1. Adouni O, Bessadok A, Hamroun M, Ejbali R, Sakli H. Multimodal data integration for early autism detection and LLM-driven personalized intervention: A review. Comput Med Imaging Graph. 2026; 130: 102743.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that poses significant challenges for early detection and intervention. AI is playing an increasingly important role in advancing healthcare research, particularly in ASD detection. Leveraging AI to integrate multimodal data and support intervention planning is essential, as it enables a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of autistic behaviors while facilitating the development of timely, personalized treatment strategies. However, despite the advancements and ongoing efforts, current AI applications often struggle to effectively integrate multimodal data for early autism detection and optimize intervention planning. Addressing these concerns, we first examine the emerging role of AI in integrating diverse data modalities (e.g. image, audio, video…), to provide a more comprehensive understanding of autism. Then, we discuss the application of generative models such as Large Language Models (LLMs) in early intervention planning, this involves the generation of medical reports that outline personalized treatment plans for autistic children. By integrating these research topics, we aim to provide a holistic view of current advancements and future directions in autism early detection.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

2. Al Medawi MA, Alshehri MM, Asiri MSA, Alsubaie S. Autism Spectrum Disorder Associated With a CACNA1I Variant of Uncertain Significance: A Case Report. Cureus. 2026; 18(2): e102980.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heritable neurodevelopmental condition with multifactorial etiologies, and accumulating evidence suggests that ion channel dysfunction may contribute to a subset of phenotypes. We report a six-year-old Saudi girl with early-onset and persistent deficits in social communication, profound speech impairment, stereotyped behaviors, sensory dysregulation, and significant adaptive and cognitive delays. Standardized assessments demonstrated moderate global delay (Vineland composite score 42), clinically significant social communication impairment (SRS-2 total T-score 64, with earlier documentation exceeding 90), and moderate nonverbal cognitive delay (Leiter-3 nonverbal IQ 43). Whole-exome sequencing (CentoGenome® MOX 1.0 Solo) identified a heterozygous CACNA1I missense variant (NM_021096.3:c.6028G>T; p.Ala2010Ser) classified as a variant of uncertain significance, not present in population databases and interpreted as potentially de novo, with a possible splice effect flagged despite largely benign in silico predictions. The child received multidisciplinary interventions, including ABA-based behavioral therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and risperidone for behavioral dysregulation, with mild improvement in social responsiveness but persistent minimal language and limited adaptive functioning. This case adds to emerging reports linking CACNA1I variation to neurodevelopmental phenotypes characterized by prominent speech impairment and highlights the clinical challenge of counseling families when a potentially relevant de novo finding remains classified as a variant of uncertain significance.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

3. Almoussawi I, Barakat H, Ghrayeb Z, Dagher F, Ziab HM. Puberty and Sex Education Challenges in Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Mixed-Methods Evidence From Lebanon. Cureus. 2026; 18(1): e102518.

Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition marked by deficits in social communication and behavior. Adolescents with ASD experience puberty similarly to neurotypical peers but face amplified challenges due to impaired emotional regulation and social cognition. In Lebanon, the absence of formal sex education and prevalent cultural taboos compound these difficulties. Objective This study explores puberty and sex education experiences among Lebanese adolescents with ASD, emphasizing intervention needs by gender and ASD severity from the perspectives of parents, educators, and allied professionals. Materials and methods Using an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design, Phase 1 comprised semi-structured interviews with nine parents and three allied professionals. Phase 2 involved a quantitative survey of 36 special education teachers. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis, while quantitative responses were examined using descriptive statistics and correlation analyses. Results Adolescents with ASD face heightened emotional, sensory, and behavioral difficulties during puberty, including boundary confusion and hygiene challenges. Severity and gender influenced intervention needs: females faced more sensory and hygiene burdens, while severe ASD cases required individualized strategies. Teachers reported moderate resource access, high discomfort with sex education, and strong demand for training and curriculum reform. Embarrassment was negatively correlated with perceived teaching capability (r = -0.38, p = 0.021); parental cooperation and resource access were positively associated (r = 0.54 and 0.69, respectively). Conclusions There is a pressing need for culturally sensitive, gender-specific sex education programs for adolescents with ASD in Lebanon. Findings support policy reform and tailored interventions in conservative or resource-limited contexts.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

4. Axelsson LL, Falck-Ytter T, Nyström P, Blom MA, Frick MA. Clinical Heterogeneity Among Preschoolers Recruited as Infants Due to Elevated Likelihood of Autism: A Sibling Study. Scand J Psychol. 2026.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and developmental language disorder (DLD) are neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) that share etiological factors and frequently co-occur. Despite this, they have rarely been studied together-particularly in relation to functional outcomes. In this study, we investigate the association between the developmental pattern of sustained visual attention in infancy and number of diagnoses, and map the clinical profile of 6-year-old children. A cohort of 6-year-olds, originally recruited in infancy due to elevated (n = 42) or low (n = 7) likelihood of ASD, were assessed for sustained visual attention, diagnostic outcomes, general adaptive functioning, intellectual abilities, and language skills. Participants were grouped based on the number of NDC diagnoses (ASD, ADHD, DLD, and/or Subthreshold ASD) they received at follow-up. We could not find statistical support for an association between sustained visual attention and number of diagnoses. Findings revealed no significant differences in adaptive functioning, intellectual abilities, or language skills between children with no diagnosis (n = 24) and those with a single diagnosis (n = 15). However, children with two or more diagnoses (n = 10) scored significantly lower in general adaptive functioning, intellectual ability, language production, and verbal comprehension compared to those with only one or no diagnosis. The results indicate that compared to children with only one diagnosis or no diagnosis, children with two or more diagnoses scored lower on several key functional domains, emphasizing the need to prioritize children with multiple diagnoses or confirmed functional impairment in clinical settings. Moreover, the findings indicate that a single diagnosis in preschool-aged children should not be a stand-alone outcome measure in sibling studies, if the goal is to identify early processes that predict meaningful differences in everyday functioning.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

5. Badgett NM, Taylor-Swanson L, Quist S, Price J, Villanueva J. Experiences of autistic women in menopause: brief review and recommendations for practice and research. Front Reprod Health. 2026; 8: 1762773.

