1. Afsharnejad B, Lee EAL, Hayden-Evans M, Fridell A, Coco C, Alach T, Johnson M, Bölte S, Girdler S. A double-masked randomised actively controlled trial of KONTAKT™ social skills toolbox for Australian autistic children. Autism;2026 (Feb 15):13623613251414902.

To explore the efficacy of KONTAKT™, a manualised social skills group programme, compared to an active control group, 84 autistic children aged 8-12 years were randomised to KONTAKT (n = 43) or ART-Legends, a group-based social art programme (n = 41). Both programmes ran for sixteen 75-min sessions. Primary (Goal Attainment Scaling) and Secondary outcomes (Social Skills Group Assessment, LERID Friendship Scale) were collected at baseline, post-completion, 3-month (primary endpoint) and 1-year follow-up. A weekly survey was also collected to capture children’s enjoyment, motivation and social interaction anxiety while attending their group. Linear mixed modelling indicating significant effects for both groups on the primary outcome GAS (p < 0.001) over time. No Time*Group interaction was observed for GAS or any of the secondary measures at the primary endpoint, except quality of friendship (effect size = 0.67, p = 0.01). The weekly survey indicated higher enjoyment levels from attending KONTAKT compared to ART-Legends. This study found that both social group programmes helped autistic children achieve their personal social goals, with no clear advantage for KONTAKT over ART-Legends. However, KONTAKT's specific elements were necessary for improving friendship quality. Future research can benefit from exploring and identifying the elements of a social programme supporting enjoyment and helping autistic children achieve their goals.Trial registration: (1) Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12619000994189, registered 12 July 2019, anzctr.org.au; (2) ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04024111 registered 1 December 2019, https://clinicaltrials.govLay AbstractSocial skills group programmes such as KONTAKT™ are the most frequently used programmes for supporting the social needs of autistic children in navigating a non-autistic social world. The success of these programmes is largely measured by comparing participants attending a social skills group programme to others not receiving this support or attending another social skills group programme. Therefore, it is unclear whether mere exposure to a supportive social group based on interests is as beneficial as a social skills group programme in supporting the social needs of autistic children. To understand this effect, researchers compared KONTAKT to ART-Legends, a group-based social art programme. While participants in both programmes engaged in free social play, KONTAKT participants also had opportunities to practise their social skills in activities such as roleplays and discussions. Two to three health professionals delivered both programmes to groups of 4-8 autistic children aged 8-12 years. Both programmes were manualised and ran for sixteen 75-min sessions. Overall, 84 children attended the programmes, 43 in KONTAKT and 41 in ART-Legends. A researcher, unaware of the group each child attended, collected data before, then immediately, 3 months and 12 months after the programmes ended. The enjoyment and motivation of attending the groups and the children's anxiety when socialising while attending the groups were also collected. This study found that both groups made clear progress on their personal social goals and social skills over time. However, children in the KONTAKT group showed better results than those in the ART-Legends group when it came to making friends, enjoying the sessions and feeling less anxious in social situations. Overall, this research suggested that when autistic children take part in a structured social group programme led by trained professionals in a supportive setting, the programme can help them reach their personally meaningful social goals. However, if the aim is related to improving their friendships and having more successful socialisation skills, KONTAKT is superior. Future studies could look more closely at what parts of the programme are most helpful in improving friendship and socialisation skills.

