Behavior, context, plasticity: Environmental enrichment as a framework for Autism and ADHD treatment

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are prevalent, often co-occurring neurodevelopmental conditions where symptom severity and daily functioning are influenced by environmental context. While pharmacological interventions and structured psychotherapies are the traditional pillars of care, there is an emerging emphasis on the role of "environmental enrichment" (EE). Originally rooted in basic neuroscience, EE refers to the systematic enhancement of a subject’s surroundings through social, cognitive, and sensorimotor stimulation. In clinical settings, this translates to modifying a child’s daily experience through structured novelty, physical activity, and purposeful sensory input. Understanding how these contextual modifications leverage experience-dependent plasticity is essential for developing holistic, non-pharmacological interventions that stabilize arousal, improve self-regulation, and facilitate skill acquisition in neurodivergent populations.The primary goal of this Research Topic is to bridge the gap between basic EE neuroscience and clinical applications for ASD and ADHD. While physical activity and contextual supports show consistent promise, evidence for broader enrichment programs in ASD remains heterogeneous due to variability in protocols and study quality. This collection aims to consolidate current evidence on the biological plausibility of enrichment, focusing on how it modulates stress regulation, sleep, and circadian rhythms. Furthermore, we seek to move toward a practical, individualized “enrichment prescription” framework. By exploring how specific domains and dosing intensities impact functional goals, this Research Topic intends to establish evidence-based guidelines for integrating enrichment as a synergistic adjunct to established care, with a specific focus on the complex needs of children presenting with comorbid ASD and ADHD profiles.We invite contributors to submit articles that explore the intersection of environmental context and neuroplasticity. We are particularly interested in submissions that investigate the sensory mechanisms underlying enrichment and those that offer data-driven insights into intervention efficacy.Specific themes of interest include:- Biological mechanisms of experience-dependent plasticity and arousal regulation in ASD and ADHD.- Clinical outcomes of home-based sensorimotor enrichment programs.- The impact of physical activity and cognitively engaging movement on executive function.- Classroom environmental optimization, reinforcement-based structure, and their effects on learning.- The role of nature and outdoor exposure in sensory processing and stress reduction.- Parent-mediated enriched play and its influence on social-learning trajectories.- Methodological advancements in measuring enrichment "dosage" and its functional impact on dual ASD+ADHD diagnoses Topic editors: Dario Rusciano, Jose Fernando Maya-Vetencourt Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79531/behavior-context-plasticity-environmental-enrichment-as-a-framework-for-autism-and-adhd-treatment