Autistic women navigating the menopause transition face a constellation of challenges that remain critically understudied. This paper explores the intersection of autism-specific traits and menopausal symptoms, with a focus on interoceptive awareness (IA)-the ability to perceive internal bodily signals-which is frequently dysregulated in autistic individuals. Dysregulated IA may contribute to misinterpretation of menopausal symptoms, which in turn amplifies vasomotor severity, anxiety, depression, and distress during this life stage. Systemic barriers further complicate care access. Autistic women often encounter communication challenges with healthcare providers, limited provider knowledge of autism and menopause, and reduced social support. Addressing these gaps requires interdisciplinary approaches, including autism-informed health education, clinician training, IA-targeted interventions, and peer support networks. This paper calls for expanded research into the relationship between autism, interoception, and menopause to inform clinical practice and improve quality of life for autistic women during midlife transitions.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

6. Davoody S, Miryounesi M, Mazaheri N, Abbasinejad M, Davari-Ashtiani R. Beyond genetics: A rare case of childhood disintegrative disorder following psychosocial trauma. J Pediatr Nurs. 2026; 88: 337-41.

BACKGROUND: Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD), or Heller’s syndrome, is a rare neurodevelopmental condition characterized by late regression of language, social, and motor abilities after a period of normal development. Its etiology remains unclear, but may involve genetic, immunologic, or environmental factors. While biological causes are emphasized in most studies, psychosocial influences have been rarely examined. This report presents a case of CDD following severe psychosocial trauma, accompanied by comprehensive genetic testing and structured sleep assessment. METHODS: A multidisciplinary evaluation including neurological, neuroimaging, and psychiatric assessments, physical examination, laboratory investigations, and whole-exome sequencing (WES) were performed. Developmental regression was assessed with the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), and sleep disturbances with the Persian version of the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). CASE PRESENTATION: A 9-year-old girl showed progressive regression in cognitive, linguistic, and motor skills at age 5 after witnessing her mother’s death and her brother’s self-immolation. Self-immolation is the most tragic and violent method of suicide, and is considered a severe traumatic event. Neurological examination, EEG, and MRI were unremarkable. WES and CNV analyses revealed no pathogenic variants, making genetic etiology unlikely. ADI-R confirmed severe regression in social and communication domains. The CSHQ score was 69 (>41), indicating significant sleep disturbances. Treatment with aripiprazole (12.5 mg/day) yielded minimal improvement during one year of follow-up. She was also referred for behavioral and developmental rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: This case highlights severe psychosocial trauma acting as a critical trigger for the onset of CDD. It emphasizes the need for pediatric nurses to recognize trauma-related regression, integrate trauma-informed care, and coordinate family assessment and support.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

7. de Andrade AM, de Souza LRV, Oliveira RF, Paiva KM, Fiuza FP, de Farias PHS, da Silva Júnior RR, Holanda MVF, de Medeiros Fernandes TAA, de Góis Morais PLA, de Paiva Cavalcanti JRL. Analysis of NDNF and SLC1A2 gene expression in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of individuals with autism. Front Neurosci. 2026; 20: 1694827.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the expression of NDNF and SLC1A2 in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a region linked to executive functions, emotional regulation, social skills, and sensory processing. METHODS: Using data from the Allen Human Brain Atlas – Autism Study, 17 post-mortem cases (ASD: 9; controls: 8; ages 2-14) were analyzed with in situ hybridization and Nissl staining. Histological images were processed with FIJI-ImageJ and Ilastik software. RESULTS: No significant differences in NDNF expression were observed, though a trend toward lower levels in ASD was noted. In contrast, SLC1A2 expression was significantly increased in ASD and showed age-related growth, possibly reflecting neuroinflammatory processes. Nissl staining indicated similar neuronal density between groups, suggesting that gene expression changes may reflect functional alterations rather than cell number. CONCLUSION: These results highlight complex neurogenesis alterations in ASD and underscore the need for further research to identify biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

8. Eccles J, Weir E, Santhouse A, Brugha T. Autism and ADHD: does the global rise in diagnosed neurodivergence reflect increased awareness of undiagnosed cases?. Bmj. 2026; 392: r2648.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

9. Feng P, Han Y, Xue X, Li H, Zhao Y, Zhao P, Zhao S, Li E. Integrated probiotic benefits of Limosilactobacillus fermentum PY-1 from the traditional fermented food « Suancai » drive antioxidant enhancement, immune protection, and gut microbiota regulation to attenuate autism-like behaviors in rats. Food Funct. 2026; 17(5): 2267-81.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition frequently associated with elevated gastrointestinal oxidative stress. Although probiotics can mitigate oxidative stress in the gut microbiota, their specific antioxidant mechanisms in ASD remain unclear. In this study, rats were administered Limosilactobacillus fermentum PY-1, a bacterial strain isolated from traditional fermented foods and characterized by robust antioxidant activity, for one month to achieve gut colonization. Results showed that this intervention significantly ameliorated autism-like behaviors including social interaction deficits and repetitive actions, while concurrently reducing oxidative stress markers and inflammation, and enhancing intestinal barrier integrity. Histopathological analysis further revealed that liver damage was also attenuated. Notably, the treatment induced a marked reshaping of the composition of gut microbiota, characterized by the enrichment of beneficial taxa including Adlercreutzia, Christensenellaceae, Turicibacter, and Ruminococcus, while suppressing pathogenic bacteria like Erysipelatoclostridium. Metabolomic profiling validated the upregulation of indole-3-acetate, a metabolite with neuroprotective properties, alongside reduced levels of compounds linked to cognitive impairment, specifically asymmetric dimethylarginine and homogentisic acid. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of Limosilactobacillus fermentum PY-1 in modulating gut-brain axis dynamics for reducing oxidative stress, and offer a novel strategy for ASD intervention.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

10. Guimarães V, Quagliato LA. Evaluation of IL-1β, 8-OHdG and TBARS in Autistic Children: The Role of Inflammatory Biomarkers. Int J Dev Neurosci. 2026; 86(2): e70111.

