1. Asari H, Suriana, Yumni H. Family Coping Model Based on Psychosocial Responses to the Ability to Care for School-Age Autistic Children. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2026; 31(3): 413-7.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing prevalence of autism was a burden, especially for families and made them feeling stressed and ashamed of the negative stigma from the social environment, so that psychosocial response of the family critical and maladaptive coping was created. To build a family management model based on psychosocial responses to the family’s ability of caring for school-age autistic children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research design used a quasi-experiment. The population and samples were parents of autistic children, who had attended Surabaya Autism Therapy Center. The determination of the sample sizes used the rule of thumb formula in Structural Equality Modeling (SEM) several 108. The data collection technique used Multi-Stage Sampling. The measuring instrument used a questionnaire. Modeling analysis used Partial Least Squares Structural Equality Modeling (PLS-SEM). RESULTS: The results of the prediction test of the model showed R-square = 0.497 (strong). The relevance test of the model prediction showed Q-Square = 0.482 (good). The model accuracy test showed Goodness of Fit (GoF) = 0.376 (large). The test of the influences between variables showed that the social support had a significant impact on psycho-social responses (p = 0.001), the psycho-social response had an important influence on family coping (p = 0.001) and the family coping had a significant impact to the ability to care for autistic children (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The family coping model based on psychosocial responses was an appropriate model that had a significant influence on the ability to care for autistic children.

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2. Chen X, Zhou X, Yin BY, Zou FY, Zhong SS, Deng YY, Zhao JY, Ni YX, Zhou WY, Guo RM. Integrating Brain Morphological Features and Ionized Serum Magnesium to Identify Mild Tic Comorbidity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2026; 22: 622603.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently co-occurs with tic disorders, yet clinical differentiation remains challenging. This study developed and validated a predictive model combining brain morphological imaging and serum trace elements to distinguish ASD alone from ASD with comorbid mild tic disorders. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional diagnostic study included 104 children aged 4-15 years (90 boys and 14 girls): 53 with ASD alone and 51 with ASD and mild tic disorders. Participants were randomly divided into training and internal validation cohorts at a 7:3 ratio. Candidate predictors were screened in the training cohort with correction for multiple comparisons and further selected using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression. These features were incorporated into a multivariable regression equation and a nomogram. Model performance and internal validation were assessed via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, and decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS: Independent predictors included asymmetry indices of the caudate nucleus, nucleus accumbens, and paratenial thalamic nucleus; cortical curvatures of the left anterior cingulate cortex and right lateral occipital gyrus; and ionized serum magnesium levels (all p < 0.05). The model achieved the areas under the ROC curves (AUROCs) of 0.904 (95% CI: 0.834-0.975) in the training cohort and 0.826 (95% CI: 0.664-0.988) in the internal validation cohort, outperforming individual predictors. Calibration was acceptable, and DCA suggested potential clinical utility within this cohort. CONCLUSION: The nomogram prediction model accurately distinguishes between ASD and ASD-mT, showing strong discriminative power and clinical value. It may aid clinicians in early comorbidity detection and guide treatment decisions.

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3. eClinicalMedicine. Autism across the lifespan: adult care remains inadequate. EClinicalMedicine. 2026; 94: 103927.

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4. Gozdanek A, Krzywdzińska-Rogowska A, Remberk B, Bauer A, Sykut-Cegielska J. Autism spectrum-related symptoms and clinical ASD diagnoses in children and adolescents with classical galactosemia: a descriptive clinical cohort study. Front Psychiatry. 2026; 17: 1836428.

