1. Al-Dwaikat TN, RA AL, Khatatbeh H, Alqarawi N, Alothaim SS, Ali AM, Alasqah I. Parental Knowledge, Acceptability, and Involvement in Applied Behavior Analysis for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study. Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2026; 19: 576856.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate parental knowledge, acceptability, and involvement in the use of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Jordan. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 157 parents of children with ASD who had been exposed to ABA. Data were collected using self-administered paper-based and online questionnaires, which included demographic characteristics and instruments measuring parental knowledge, involvement, and treatment acceptability. RESULTS: The majority of participants were mothers (73.5%). A significant proportion of participants’ children exhibited problematic behaviors, with aggression being the most common issue (34.3%). Parental acceptability of ABA was generally high, with 96.4% reporting moderate to high acceptance. The study also found a positive correlation between ABA knowledge, acceptability, and parental involvement in ABA programs. CONCLUSION: Enhancing parents’ knowledge of autism and ABA is crucial for effective treatment. To increase parental acceptance and involvement in their child’s ABA, practitioners should implement educational programs that provide parents with a deeper understanding of ABA principles and their practical benefits.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

2. Brenugat L, Mendy M, Maitre A, Danset C, Attali D, Rigaut B, Prost Z, Vinckier F, Gaillard R, Todd A, Launay C, Péchaud L, Jabeur M, Morvan Y, Amado I, Moualla M. Personalized approach to cognitive remediation for people with schizophrenia and autism. Psychiatry Res. 2026; 359: 117054.

OBJECTIVE: People with schizophrenia (PSCZ) and autism spectrum disorders (PASD) suffer from cognitive impairment. Cognitive remediation (CR) interventions aim to enhance cognition, but the approach is often not customized to meet the participants’ needs. The Neuropsychological Educational Approach to Remediation – Medalia 2002 (NEAR)- enhances intrinsic motivation. Here participants are choosing cognitive goals according to their cognitive profile, and their training is adjusted accordingly. The aims of this study were 1. To demonstrate patient progress with NEAR for schizophrenia and autism 2. To see if adapted cognitive objectives before the NEAR program, with selected cognitive functions, improved specific clinical, functional and neuropsychological outcomes. METHODS: Fifty-one PSCZ and 17 PASD performed 30-biweekly-group-sessions with selected goals and pre/post program assessments for symptomatology, autonomy, self-esteem, quality-of-life, apathy, attention, working and verbal memory, and inhibition. RESULTS: PSCZ improved overall, but PASD only improved for self-esteem, attention, and long-term recall. Within the Total Group (PTG), comparing Trained (T) and Non-trained (NT) showed increased performance: for « speed », in executive and verbal learning; for « attention », in attention, verbal learning and executive functions; for « working memory », in Digit span backward, verbal learning and executive functions; for « verbal learning », in verbal recall, attention and executive functions; for « executive », in attention, verbal learning, executive performances. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: Participants with schizophrenia progressed after NEAR in clinical, functional and cognitive aspects, as well as self-esteem, attention and verbal memory dimensions in autism. The good matches between goals and observed change can optimize adherence and satisfaction to this therapy.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

3. Day M, Scargill K, Poole D, Kellar I, Young TA, Bölte S, Clarke S, Lodge KM, Woods A, Freeth M. Feasibility of the ICF CoreSets for Autism Strengths and Needs Assessment in NHS diagnostic services in England: protocol for a randomised pilot trial. BMJ Open. 2026; 16(3): e103303.