Recently, neuroinflammation has been associated with many psychiatric disorders, including autism. The primary aim of this study was to investigate baseline levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress (OS) markers and DNA damage in unmedicated, healthy autistic children. Our first hypothesis was that the specific OS marker thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS); the concentration of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), representing DNA damage; and the inflammatory marker interleukin-1 β (IL-1β) would be elevated in unmedicated autistic patients compared to controls. The secondary aim was to evaluate the relationship between these three metabolites. Our outcomes reveal that autistic children have higher serum levels of IL-1β, TBARS and 8-OHdG compared to control group. The regression analysis revealed that levels of TBARS are related to 8-OHdG levels in controls, but not in autistic children. We can hypothesize that, in autistic children, DNA damage could already be present. Our data also showed that there is no association between IL-1β and 8-OHdG serum levels in both groups, suggesting that the DNA damage caused by OS is not mediated by IL-1β. This study reveals that inflammation may play an important role in pathophysiology of autism, encouraging further investigation of these mechanisms.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

11. Hergüner S. Editorial: Innovative and cutting-edge approaches to the identification and management of autism spectrum disorders. Front Psychiatry. 2026; 17: 1794305.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

12. Lee TW. RS-fMRI Evidence of Left Frontal Lobe Developmental Deviation as a Candidate Core Pathology of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Dev Neurosci. 2026; 86(2): e70112.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most prevalent developmental disorders. This study utilized 3-Tesla resting-state fMRI data analysed with the functional parcellation algorithm MOSI (modular analysis and similarity measurement) to investigate cortical functional organization in ASD. Sixty individuals with ASD and sixty healthy controls were selected from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE), with no significant differences in age and gender distribution. The MOSI-derived metrics were compared using independent two-sample t-tests. The findings revealed a significant reduction in the functional volume of the left frontal lobe, a region critical for language, cognitive, and social processing. This reduction appears to be accompanied by compensatory expansion in other brain regions, suggesting a reallocation of neural resources that may contribute to ASD heterogeneity. These results support the notion of left frontal lobe developmental deviation (LFDD) as a parsimonious neural mechanism underlying key ASD features. The accountability of LFDD in various cognitive, symptomatic and behavioural characteristics of ASD is briefly discussed, along with its implications for male predominance and evolutionary relevance. Overall, the study provides a novel brain-based perspective on ASD, moving beyond traditional psychological models to offer a neurobiological explanation for its defining characteristics and possible underlying developmental origins.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

13. Liao X, Shao J, Chen Z. Transcriptomic analysis reveals synaptic dysregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction in autism spectrum disorder. Brain Behav Immun Health. 2026; 53: 101197.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the molecular relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and synaptic dysregulation in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through transcriptomic analysis, focusing on gene expression changes and disrupted pathways related to synaptic abnormalities and metabolic disruption. METHODS: Transcriptomic data from peripheral blood samples in the GSE18123 dataset were analyzed to identify transcriptional changes associated with ASD. The analysis focused on 1205 neurodevelopmental genes, with differential expression analysis conducted to compare gene expression between ASD and neurotypical control (NC) groups. Functional enrichment analyses using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways mapped disrupted biological processes. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed to highlight central regulatory hubs, while gene co-expression analyses were employed to examine coordinated dysregulation across synaptic and metabolic networks. RESULTS: A total of 27 differentially expressed genes were identified, with 22 showing upregulation, suggesting increased molecular activity. Enrichment analyses highlighted the dysregulation of synaptic signaling pathways and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, revealing a mechanistic link between metabolism disruption and synaptic abnormalities. PPI network analysis identified central regulatory hubs, including DKK1 and CYCS, highlighting intricate interactions between synaptic and mitochondrial pathways. Co-expression analysis demonstrated correlations within metabolic and synaptic functional modules, indicative of coordinated transcriptional dysregulation in ASD. CONCLUSION: This analysis uncovers a distinct molecular signature in ASD, emphasizing the convergence of synaptic abnormalities and metabolic disruption. The findings provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of ASD and highlight potential targets for biomarker development and therapeutic strategies.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

14. Luyster R, Greene-Pendelton K, Arunachalam S. Inquiry and innovation: Considering curiosity and creativity in autism. Acta Psychol (Amst). 2026; 264: 106571.

Curiosity and creativity are faculties that support innovation, achievement and emotional well-being. They are early-appearing and lifelong, serving a critical role in human development. In this paper, we suggest that these essential capabilities have been broadly overlooked in our understanding and description of development in autistic individuals. We critically evaluate two assumptions: that curiosity and creativity are (1) diminished and/or (2) different in autism. In support of future research, we provide a number of suggestions for how we, and other important stakeholders like educators, parents, and providers, can deepen our appreciation for the ways in which curiosity and creativity might be expressed in autism. We also aim to highlight the ways in which curiosity and creativity can support personal growth and flourishing across the lifespan in autistic individuals, just as they do for nonautistic individuals.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

15. Mi K, Cao M, Zhang L, Zhang Q, Zhou W, Deng C, Zhang Y, Zhao Q, Wei Y, Liu X, Li F. An integrative multi-omics approach identifies microbiome alterations linked to pathological and behavioral features in autism spectrum disorder. Cell Rep Med. 2026: 102655.

