1. Baker JK, Fenning RM, Hess E, Thompson A, Lim A, Ha L, Sweet E, Khanna D. Development and testing of the Autism Brief Criticism Coding System for families of autistic youth. Res Autism;2026 (May);133

BACKGROUND: The study of parental criticism has informed understanding of family processes across populations. Historically, criticism has been measured as a component of the larger construct of parental expressed emotion. However, existing measurement systems are limited by complexity, cost, and potentially questionable reliability and validity for use with families of autistic children. METHOD: The current study describes the development and testing of a streamlined, freely accessible, and population-specific system for coding critical comments from language samples of parents of autistic youth. Rather than adapting existing systems for use with this population, an emic approach was prioritized, involving contributions from a team with diverse lived experience. The resultant system, the Autism Brief Criticism (ABC) Coding System was then applied to an existing dataset of speech samples from 73 families for whom codes from two existing systems were available. RESULTS: The ABC demonstrated good inter-rater reliability and high convergent validity with existing systems. Evidence supporting concurrent and discriminant validity was obtained through examination of associations with various child and parenting constructs, and the ABC was the only system to identify associations with children’s internalizing symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: With strong psychometrics and differential predictive utility, the ABC holds promise as a community-informed, population-specific measure of parental criticism. Implications for future research and applications to intervention are discussed.

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2. Chen Y, Li S, Lin H, Zou F, Wang W. The oral-amplifier hypothesis: linking oral inflammation to intestinal microbial activity in autism spectrum disorder. Front Microbiol;2026;17:1940902.

The oral-amplifier hypothesis proposes a testable sequence linking oral inflammation to intestinal microbial activity. Gingival or periodontal inflammation may alter the identity and quantity of strains released into saliva. Gastrointestinal conditions may then clear those strains, permit repeated passage, or support local activity. A participant-matched strain is an oral and intestinal population from the same person that meets prespecified genomic, coverage, and contamination criteria. The hypothesis predicts that greater inflammation-associated oral strain output will precede increased abundance or activity of the genomically matched intestinal strain. The lag is calibrated to the participant’s measured gastrointestinal transit time. The first proposed study tests this lagged within-person relationship, termed source-to-activity coupling. It asks whether community resistance, mucosal immunity, and local resources modify the relationship’s magnitude, delay, or persistence. The second proposed study is a controlled oral-health intervention in which reduced gingival inflammation must accompany a verified reduction in candidate-strain salivary output. It then tests whether matched intestinal activity declines after that verified source reduction. ASD is methodologically informative because oral-care needs, diet, medication exposure, gastrointestinal symptoms, immune state, and transit time may vary together within individuals. This variation provides measurable contrasts for testing oral output and gastrointestinal filtering but does not make the mechanism ASD-specific or causal in ASD. Together, the two proposed studies test whether increased oral output precedes transit-calibrated matched intestinal activity and verified source reduction produces downstream decline. Concordance would support a reversible, strain-specific oral contribution, whereas failure of either temporal pattern would constrain or refute the hypothesis.

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3. Gogate A, Chen WC, Nzima M, Takeuchi C, Zhao H, Wang L, Sivakumar S, Deng M, Kaur K, Kraus WL, Munshi NV, Hon GC, Chahrour MH. Systematic CRISPRi perturbation of 1,408 autism risk genes maps multilevel transcriptional convergence in human cortical neurons. bioRxiv;2026 (Sep 4)

Genetic heterogeneity in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) complicates the identification of shared molecular pathways amenable to therapeutic intervention. Here, we perform a CRISPRi Perturb-seq screen targeting 1,408 ASD risk genes in human embryonic stem cell-derived immature cortical neurons and profile the resulting transcriptomic effects by single-cell RNA sequencing. We identify 215 ASD risk genes whose repression induces significant global transcriptomic dysregulation. Leveraging this functional atlas, we characterize candidate genes based on transcriptional similarity to established ASD hub genes. We identify gene programs recurrently dysregulated across perturbations, anchored by processes governing microtubule dynamics, neuron differentiation, cell migration, and transmembrane transport. We further identify CHAMP1 as a previously unrecognized regulator of Wnt signaling and define specific ASD risk genes that modulate the rate of cortical neuron differentiation. Analysis of differentially expressed genes reveals both convergent and perturbation-specific downstream transcriptional responses. Together, these findings provide a multilevel map of transcriptomic convergence in ASD and establish a framework for identifying both pathway-level and genotype-specific therapeutic strategies.