BACKGROUND: Classical galactosemia (CG) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder associated with long-term neurodevelopmental, language, cognitive and psychosocial difficulties. Social-communication problems may overlap clinically with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but paediatric data based on standardised ASD assessment remain limited. METHODS: The study included 50 children and adolescents aged 6-17 years with confirmed classical galactosemia. Intellectual functioning was assessed using the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales, Fifth Edition. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms were evaluated using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI-KID), Autism Spectrum Rating Scales (ASRS, parent version), Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), as well as comprehensive clinical assessment by a child and adolescent psychiatrist. RESULTS: A clinical diagnosis of ASD was established in 36% of participants. Results indicating ASD symptoms were obtained in 56% of children using MINI-KID, 48% using ADOS-2, and 30% based on overall ASRS scores. Statistically significant moderate negative correlations were found between IQ and ASD symptom severity, particularly in social communication, social-emotional reciprocity, and attention domains. Selected long-term disease-related manifestations (white matter abnormalities and osteopenia/osteoporosis) were more frequent in children with ASD symptoms identified by MINI-KID. CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents with classical galactosemia in this clinical cohort frequently presented ASD-related social-communication difficulties, and a substantial proportion met criteria for a clinical ASD diagnosis.

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5. Hernández-Ayala LF, Guzmán-López GE, Galano A. Mapping Trofinetide Polypharmacology in Rett Syndrome: A Multi-Stage Computational Analysis. J Comput Chem. 2026; 47(21): e70468.

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the MECP2 gene. Although trofinetide is the first FDA-approved drug for RTT, its pharmacological mechanism remains unclear. We present a structure-based in silico workflow that integrates target prediction, molecular docking, and 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to prioritize potential RTT-relevant targets. Candidate receptors were ranked using a comparative pleiotropic score (P(S)), as well as an interaction similarity index (S(SI)) relative to endogenous substrates and reference modulators. Five targets emerged as high-priority candidates (GAT1, GABA(A), CHRM1, AMPA, and GSK3β) and were further examined using MD. The simulations supported several binding hypotheses: (i) stable occupation of the orthosteric site in GAT1 and CHRM1, with persistent contacts with ligand-recognition-associated residues (Tyr60 in GAT1 and Asp105 in CHRM1); (ii) sustained binding within the catalytic cleft of GSK3β with recurrent interactions near key catalytic elements (including Lys85); and (iii) dynamic, surface-associated binding modes in GABA(A) and AMPA, with peripheral residues. In different targets, the proline fragment frequently contributes to hydrophobic anchoring. Taken together, these results provide testable structural hypotheses for the multi-target interaction of trofinetide in RTT and a computational framework to guide experimental validation and next-generation multi-target design.

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6. Huang W, Jiang L, Zhu Y, Duan R, Xue J, Xia Q. FYN, a Novel Target of Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein, Potentially Underlies ERK1/2 Hyperactivation in Fragile X Syndrome. Mol Neurobiol. 2026; 63(1).

BACKGROUND: Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common inherited form of intellectual disability and the leading monogenic cause of autism, results from the loss of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). Dysregulated translation of FMRP target mRNAs is believed to underlie the aberrant synaptic plasticity observed in FXS. Identification of these targets is critical for elucidating disease mechanisms and developing therapeutic strategies. METHODS: We confirmed the interaction between FMRP and FYN mRNA by RNA immunoprecipitation in HEK293 and SH-SY5Y cells and assessed FYN translational regulation via polyribosome profiling in FXS and control lymphoblastoid cells. The role of FYN in ERK hyperactivation was examined in FXS lymphoblastoid cells, FMR1-knockdown SH-SY5Y cells, and dfmr1 mutant flies. Additionally, we tested whether reducing or inhibiting Src64B, a Drosophila Src family kinase with homology to human FYN, could rescue neural and behavioral defects in dfmr1 mutants. RESULTS: FMRP bound to FYN mRNA and suppressed its translation without affecting mRNA stability. Phosphorylated ERK1/2 levels were markedly elevated in FXS lymphoblastoid cells, and this hyperactivation was largely reversed by either the Src family kinase inhibitor PP2 or siRNA-mediated FYN knockdown, supporting an important role for FYN in ERK1/2 dysregulation. Similar changes were observed in FMR1-knockdown SH-SY5Y cells, with increased FYN expression and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and PP2 treatment attenuated the abnormal ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Furthermore, genetic or pharmacological suppression of Src64B restored ERK signaling and rescued mushroom body defects and memory deficits in dfmr1 mutants. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies FYN as a novel translational target of FMRP and suggests that its upregulation may contribute to hyperactivation of ERK1/2 signaling in FXS.