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2. Amjad MM, Javed H, Azeem MZ, Anwer T, Khan BW, Khattak MH, Khan UZ, Zahoor MA, Tabassum Z, Ehsan M, Sidra H, Ahmad H, Nazir S, Khan K. Efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain Res;2026 (Feb 15);1873:150114.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and loss of interests. Despite the use of conventional treatment such as medication and behavioral therapy, many children and adolescents still experience significant functional impairments. Recent advances in noninvasive brain stimulation have raised the interest of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in addressing core symptoms of ASD. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for relevant studies was conducted until March 28, 2025. A total of 1,443 records were identified. After duplicate removal and application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 studies contributed to the Meta-analyses, while 28 studies were eligible for the systematic review. RESULTS: In addressing clinical outcomes, tDCS yielded significant improvement in social communication, the pooled data from 4 studies showed significant improvement in social communication (SMD = – 0.66, 95 % CI [-0.94, -0.39] and p < 0.00001), social awareness was also improved with tDCS (SMD = -0.60; 95 % CI [-1.12, -0.07] and p = 0.03) however, language skill showed no significant improvement (SMD = -0.11; 95 % CI [-0.44, 0.21] and p = 0.50). Moreover, tDCS also showed enhancement in restrictive repetitive behaviors (SMD = -0.60, 95 % CI [-0.85, -0.34] and p < 0.00001). In addition, tDCS generated robust improvements in behavioral symptoms and regulations (SMD = -0.65; 95 % CI [-0.98, -0.32] and p < 0.001). Finally, for overall symptom severity reduction in ASD by tDCS, assessed by SRS score, exhibited statistical improvements (SMD = -0.64; 95 % CI [-0.89, -0.39] and p < 0.00001). However, the pooled analysis of 5 studies assessing ATEC score demonstrated no statistically significant difference (SMD = -0.61; 95 % CI [-1.34, 0.11] and p = 0.10) with high heterogeneity (p = 0.0006, I2 = 80 %). To overcome heterogeneity, we performed a sensitivity analysis, which made the result significant (SMD = -0.95; 95 % CI [-1.41, -0.49] and p < 0.0001) with low heterogeneity (p = 0.16, I2 = 42 %). CONCLUSION: tDCS appears to be a promising noninvasive therapy for improving social and behavioral symptoms of ASD. However, large-scale, multi-center RCTs with standardized protocols and longer follow-up durations are essential to determine optimal stimulation parameters and to identify which patients will benefit the most from it.

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3. Cook JL, Fraser DS, Hickman LJ, Brewer R, Huh D. The relationship between speed and curvature differs in autistic and non-autistic tracing movements. Sci Rep;2026 (Feb 15)

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4. Correa-Morales JE, Umbacia MA, Mantilla-Manoslava N, Doughty Herrera-Carrasco K, Amorocho-Morales JD, Zapata C, León MX, Hocaoglu M. Enhancing Palliative Care for Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Scoping Review of Communication Strategies for Assessing Health Needs. J Pain Symptom Manage;2026 (Mar);71(3):e261-e280.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face significant health disparities, particularly in accessing appropriate palliative care. Communication challenges remain a major barrier to understanding and addressing their complex needs. Despite palliative care’s emphasis on person-centered approaches, research on how to communicate with people with IDD to support effective and equitable care delivery and decision-making is limited. AIM: This scoping review aimed to identify and synthesize communication strategies used across diverse disciplines that can support the assessment and management of health needs in individuals with IDD within the context of palliative care. METHODOLOGY: Following the PRISMA-ScR framework and Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage methodology, we conducted a comprehensive search across six databases. Eligible studies focused on communication strategies targeting individuals with IDD in relation to healthcare needs. Data were extracted and synthesized using a systematic qualitative approach to identify patterns and thematic categories across studies. RESULTS: Thirty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Eight key themes were identified through systematic qualitative synthesis: structured communication frameworks, behavioral observation tools, visual and symbol-based aids, caregiver training, technology-based tools, systems-level enhancements, interview-based tools, and adaptive strategies. These strategies were implemented in a variety of settings, including hospitals, homes, and community programs, and served diverse participants with varying communication abilities. Tools addressed pain assessment, emotional expression, decision-making, and support planning. Notably, several studies emphasized co-design and user engagement to improve tool relevance and accessibility. CONCLUSION: Inclusive, multidimensional, and adaptive communication strategies are essential for delivering effective and equitable palliative care to people with IDD.

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5. Cui T, Ariffin RB, Wang X, Wang X. Effects of virtual reality exercise on social skills and emotional recognition among children with autism spectrum disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Psychol;2026 (Feb 14)

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6. Feng A, Li L. Comment on ‘Home Polysomnography in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Prospective Observational Study’. J Sleep Res;2026 (Feb 15):e70316.

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7. Lee IO, Wolstencroft J, Housby H, van den Bree MBM, Chawner S, Hall J, Owen MJ, Skuse DH. The influence of genetic factors on education health and care plan obtainment for pupils with intellectual developmental disabilities. Sci Rep;2026 (Feb 15)

The study aimed to investigate the hypothesis that the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) obtainment for pupils with intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD) of genetic aetiology was influenced by genetic factors and their family’s socioeconomic status. We recruited 2738 participants with IDD of genetic aetiology aged between 6-28 years old (mean age 14 years, 56% male). The data used included genetic inheritance information, primary special educational needs type, the age when the EHCP was granted, parental education level, free school meal eligibility and a family index of multiple deprivation score. Only 78% of participants were eventually granted EHCPs. Those with an inherited variant waited significantly longer and were less likely to receive an EHCP than those with a de novo variant. They were significantly more likely to be living in more deprived areas, and their parents had attained lower levels of education compared with those whose IDD was caused by an equivalent de novo genetic anomaly. This unique cohort study demonstrated that the obtainment of an EHCP in families seeking additional educational support for children with IDD of genetic origin is inequitable and is influenced by social and genetic factors.