This study employs a multi-omics approach to investigate the gut-brain axis in 326 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 169 typically developing (TD) controls, aged 0-10 years. By analyzing neuroimaging, gut microbiome, and plasma metabolome data, we find that microbial features could accurately distinguish ASD from TD children. A key finding is that gut microbial abundance, particularly an increase in Clostridioides difficile, serves as the strongest predictor of both ASD symptom severity and brain structural variations. Crucially, these gut and brain differences are age dependent, diminishing as children with ASD aged and converging toward TD patterns. A mediation model suggests a potential pathway where specific microbes influence brain structure and behavior via metabolites. The findings establish the gut microbiota as a robust predictor of brain and behavioral phenotypes in pediatric ASD, underscoring the necessity for early, age-stratified therapeutic strategies via modulating the composition of the gut microbiome.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

16. Morais S, d’Almeida OC, Pereira DJ, Sayal A, Direito B, Pereira J, Caldeira S, Meneses S, Areias G, Girão V, Bettencourt C, Macedo A, Castelo-Branco M. Differential connectivity between core hubs underlying demanding executive functions in schizophrenia compared to autism and control adults. Front Psychiatry. 2026; 17: 1757647.

INTRODUCTION: Schizophrenia (SCZ) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders with similar impairments in several neuropsychological domains, namely in executive function, hampering their differential diagnosis. We asked if brain activation and connectivity patterns within central nodes of the frontoparietal network (FPN), critical for executive control, are distinctively altered in these clinical populations during a working-memory task (n-back). METHODS: Forty-five male adults (15 SCZ,15 ASD,15 controls) matched for age, education level, and handedness, underwent 3T brain fMRI during a n-back executive task. We functionally defined three core hubs of the FPN (primary outcome measure: dorsolateral prefrontal cortex -DLPFC and intraparietal sulcus -IPS), and the insula (secondary outcomes), a relevant connecting hub of the salience network (SN). RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between SCZ and ASD. In contrast, we found significant connectivity differences which were higher for the SCZ group, particularly between the DLPFC-IPS and insula-IPS. Differences between SCZ and ASD dominated in the left hemisphere. DISCUSSION: The distinct cortical activation and connectivity patterns in SCZ (increased connectivity within FPN and FPN-SN), as compared to ASD and controls, are consistent with a fundamental change in executive function in psychosis.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

17. Mortazavi M, Guevara J, Diaz J, Tran S, Ziaei Jam H, Reeves C, Batalov S, Jepsen K, Bainbridge M, Besterman AD, Gymrek M, Palmer AA, Sebat J. Long-read genome sequencing improves detection and functional interpretation of structural and repeat variants in autism. Cell Genom. 2026: 101186.

Long-read whole-genome sequencing (LR-WGS) technologies enhance the discovery of structural variants (SVs) and tandem repeats (TRs). We performed LR-WGS on 267 individuals from 63 autism spectrum disorder (ASD) families and generated an integrated call set combining long- and short-read data. LR-WGS increased detection of gene-disrupting SVs and TRs by 33% and 38%, respectively, and enabled identification of novel exonic de novo germline and somatic SVs. We observed complex SV patterns, including a class of nested duplication-deletion events. By joint analysis of phased genetic variation and DNA methylation, we identified deletions of imprinted genes and demonstrated the effect of intermediate TR expansions (35-54 CGG) on the methylation of FMR1 promoter. Rare SVs, TRs, and damaging SNVs together accounted for 7.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.7%-17%) of the heritability of ASD. These findings demonstrate how LR-WGS can resolve complex genetic variation and its functional consequences and regulatory effects in a single assay.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

18. Nasaruddin NH, Awaluddin SM, Alias N, Wan-Fei K, Wan TS, Shawaluddin NS, Anera SNS, Zain SH, Zainudin AH, Hasani WSR. Prevalence and Associated Factors of Developmental Delays Across Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Language and Social Domains in Malaysian Children Aged 6-59 Months. Child Care Health Dev. 2026; 52(2): e70248.

BACKGROUND: Developmental delays in gross motor, fine motor, language or social skills can affect children’s growth and well-being. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of overall and domain-specific delays and identify associated risk factors among Malaysian children aged 6-59 months using recent national data. METHODS: This population-based, cross-sectional study used data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2022, focusing on children aged 6-59 months. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with caregivers, and physical assessments were conducted by trained nurses. Overall developmental delay was defined as failing an age-specific assessment in at least one of four domains: gross motor, fine motor, language, or social skills. Multivariable logistic regression, accounting for the complex survey design, was performed using SPSS version 23 to identify sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with developmental delays across all domains. RESULTS: Prevalence of overall developmental delay was 7.4%. Children aged 24-35 months (AOR: 2.40), boys (AOR: 1.44) and those with low birth weight (AOR = 1.76) were significantly at risk of overall developmental delay. By domain, social delay (4.1%) was the most prevalent delay, followed by language delay (2.7%), fine motor delay (1.9%) and gross motor delay (1.0%). Children aged 36-59 months were at higher risk of fine motor and language delays. Low birth weight was a strong predictor across all domains, with the greatest effect on gross motor delay (AOR: 3.75). Boys had higher odds of fine motor (AOR: 1.49), language (AOR: 1.77) and social delays (AOR: 1.55), while being overweight was specifically associated with gross motor delay (AOR: 2.79). CONCLUSION: Developmental delays are prevalent among Malaysian children, with low birth weight as a consistent risk factor across domains. Domain-specific assessment reveals distinct patterns and unique risk profiles that are masked by overall prevalence, underscoring the need for targeted early interventions.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

19. Panigrahi A, Mohapatra A. Enhancing Pulp Therapy Outcomes in Children with Autism: A Sensory-adapted Dental Environment Approach. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2026; 19(2): 195-9.