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7. Ibrahim FM, Shahrour G, Dabou EAR. Immediate changes after an immersive autism-awareness session for mothers and female caregivers in UAE primary care: A one-group pre-post study. Acta Psychol (Amst). 2026; 269: 107586.

BACKGROUND: Autism-related stigma can undermine inclusion, family well-being, and support-seeking. Immersive community education may support perspective taking, but evidence from non-student samples is limited. METHOD: This preliminary one-group pre-post study evaluated a standardized 25-30-min immersive autism-awareness session at four primary health-care centers in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. Mothers and female primary caregivers without a child with an autism diagnosis (N = 101) completed baseline measures, a first-person simulation of selected sensory and social challenges, guided debriefing, myth-correction education, and immediate post-session measures. Participants with prior formal autism education or training were excluded. Outcomes were measured using the Social Attitudes, Knowledge, and Personal Distance subscales of the Societal Attitudes Towards Autism scale and the Perspective Taking subscale of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index. RESULTS: Immediate post-session scores were higher for social attitudes, knowledge, willingness to interact, and perspective taking (all paired-samples p values < .001). Social attitudes increased from 37.7 (SD = 5.6) to 48.3 (SD = 5.2), knowledge from 14.9 (SD = 2.1) to 17.3 (SD = 1.8), personal distance from 14.5 (SD = 2.9) to 17.6 (SD = 2.5), and perspective taking from 22.2 (SD = 3.4) to 28.0 (SD = 3.0). CONCLUSIONS: The multicomponent session was associated with immediate favorable changes, but the design does not establish causal efficacy, durability, or an effect of virtual reality alone. Controlled studies with follow-up and behavioral outcomes are needed.

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8. Kozlova EV, Gonzalez GM, Denys ME, Bishay AE, Gutierrez R, Reid J, Krum JM, Lampel G, Luvsanravdan N, Rabbani KM, Tu J, Campoy L, Anchondo LM, Luna CN, Olomi DS, Monarrez E, Carrillo V, Tran JD, Platt D, Korde Y, Chinthirla BD, Blaibel M, Kim S, Chompre G, Phillips AL, Stapleton HM, Henkelmann B, Schramm KW, Curras-Collazo MC. Enduring autism-like phenotypes and deregulated hypothalamic prosocial peptides after early-life exposure to indoor flame retardants in male C57BL/6 mice. J Neuroendocrinol. 2026; 38(8): e70237.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are neuroendocrine-disrupting chemicals that produce adverse neurodevelopmental effects. PBDEs have been implicated as risk factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is characterized by abnormal psychosocial functioning and is commonly comorbid with cognitive deficits and sensory abnormalities. Here, we used a mouse model with translationally relevant exposure to establish direct causal evidence that maternal transfer of a commercial mixture of PBDEs, DE-71, produces ASD-relevant behavioral and neuroendocrine deficits in male offspring. C57Bl6/N mouse dams were exposed to a commercial PBDE mixture, DE-71, via oral administration of 0 (vehicle control, VEH/CON), 0.1 (L-DE-71), or 0.4 (H-DE-71) mg/kg b.w./day for 10 weeks, spanning from 3 weeks prior to gestation through the end of lactation at postnatal day (PND) 21. Mass spectrometric analysis indicated a dose-dependent transfer of PBDEs (in ppb) to brains of F1 male offspring at PND 30, with reduction in levels by PND 110. DE-71-exposed adult F1 male offspring displayed ASD-relevant abnormal neurobehavioral phenotypes, including impaired social novelty preference (SNP) despite intact general sociability and exaggerated repetitive behavior. There were also milder effects on long-term social recognition memory (SRM). DE-71-exposed mice also displayed altered olfactory discrimination of social odors without altered odor preference for non-social odors, impaired novel object recognition memory, and reduced open field habituation relative to VEH/CON. However, no changes were observed in sensorimotor, anxiety-, or depressive-like behaviors. At the molecular level, DE-71-exposed males displayed deregulated gene markers of prosocial neuropeptides, oxytocin, vasopressin, and PACAP systems in hypothalamic and forebrain regions. Oxt was upregulated in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN); Avp was upregulated in the PVN and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) but downregulated in the lateral septum (LS); Avp1ar and Adcyap1 were upregulated in the BNST; and Adcyap1r1 was upregulated in the PVN, supraoptic nucleus (SON), and BNST. Peripheral OXT was increased in L-DE-71 males, while no changes in plasma AVP were observed. These findings demonstrate that developmental PBDE exposure produces enduring behavioral and neuroendocrine phenotypes that resemble core domains of ASD, which may result from early neurodevelopmental reprogramming within central social and memory networks.