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4. Guerrera S, Fucà E, Parisi M, Vicari S. Understanding parenting stress in autism spectrum disorder: a cross-sectional study exploring differences between mothers and fathers. Front Psychol;2026;17:1947791.

BACKGROUND: Parents of autistic children may experience high levels of stress. Prior research implicates child cognitive impairment, emotional and behavioral problems, sociodemographic factors, and autism symptoms as contributors; however, gender differences in parenting stress remain underexplored. This study compared parenting stress between mothers and fathers of autistic children and examined key predictors across stress domains. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a database including data from 160 mother-father pairs of children aged 3-15 years who had received an ASD diagnosis. Parents completed the Parenting Stress Index (PSI) and measures of children’s emotional/behavioral characteristics: We analyzed PSI domains: Parenting Distress (PD), Difficult Child (DC), and Parent-Child Dysfunctional Interaction (P-CDI). Analysis of covariance compared mothers and fathers. Multiple linear regressions identified predictors of each stress domain. RESULTS: Mothers reported significantly higher scores than fathers only on PD. In mothers, child externalizing problems were the primary predictors of parenting stress, showing significant associations with PD, DC, and P-CDI. Restricted/repetitive behaviors were additionally associated with PD, and maternal education was associated with P-CDI. In fathers, no significant predictors emerged for PD. For other domains, child cognitive functioning, externalizing problems, and paternal education were associated with P-CDI, whereas externalizing problems were the sole significant predictor of DC. DISCUSSION: These results suggests the relevance of considering mothers and fathers as separate yet complementary contributors within the family system, including when identifying determinants of parenting stress. Child externalizing problems are the principal vulnerability factor for both parents, underscoring the need for tailored support interventions for mothers and fathers.

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5. Guo X, Wang J, Wang Y, Zhou R, Gao L. Normative modeling of intrinsic brain activity reveals multiscale heterogeneity in autism spectrum disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry;2026 (Oct 4):111962.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by profound clinical and biological heterogeneity, which limits the reproducibility and individual specificity of findings from traditional case-control studies. However, quantitative characterization of individualized patterns of spontaneous neural activity and their biological correlates remains limited in ASD. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data, including 349 individuals with ASD and 459 typical controls, from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange database were used to characterize spontaneous neural activity via the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF). Non-negative matrix factorization was applied to extract latent functional factors from ALFF patterns. Normative modeling was then employed to construct normative trajectories and quantify individual-level deviations in ASD relative to typical development. Subsequently, clustering was utilized to identify neurobiological subtypes based on individualized deviation profiles, and representational similarity analysis was used to examine their clinical associations. Finally, spatial correlations with transcriptomic data, neurotransmitter maps, and cognitive functional domains were explored to delineate the multiscale biological correlates of functional factors. Five latent factors spanning socio-sensorimotor integration, action-related processing, executive control, emotional processing, and attentional processing domains were successfully identified, revealing two neurobiologically distinct subtypes of ASD. Subtype-specific associations were found between individualized functional deviation profiles and clinical symptoms. Furthermore, distinct spatial associations between functional factors and gene expression profiles as well as neurotransmitter systems were observed. This study maps individualized functional heterogeneity in ASD and provides multiscale insights into the biological correlates underlying functional alterations.

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6. Mehreen I, Tomas V, Bursey E, Charles L, Cross A, Hamill A, Hammond E, Hesketh K, Hill J, Hitchcock B, Jones M, McMurdie G, Rosenbaum P, Teplicky R, van Beers M, Wittmeier K. Service provider perspectives on implementing the ‘F-words for child development’: an innovative approach to children’s health and developmental services. Front Public Health;2026;14:1788060.

