remain unclear and not specific. In this era, in the framework of the high increase in the percentage of autistic children throughout the world, there is a growing interest in the probable potential therapeutic value of antioxidants in improving unusual behaviors, social communication, and self-regulation behaviors of children with ASD.

Understanding the mechanisms by which oxidative stress develops ASD as well as the molecular targets of antioxidants remains the primary focus of many researchers for better preventive and therapeutic intervention. The aim of this Special Issue is to collate original research with a focus on integrating the previous and current use of antioxidants in the management of ASD. Both original research and review articles discussing the current state of the art are welcomed.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• The pathways through which oxidative stress develops autistic features
• Animal models evaluating antioxidants as therapies for ASD
• Identification of novel natural antioxidant with beneficial biological activities in autistic models
• Implication of antioxidants in ASD prevention in pregnancy
• The molecular target for antioxidants in ASD
• Antioxidants interactions with epigenetic factors predisposing ASD
• Elucidation of the mechanism of phytochemicals as natural ASD therapies