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9. Kumi DD, Patel PM, Danso K, Wattanakit K, Musa AZ, Coombes K, Mortoti SS. Covered Stent Correction of Sinus Venosus ASD With Anomalous Left Sinus Interarterial Right Coronary Artery. JACC Case Rep. 2026; 31(31): 108799.

BACKGROUND: Late presentation worsens the morbidity of adult congenital heart disease. Concurrent defects and associated anomalous coronary artery from the opposite sinus (ACAOS) complicates management. CASE SUMMARY: A 62-year-old man was referred by his urologist because of a murmur. Multimodality imaging unraveled concurrent defects: 1) interarterial coursing right coronary artery originating from the left sinus; 2) anomalous left circumflex artery from the first diagonal branch of the left anterior descending artery; 3) sinus venosus atrial septal defect (SVASD); 4) anomalous right upper pulmonary vein drainage into the superior vena cava; and 5) persistent left superior vena cava. A successful covered stent closure of the SVASD was achieved after stratifying associated coronary anomalies as low risk. DISCUSSION: The presence of multiple concurrent defects is associated with progressive hemodynamic cardiac injury even in seemingly asymptomatic patients. Presence of ACAOS influences candidacy for transcatheter versus surgical repair and must be looked for and risk stratified using multimodality imaging. Covered stent correction of SVASD has a 95% success rate and very low complication rate. TAKE-HOME MESSAGES: Multimodality imaging is key for full diagnostic evaluation and preprocedural planning for safe and effective transcatheter closure of SVASD. In the presence of anomalous coronary artery from the opposite sinus, a covered stent correction of SVASD is favorable after adequate risk stratification to exclude high-risk features.

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10. Lv L, Xu L, Sun J, Hu Y, Yue Z, Lv Y, Ke X. Analysis of intervention effects of three different models on children with autism spectrum disorder. Front Psychiatry. 2026; 17: 1856696.

BACKGROUND: This study primarily investigates the intervention effects of different models on children with autism. METHODS: A total of 132 autistic children were recruited and assigned to three intervention models: institutional intervention (N=45), family intervention (N=45), and family-institutional intervention (N=42). Comparisons were made of CARS scores before and after intervention across the three groups, as well as developmental quotients in the Gesell Developmental Schedules domains including adaptive behavior, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, language, and personal-social skills. RESULTS: The results indicate that all three intervention models alleviated autistic symptoms in children post-intervention. Notably, the combined family-institutional intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in adaptive abilities, fine motor skills, language, and personal-social relationships. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that while all three models effectively improved ASD symptoms, the combined family-institutional intervention was associated with more comprehensive improvements across key developmental domains.

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11. Mbachu CNP, Eseigbe EE, Mbachu, II, Eleje GU, Udigwe IB, Onwuwamah C, Iloghalu IC, Onu J, Manafa OP, Okonkwo O, Adamu H, Aliu R, Ndukwu CI, Ndubuisi VU, Ogholaja TE, Ilikannu SO, Mbanuzuru A, Anukam K, Olorunfemi G, Odita AO, Echezona DM, Okereke U, Umeadi E, Udigwe GO, Bayo AU, Elo-Ilo J, Idume MR, Ezeudu CE, Odinaka K, Ezeno ZC, Ofojebe B, Obiegbu A, Onyejiaka C, Egbogu A, Azubike OC, Okeke NC, Ugochukwu EN, Oriji SO, Ezeuko YA, Adeniyi UP, Okafor LU, Ebenebe JC, Richard U, Ezechukwu CC, Tassone F, Hagerman R. Advancing mental health and well-being of Nigerian children through public health screening for Fragile X disorders (CHAMP-FX): protocol of a prospective multicentre screening study with longitudinal follow-up. PLoS One. 2026; 21(8): e0355384.