BACKGROUND: The ‘F-words for Child Development’-Functioning, Family, Fun, Friends, Fitness and Future-provide a framework that brings to life key World Health Organization ideas about child health and development in an innovative and family-friendly way. Given international uptake of the F-words, understanding service providers’ (SPs’) experiences and perceived impact of F-words on pediatric disability and developmental services is important. OBJECTIVES: This study explored SPs’ (i) knowledge of the F-words and confidence in using the framework; (ii) perceptions and experiences using F-words; and (iii) barriers/facilitators to implementing the F-words. METHODS: This descriptive study was part of a larger project implementing the F-words across five sites in Canada and New Zealand from 2021 to 2024. SPs who provide services for children and youth with disabilities or developmental concerns (e.g., neurodevelopmental disabilities) were surveyed and interviewed after F-words implementation to explore their experiences implementing the F-words. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were analyzed via team-based conventional content analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-seven SPs completed the survey and 10 participated in interviews. SPs rated F-words familiarity (X̄ = 3.41/4) and knowledge (X̄ = 3.05/4) high, with moderate confidence using the F-words (X̄ = 2.93/4). Content analysis revealed that SPs perceived the F-words to enhance their service-delivery experiences, indicating that they provide a structured yet flexible approach to deliver strengths-based, holistic, family-centered care, while fostering relationship-building and empowerment with/among families. Examples of implementation facilitators included organizational buy-in, access to F-words resources/tools, and F-words alignment with service-delivery models. Reported implementation barriers included time constraints, the need for ongoing F-words training, and uncertainties regarding the cultural/social safety and responsiveness of the F-words for families. CONCLUSION: Within this study, SPs had positive perceptions and experiences using the F-words to promote strengths-based, family-centered care for children and youth with disabilities or developmental concerns and their families. Future efforts should address implementation challenges, leverage facilitators, and continue to explore F-words implementation experiences across diverse settings.

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7. Midya V, McKenna BG, Salisbury AL, Martinez M, Arora M, Brennan PA. Perinatal C-Reactive Protein Levels Detected in Deciduous Teeth Are Associated With Autism-Related Traits and Behavior Problems in School-Aged Children. Biol Psychiatry Glob Open Sci;2026 (Nov);6(6):100805.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have linked prenatal maternal inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), to child neurodevelopmental outcomes; however, findings are mixed. Deciduous tooth assays allow for a direct measure of CRP in the fetal milieu, and initial findings suggest that children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), compared with nondiagnosed control participants, have higher levels of CRP during the third trimester of gestation. METHODS: The present study attempts to replicate this finding in a nonclinical sample and test whether prenatal CRP is associated with mother-reported measures of ASD-related traits and other child behavior problems. Mother-child dyads (N = 93) were followed prospectively from pregnancy through school age. We obtained deciduous (baby) teeth and assayed them for weekly CRP levels during the perinatal period and linked these exposures to maternal reports of behavior problems on the Child Behavior Checklist. RESULTS: We showed that higher ASD-related traits, including social problems and thought problems, as well as attention and aggression problems, are associated with higher CRP levels in the third trimester. Behavior problems were also associated with elevated CRP levels in the first several months after birth and decreased CRP levels later in infancy. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings replicate and extend the findings of the case-control study of ASD. These findings suggest a possible role for perinatal inflammation in children’s neurodevelopmental outcomes and a need to further probe sensitive developmental windows and potential protective factors in this association. This study investigated the association between direct fetal C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and child neurodevelopmental outcomes. Using a novel tooth-based analysis, we explored direct fetal CRP levels and mother-reported measures of ASD-related traits and other child behavior problems. We showed that higher fetal CRP levels during the third trimester are associated with increased autism-related traits and behavioral issues in children. These findings suggest a possible role for perinatal inflammation in children’s neurodevelopmental outcomes. eng

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8. Wall CA, Dommer K, Kim SH, Skytta J, Corrigan S, Olson E, Michener K, Juul SE, Mayock DE, Christakis D, Webb SJ, Shic F. Adaptive Behavior Development and Autism Outcomes: A Comparison of Elevated- and Low-Likelihood Cohorts. Autism;2026 (Oct 4):13623613261486726.