INTRODUCTION: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit heightened dental anxiety and uncooperative behavior due to sensory sensitivities and communication challenges. Pulp therapy (pulpotomy/pulpectomy) is a common, time-consuming procedure that is largely dependent on patient compliance. AIM: This observational study was done to assess the effect of a sensory-adapted dental environment (SADE) on improving the outcomes of pulp therapy in children with autism aged 5-14 years, in comparison with conventional dental setting. METHODOLOGY: A total of 60 ASD patients, requiring pulp therapy, were randomly allocated into two groups: SADE (n = 30) and conventional environment (n = 30). Outcome measures included cooperation scores, anxiety ratings, treatment completion rates, procedure time, caregiver satisfaction, and physiological stress [heart rate (HR)]. RESULTS: Children in SADE showed significantly higher compliance and lower anxiety: mean cooperation scores (1-5 scale) were 4.6 ± 0.3 in SADE vs 3.2 ± 0.5 in controls (p < 0.001), and visual anxiety ratings (-10 scale) were 2.1 ± 1.0 vs 5.8 ± 1.2 (p < 0.001). Procedure completion was achieved in 93% of SADE cases vs 67% under conventional conditions (p = 0.01). HR increases during treatment were smaller in SADE (mean +5 bpm) than in controls (+15 bpm, p < 0.001). Caregiver satisfaction (Likert 1-5) averaged 4.7 in SADE vs 3.1 in controls (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A multisensory-adapted environment markedly enhanced patient compliance and procedural efficiency in ASD children's pulp therapy, suggesting that SADE is a feasible nonpharmacologic strategy to mitigate anxiety and improve dental care outcomes. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Panigrahi A, Mohapatra A. Enhancing Pulp Therapy Outcomes in Children with Autism: A Sensory-adapted Dental Environment Approach. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2026;19(2):195-199.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

20. Pantano NA, Rodriguez NM, Sidener TM, Vladescu JC, Kisamore AN. Further evaluation of component skills that facilitate the emergence of intraverbal tacts. J Exp Anal Behav. 2026; 125(2): e70093.

Identifying component skills necessary for the emergence of intraverbal tacts, or verbal responses under control of both a verbal and nonverbal antecedent stimulus, is important because the occasion for this skill often occurs in a child’s everyday life. Previous research has begun to identify a sequence of component skills that may lead to the emergence of multiply controlled intraverbals. However, it remains unclear which component skills are necessary versus sufficient. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of teaching a subset of component skills, element tact and intraverbal categorization, to identify the skills sufficient for emergence of intraverbal tacts. A multiple-probe design was used to assess intraverbal-tact emergence for five participants diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder during pre-and post-element-tact and intraverbal-categorization teaching sessions. Emergence of intraverbal tacts was also assessed during recombinative-generalization probes. Results indicated that intraverbal tacts emerged for all participants following acquisition of element tacts and intraverbal categorizations. As no other component skills were taught, these data suggest that these component skills may be sufficient for intraverbal tact emergence. Implications for identifying necessary component skills and directions for future research are discussed.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

21. Pham LN, Ghanem J, Kerner T. Long-Segment Right Colon Volvulus in a Young Adult With Severe Developmental Disability: An Unusual Presentation and a Diagnostic Challenge. Cureus. 2026; 18(2): e102936.

A 22-year-old woman with severe developmental disability, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy dependence, and chronic constipation presented with progressive abdominal distension and obstipation. Initial abdominal radiography demonstrated diffuse gaseous distension without a clear transition point, and she was discharged after symptomatic management. She returned within 24 hours with worsening distension, tachycardia, leukocytosis, and an elevated lactate level. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated marked dilation of the right colon with a maximal diameter of approximately 13 cm, along with pronounced cephalad displacement and organ shift, raising concern for toxic megacolon or acute colonic pseudo-obstruction. A water-soluble contrast enema demonstrated abrupt tapering at the distal transverse colon with a classic bird’s beak configuration, consistent with mechanical torsion. Urgent exploratory laparotomy confirmed a long-segment right-colon volvulus involving the cecum, ascending colon, and proximal transverse colon with obstruction at the mid-transverse colon. The patient underwent decompression and right hemicolectomy with primary ileocolic anastomosis and recovered without complication.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

22. Ramirez PM, Fiat AE, Blackburn AD, Stone-Heaberlin M, Justice N, Herbst RB. From screening to specialty care: Leveraging primary care integrated psychologists to reduce barriers to autism diagnosis. Fam Syst Health. 2026.

INTRODUCTION: Families of children with suspected autism spectrum disorder, especially those from minority or medically underserved groups, often face multiple barriers to autism evaluation and diagnosis. This subsequently delays access to much-needed interventions. In addition to systemic barriers (e.g., suboptimal screening and provider training, long waitlists), family-level factors including family mistrust of medical providers, disability stigma, and challenges with care navigation further contribute to care gaps. METHOD: Innovative integrated care models are essential to enhance provider-family relationships and reduce care discrepancies. This conceptual article explores using a multitiered framework within an integrated care model to help mitigate barriers to care and reduce delays to diagnosis for pediatric primary care patients with suspected autism. RESULTS: Integrated psychologists partnered with families and primary care physicians to provide tiered supports for children with suspected autism based on both family readiness and level of impairment. Flexible yet coordinated strategies such as universal psychology prevention visits, targeted intervention referrals, and specialty care referrals with care navigation, were offered. DISCUSSION: Our care model suggests that the three-tiered framework involving integrated psychology may help reduce care gaps between primary care and specialty autism care and enhance relationships with families of children with suspected autism in medical settings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

23. Ramos N, Leija V, Cavazos Vela J, Maldonado DB, Perez S. Exploring the Impact of a Culturally Adapted Parent-Directed Training Program for Latine Parents of Children With Autism. Fam Process. 2026; 65(1): e70128.

