1. Bjørklund G, Watts D. Hair zinc and copper across childhood and adolescence in autism spectrum disorder: age-, sex-, and interelement relationships in a large cohort. Acta Neurol Belg;2026 (Nov 2)

Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are biologically interconnected essential metals, but joint hair concentration patterns across childhood and adolescence remain incompletely characterized in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A retrospective analysis examined 2,151 customer-submitted hair specimens with recorded ASD designations (1,808 boys, 343 girls). Five records coded age zero were treated as age unknown; age-adjusted models used the remaining 2,146 records aged 1-18 years. Some repeat submissions were included. Unwashed hair was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after microwave-assisted acid digestion. Nonlinear age associations and sex differences were assessed using restricted cubic splines; Zn-Cu covariation was evaluated on the natural-log scale. Median hair Zn and Cu were 140 and 15 µg/g. Both varied nonlinearly with age (P < 0.001). Specimens from girls had 22.0% higher age-adjusted Cu (95% CI 9.9-35.3%) and 17.0% lower Zn/Cu (95% CI - 25.1 to - 8.1%), without an established Zn difference. Ln(Zn) and ln(Cu) were modestly correlated (r = 0.257; age- and sex-adjusted partial r = 0.205). Exploratory age modification was observed (BH-adjusted P = 0.0019), but weakened after upper-tail exclusion (P = 0.0515). Findings are descriptive and do not establish ASD-specific abnormalities or systemic metal status. Unverified diagnoses and nonindependent repeat submissions limit inference.

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2. De-Nardin EMS, Silva Santos RM, Coelho Martins T, Mattos Viana B, Romano-Silva MA, de Miranda DM. A Systematic Review of Qualitative Research Upon the Perceptions of Parents and Caregivers of Children with Autism About Health, School, and Community Support Networks. Evid Based Pract Child Adolesc Ment Health;2026;11(4):674-691.

Background: Family members and caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) report challenges and barriers in accessing support networks, which are associated with detrimental impacts on clinical, social, and quality-of-life outcomes.Objective: To explore how parents and caregivers of children with ASD, experience the support network provided by health and education services and the community.Method: This is a systematic review of the qualitative research about health, school and community support networks for parents and caregivers of children with ASD using a thematic synthesis of the studies. We searched the terms in the PubMed, EMBASE, ERIC and APA PsychNet databases for qualitative studies (interviews, focus groups and questionnaires with open questions) and produced a thematic synthesis by codes and themes based on the selected qualitative studies.Results: The synthesis resulted in 24 selected articles. Three themes emerged: health support networks (search for diagnosis, emotional support, post-diagnosis, financial and family impacts, access to specialized services); school support networks (inclusive school, training, emotional support); and community support networks (stigma and social exclusion, judgments, and emotional support). Parents and caregivers of children with ASD perceive difficulties in their trajectories with the various support networks.Conclusions: The limited emotional support received by parents was a common perception in health, school and community networks. Socioeconomic, demographic, ethnic and cultural characteristics seem to influence differently the perceptions on support networks.

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3. Gauthier DW, Hong E, James N, Killiam C, Auerbach BD. Impaired formation and updating of internal predictive models in a rat model of fragile X syndrome. Neurobiol Dis;2026 (Nov 2):107672.

Predictive coding frameworks propose that perception emerges from a continuous comparison of incoming sensory signals with internally generated predictions, with mismatches between the two computed as prediction errors. Disruptions to the balance between these top-down predictions and bottom-up sensory signals are theorized to contribute to sensory abnormalities in neuropsychiatric conditions like autism spectrum disorders. However, disambiguating bottom-up from top-down contributions to sensory processing remains a difficult challenge, particularly in animal models. Here we develop a probabilistic oddball detection task in which rats must track local statistics within a trial to detect a deviant stimulus, as well as global statistics across trials to anticipate when a deviant will occur. This design enables formation of experimentally specified internal models of deviant expectation that can be quantitatively derived from behavior and manipulated independently of local stimulus statistics. We used this task to characterize sensory predictive behavior in a Fmr1 KO rat model of Fragile X Syndrome, the most common monogenic cause of autism. Male Fmr1 KO rats detected deviant stimuli at wildtype levels but exhibited reduced anticipation of deviant occurrence based on cross-trial statistics and failed to adapt their behavior when these statistics changed. Computational modeling revealed that these behavioral deficits reflected an overweighting of immediate sensory evidence and temporal response pressure at the expense of learned predictive expectations, consistent with imprecise internal models skewed towards sensory immediacy. These findings provide evidence for disrupted predictive processing in Fragile X Syndrome, consistent with active inference accounts of autism, and highlight the utility of this probabilistic oddball task design for interrogating predictive coding and perceptual impairments in neuropsychiatric conditions.