INTRODUCTION: There are approximately 700 000 autistic people in the UK, and autism is increasingly being diagnosed in adulthood. Diagnosis on its own does not provide adequate information to plan post-diagnostic support for autistic people, and clinicians often plan support without the use of validated standardised tools which may exacerbate inequities in care. This study will evaluate a novel strengths and needs assessment, based on the WHO’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health CoreSet for Autism, for use in adult diagnostic services immediately on receipt of an autism diagnosis. Potential issues, including the length of the assessment, timing of delivery and selection bias, will be explored as part of the trial process evaluation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A two-arm, multisite, randomised pilot trial design will be used to evaluate the ICF CoreSets for Autism Strengths and Needs Assessment in three diagnostic services in England. A total of 72 newly diagnosed autistic adults will be recruited across the three sites over a 6-month period and randomised into an assessment group (strengths and needs assessment plus standard care) and a treatment as usual group (standard care only). The assessment group will receive a summary report of their strengths and needs on completion of the assessment. Both groups will complete measures of mental health and quality of life at baseline and 3 months follow-up (Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalised Anxiety Disorder questionnaire-7, Recovering Quality of Life questionnaire-10, EuroQoL-5D). Acceptability and feasibility will be measured for the strengths and needs assessment and for trial procedures using standardised measures, progression criteria and qualitative data from clinician focus groups and interviews with a subsample of autistic participants. The study design and procedures are being co-produced with an autistic advisor/patient and public involvement lead and with a steering group of autistic adults. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study was reviewed by the East Midlands-Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee and was given Health Research Authority approval on 18 March 2025 (REC reference:25/EM/0041). The results will be disseminated via reports to the funder (NIHR), a peer-reviewed journal paper and academic conferences. We will email a summary report of findings to study participants and will invite participants to an information dissemination event at the end of the study. Links to reports and a lay summary will be provided on the research group’s website: https://sharl.sites.sheffield.ac.uk/home TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN10283350.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

4. Ederer JE, Lampinen LA, Vo LTV, Bal VH. Correspondence Between the Brief Observation of Symptoms of Autism (BOSA) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2) in Adolescents and Adults. J Autism Dev Disord. 2026.

PURPOSE: Research has indicated an increase of adults being referred for first-time autism assessment though there are limited tools designed to assess autism in adulthood. Concerns have arisen regarding higher rates of camouflaging in adulthood-diagnosed adults and how this may restrict clinicians’ ability to observe all autistic traits during assessments with an unfamiliar person. The Brief Observation of Symptoms of Autism (BOSA), derived from the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2), was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The BOSA focuses on a 12- to 14-minute interaction with a familiar other and has shown promise as an adapted tool. Due to the short duration and limited materials, the BOSA may be useful as a supplemental measure for first-time diagnosis of adolescents or adults, or as a brief method to characterize research participants. METHODS: The study sought to explore the utility of the BOSA and its correspondence to the ADOS-2 with a sample of forty-two adolescents and adults who completed the ADOS-2 and BOSA within the same visit at an autism lab within a university in New Jersey. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity of the ADOS-2 Modules 3 and 4 and BOSA F2 were comparable. The instruments yielded highly similar classifications and item scores. Differences in some item scores highlight limitations of very brief observations and suggest potential areas for refinement of the BOSA. CONCLUSION: The BOSA may provide an additional context in which to consider diagnostic features when assessing adolescents and adults and offers a feasible option for sample characterization in research.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

5. Hudock RL, Gunlicks-Stoessel M, Zhang J, Zhou H, Congreve A, Williams S, Petricek C, Goldberg E, Austin JD, Hokland AJ, Khan L, Weiler LM. A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of the Autism Mentorship Program. J Autism Dev Disord. 2026.

PURPOSE: While mentoring programs have many positive social-emotional outcomes for youth, the benefits of mentoring are not yet well understood for autistic youth, a population that frequently seeks social and mental health supports. The current pilot randomized clinical trial study aims to examine (1) the acceptability of the Autism Mentorship Program (AMP) and (2) the preliminary effectiveness of AMP in improving mentees’ well-being and reducing symptoms of mental health problems. METHODS: Participants included 24 autistic youth, 24 caregivers of autistic youth, and 12 autistic adults. Youth (ages 14-18) were randomized to AMP or services-as-usual (SAU), with 13 randomized into AMP. AMP included 23 weekly online mentoring sessions during which autistic mentors and autistic adolescents met in 1-to-1 meetings and discussed topics related to social-emotional learning or shared interests or engaged in an activity of their choosing. Youth, caregivers and autistic mentors completed pre- and post-program assessments related to satisfaction, mental health, and psychosocial outcomes. Analyses focused on descriptive trends and effect sizes due to limited power. RESULTS: Participants in AMP reported high program satisfaction and strong mentoring relationships. Compared to youth in SAU, AMP youth showed improvements in self-esteem, satisfaction with self, perceived social support, and engagement, with small to moderate effect sizes. Mentees also reported trends toward reduced anxiety and depression. CONCLUSION: AMP is a feasible, acceptable, and potentially effective identity-affirming program for autistic adolescents. Findings support further evaluation in larger trials to establish its utility as a scalable, community-based mental health support within autistic communities.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

6. Pérez-Bermejo M, Murillo-Llorente MT, Tudela J. Is There a Link Between Paracetamol and Autism? A Response to « Evaluation of the Evidence on Acetaminophen Use and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Using the Navigation Guide Methodology ». Linacre Q. 2026: 00243639261424843.

