1. AH BR, Shanayneh TH, Jaradat RM, Nusair SD, Bashtawi MA. Elemental and Isotopic Profiles in Blood and Urine of Jordanian Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Preliminary Comparative Study with Neurotypical Children. Biol Trace Elem Res;2026 (Jan 6)

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

2. AlShaban F, Fombonne É, Ghazal I, Al-Faraj F, Aqel S, Thompson IR, Al-Shammari H, El-Hag S, Nasir B. Exploring the Association Between Parental Age and Autism Spectrum Disorder Risk in Qatar. J Autism Dev Disord;2026 (Jan 5)

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

3. Andresen J, Jeppesen ACE, Due AS, Mariegaard LS, Parvaiz R, Hjorthøj C, Pinkham AE, Nordentoft M, Letnar G, Jepsen JRM, Glenthøj LB. The Effect of Virtual Reality-Based Social Cognitive Training for Autistic Adults: Protocol for STEPS (Social Cognitive Training Enhancing Pro-Functional Skills) Randomized Clinical Trial. JMIR Res Protoc;2026 (Jan 5);15:e72854.

BACKGROUND: Autistic adults constitute a growing and largely overlooked population with limited clinical and research resources. Social cognitive impairments are key deficits faced by this population, significantly impacting social interactions, educational and vocational functioning, and quality of life. Interventions targeting social cognition in autistic adults have shown promising results. Recent studies investigating the effect of virtual reality (VR)-based interventions for autistic adults have provided preliminary evidence supporting the feasibility and effectiveness of using this innovative technology. These studies indicate that VR interventions can enhance functional and social skills and improve specific neurocognitive and social cognitive functions. However, large-scale randomized clinical trials are urgently needed to fully assess the effectiveness of VR-based interventions for autistic adults. OBJECTIVE: This protocol aims to provide a comprehensive description of the design and methodology of the STEPS (Social Cognitive Training Enhancing Pro-Functional Skills) trial. METHODS: STEPS is a clinical, randomized, assessor-blinded, parallel-group superiority trial. A total of 140 participants will be allocated to receive either virtual reality-based social cognitive training (VRSCT) + treatment as usual (TAU) or TAU alone. The experimental group will receive 12 weekly 1-hour sessions of VRSCT, aiming at improving psychosocial functioning and social cognition through exposure to virtual social environments. The intervention comprises 3 core modules, namely emotions, social understanding, and complex social interactions. The exact content and duration of TAU received by each participant will be mapped and documented upon trial completion. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, at cessation of the intervention (3 months post baseline), and at 6 months post baseline. RESULTS: Participant enrollment began in May 2024. As of February 2025 (initial manuscript submission), 34 participants had been enrolled, increasing to 97 participants as of December 2025. Completion of enrollment is expected in April 2026. Data analysis is expected to begin in October 2026 following the final 6-month follow-up assessment. Results are anticipated in December 2026 and will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, STEPS is the hitherto largest randomized clinical trial globally investigating the effect of VRSCT for autistic adults. The results of this innovative intervention approach may significantly advance research in the field of autism. VRSCT holds potential to improve psychosocial functioning, quality of life, and co-occurring clinical symptoms, and to reduce social cognitive deficits in autistic adults. Establishing evidence-based interventions is crucial for addressing the debilitating psychosocial challenges faced by this population, especially considering the absence of established gold-standard treatments.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

4. Avni E, Zachor DA, Ben-Itzchak E, Saban-Bezalel R. From Toddlers to Late Childhood: Age-Related Patterns in Parental Concerns About Autism. J Autism Dev Disord;2026 (Jan 6)

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

5. Chetcuti L, Hardan A, Spackman E, Smillie L, Frazier TW, Uljarevic M. Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of the BIS/BAS Scales in Children and Adolescents With Autism. Autism Res;2026 (Jan 6)

