Pilot application of the BPSConnect model: bio-psycho-social correlation in children with ASD

ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility and preliminary clinical utility of the BPSConnect protocol as a comprehensive bio-psycho-social screening tool for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as to explore correlations across biological, psychological, and social dimensions. MethodsA cross-sectional pilot study was conducted at e-TherapyKids, Barcelona (November 2024-June 2025). Twenty-five children with ASD, aged 4 to 8 years, diagnosed using the ADOS-2, were included. The protocol integrated checklists by dimension (biological, psychological, social), validated scales (SRS-2, Vineland-3, SSP2/SP2, PSI-SF, FES), and an exploratory hair epigenetic analysis (Cell Wellbeing). Data were pseudonymized and analyzed descriptively. Correlations between alarm indices and psychometric outcomes were explored using Spearmans rho. ResultsFeasibility was high (completion rate >90%, mean administration time <60 minutes per dimension). Prevalence of alarm signals indicated frequent biological imbalances (64% vitamin D deficiency, 56% iron deficiency, 72% elevated exposure to electromagnetic fields), marked psychological difficulties (84% sensory processing, 68% social communication), and high social stressors (84% parental stress, 84% lack of school support). Exploratory correlations identified: vitamin D deficiency with socio-communicative impairment ({rho} = 0.41), iron deficiency with language difficulties ({rho} = 0.33) and attention/executive functions ({rho} = 0.33), and parental stress with poorer adaptive functioning ({rho} = -0.38) and behavioral dysfunction ({rho} = 0.35). ConclusionsThe BPSConnect protocol proved feasible and clinically relevant in a real-world setting, allowing integrated detection of functional patterns across biological, psychological, and social domains. Findings suggest plausible associations between nutritional deficiencies, family stress, and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Although causality cannot be inferred due to the pilot design and the non-quantitative nature of biomarkers, results provide essential operational parameters for the multicenter NeuroEpigenCare study, which will incorporate standardized biomarkers, psychometric validation, and longitudinal follow-up.