This commentary presents a critical appraisal and counterargument of a recent published work, which applies the Navigation Guide methodology to review the relationship between prenatal acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). The authors conclude that there is sufficient evidence to recommend taking immediate precautionary measures and limiting the use of acetaminophen among pregnant women. However, this conclusion exceeds the strength of the available evidence. In this commentary, we highlight important methodological limitations and inconsistencies between studies and address the risk of generating unjustified social alarm. Messages suggesting causality could lead pregnant women, especially those with limited access to reliable medical information, to stop taking a drug that is considered safe without having clear alternatives. We emphasize the importance of interpreting observational evidence cautiously and avoiding hasty extrapolations to clinical practice.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

7. Qaraqe M, Varghese EB, Qadir I, Al-Thani D, Baroudi CT. Joint attention in autism: A narrative review of assessment techniques from behavioral observation to artificial intelligence. Behav Res Methods. 2026; 58(3).

Joint attention (JA), the shared focus between two individuals on an object or event, plays a pivotal role in social communication, cognitive development, and language acquisition during early childhood. However, JA is frequently impaired in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), highlighting the need for precise assessment to support early diagnosis and intervention. This narrative review explores the evolution of JA assessment methods, tracing the shift from human-mediated techniques to technology-driven approaches, including artificial intelligence (AI). The study analyzes research indexed in major bibliographic databases between 2002 and 2024, categorizing findings into human-mediated and technology-assisted methods. Key aspects such as target populations, data collection processes, and validation strategies are examined. By highlighting the strengths and limitations of existing approaches, the review identifies future research directions that can advance JA assessment and inform early intervention strategies, ultimately benefiting children with ASD and their families.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

8. Schneebeli M, Krinitski D, Staib M, Seeger-Schneider G, Pauli D, Gundelfinger R, Walitza S, Jenny B. Evaluation of the Zurich social competence training for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (KOMPASS). J Psychiatr Res. 2026; 197: 107-17.

PURPOSE: Increased social demands during adolescence and early adulthood pose specific challenges for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) without accompanying intellectual impairment. Targeted group-based social competence trainings are effective interventions. This work evaluates the Zurich social competence training (KOMPASS), a manualized program for adolescents and young adults (12-25 years) with ASD. METHODS: In this quasi-experimental longitudinal study with a naturalistic waiting period and follow-up, we assessed participants of the KOMPASS intervention (N = 108) at our clinic through parent-, teacher- and self-reports along with a computerized task. A subset of participants (N = 65) was additionally assessed during a waiting period prior to intervention, allowing within-subject comparison of change before and during treatment. One-year follow-up data for the KOMPASS intervention group were collected (N = 62). Furthermore, we analyzed pre- and post-data from 35 individuals who completed KOMPASS at external clinics using the KOMPASS- manual without prior introduction to the method. Critically, we used Bayesian statistics to show evidence for stability of effects and comparable outcomes across settings. RESULTS: Compared to the waitlist period, the KOMPASS training period showed a significant decrease in social and behavioral difficulties associated with ASD and improvements in social competences, which were sustained one year after training. General psychiatric symptoms also improved post-intervention in the KOMPASS training period. Participants from external clinics demonstrated similar significant improvements, affirming the manual’s effectiveness in external settings. No significant gender or age moderation effects were observed for the primary outcomes. Participants and caregivers expressed satisfaction with the training. CONCLUSION: KOMPASS demonstrates significant effects in improving social functioning and reducing ASD-related difficulties in adolescents and young adults. The study benefits from a large sample, a naturalistic waiting-period comparison, a one-year follow-up, multi-informant assessment, and external validation. Limitations include the quasi-experimental design, the lack of formal fidelity monitoring, and reliance on some older assessment measures.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