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8. Li N, Ye H, Zhu H, Liang M, Wang K, Zhao Y, Liu L. Association of prenatal exposure to air pollution with autism spectrum disorder: A population-based retrospective cohort study in China. Environ Res;2026 (Feb 15);291:123612.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution has been associated with increased autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk, but the role of specific pollutants and critical exposure windows remains uncertain. This study assessed the association between prenatal exposure to six major air pollutants and ASD risk in a large birth cohort in Ningbo, China. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 98 081 mother-infant pairs from the Ningbo MATernity-Child LinkEd databaSe (MATCHLESS). Infants born between August 1, 2017, and December 31, 2018, were prospectively followed using electronic health records until a clinical ASD diagnosis was recorded or until December 31, 2024, whichever came first. Daily average exposure levels of PM(2.5), PM(10), ozone (O(3)), nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)), sulfur dioxide (SO(2)), and carbon monoxide (CO) during pregnancy were estimated using an integrated approach combining the China High Air Pollution (CHAP) datasets with air quality monitoring data. Logistic regression models assessed pollutant-specific associations with ASD risk, and distributed lag nonlinear models (DLNM) identified gestational windows of heightened susceptibility. RESULTS: Among the cohort, 494 (0.5 %) children were diagnosed with ASD by age 6. Mid-to-late pregnancy exposure to NO(2), and CO, and late-pregnancy exposure to PM(2.5), and PM(10), were significantly associated with increased ASD risk. Notably, PM(2.5) (late: OR = 1.112), PM(10) (late: OR = 1.110), NO(2) (mid: OR = 1.284; late: OR = 1.138), and CO (mid: OR = 1.284; late: OR = 1.154) were consistently associated with increased ASD risk. DLNM analyses confirmed cumulative exposure associations aligned with logistic regression results. CONCLUSION: Exposure to PM(2.5), PM(10), NO(2), and CO during the mid-to-late pregnancy increased the risk of children being diagnosed with ASD. These results underscore the importance of targeted air quality control policies during pregnancy to reduce ASD risk. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT06422130.

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9. Ma B, Du X. Effects of a combined physical activity and educational drama intervention on core symptoms and physical fitness in children with ASD. Sci Rep;2026 (Feb 14)

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10. Sari FA, Pohan RA, Andrianie S, Suhardita K. Unveiling untapped potential: A reevaluation of communication and intelligence in nonspeaking autistic individuals. Explore (NY);2026 (Feb 10);22(3):103342.

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11. Uysal M, Aydin Ayva D, Ceylan MF, Tural Hesapcioglu S. Clozapine treatment in adolescents with schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder: Comparative clinical profiles and treatment outcomes from a retrospective study. J Psychopharmacol;2026 (Feb 15):2698811251414347.

OBJECTIVE: Clozapine is a gold-standard antipsychotic for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, increasingly used off-label for severe autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with irritability or disruptive behaviors. This study evaluated clozapine’s efficacy and tolerability in children and adolescents with ASD or schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs). METHODS: A retrospective review of 26 inpatients (ASD: n = 8; SSD: n = 18) treated with clozapine included demographics, dosing, and hospitalization data. Symptom severity was assessed with the Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale (CGI-S), Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANSs), Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPSs), and Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC). Side effects were evaluated with the Ugvalg for Kliniske Undersøgelser (UKU) Side Effect Rating Scale. Hematological parameters-white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)-were compared pre-treatment and at 6 months. RESULTS: Of the 26 patients, 50% had early-onset schizophrenia, 30.8% had ASD, and 19.2% had schizoaffective disorder. Clozapine was initiated at a mean age of 15.8 years, with a mean dose of 284.6 mg/day. Both SSD (p < 0.001) and ASD (p = 0.01) groups showed significant CGI improvement. SANS and SAPS improved in SSD (p = 0.001, p < 0.001); ABC improved in ASD (p = 0.012). UKU scores decreased in SSD (p < 0.001) and trended downward in ASD (p = 0.38). Hypersalivation (61.5%), increased appetite (53.8%), and sedation (34.6%) were common; no discontinuations occurred. Neutrophils increased (p = 0.007), and lymphocytes decreased (p = 0.037), with significant NLR elevation in SSD (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Clozapine demonstrated strong efficacy and improved tolerability, reducing side effects compared to prior polypharmacy in refractory pediatric ASD and SSD.

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