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4. Gulzar M, Numan N, Hassan AT, Sohail M, Mafe AN, Büsselberg D. IGF signaling in autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders: Biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Neurosci Biobehav Rev;2026 (Nov 2);192:107070.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including both idiopathic and syndromic forms, is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social communication, restricted and repetitive behaviors, and diverse molecular etiologies. Increasing evidence implicates dysregulation of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling in ASD and related neurodevelopmental disorders, including Rett syndrome, Angelman syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Phelan-McDermid syndrome, and schizophrenia. However, the diagnostic and therapeutic significance of IGF1 and IGF2 across these disorders remains incompletely understood. This review synthesizes recent evidence on the roles of IGF1 and IGF2 as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in syndromic and idiopathic ASD and related neurodevelopmental disorders. Preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that dysregulated IGF signaling contributes to disease pathogenesis by altering the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways, which regulate neuronal survival, neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. IGF1 exhibits the strongest clinical evidence, particularly in Rett syndrome and Phelan-McDermid syndrome, whereas IGF2 shows promising therapeutic potential for improving learning, memory, and synaptic function in Angelman syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and schizophrenia. Metformin studies also demonstrate effects on metabolic and behavioral outcomes through pathways overlapping with IGF signaling, although direct IGF1 or IGF2 mediation remains unestablished. Clinical translation remains limited by small study populations, methodological heterogeneity, inconsistent biomarker findings, and insufficient long-term safety data. This review highlights IGF signaling disorders and emphasizes its potential for biomarker development, targeted therapeutics, and precision medicine. Future multicenter clinical trials integrating multi-omics technologies, artificial intelligence, and standardized biomarker validation will be essential to translate IGF-based interventions into clinical practice.

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5. He Y, Huang C, Man S, Wang Y, Lai J, Jiang L. Region-Adapted Multi-Nutrient Supplementation in Chinese Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A 12-Week Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo);2026;72(5):406-414.

Nutritional supplementation has produced inconsistent effects on autistic symptoms, and the evidence base is largely derived from Western populations. This study evaluated the preliminary efficacy and tolerability of a region-adapted multinutrient intervention in Chinese children with autism spectrum disorder. In this 12-wk pilot, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 50 children were assigned to receive either the intervention or a placebo. The primary endpoint was the change in the Autism Behavior Checklist total score. Secondary outcomes included developmental functioning assessed using the Psychoeducational Profile, Third Edition; gastrointestinal symptoms assessed using the Gastrointestinal Severity Index; and sleep assessed with the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire. Between-group differences were analysed using baseline-adjusted models. All participants completed follow-up, and no serious adverse events were reported. The change in the Autism Behavior Checklist total score did not differ between groups (p=0.44). Receptive language on the Psychoeducational Profile, Third Edition improved more in the intervention group (difference in change=2.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-4.57; p=0.03). Other subscales showed mixed findings, including problem behaviour favouring control. Regarding tolerability, while abdominal pain improved in the intervention group (p=0.01), reports of night waking (p=0.01) and looser stools (p=0.05) increased. The prespecified primary endpoint was not met. Exploratory findings suggested a signal in receptive language, alongside tolerability trade-offs. These results require confirmation in adequately powered trials with refined endpoint selection and structured safety monitoring.

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6. Laubach JP, Zeeb D, Weber S, Becker K, Seipelt P. Severe neuropsychiatric manifestations in a 17-year-old male with a 20p13 interstitial deletion encompassing CSNK2A1: a case report. J Med Case Rep;2026 (Nov 2);20(1)

BACKGROUND: Microdeletions of 20p13 involving CSNK2A1 have rarely been reported and may be associated with an Okur-Chung neurodevelopmental syndrome compatible phenotype. Okur-Chung neurodevelopmental syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental syndrome (OCNDS) caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants in CSNK2A1 and is characterized by a broad spectrum of symptoms including developmental delays and intellectual disability. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report describes a 17-year-old male with de novo interstitial 419 kb 20p13 microdeletion involving the CSNK2A1 gene, which may represent a potential contributor to an OCNDS-compatible phenotype. In addition to rarely reported features such as intrauterine growth restriction or vesicoureteral reflux, there are pronounced psychiatric abnormalities, including a severe depressive episode with psychotic symptoms that has not previously been described in connection with Okur-Chung neurodevelopmental syndrome. CONCLUSION: Assuming that the CSNK2A1 deletion represents the potential contributor to the OCNDS-compatible phenotype, this case may expand the phenotypic spectrum of OCNDS and highlights the need for a better understanding of the underlying genetic mechanisms and their contribution to the clinical phenotype.

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7. Rozenblat S, Lapidot R, Zachor DA, Avni E, Zait AZ, Koller J. Restricted and Repetitive Behavior Subtypes Show Distinct Associations with Adaptive Functioning in Autistic Children. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev;2026 (Nov 2)

Restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are a core feature of autism spectrum disorder, yet their distinct impacts on adaptive functioning remain unclear. Adaptive functioning, including communication, socialization, and daily living skills, is critical for quality of life in autistic children. Here we performed exploratory factor analysis of the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised in 167 autistic children aged 3-12 years, identifying three RRB subtypes: sameness/ritualistic/restricted behaviors, stereotypic/self-injurious behaviors, and compulsive behaviors. In primary models adjusting for age and sex, sameness/ritualistic/restricted behaviors predicted lower socialization, whereas stereotypic/self-injurious behaviors predicted lower communication and daily living skills. In a sensitivity analysis additionally adjusting for IQ, in the subset of children with available cognitive data, only sameness/ritualistic/restricted behaviors remained a significant predictor across all three domains. These findings suggest that not all RRB subtypes are equally associated with adaptive functioning, underscoring the need to differentiate RRBs when designing interventions. Understanding subtype-specific associations may guide strategies that address behaviors hindering adaptive outcomes while considering those with potential regulatory functions.