9. Soriano V, Ramos JM, Gallego L, Mestre-Bach G, González-Fraile E, López-Ibor MI, Chiclana-Actis C, Faraco M, Pinargote H, Corpas M, Corral O, Blasco-Fontecilla H. Hospitalizations in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder are rising in Spain. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health. 2026.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a leading mental condition among adolescents globally and is associated with premature mortality. The analysis of hospitalization rates and trends in youth with ASD could be important for guiding earlier diagnosis and prompt interventions. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all hospitalizations in children and adolescents aged 11-18 years with ASD in Spain. The Spanish National Registry of Hospital Discharges was examined, spanning 2000 to 2021. RESULTS: During the 22-year study period, there were 2,015,589 hospitalizations among adolescents in Spain, of which 118,609 (5.9%) involved mental disorders. ASD was reported in 6,659 admissions, representing 5.6% of hospitalizations among youth with mental health disorders. Boys comprise 74.4%. Median age was 14 years old. Admissions with ASD experienced a 74-fold increase during the study period (p < 0.001). The in-hospital mortality rate for youth with ASD was 0.33%. Adolescents with ASD, as compared to those with other psychiatric conditions, had a higher rate of comorbid mental health disorders. However, intellectual disability was more frequent in youth with ASD than in the rest. Admissions of adolescents with ASD slightly declined during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed their rising trend thereafter. CONCLUSION: Hospitalizations in adolescents with ASD have significantly increased in Spain during the last two decades. Boys represent nearly three-quarters of admissions.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

10. Tapia PJ, Rivera BI, Espinoza CS, Stolzenbach F, Yáñez MJ, Kerr B. Dysregulated Cholesterol Clearance via CYP46A1 Contributes to Cerebellar Sterol Imbalance in Mecp2-Null Mice. Int J Mol Sci. 2026; 27(5).

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor deficits, partly attributed to cerebellar dysfunction. RTT is primarily caused by mutations in the gene encoding the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2), which has been implicated in cholesterol homeostasis by mechanisms that remain poorly understood. Given that brain cholesterol is primarily synthesized de novo and that disrupted cholesterol homeostasis is linked to various neurological disorders, we aimed to investigate cholesterol regulation in the cerebellum of Mecp2-null mice, a well-established RTT model. We measured total cholesterol levels in cerebellar tissue and cerebellar synaptosomes and assessed the expression of genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis and intracellular transport. Our results show significantly elevated total cholesterol in both cerebellar tissue and synaptosomes. Furthermore, we identified a marked reduction in CYP46A1 expression, which is essential for the elimination of encephalon sterols. In contrast, key cholesterol biosynthetic regulators (Srebp2, Hmgcs1, Sqle) showed no significant changes in expression, suggesting an impaired cerebellar cholesterol turnover-driven by defective clearance-rather than enhanced synthesis may underlie the metabolic imbalance observed in the cerebellum of the RTT mouse model. Altogether, these findings provide a mechanistic insight into how MeCP2 deficiency disrupts cerebellar cholesterol homeostasis and highlight cholesterol clearance pathways as potential contributors to RTT pathology and a factor to consider for further RTT therapeutic approaches.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

11. Tasu C, Oppetit A, Galbert C, Ouaki S, Zammouri I, Gazzano O, Mourao J, Mignot C, Cohen D, Benarous X. Major clinical improvement in a boy with developmental disabilities and a PTPN4 mutation with intensive re-education and an enriched environment in a day care hospital: a case report. J Med Case Rep. 2026.