The Behavioral Inhibition System and Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS) Scales offer a framework for assessing individual differences in sensitivity to reward and punishment-processes theorized to underlie key autism features. Despite widespread use, the psychometric properties of the BIS/BAS Scales have yet to be evaluated in the autistic population. Therefore, this study sought to evaluate the factor structure and psychometric properties of the BIS/BAS Scales in a sample of children and adolescents with autism. Parents of N = 709 autistic youth (M(age) [SD] = 11.22 years [3.54]; 75% male) completed the BIS/BAS Scales alongside additional convergent/divergent validity measures. Factor structures ranging from one to eight specific factors were tested, including bifactor and hierarchical models with and without general factors. Measurement invariance was assessed across age groups (< 12 years vs. ≥ 12 years) and gender. Convergent and divergent validity were evaluated using bivariate correlations. Results indicated that a five-factor bifactor model-comprising general BIS and BAS dimensions alongside specific BIS-Fight/Flight/Freezing, BIS-Worry, BAS-Drive, BAS-Reward Responsiveness, and BAS-Fun Seeking factors-exhibited best fit and measurement invariance. Factors showed strong construct validity through correlations with emotion problems, risk avoidance, response inhibition, neuroticism, shyness, activity, and extraversion. Findings support the BIS/BAS Scales as a psychometrically sound measure of reward and punishment sensitivity in autistic youth. Further research is needed to confirm model generalizability, structural stability, and measurement invariance across both clinical and non-clinical populations. This study is the first to examine the structure, reliability, and validity of the parent‐reported BIS/BAS Scales among autistic youth. The optimal scoring approach included general BIS (sensitivity to threat/punishment) and BAS (sensitivity to reward) factors along with specific subdomains: Worry and Fight/Flight/Freeze (aspects of BIS) and Reward Responsiveness, Drive, and Fun Seeking (aspects of BAS). The scales showed consistent measurement properties across age and gender and meaningful associations with emotional problems, executive functioning, and personality traits. Overall, these findings support the BIS/BAS Scales as a reliable and valid tool for assessing how autistic youth respond to rewards and threats. eng

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

6. Chojak M, Lewicka-Zelent A. The time of contact with the media as a potential source of behaviours similar to the features of autism spectrum disorders in children aged 6-10. Psychiatr Pol;2025 (Oct 31);59(5):737-754.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to see if and to what extent the length of time spent in front of a TV, computer, laptop or tablet screen differentiates the development of children. METHODS: The study included 46 girls and 55 boys aged 6-10. The children were tested with the IDS-2 test, while parents were asked to fill out questionnaires, regarding demographic information, time of contact with media and child development. Diagnosis was made for ASD, ADHD, depressive symptoms and anxiety disorders. RESULTS: The results indicated significant differences between children spending more than two hours a day in front of a computer or TV and those with less contact time, in terms of large motor development and the social-emotional sphere in the test used to diagnose autism. CONCLUSIONS: The results are consistent with reports indicating a potential link between media contact time and ASD traits in children. It is therefore reasonable not only to limit the amount of time early school-age children spend in contact with the media, but also to closely monitor those who exceed this time limit.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

7. Dani A, Gudeshian M, Honein-Abou Haidar G, Halajian C, Charafeddine L. Perspectives of paediatricians on developmental surveillance and screening in a low- to middle-income country: a qualitative study. BMJ Paediatr Open;2026 (Jan 4);10(1)

INTRODUCTION: Early childhood development (ECD) is a critical global and public health issue. Worldwide, paediatricians serve as the primary point of contact between children and the healthcare system, playing a key role in promoting healthy development through routine developmental surveillance (DS) and screening (DSc). However, there is limited research on paediatricians’ perspectives regarding this matter, particularly in low-resource communities and countries such as Lebanon. This study aimed to explore the paediatricians’ perspectives on the current routine DS and DSc practices for children under 5 years of age. METHODS: Paediatricians from all five Lebanese governorates were invited to participate using purpose and convenience sampling. A total of five academic and eleven non-academic paediatricians were included in the study. Semi-structured face-to-face or online interviews were conducted in Arabic between September 2018 and August 2021. Interviews were audio-recorded, then transcribed verbatim and translated into English and thematically analysed using Quirkos V.2.5.3 software. RESULTS: The study revealed significant variation regarding the understanding of concepts of routine DS and DSc. Most non-academic paediatricians primarily focused on physical development, while academic paediatricians were more attuned to cognitive and psychosocial development, with variation in practice. Factors influencing the practice were multi-layered: paediatricians, parents, paediatrician-parent interaction and system level. CONCLUSION: DS and DSc practices in Lebanon are inconsistent, often incomplete and not systematically integrated into routine paediatric care. Efforts should be made to raise awareness about their importance, the appropriate methods for conducting them, and address the system-level factors by developing national guidelines for ECD. Data on paediatricians’ practices in other similar low-resource countries or communities is needed to understand the common problems and have joint efforts to address them globally.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

8. Hou W, Zhang L, Li J. Sensorimotor synchronization in children with autism spectrum disorder: The role of timing and modality. Psychon Bull Rev;2026 (Jan 5);33(1):29.