There is an increasing burden of neurodevelopmental disorders worldwide, with scarce data in low and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. Little is known about Fragile X disorders (Fragile X syndrome and Fragile X premutation-associated conditions) in developing countries and there is no national data in Nigeria. Advancing Mental Health and Well-being of Nigerian Children Through Public Health Screening for Fragile X Disorders (CHAMP-FX) is a multicentre public health screening initiative designed to estimate the prevalence of Fragile X disorders among children with neurodevelopmental disorders in Nigeria through targeted screening, strengthen diagnostic capacity and provide pathways to targeted treatments. This is a prospective multicentre screening study with longitudinal follow-up recruiting children aged 1-18 years with intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and/or global developmental delay from six tertiary hospitals across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Using purposive sampling, 102 participants (17 per zone) will be enrolled. Sociodemographic data and clinical evaluation will be obtained using KoboToolbox. Blood samples will be collected as dried spots on quick-response coded filter cards, stored with desiccant, and transported to the coordinating molecular laboratory. Genetic testing will be performed using a long-range amplification workflow followed by long-read sequencing to determine repeat sizes and classify results using internationally accepted thresholds. The primary outcome is the proportion of participants with Fragile X full mutation and/or premutation in the selected cohort. Secondary outcomes include the distribution of repeat sizes and associations with sociodemographic and clinical variables. Screen-positive participants will receive structured result disclosure, genetic counselling, and referral for appropriate supportive interventions, with targeted therapy using metformin offered to participants diagnosed with Fragile X syndrome. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication, conferences and stakeholder engagement.

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12. Miller HL, Tamplain PM, Tal-Saban M, Zoia S, Barnett AL, Henderson SE. Valid when valued: A community-engaged framework and toolkit to improve identification of autistic people’s motor difficulties in research and practice. Autism Adulthood. 2026.

Many autistic people experience clinically-significant motor differences that pose lifelong physical health risks including physical inactivity, cardiometabolic disease, falls and injuries, and chronic pain. These differences amplify existing cognitive and social-emotional features of autism and limit daily living skills, which in turn negatively impacts mental health and participation. Yet, professionals often overlook or mischaracterize autistic people’s motor difficulties, in part because non-motor factors can affect assessment outcomes. Most standardized motor assessments presume typical communication, sensory processing, regulation, and tolerance of unfamiliar testing environments, leading to construct-irrelevant variance and potential misinterpretation of results. This risk increases when examiners lack autism-specific experience or use rigid administration practices without appropriate adaptation. Adopting a neurodiversity-affirming framework improves validity, equity, and uptake of motor assessment across research, education, and clinical contexts. Here, we present an Adapted Motor Assessment Toolkit for Autism with implementation examples grounded in the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Third Edition. An interdisciplinary team of clinicians and researchers developed and refined the toolkit in partnership with autistic people and parents of autistic children. The toolkit enables preservation of core task demands and scoring while adapting assessment practices to support accessibility and improve validity of results. Adaptations span five domains: pre-assessment preparation, sensory supports, procedural adaptations, communication supports, and motivation/engagement. The toolkit helps examiners to identify support needs, implementing adaptations, interpreting results, and determining whether normative comparisons remain appropriate. Neurodiversity-affirming assessment practices enable earlier identification of motor differences, inclusion of more diverse participants in research, and tailored intervention and prevention planning to advance physical health equity across the lifespan.