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8. Tan DW, den Houting J, Rabuka M, Winspear-Schillings H, Haar T, Pellicano E. A comprehensive mapping review of participatory autism research over a 22-year period. Res Involv Engagem;2026 (Nov 2);12(1)

BACKGROUND: Participatory research, which involves community members as partners rather than merely research subjects, has gained prominence in autism research. However, the extent and nature of participatory approaches across the field remain unclear. METHODS: We conducted a mapping review of autism research reporting community involvement, searching six databases. We coded who was involved, at what level, and in which research activities, and examined factors associated with participation. RESULTS: We identified 382 studies published between 2001 and 2023, with 95% published in the past decade. Two-thirds (67%) involved Autistic people, though one-third claiming to be « participatory » excluded them entirely. The most common participation level was consulting (31%), with community-led (5%) and community-controlled (1%) research remaining rare. Community involvement concentrated in study design (73%) rather than analysis (33%) or dissemination (29%). Participatory research was heavily concentrated in Western countries (USA, UK, Australia, Canada: 86%), applied research areas, and qualitative studies. Deeper participation was associated with identity-first language use and publication in journals with clear community-centered agendas. CONCLUSIONS: While participatory language is increasingly becoming the norm in autism research, genuine power-sharing between researchers and community members is still a rare occurrence. Most participatory research operates at consultative levels, with academic researchers retaining primary decision-making authority. Moving toward authentic participation requires systemic changes to funding structures, institutional policies, and epistemic hierarchies that determine whose knowledge counts. In this review, we looked at 382 autism studies published between 2001 and 2023 that claimed to involve the community (Autistic people, family members, etc.) as collaborators rather than participants providing data for the studies. We checked who was involved, how much say they had, and what parts of the research they helped with.What we found: Almost all this research (95%) has happened in just the last decade showing that participatory approaches are a recent trend. One in three studies calling themselves “participatory” didn’t actually include Autistic people at all. Most “involvement” was quite shallow. Researchers mainly consulted the community, rather than sharing real decision-making power. Studies that were genuinely community-led (5%) or community-controlled (1%) were rare. Community members were mostly brought in to help design the study (73%), but far less often involved in analysing results (33%) or sharing findings (29%) where influence is important. This kind of research is often found in wealthy Western countries (US, UK, Australia, Canada made up 86%), and tends to show up more in applied, qualitative studies than in other types. Deeper, more genuine involvement was more likely in studies that used identity-first language (e.g., “Autistic person”) and in journals with an explicit community-focused mission. Talking about “participatory research” has become common in autism research, but power sharing with the Autistic and autism communities is still rare. Researchers usually stay in control. To change this, we need bigger shifts in recognising whose knowledge and expertise gets valued and taken seriously. eng

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9. Williams N, Tuomainen H, Taylor J, Weiss J, Gray KM, Trower HL, Pandher P, Smith K, Crawford H. Psychological therapy for children and young people with a diagnosis of autism or intellectual disabilities in mainstream child and adolescent mental health services: a cross-sectional survey of clinicians’ perspectives in England. BMJ Open;2026 (Nov 2);16(11):e122190.

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10. Wu J, Huang R, Yu J, Shi J, Wang T, Zhang Y, Chen Y, Li J, Shui S, Meng J. Do autistic traits modulate the neural processing of logical rule violations in visual and auditory modalities?. Neuroimage;2026 (Nov 2):122327.

Similarities in cognitive processing have been reported between individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and non-clinical individuals with autistic traits. However, previous research on autistic traits has primarily focused on social-emotional domains, with limited attention to abstract logical reasoning. Given that sensitivity to rules and patterns is a notable characteristic of the autism spectrum, logical rule processing may be particularly informative for understanding cognitive differences associated with autistic traits. The present research aimed to investigate the behavioral and neural responses of students with autistic traits to logical and illogical number sequences through two event-related potential studies. Based on Autism Spectrum Quotient-10 (AQ-10) scores, participants were categorized into High-AQ and Low-AQ groups. In Study 1, both groups judged whether visually presented logical and illogical three number sequences followed a logical incremental rule. In Study 2, both groups performed the same task as in Study 1, except number sequences were presented in the auditory modality. No significant group difference was found in response to logical number sequences in either study. However, relative to the Low-AQ group, the High-AQ group exhibited larger P2 and P3 amplitudes and more negative emotional reactions to illogical number sequences in the visual modality (Study 1), and more positive N1 and LPP amplitudes, and higher arousal ratings to illogical number sequences in the auditory modality (Study 2). These findings suggest that students with autistic traits may exhibit altered neural responses and heightened emotional reactivity specifically to stimuli that violate logical rules in separate visual and auditory studies.

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