The purpose of this mixed methods study is to explore the impact of a culturally adapted parent-directed training program in the United States on 90 Latine parents’ perceptions of their child’s strengths and social functioning. In addition, the study aimed to investigate the impact of the program on Latine parents’ stress and their empowerment to advocate for their children. Participants were 90 Latine parents who participated in a 10-session culturally adapted training program. Quantitative analyses of pre-post data on the Family-Outcome Survey-Revised Scale, the stress subscale of the DASS-21, and Quality of Play Questionnaire indicated statistically significant improvements. Estimates of effect size and clinical significance were also measured. Analyses indicated clinically significant changes for some Latine parents. Approximately 1 out of 4 Latine parents reported clinically significant improvements (i.e., meaningful improvement) or improvements without clinical significance as related to advocacy for their child’s rights, and 1 out of 3 Latine parents reported clinically significant improvements or slight improvements in understanding their child’s strengths. Approximately 1 out of 3 Latine parents reported clinically significant improvements or slight improvements in reducing their stress symptoms, and approximately 1 out of 3 parents reported clinically significant improvements or slight improvements in their child’s social functioning. Our qualitative findings also revealed that participants (a) appreciated the role of parent leaders, (b) applied evidence-based strategies to help their children, and (c) connected with other parents to create a community. An implication for this study is that graduate programs need to continue to teach future practitioners how to engage in interdisciplinary and interprofessional work to provide effective services to culturally diverse populations.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

24. Reveley M, Owen GR, Tumba N, Olateju OI, Maseko BC. VGLUT1 and PSD-95 Expression Remains Stable in the Prefrontal and Cerebellar Cortices of the VPA Autism Rat Model. Dev Neurobiol. 2026; 86(2): e70018.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has recently been described as a synaptopathy where dysregulation at the level of the synapse is thought to evoke an excitation-inhibition (E/I) imbalance implicated in its pathogenesis. The mechanisms through which alterations in glutamatergic signaling bring about an E/I imbalance remain elusive. Vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1) and postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) are two major regulatory proteins of glutamatergic signaling. This study aimed to determine whether a valproic acid-induced (VPA) rat model of autism would be associated with changes in the protein expression levels of VGLUT1 and PSD-95 in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and cerebellar hemisphere (CH). Sprague-Dawley rats were obtained from saline control (n = 3) and VPA-induced (n = 3) groups. Consumption of VPA during pregnancy increases the propensity for the development of autism in offspring, making this an effective model for environmentally induced autism. The protein expression levels of VGLUT1 and PSD-95 were assessed through qualitative western blot analysis from which ratiometric comparisons could be made between control and VPA-induced rats. In both the PFC and CH, no significant differences were observed in the levels of protein expression of PSD-95 and VGLUT1 between control and VPA-induced rats. These findings suggest that the VPA-induced rat model of autism is not associated with changes in the protein expression levels of PSD-95 and VGLUT1 in the PFC and CH.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

25. Ríos Llamas C, Camacho Vega DO, Delgadillo Ramos MG. Light and sound hypersensitivity in autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review focusing on age and gender bias. Front Psychiatry. 2026; 17: 1771956.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often characterized by hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli, with 70-90% of autistic individuals experiencing such difficulties. In environments without appropriate accommodation, these sensitivities can cause discomfort; however, current guidelines for regulating light and sound remain limited, and evidence from current research indicates a striking asymmetry across ages and genders. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review synthesized 29 studies (2015-2025) to (1): characterize distinct auditory and visual sensory hypersensitivity profiles in ASD compared to typically development (TD) controls (2); identify mechanisms of reduced habituation and impaired multisensory integration (3); quantify and critique methodological biases (age, gender, and context); and (4) map critical research gaps for inclusive environmental studies. METHODS: PRISMA guidelines and registered protocol (PROSPERO: CRD420251042397). Three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus) resulted in 410 records; 29 met the strict PICO criteria, involving experimental/observational assessment of auditory or visual responses with ASD-TD comparisons. Quality assessment utilized a 16-item DISCERN instrument specifically adapted for neuroscience research. Data extraction encompassed demographic attributes (age, gender) and behavioral outcomes. RESULTS: Most studies examined auditory stimuli, with few focusing on lighting effects. Sensory responses of autistic individuals were atypical, including reduced habituation to sounds, impaired sensory gating, and increased sensitivity to noises. A natural soundscape is more effective at regulating the body than clinical white noise. Visual research is limited, with no studies on photophobia or modern lighting. Audiovisual studies show delayed speech processing, slower adaptation to asynchrony, and reduced susceptibility to multisensory illusions, reflecting detail-focused perception. Males and children predominate in most studies, and females are underrepresented, particularly in adult studies, creating an age and gender gap. CONCLUSION: Addressing critical gaps and biases in autism sensory processing and therapeutic opportunities is essential. Studies should encompass gender-balanced perspectives, lifespan development, and visual hypersensitivity, incorporating ecological validity and translating findings into actionable environmental standards. Rather than perpetuating historical biases, it is crucial to prioritize the needs of underrepresented groups. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251042397, identifier CRD420251042397.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