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13. Osredkar J, Kumer K, Jekovec Vrhovšek M, Osredkar D, France Štiglic A, Avguštin G, Fabjan T. Urinary Tryptophan Metabolites, Trace Element Status, and Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Integrated Metabolomics-Elementomics Study in Children. Int J Tryptophan Res. 2026; 19: 11786469261467154.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition associated with metabolic and environmental factors. We investigated associations between urinary tryptophan-pathway metabolites and essential/toxic trace elements in children with ASD and healthy controls. In a cross-sectional cohort of 216 children (149 ASD, 67 controls), urinary tryptophan metabolites were quantified by LC-MS/MS and normalized to creatinine. Trace elements were assessed by ICP-MS. Matching yielded 1:1 (n = 57/57) and 1:2 (n = 30/60) age- and sex-matched subsets. Correlations (Pearson or Spearman, FDR-adjusted) and group comparisons were performed; autism severity (CARS) was analyzed within ASD. Creatinine-normalized tryptamine, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, and N-acetyltryptophan showed moderate, positive correlations with essential elements (Mg, Zn, Se; r ≈ 0.5-0.7; N-acetyltryptophan and IAA correlated modestly with toxic elements (Tl, Cs; r ≈ 0.3-0.4). Group differences in individual metabolites and elements were modest; however, the composite toxic element index was significantly lower in ASD (P = .002). CARS scores did not show robust, FDR-corrected associations. Essential trace elements are closely linked to tryptophan metabolism, suggesting cofactor-dependent modulation in ASD. N-acetyltryptophan may serve as a sensor for specific toxic elements. Intervention studies are warranted to clarify causality.

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14. Rosenthal E, Waschbusch DA, Mayes SD. Overall Weak Association Between Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Psychological, Autism, and Demographic Variables in Autistic Children. Autism. 2026: 13623613261464209.

Our study determined psychological, autism trait, somatic, and demographic variables associated with maternal ratings of stomachaches, constipation, diarrhea, and bowel incontinence in autistic children. Mothers of 1,093 autistic children rated their children on the Pediatric Behavior Scale. In regression analyses, the somatic symptom score (i.e., headaches, other aches/pains excluding stomachaches, complains of feeling sick) was the strongest predictor of stomachaches, constipation, and diarrhea. Scores on the other variables (autism severity, externalizing symptoms, internalizing symptoms, autism traits, sleep problems, demographics) each contributed less than 2% more to explained variance. Decreasing age and decreasing IQ were predictors of bowel incontinence. Only 1 of the 30 significant correlations between GI symptoms and the independent variables was large (stomachaches and other somatic symptoms), one was medium (stomachaches and sadness), and four were small to medium (stomachaches and anxiety and increasing age; bowel incontinence and decreasing age and decreasing IQ). The association between GI problems and psychopathology, autism symptoms, and demographics is weak. Findings suggest that researchers and clinicians need to look beyond these variables and consider medical, physiological, neurobiological, and genetic reasons why GI problems are so common in autism relative to children with other neurodevelopmental disorders and neurotypical children.Lay AbstractThis study explored the reasons why autistic children often experience stomachaches and other digestive issues. We found that other physical symptoms, like headaches, were the biggest predictors of stomach problems, while factors like autism severity, age, or IQ had less influence. The researchers suggest that there may be medical or physical reasons behind these issues, beyond what is currently understood.

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15. Selick A, Whittingham L, Campitelli MA, Huang A, Balogh R, Lin E, Kurdyak P, Lunsky Y. Prevalence and Characteristics of Long-Stay Forensic Patients With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: An Ontario Population-Based Study: Prévalence et caractéristiques des patients hospitalisés pour de longs séjours dans un service médico-légal et présentant des déficiences intellectuelles et développementales : Une étude fondée sur la population de l’Ontario. Can J Psychiatry. 2026: 7067437261474298.