Impaired sensorimotor synchronization is observed in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet the underlying mechanism of this impairment remains unclear. The current study investigated the impact of the inter-stimulus interval and the modality of stimulus on synchronization performance in children with ASD. Twenty-one high-functioning children with ASD and 21 typically developing (TD) children participated in a finger-tapping task. There were no significant group differences in age, gender, or IQ. Results showed that children with ASD exhibited greater asynchrony at longer time intervals and lower efficiency in multisensory integration compared to TD children. Notably, children with ASD were able to benefit from multisensory cues to improve their sensorimotor synchronization at longer intervals. Children’s synchronization performance was correlated with total IQ, fluid reasoning, and visual spatial ability. These findings shed light on the underlying mechanism of atypical synchronization in children with ASD and provide a new avenue for developing targeted training on sensorimotor synchronization for children with ASD.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

9. Ilen L, Husmann J, Feller C, Schneider M. Interplay between resting heart rate variability, daily affective dynamics and mental health difficulties in autistic youths. Sci Rep;2026 (Jan 6)

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

10. Katz H, Ausderau K, Love H, Hickey EJ, Pickett KA, Andreae SJ. Group exercise and disability: perceptions of instructors toward participation in group exercise for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Disabil Rehabil;2026 (Jan 6):1-11.

PURPOSE: Group exercise provides many benefits, yet adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are often excluded from participation. As group exercise instructors play a significant role in GE participation, this study sought to gain a better understanding of their perceptions toward the participation of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to support the development of more accessible and inclusive community group exercise opportunities. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were completed with twenty participants aged 21-62 who were actively teaching group exercise classes. Participants shared their perceptions of intellectual and developmental disability concerning group exercise participation. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three themes were derived from the interviews: Beliefs surrounding modifications, perceived instructor roles, and self-efficacy in teaching adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: Instructors emphasized the importance of modifications but expressed mixed self-efficacy in applying these modifications effectively. Further exploration is needed surrounding instructor self-efficacy. Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities often experience low levels of physical activity and social isolation, challenges that group exercise may help address.Partnerships among community-based gym owners, group exercise coordinators, and instructors are crucial for expanding accessible and inclusive group exercise opportunities.Professional development and hands-on training focused on teaching adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can strengthen instructors’ self-efficacy in providing appropriate modifications and adaptations.Mentorship from adapted physical activity specialists, allied health professionals, and experienced instructors can further build instructors’ confidence and skill in supporting diverse participants. eng

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

11. Kelly A, Morrison R, Matta N, Neville L. Review of early development in children with Down syndrome: family and clinician partnership. BMJ Paediatr Open;2026 (Jan 6);10(1)

This article reviews current literature on early child development in Down syndrome (DS) to provide a summary for clinicians who deliver developmental care. Literature was reviewed on acquisition of developmental skills across domains including motor, language, vision and hearing skills, and evidence for interventions. We include current concepts on promotion of early developmental care and the importance of clinician-family collaboration. The perspective of a family is included which highlights their experience of the early years.Professionals including paediatricians and therapists have a role in monitoring development and proactively identifying and mitigating co-morbidities and barriers to progress. Families are best served by integrated therapeutic and educational input from specialists where required, with customised interventions when delays are apparent.The use of DS-specific developmental frameworks and monitoring for conditions which may impact development is suggested to enable realistic, meaningful and individualised goal setting, in partnership with families. Our review additionally provides a summary of potential actions for clinicians and carers to promote optimal child development across developmental domains.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

12. Li D, Huang Z, Wei A, Long K, Su Y, Wang S, Li X. Predicting autism spectrum disorder through the gut microbiota composition using machine learning. Biosci Microbiota Food Health;2026;45(1):27-41.