26. Selvam BJ, B M. Neuroqueer embodiment and nomadic subjectivity in autistic life writing. Med Humanit. 2026.

Autistic life writing refers to first-hand accounts of autistic lived experiences which challenge dominant deficit-based understandings of autism. Within autistic life writing, texts that directly address the relationship between autism, gender identity and sexuality have recently increased in number. However, scholarly work on the subject of neuroqueer embodiment (intentional expression of neurodivergence that queers both neuronormative and heteronormative standards) within these narratives is limited. This gap is particularly evident when considering anthologies that present multiple autobiographical narratives together in one textual space. This paper examines neuroqueer embodiment as represented in Spectrums: Autistic Transgender People in Their Own Words, an anthology of autistic life narratives edited by Maxfield Sparrow, using a feminist new materialist lens. Specifically, we use Rosi Braidotti’s nomadic subjectivity to explore neuroqueer embodiment.Nomadic theory emphasises the fluid nature of subjectivity and argues for a non-essentialist view of identity that is continually in the process of becoming. Using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA), four interconnected themes are identified: neuroqueer sensorimotor experiences, self-discovery, fluid identity and neuroqueer community, that collectively constitute a challenge to normative assumptions about cognition, gender identity and sexuality, opening up new onto-epistemic possibilities. Overall, this study attempts to (1) expand neuroqueer theory by emphasising the materiality of neuroqueer embodiment as expressed in life writing, (2) contribute to critical autism studies by offering a new interpretive framework for understanding the intersection between autism, gender and sexuality, and (3) contribute to medical humanities by demonstrating how neuroqueer embodiment challenges existing clinical frameworks which try to understand this intersection.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

27. Uzoaru F, Preston MA, Loux T, Ross L. Medicaid Expansion and Medication Use Among U.S. Children with ASD or ADHD: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Analysis Comparing Before and During the COVID-19 Periods. Healthcare (Basel). 2026; 14(5).

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) frequently rely on pharmacological treatment to manage core symptoms. This study examined how Medicaid expansion and the COVID-19 pandemic influenced medication use among children with ASD or ADHD, including those with comorbid diagnoses. METHODS: We analyzed 2016-2023 data from the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) for children aged 3-17 years with caregiver-reported diagnoses. Logistic regression models assessed the association between Medicaid expansion, the pandemic period, and current medication use, including an interaction between expansion and pandemic period. Analyses were conducted for the full sample (N = 35,198) and a subgroup with comorbid ASD and ADHD (N = 4298). RESULTS: Current Medicaid expansion was associated with significantly lower odds of medication use in the full sample (aOR = 0.68, p < 0.001) but not the comorbid group (aOR = 0.98, p = 0.9). Medication use showed no significant change during the COVID-19 period in either the full sample (aOR = 0.99; p > 0.90) or the comorbid subgroup (aOR = 1.22; p = 0.4). A significant interaction indicating increased odds of medication use during the pandemic in expansion states was observed only in the full sample, although a similar but non-significant pattern appeared in the comorbid group. Age, race, and insurance-related differences were significant across groups, with coverage consistency playing a larger role in the full sample. Sensitivity analyses, excluding the 2020 survey year and modeling pre/post pandemic periods, supported the robustness of findings. CONCLUSIONS: Medicaid expansion was associated with patterns consistent with buffering pandemic-related disruptions in medication use among children with ASD or ADHD overall, but those with co-occurring conditions remain especially vulnerable.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

28. Wang J, He X, Cao Y, Gao J. Therapeutic effects of exercise interventions for children and adolescents with Autism: An umbrella meta-analysis. Psychol Sport Exerc. 2026; 85: 103115.

AIM: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of exercise interventions in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using an umbrella meta-analysis. METHOD: We systematically searched Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, SinoMed, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP for systematic reviews and meta-analyses of exercise-based interventions in ASD. Two reviewers independently assessed methodological quality and extracted data. We included 20 systematic reviews and meta-analyses comprising 14,245 participants. RESULTS: Exercise interventions were associated with enhanced social skills (SMD = 0.52; 95% CI 0.28-0.76; P < 0.001), improvements in repetitive stereotyped behaviors (SMD = 0.49; 95% CI 0.29-0.69; P < 0.001), and improved motor skills (SMD = 1.16; 95% CI 0.64-1.68; P < 0.001) in individuals with ASD. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise interventions are associated with improvements in social skills, repetitive stereotyped behaviors, and motor skills in children and adolescents with ASD. However, the overall certainty of evidence is low, and substantial heterogeneity and moderate-to-high overlap across meta-analyses warrant cautious interpretation. Exercise may represent a scalable, low-cost neuromodulatory adjunct within neurodevelopmental rehabilitation; future high-quality trials with long-term follow-up and clearly defined intensity and dose-response relationships are needed.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

29. Wang Y, Wang S, Zheng M. ‘A thorn in my heart’: Narratives of systemic burdens and gendered suffering in Chinese autism parenting discourse. Soc Sci Med. 2026; 397: 119156.

Autism parenting in China is shaped by a distinct sociocultural landscape where evolving awareness intersects with entrenched Confucian familism. While the parenting experience is multifaceted, this study conducts a targeted analysis of narratives of burden and suffering as they appear in autism parenting discourse on Xiaohongshu, a popular Chinese social media platform. Through a qualitative, metaphor-led discourse analysis of 55 posts, we identify and analyze three key themes within the register of hardships: (1) Battlefront, where war and economic metaphors convey profound distrust of a privatized intervention industry perceived as profit-oriented; (2) Care Crisis, where spatial and gendered metaphors articulate maternal despair, financial ruin, and self-erasure; and (3) Familial Disruption, where dehumanizing and Buddhist metaphors frame autism as a generational catastrophe. Metaphors like « a thorn in my heart » and « three-generation butterfly effect » are not merely linguistic flourishes; they function as culturally resonant narratives of parental distress and resistance. Furthermore, the analysis reveals a critical elision in parental discourse, where metaphors of the child as a burden coexist with social critique, illustrating how the child’s condition becomes the locus how the child’s condition becomes the locus for experiencing structural constraints. By centering these expressions of systemic and gendered suffering, our findings highlight an urgent need for multi-tiered reforms, including expanded state support and culturally tailored anti-stigma initiatives, to address the profound burdens faced by these families.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

30. Yin H, Sun K, Wang C, Fan S, Wang J, He S, Lei HM, Pang S, Chen J, Zhang G. Shank3B deficiency disrupts GABAergic synaptic transmission in pyramidal neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex region in autism spectrum disorder. Mol Brain. 2026.