ObjectivesThis study examined the point prevalence of patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) in Ontario forensic inpatient units and compared the demographic, clinical, and system-level profiles of long-stay forensic patients with and without IDD.MethodThis cross-sectional study utilized Ontario administrative health data held at ICES. All patients over 18 years of age who occupied an Ontario forensic inpatient bed on 30th September 2023 were included in the analysis. Focus was given to patients with a length of stay (LOS) of at least 365 days (i.e., « long-stay » patients). Within this group, the prevalence of IDD was assessed, and patients with and without IDD were compared on their demographics, clinical characteristics, LOS, and support needs using standardized differences (StdDiff).ResultsAmong long-stay forensic patients (n = 549), 42.4% had IDD. Long-stay forensic patients with and without IDD had a mean age of 43 years, and the majority of patients in both groups were male (87.6% vs. 90.8%; StdDiff = 0.105). In the 2 years prior to admission, the majority of all long-stay patients were diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, though the proportion was higher among patients without IDD (80.3% vs. 92.1%; StdDiff = 0.348). Long-stay patients with IDD had a substantially longer LOS (mean LOS = 7.2 years vs. 4.9 years; StdDiff = 0.459) and were more likely to be restrained (5.2% vs. 2.2%; StdDiff = 0.156). A higher proportion of long-stay patients with IDD had difficulty with activities of daily living (23.2% vs. 11.7%; StdDiff = 0.306), and severe cognitive impairment (14.6% vs. 6.6%; StdDiff = 0.260).ConclusionsThis study found that almost half of long-stay forensic patients had IDD and this patient group had different demographic and clinical profiles from other patients, which may impact their support needs within the hospital and pose barriers to discharge. A Closer Look at Long-Stay Forensic Patients With Intellectual and Developmental DisabilitiesPlain Language SummaryThe goal of this study was to learn more about patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) in Ontario forensic inpatient units. We looked at how many patients with IDD had been in a forensic bed for at least 1 year and we also compared forensic patients with and without IDD.This study used administrative health data. We started by identifying all patients over 18 years old who were in a forensic inpatient bed in Ontario on 30th September 2023. Then we looked at how many of these patients had been in the hospital for at least 365 days—we call this group “long-stay patients.” We learned that almost half (42.4%) of long-stay forensic patients had IDD. Then we compared long-stay forensic patients with and without IDD. We learned that the 2 groups were a similar age (mean age = 43 years) and that most patients in both groups were male (87.6% vs. 90.8%). Most long-stay patients were diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, but the proportion was higher among patients without IDD (80.3% vs. 92.1%). Compared with patients without IDD, patients with IDD stayed in the hospital longer (mean = 7.2 years vs. 4.9 years). Additionally, more long-stay patients with IDD had difficulty with daily activities (23.2% vs. 11.7%), and severe cognitive impairment (14.6% vs. 6.6%), compared with other patients.Overall, this study found that patients with IDD are over-represented in forensic inpatient settings. They also have different profiles from other patients. This can impact their needs within the hospital as well as their needs in the community, which can lead to barriers to discharge. eng.

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16. Soled DR, Fedson S, Benden C. Improving Access to Solid Organ Transplant for Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. JAMA Surg. 2026.

This Viewpoint argues that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities continue to face unjust barriers to solid organ transplant and calls for clearer standards, stronger protections, and more equitable evaluation practices. eng.

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17. Steinbrück PC, Byrne S, Tollenaere E. Autistic persons in the perinatal context: A mapping review of midwifery care, experiences, needs, and evidence. Midwifery. 2026; 162: 104936.

BACKGROUND: Autistic people represent a substantial and probably under-recognised population within reproductive and maternity services. Maternity care nevertheless continues to rely on neurotypical assumptions about communication, sensory tolerance, pain expression, emotional display, and help-seeking. AIM: To map the scope, distribution, and thematic content of literature on autistic people’s experiences and support needs across pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, and infant feeding, and to identify implications for maternity service design and midwifery practice. METHODS: A mapping review was conducted using a systematic literature search. The search returned 73 relevant records. After title and abstract screening and focused relevance assessment, 25 papers were included in the final evidence map. Studies were categorized by design, perinatal stage, and thematic focus, and were synthesised narratively. RESULTS: The final map comprised 7 reviews or evidence syntheses, 9 qualitative studies, 4 survey studies, 2 cohort or comparative quantitative studies, and 3 practice-focused or contextual papers. The literature clustered most significantly around pregnancy and childbirth. Across study designs, the most consistent findings concerned sensory overload, communication barriers, poor fit between autistic needs and routine maternity care, unmet support needs, and dissatisfaction with standard care environments. Evidence on clinical outcomes and midwives’ own experiences remained limited. CONCLUSION: Avoidable distress commonly arises from the interaction between autistic sensory and communication needs and inflexible maternity systems. Accessible care requires predictable and multimodal communication, consent-based touch, sensory adjustment, continuity where possible, tailored postnatal and feeding support, and co-designed pathways. Research should now evaluate implementation, sustainability, and outcomes in routine maternity services with autistic people as partners.

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18. The Editors For e. Expression of concern-Identification of critical brain regions for autism diagnosis from fMRI data using explainable AI: an observational analysis of the ABIDE dataset. EClinicalMedicine. 2026; 97: 104052.

