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Review

Environmental Enrichment as a Possible Adjunct Therapy in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Insights from Animal and Human Studies on the Implications of Glial Cells

by
Enrique Hernández-Arteaga
*,
Josué Antonio Camacho-Candia
,
Roxana Pluma-Romo
,
María Isabel Solís-Meza
,
Myriam Nayeli Villafuerte-Vega
and
Francisco Aguilar-Guevara
Facultad de Ciencias para el Desarrollo Humano, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala de Xicohténcatl 90000, Tlaxcala, Mexico
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Neuroglia 2025, 6(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/neuroglia6020018
Submission received: 16 February 2025 / Revised: 1 April 2025 / Accepted: 23 April 2025 / Published: 25 April 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition influenced by genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors, leading to cognitive, emotional, and social impairments. Due to the heterogeneity of ASD, conventional therapies often have limited effectiveness, highlighting the need for complementary interventions. Enriched environments (EEs), characterized by enhanced sensory, cognitive, and motor stimulation, have shown promise in alleviating ASD symptoms. This review examines the role of glial cells in mediating the effects of EE. Methods: A literature review was conducted, analyzing studies on EE interventions in animal models and humans, with a focus on glial involvement in neuroplasticity and synaptic remodeling. Results: Evidence from animal models suggests that EE induces significant glial modifications, including increased synaptogenesis and enhanced neuronal connectivity. Studies in rodent models of ASD have demonstrated that EE reduces stereotypical behaviors, improves social interactions, and enhances cognitive function, effects that are closely associated with astrocyte and microglia activity. Similarly, human studies indicate that EE interventions lead to reduced autism symptom severity and improved cognitive outcomes, further supporting the hypothesis that glial cells play a central role in mediating the beneficial effects of EE. Conclusions: This review highlights the potential of EE as a modulator of the brain’s microenvironment, emphasizing the critical role of glial processes in ASD intervention. These findings suggest that future therapeutic strategies for ASD should integrate approaches that specifically target a glial function to optimize intervention outcomes. However, further research is needed to optimize EE protocols and address ASD heterogeneity.
Keywords: enriched environments; autism spectrum disorder; neuroplasticity; glial cells; intervention enriched environments; autism spectrum disorder; neuroplasticity; glial cells; intervention

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MDPI and ACS Style

Hernández-Arteaga, E.; Camacho-Candia, J.A.; Pluma-Romo, R.; Solís-Meza, M.I.; Villafuerte-Vega, M.N.; Aguilar-Guevara, F. Environmental Enrichment as a Possible Adjunct Therapy in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Insights from Animal and Human Studies on the Implications of Glial Cells. Neuroglia 2025, 6, 18. https://doi.org/10.3390/neuroglia6020018

AMA Style

Hernández-Arteaga E, Camacho-Candia JA, Pluma-Romo R, Solís-Meza MI, Villafuerte-Vega MN, Aguilar-Guevara F. Environmental Enrichment as a Possible Adjunct Therapy in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Insights from Animal and Human Studies on the Implications of Glial Cells. Neuroglia. 2025; 6(2):18. https://doi.org/10.3390/neuroglia6020018

Chicago/Turabian Style

Hernández-Arteaga, Enrique, Josué Antonio Camacho-Candia, Roxana Pluma-Romo, María Isabel Solís-Meza, Myriam Nayeli Villafuerte-Vega, and Francisco Aguilar-Guevara. 2025. "Environmental Enrichment as a Possible Adjunct Therapy in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Insights from Animal and Human Studies on the Implications of Glial Cells" Neuroglia 6, no. 2: 18. https://doi.org/10.3390/neuroglia6020018

APA Style

Hernández-Arteaga, E., Camacho-Candia, J. A., Pluma-Romo, R., Solís-Meza, M. I., Villafuerte-Vega, M. N., & Aguilar-Guevara, F. (2025). Environmental Enrichment as a Possible Adjunct Therapy in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Insights from Animal and Human Studies on the Implications of Glial Cells. Neuroglia, 6(2), 18. https://doi.org/10.3390/neuroglia6020018

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