Mutations in the SHANK3B gene have been strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is integral to emotional processing and social behavior, and its atypical development is closely associated with ASD pathogenesis. However, the electrophysiological characteristics of pyramidal neurons within the mPFC and the mechanisms of their synaptic transmission remain inadequately characterized. In the present study, we conducted whole-cell patch-clamp recordings on mPFC pyramidal neurons in Shank3b knockout mice. We observed significant alterations in the membrane properties and excitability of mPFC pyramidal neurons in Shank3b knockout mice; these were accompanied by reduced inhibitory postsynaptic currents and deficiencies in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release or GABA(A) receptor transport. Additionally, RNA sequencing analysis of PFC tissue revealed differentially expressed genes in Shank3b knockout mice compared with WT mice, with these genes enriched in synaptic function and calcium channel signaling pathways. These findings are consistent with our ultrastructural observations of a reduced postsynaptic density at excitatory synapses, which may further contribute to the impaired number and morphology of pyramidal neurons in the mPFC. Our research offers new insights into the disruption of PFC circuitry that is caused by Shank3b deficiency and establishes connections between the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying ASD and synaptic structural anomalies, ion channel dysregulation, and excitatory/inhibitory imbalances. Together, these findings highlight the importance of Shank3b-mediated regulation of GABA signaling and modulation of intrinsic excitability as prospective therapeutic targets for ASD.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

31. Zhang L, Song W, Gao H, Li X. Effects of exercise on anxiety and psychiatric comorbidities in children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry. 2026; 17: 1761833.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety disorders affect nearly 40%-50% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While exercise benefits motor skills, its efficacy in modulating affective symptoms remains under-synthesized. This meta-analysis evaluated the effects of exercise on anxiety and co-occurring symptoms in pediatric ASD. METHODS: We analyzed data from 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 482 participants. A three-level random effects model was utilized to account for effect size dependencies. Subgroup analyses examined the exercise modality and intensity. RESULTS: Exercise significantly reduced comorbid anxiety (Hedges’ g = -0.68, p < 0.001). Notably, aerobic exercise demonstrated the most substantial anxiolytic effect (g = -1.18), outperforming other modalities. Improvements were also observed in the core ASD symptoms (g = -0.56) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related attention deficits (g = -0.48). The effects on sleep were inconclusive due to heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise, particularly aerobic interventions, serves as a potent non-pharmacological strategy for the management of anxiety and affective dysregulation in children with ASD. These findings support the integration of aerobic exercise into clinical treatment plans to improve emotional wellbeing. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD420251157119.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

32. Zhang W, Leung RYF, Mak KK, Ge H, Kwok TTO, Tso RVY, Wang A, Ma H, Wong JY. GPT-Powered Chatbot-Based Positive Psychology Intervention for Well-Being Among Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Single-Arm Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Form Res. 2026; 10: e85060.

BACKGROUND: Parents of autistic children frequently experience elevated stress levels, depressive symptoms, and reduced well-being. Positive psychology interventions (PPIs) can strengthen resilience, and chatbots offer a scalable channel through which such skills can be delivered. However, evidence on the evaluation of large language model-guided PPI-based chatbots for this population is limited. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a GPT-powered chatbot (« Allie »). This study was designed to deliver culturally adapted PPIs to parents of autistic children and to explore their preliminary effects on well-being, depression, stress, and health-related quality of life. METHODS: We conducted a single-arm mixed-methods pilot study with 19 parents with autistic children. These parents engaged with Allie for 2 weeks to complete 8 structured PPI exercises. The primary outcomes were feasibility (completion, ease of use, and practicality) and acceptability (multidimensional user ratings). Secondary outcomes were the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5), Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Perceived Stress Scale-10, and Short Form-12 Health Survey (version 2) Physical and Mental Component Summary scores. Outcomes were analyzed using paired t tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Optional postintervention interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 17 (89.5%) participants completed all the exercises, which indicated a high degree of procedural feasibility. There were also high ratings for ease of use and practicality (means 4.47/5, SD 0.70, and 4.32/5, SD 0.67, respectively). Acceptability was favorable (overall satisfaction mean=5.68/7, SD 0.70; prompt response time=6.37/7, SD 0.68). The WHO-5 score improved significantly from 32.84 to 46.11 (t(18)=2.48, P=.02; Cohen d=0.52). Changes in the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (z=-0.49, P=.63; r=0.11), Perceived Stress Scale-10 (t(18)=-0.82, P=.43; Cohen d=0.12), and Short Form-12 Health Survey (version 2) Physical Component Summary (t(18)=-0.94, P=.36; Cohen d=0.18) and Mental Component Summary (t(18)=-0.89, P=.39; Cohen d=0.17) scores were not significant. Qualitative feedback (14/19) described benefits aligned with PPI mechanisms such as greater self-reflection, a more positive orientation, perspective-taking, emotional support, and coping skills. However, participants also suggested refinements, such as more natural conversation (colloquial Cantonese), shorter or less repetitive outputs, user-chosen sequencing with reminders and progress tracking, multimodal features, and autism spectrum disorder-specific resources. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study revealed the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary improvement in well-being (WHO-5) of a PPI-based GPT-powered chatbot, Allie, among parents of autistic children. Although there was no significant short-term change in other outcomes, the findings provide insights into design priorities, including personalization, conversational naturalness, multimodal content, and autism spectrum disorder-specific guidance. Larger, controlled trials with longer exposures and more diverse samples are needed to establish efficacy and durability. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06438120; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06438120.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)