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19. Veer SK, Smith JD, Kamimura-Nishimura K, Modirrousta AD, Bernhard F, Froehlich T, Anixt JS. Long-term Impact of Participation in ECHO Autism for Allied Health Professionals for Treating Pediatric Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2026.

OBJECTIVES: Extension for community health care outcomes (ECHO) Autism is a successful tele-education program that improves primary care clinicians’ knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy in providing medical care to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, less is known about the effectiveness of the ECHO Autism model for allied health professionals (AHPs). The study objective was to determine if ECHO Autism participation has long-lasting effects (>6 months postparticipation) on AHPs’ care practices. METHODS: Participants from 3 cohorts of the ECHO Autism for AHPs (EAA) program were invited to participate in qualitative interviews to provide perspectives on barriers to treating children with ASD, reflections on their learnings from EAA, and suggestions for program improvement. Interview recordings were transcribed, and thematic analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Participants included 9 AHPs (4 occupational therapists, 4 speech language pathologists, and 1 physical therapist). AHPs reported that EAA participation reinforced and updated their existing knowledge when treating patients with ASD, affirmed their clinical practice, improved patient and family rapport, advanced professional development, and built interdisciplinary learning. The EAA’s free virtual format was convenient; however, participation barriers included time away from clinical visits and inexperience with giving case presentations. Barriers to providing care to children with ASD included limited resources and managing challenging behaviors. CONCLUSION: EAA provided a flexible format for AHPs to increase their ASD-related knowledge, build interdisciplinary learning, and gain confidence in working with children with ASD. Study findings have the potential to improve the EAA program experience and enhance the autism-related clinical care practices of AHPs.

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20. Wall P, Simmons JE, Hasnie UA, Law MA, Arora G, Sabouni MA. Significant Left Atrial Appendage Leak After LAA Exclusion System Occluded by ASD Closure Device. JACC Case Rep. 2026; 31(31): 108801.

BACKGROUND: Incomplete left atrial appendage (LAA) closure (« leak ») is a challenge of LAA occlusive techniques and carries thromboembolic risk. Closure of significant leaks after surgical AtriClip is rare and less described. CASE SUMMARY: An 81-year-old man with atrial fibrillation on apixaban, prior LAA AtriClip (2023), and multiple recent falls underwent transesophageal echocardiography that showed a residual severe central LAA ostium. Percutaneous ostia closure was performed using an atrial septal defect (ASD) plug via transseptal puncture approach. Residual flow ceased in the LAA, and anticoagulation was halted and transitioned to clopidogrel on discharge. DISCUSSION: Approach to LAA leak closure is guided by size and morphology of the leak. In significant central leak, ASD occluders show superiority in long-term occlusion vs other methods. TAKE-HOME MESSAGE: Closure with ASD occluders is a promising long-term solution for significant LAA leak after AtriClip, and intervention requires extensive multimodal imaging.

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21. Zhang X, He Q, Zhu YY, Lorimer GH, Bayram H, Ghiladi RA, Wang J. Emerging Promise of Sulforaphane in Autism: A Comprehensive Review of Its Therapeutic Potential and Mechanisms. ACS Chem Neurosci. 2026; 17(15): 2880-92.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that emerges in early childhood and significantly impacts the quality of life for individuals and families. Currently, there are no specific medications available for ASD. Increasing attention is now focused on bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Sulforaphane (SFN), a key member of the isothiocyanate family, is abundant in cruciferous vegetables. It exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects with minimal side effects, while oxidative stress and inflammation are recognized triggers in ASD pathogenesis. As research deepens, SFN’s physiological activities─including antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties are gaining heightened attention. Building on prior studies, this review comprehensively summarizes seven potential pathways through which SFN protects neurodevelopment or reverses ASD-related neural damage, including Keap1/Nrf2/ARE; MAPKs; NF-κB; HSR; AhR/CYP1; Sirtuin-FOXO; and mTOR/autophagy signaling pathways, elucidating the potential mechanisms underlying its multifaceted actions. This review offers new insights for the comprehensive utilization of sulforaphane and the treatment of ASD.

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