BACKGROUND: Protein tyrosine phosphatase, non-receptor type 4 (PTPN4) is a gene involved in glutamate downstream signaling contributing to cerebral maturation. Loss-of-function of this gene has been reported in patients showing various neurodevelopmental disorders, although the PTPN4 gene is not clearly considered a disease-causing gene in the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man catalogue. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we report the case of a 7-year-old white boy with a homogeneous, heterozygous, 170 kb chromosomal deletion encompassing several exons of the PTPN4 gene. The mutation was transmitted by his father, who had an undiagnosed communication disorder. The patient was referred to a day care unit for complex neurodevelopmental disorders and a suspicion of autism spectrum disorder. He had a severe communication disorder associated with sensory integration issues, anxiety, and elimination disorder. During his 4 years in the day care hospital, he received educational, creative, and academic group activities and specific re-education. Group activities help generalize the newly acquired developmental skills by providing social reinforcers and opportunities for positive peer interactions. In turn, achieving social activities positively influences the patient’s self-esteem, emotional insight, and motivation to make new progress. CONCLUSION: Despite a severe communication disorder associated with sensory integration issues, anxiety, and elimination disorder, a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder was ruled out, and remarkable progress was observed, which allowed our patient to attend same-age mainstream schools with personalized support at discharge. This case illustrates the effect of dimensional interventions to limit developmental impairments in a context of PTPN4 mutation and the benefit of providing an enriched environment in combination with individual re-education to improve developmental outcomes.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

12. Totten J, Kaur N, Sivanenthiran N, Khan TR. A Call for More Inclusive, Patient-Centered Nomenclature for Antipsychotics in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Child Neurol. 2026: 8830738261422914.

Risperidone and aripiprazole are US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved to treat irritability and aggression in autism spectrum disorder. This is a time to reflect on whether the terminology of these medications is respectful to this patient population. Misleading terminology can give rise to uncertainty and delay in treatment. Based on past examples of evolving medication nomenclature, we advocate for a change in the language used to describe these medications to improve clarity surrounding treatment and support inclusive and positive care experiences.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

13. van der Linden JS, Hiralal KR, Bracké KFM, Steegers CPM, White T, Dieleman GC. Understanding the Association Between Autistic Traits, Anorexia Nervosa Symptomatology and Weight Recovery in Female Adolescents: A Longitudinal Analysis. Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2026.

INTRODUCTION: Anorexia nervosa (AN) and autism are distinct conditions, yet individuals with AN often exhibit elevated autistic traits. These traits are linked to complex clinical presentations, but their impact on AN remains unclear. This longitudinal study investigates associations between autistic traits, AN symptoms, and weight recovery in adolescents with first-onset AN. METHODS: The study compared 66 females with first-onset AN and 64 typically developing (TD) controls. Autistic traits, AN symptoms, and weight recovery were assessed using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), Eating Disorder Examination (EDE),and standardized deviation score for weight-for-height (SDS weight-for-height). Measurements at baseline and 1 year later were analyzed using linear regression models. RESULTS: Adolescents with AN exhibited higher baseline autistic traits than TD controls. Over 1 year, AN symptoms and SDS weight-for-height improved significantly in the AN group, while autistic traits remained stable. No significant associations were found between baseline autistic traits and clinical outcomes or between changes in autistic traits, AN symptoms, and SDS weight-for-height. DISCUSSION: The stability of autistic traits despite improvements in AN symptoms and weight suggests these traits may not influence the initial trajectory of first-onset AN in adolescence. Further longitudinal research is needed to explore their long-term impact on AN progression.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

14. Willbrand EH, Martinez E, Ludwig JJ, Maboudian SA, Weiner KS. Anterior cingulate folding pattern is altered in autism spectrum disorder. Cereb Cortex. 2026; 36(3).

Neuroimaging research has identified focal differences in the cerebral cortex of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), particularly in the folds (sulci) within higher-level association cortices. This study examined sulcal patterning and morphology of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in individuals with ASD compared to neurotypical (NT) individuals. We used neuroimaging data from 100 NT and 100 ASD male participants (ages 5 to 18), split into equal discovery and replication samples. Using established criteria, we manually identified the variably present paracingulate sulcus (PCGS), a defining sulcal feature of ACC, in each participant. Quantitative morphological features (length, depth, and cortical thickness mean and standard deviation) were extracted from the PCGS using FreeSurfer. Analyses revealed that, in both samples, NT participants were more likely to have asymmetrical PCGS patterns than ASD participants (controlling for age, IQ, and scanner site). No quantitative morphological features differed between groups. These findings suggest the presence of a variation in the prenatal neurodevelopment of ACC in young males with ASD; however, further research is necessary to uncover the role of this observed difference in the pathogenesis of ASD. The present study also adds to the growing literature implicating variations in PCGS patterning as a trait marker across multiple disorders.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)