The human gut microbiota plays a crucial role in overall health, impacting various diseases, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study explores the relationship between gut microbiota changes and ASD by analyzing microbial compositions and abundances of 692 gut microbiota samples using public 16S rRNA sequencing datasets. Data preprocessing included normalization and redundancy reduction, retaining 367 microbial features. A machine learning model was then developed to predict ASD, utilizing feature-selected random forest algorithms that showed superior performance in both training and independent test sets. Identified microbial features with high correlation to ASD included Clostridiales bacterium VE202-08, Solobacterium moorei gene, and other features. The findings suggest that modulating the gut microbiota composition could mitigate ASD risk or alleviate symptoms. These insights pave the way for novel ASD diagnostic methods through microbiota analysis, although further research is required to validate these possibilities. This study offers a new perspective on the etiology and progression of ASD and proposes potential predictive tools for its diagnosis.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

13. Liang H, Wu C, Duncan M, Simpson L, Smith A, Harrold K, Pearman Z, Warren A, Shavel-Jessop S, Murphy T, Heyman I, Evans S, Catanzano M. Autism in children and young people with functional tic-like behaviours: a retrospective cross-sectional study. Arch Dis Child;2026 (Jan 5)

BACKGROUND: Functional tic-like behaviours (FTLB) are characterised by multiple, complex, vocal and/or motor tics, typically with adolescent onset. Emerging research highlights neurodevelopmental conditions as vulnerability markers for FTLB development, yet no studies have specifically studied this subgroup. This study (1) investigates the prevalence of autism in young people with FTLB, (2) compares demographic and clinical features between patients with FTLB with and without autism and (3) examines the diagnostic accuracy of the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA) in identifying autism in this patient group. METHODS: The study comprised 63 children presenting to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Tic Service between August 2020 and May 2022 with an FTLB diagnosis. Demographic and clinical variables were determined through retrospective chart review. RESULTS: In the FTLB sample, 69.8% were diagnosed with autism and 37% had Tourette syndrome, both much higher than in the general population. Results indicated that young people with FTLB with and without autism have similar rates of reported impairment, as measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, but those with autism had higher rates of co-occurring attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, 61%) and specific learning disorders (27%). The DAWBA demonstrated poor sensitivity (ranging from 0.09 to 0.26) in predicting likelihood of autism in this group. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of autism in patients with FTLB. Those with FTLB and autism may be more likely to have ADHD and specific learning disorder compared with those with FTLB alone. Better clinical screening for autism is essential in patients with FTLB as DAWBA is insufficient.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

14. Lodi E, Tampieri F, Poli ML, Rodighiero E, Gasparini PA, Biagi F, Modena MG. Use of a humanoid robot to reduce distress in autistic children undergoing paediatric cardiology visits: a pilot study. BMJ Paediatr Open;2026 (Jan 4);10(1)

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience distress during medical procedures due to sensory sensitivities and communication challenges. We conducted a pilot study assessing whether a humanoid robot (NAO) could reduce distress during cardiology assessments. 24 children with ASD were evaluated during NAO-assisted visits. Distress levels were significantly lower compared with previous routine non-robot-assisted visits involving the same patients. Reduced motion artefacts and shorter diagnostic procedures were also observed. These results support the feasibility and potential benefit of integrating social robots into outpatient paediatric settings for patients with autism, paving the way for more inclusive and neurosensitive healthcare experiences.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

15. McIntosh A, Hunter R. Exploring recovery from anorexia in autistic adults: a qualitative study. BMJ Open;2026 (Jan 6);16(1):e111034.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the barriers and facilitators of anorexia nervosa (AN) recovery in adults with autism. DESIGN: Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with autistic adults who identified as being in recovery or having recovered from AN. SETTING: Participants were recruited via advertisements on social media and an eating disorder (ED) forum. Online Zoom interviews with 12 participants were conducted from October to November 2023. PARTICIPANTS: Overall, 12 autistic adults who identified as being in recovery or recovered from AN were included (11 women and 1 man; aged between 18-50 years). RESULTS: Four key themes were identified: ‘Sensory Experiences’, ‘Recovery in progress’, ‘Changing to healthy mindsets’ and ‘Engaging with treatment’. Results indicated that recovery for participants did not follow a linear path, with the role of autistic traits, such as sensory sensitivities, interoception and the internal voice, making recovery challenging. CONCLUSION: This study provides insight into the challenges and motivations experienced during the recovery process. Findings highlight the need for further research to improve guidelines and autism awareness in ED services.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

16. Rahmati Y, Jarrold C. Concurrent measurement of working memory and inhibitory control and their correlations with autistic and ADHD traits in the general population. PLoS One;2026;21(1):e0339846.