Children born low-birth-weight (LBW) or with autistic siblings may show differences in their developmental trajectories, including higher rates of autism and lower levels of adaptive behavior skills. Parsing out developmental differences in these groups could help hone screening tools and lead to more precise interventions. The present study aimed to evaluate trajectories of adaptive behavior in children at elevated likelihood for autism and investigate whether trajectories differ for autistic and nonautistic children based on their likelihood group at birth. Two hundred fifty-seven children participated in a longitudinal study at approximately 7, 14, 28, and 39 months of age. Participants were categorized as low likelihood (LL) or elevated likelihood (EL) due to LBW or having an older autistic sibling. We analyzed diagnostic outcomes and social, communication, daily living, and motor skills as measured by the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-Third Edition. Both EL groups presented with adaptive behavior delays, but children with an autistic sibling exhibited greater delays than their LBW or LL counterparts, particularly if they themselves were diagnosed as autistic, with some age- and domain-related nuances. Results reveal the unique developmental vulnerabilities among both EL groups and underscore the importance of targeted intervention during this critical early period.Lay AbstractSome children are more likely to develop autism than others or are more likely to have delays in their development. Babies who are born with a low birth weight and those who have an older sibling with autism are two examples. These children may also have more difficulty with everyday life skills like communicating, socializing, and taking care of themselves. This study followed children from about 7 to 39 months of age to see how their everyday communication, social, daily living, and motor skills developed over time. We found that children who had an older autistic sibling had the most difficulty with everyday skills compared with other groups and were more likely to develop autism themselves. These findings help us better understand how development differs among children who may go on to develop autism and can help us provide better interventions for these children early in life.

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9. Zingale M, Di Blasi FD, Città S, Buono S, Ferri R. Sensory Processing, Executive Functions, and Adaptive Behavior in Preschool and School-Age Autistic Children: The Role of Intellectual Functioning. Autism Res;2026 (Oct 4):e70372.

Sensory processing differences in autism spectrum disorder are core features often linked to executive dysfunction and reduced adaptive behavior. However, the extent to which executive functioning (EF) explains the relationship between sensory processing and adaptive behavior beyond intellectual functioning remains unclear. This study examined relationships among sensory processing, executive functioning, adaptive behavior, and IQ in 200 autistic children divided into preschool (n = 90) and school-age (n = 110) cohorts. Caregivers completed the Sensory Processing Measure, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, and the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-II. Multivariate analyses revealed significant main effects of developmental stage and IQ level on sensory profiles, with IQ showing the largest effect (η(2) (p) = 0.202). While sensory difficulties consistently correlated with executive dysfunctions and lower adaptive functioning, multigroup structural equation modeling demonstrated that EF did not mediate the link between sensory processing and adaptive behavior after controlling for IQ (p > 0.05). Instead, IQ emerged as the primary direct predictor of daily adaptive skills (preschool: β = 0.38; school-age: β = 0.42; p < 0.001), alongside a direct path from sensory processing (preschool: β = -0.33; school-age: β = -0.30; p < 0.05), together accounting for 35.6% of adaptive behavior variance (R(2) = 0.356). These results indicate that while sensory and executive difficulties are closely interrelated in autistic children, daily adaptive independence relies primarily on general cognitive level and sensory processing rather than executive control. Many autistic children experience the world differently because they are more or less sensitive to sounds, lights, touch, or other everyday sensations. These sensory differences can make it harder for them to pay attention, remember information, control their behavior, and cope with daily activities. In this study, we found that children with greater sensory difficulties were also more likely to display problems in these daily thinking and self‐control skills, as well as in activities like dressing, eating, or managing daily routines. However, when we also took into account the children's general learning and thinking abilities, these emerged as the factor most strongly linked to their degree of independence in everyday life. These findings suggest that sensory differences and thinking skills are closely connected, but that a child's general cognitive abilities may have the greatest influence on their autonomy in daily activities. Understanding these different aspects can help clinicians and families better tailor support according to the needs of each child. eng

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