Executive function can be defined as the combination of goal representation in working memory and the inhibition of goal-irrelevant responses. This paper comprises two complementary studies that assess these core components of executive function orthogonally and examine their correlation with ASD and ADHD traits in the general population. Both studies utilized a paradigm with two tasks, each assessing working memory and one type of inhibitory control concurrently: the modified flanker task, which measured working memory and interference control, and the modified spatial conflict task, which measured working memory and response inhibition. The aim was to explore the main effects of memory and inhibitory load in each task, investigate potential over-additive interactions between executive function components, and examine the correlations between autistic and ADHD traits and task performance. Each study involved 100 neurotypical adult participants. In Study 1, results showed that reaction time in the flanker task was significantly influenced by demands on both working memory and inhibitory control, whereas in the spatial conflict task only the inhibitory manipulation produced the expected effect. Study 2 introduced modifications that revealed effects on reaction time in the spatial conflict task due to both memory and congruency load. The flanker task demonstrated memory effects in reaction time, but congruency effects were only evident under low memory conditions. No interactions between executive function components in an over-additive way were observed in either Study 1 or Study 2. Bayesian linear regression and correlation analyses found evidence against any meaningful correlations between the size of the congruency or memory effect, computed for any dependent variable and ASC or ADHD traits in both studies.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

17. Song J, Reichow B, Chow J, Bruder MB, Simonsen B. The Effects of Joint Attention Interventions for Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-analysis. J Autism Dev Disord;2026 (Jan 6)

PURPOSES: This meta-analysis examined the post-intervention effects of joint attention interventions on children’s joint attention skills and other outcomes for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as identifying characteristics associated with improvements in children’s joint attention skills. METHODS: We searched four databases in February 2025. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of joint attention interventions for children with ASD under five years old were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Effects were synthesized using multivariate random-effects model meta-analysis using robust variance estimation. RESULTS: Eighteen RCTs with 1,165 child participants were included in this meta-analysis. We found improvements in joint attention skills (g = 0.53, 95% CI [0.34, 0.72]) with substantial heterogeneity. Child’s chronological age and joint attention types were found statistically moderating the effect on children’s joint attention skills. We also found improvements in play (g = 0.33, 95% CI [0.04, 0.63]), and autism symptomatology (g = 0.70, 95% CI [0.13, 1.26]). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis of 18 RCTs showed that joint attention interventions effectively improved joint attention skills in young children with ASD. Younger children showed greater improvements than older children. Larger effects on responding to joint attention were observed comparing to other types of joint attention. While positive effects on play skills and autism symptoms were observed, these findings require cautious interpretation due to methodological limitations. Results support joint attention interventions as beneficial for improving developmental outcomes in young children with ASD.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

18. Suda M, Sumiya M, Iwabuchi T, Asada K, Akechi H, Senju A. Relative Complexity in Repetitive Structure and Visual Preference for Geometric Figures in Autistic Individuals: A Pilot Study. J Autism Dev Disord;2026 (Jan 6)

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

19. Watson-Grace A, Patel A, Paradkar P, Oatney L, Monroe TB, Chipps E, Tate JA, Failla MD. Nursing Perspectives on Factors That Influence Provision of Patient-Centered Care for Autistic Patients in a Large Urban Hospital System: A Qualitative Study. J Adv Nurs;2026 (Jan 6)

AIM: To characterise nurses’ perspectives on factors that influence their ability to provide patient-centered nursing care for autistic patients in a large urban hospital setting. DESIGN: Qualitative exploratory study. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews via Zoom with nurses from a large urban hospital serving primarily adult patients. We analysed interviews using codebook/template analysis. Two researchers coded each interview and resolved discrepancies through discussion. RESULTS: Twelve nurses (3 males) with 2-20 years of professional experience across research, management, and patient care roles were interviewed. Three primary themes were generated: (1) barriers to patient-centered care, including lack of formal autism education, factors related to the hospital setting, and specific nurse characteristics, such as inflexible adherence to care routines; (2) facilitators of patient-centered care, including experiential autism knowledge, caregiver involvement, and specific nurse characteristics, such as showing respect for all patients; and (3) missed opportunities for patient-centered care, including underuse of behavioural care teams, inadequate time for planning and preparation, and reliance upon restraints and security personnel for behaviour management. CONCLUSION: Nurses identified several areas where consistent implementation of existing processes could improve care. A key finding was the need to explore more patient-centered alternatives to the use of restraints and security personnel in response to aggressive or self-injurious behaviour. Overall, our results support the need for competency training to facilitate increased nursing comfort and ability to provide patient-centered care for autistic patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION: This work suggests nurses gain much of their autism-related knowledge through patient care experiences. Despite providing the majority of hands-on care, nurses receive little to no formal training about caring for the growing autistic population. IMPACT: This work has identified targeted areas to improve education and processes in caring for autistic patients. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)