1. Adak P, Chakraborty SS, Bandyopadhyay AK, Ghosal S, Chatterjee M, Saha S, Lohia M, Lohia A, Banerjee N. An association study of the SOD2 rs4880 (Ala16Val) variant with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Gene. 2026; 1014: 150396.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex and highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder. Among various contributing factors, oxidative stress plays a major role in ASD pathophysiology. The study of antioxidant genes, therefore, may contribute to revealing important aspects of ASD. The Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) gene family (well-known antioxidant) plays a crucial role in protecting cells from oxidative damage. This study aimed to investigate the functional impact of the SOD2 rs4880 (C > T) variant in children with ASD. A total of 595 participants were recruited, including 366 children with ASD (295 males and 71 females) and 229 healthy controls (125 males and 104 females). Genotyping was performed by the ARMS-PCR method. The trait severity of ASD was evaluated by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, 2nd edition (CARS2-ST). SOD2 gene expression was measured by quantitative real-time PCR in a subset of 99 ASD cases and 66 controls. Our findings revealed a significant association between rs4880 and ASD, with a higher frequency of the T allele and TT genotype among ASD subjects than controls. Differences in SOD2 gene expression were observed between ASD cases and controls across rs4880 genotype groups, suggesting that rs4880 variation may influence SOD2 expression. Furthermore, reduced SOD2 expression was associated with increased behavioural symptoms, particularly « Fear or Nervousness » and impaired « Verbal Communication, » indicating a potential relationship between altered antioxidant defence and specific behavioural manifestations of ASD. These findings suggest that the SOD2 rs4880 variant may contribute to ASD susceptibility through its association with altered SOD2 expression and behavioural characteristics.

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2. Brilhante AVM, Brasil CCP, Silva RMD, Askari M, Sampaio L, Gonçalves JL, Sabóia L, Macedo Cruz LA, Dias HR, Cavalcanti LA, Parente MJA, Rocha MT, de Amorim MMR. Communication barriers in perinatal care for autistic women: A qualitative study using the hermeneutic-dialectic circle in Brazil. PLoS One. 2026; 21(9): e0358429.

Autistic women experience increased obstetric and perinatal risks, partly driven by communication barriers within maternity care. Evidence on how these barriers are experienced in low- and middle-income countries remains scarce. This study aimed to analyze communication barriers in perinatal care based on narratives of autistic women who experienced pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care in Brazil. A qualitative study was conducted using the Hermeneutic-Dialectic Circle (HDC) approach. Thirty-four autistic women (22 with support level 1 and 12 with support level 2, including three non-speaking participants with complex communication needs) were recruited through convenience sampling, supplemented by active recruitment through participant referral, and participated in semi-structured interviews conducted in multiple accessible formats (video call, real-time messaging, in-person, and augmentative and alternative communication). Data were analyzed using constant comparative methods within the hermeneutic-dialectic framework, guided by the social model of disability and the neurodiversity paradigm. Three central categories were constructed: (1) communicational demands of autistic women and their non-recognition, including alexithymia, sensory hypersensitivity, and need for predictability; (2) institutional and interpersonal communication failures, encompassing symptom invalidation, disrespectful care, and exclusion of non-speaking women; and (3) experiences of respectful and effective communication, demonstrating that adapted strategies promote safety and autonomy. Participants’ narratives indicate that communication barriers in perinatal care for autistic women operate systemically rather than individually. Training healthcare professionals and implementing accessible communication strategies are essential to promote respectful, safe, and inclusive maternity care.

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3. Clarke E, Singer H, Lord C. Developmental cascades of daily living skills matter for adult outcomes in autism. Dev Psychopathol. 2026: 1-14.

Daily living skills (DLS) predict adult success for autistic individuals. However, most research on DLS in autism relies on cross-sectional data and DLS summary scores, limiting understanding of how specific skills across development relate to adult outcomes. Using longitudinal data from autistic adults (n = 232, 19% female, 69% White) followed from early childhood into their early thirties (m(age) = 32.6 years, SD = 7.58, range 19-35), this study used machine learning techniques to identify item-level DLS from ages 5 (n = 123), 9 (n = 152), 14 (n = 154), and 18 (n = 143) that predicted adult employment, residential status, social relationships, and well-being. DLS items demonstrated predictive utility for employment (age 9 model R(2) = .557) and social relationships (age 14 model ROC AUC = .839). Notably, DLS measured at age 5 explained a large proportion of variance in adult vocational outcomes (R(2) = .507). Predictive strength for residential status increased across development (age 18 model ROC AUC = .906), whereas DLS showed limited association with subjective well-being (age 14 model R(2) = .096). Community-based skills (e.g., money use, telephone skills) consistently emerged as top predictors. Findings are interpreted within a developmental cascade framework, highlighting how DLS competencies in childhood and adolescence may inform experiences for autistic adults.

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4. Cliffe C, Rees H, Childs H, Day R, Shade E, Simmons L, Jennison J, Allely C, Mukherjee RAS. Sex differences in mental health disorders among autistic men and women: retrospective service audit of a random cohort – CORRIGENDUM. BJPsych Bull. 2026: 1.

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5. Gopukumar ST, Saha M, Soni TK, Alatwi ES, Khan GA, Asad MR, Shamshad S, Tadakod S, Sharma A, Das U. CRISPR-Enabled functional genomics in hPSCs-derived neural models for autism spectrum disorder. Metab Brain Dis. 2026; 41(1).

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a genetically heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition in which hundreds of individually rare risk variants converge on a small number of shared biological pathways, including synaptic scaffolding, chromatin remodeling, excitation-inhibition balance, and cellular energy metabolism. Translating this genetic heterogeneity into mechanistic insight requires experimental systems capable of interrogating individual gene functions in human-relevant neural contexts at scale. CRISPR-enabled functional genomics in human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived neural models, spanning neural progenitors, cortical and inhibitory neurons, astrocytes, microglia, and brain organoids, provides precisely this capability. By integrating pooled perturbation screens with multimodal readouts including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, chromatin accessibility profiling, proximity labeling proteomics, multi-electrode array electrophysiology, and metabolic flux analysis, these platforms enable systematic, causal mapping of ASD gene function at system resolution. Early applications have already revealed convergent mechanisms: BAF complex disruption expands the ventral progenitor pool and biases its fate toward oligodendrocyte and interneuron lineages; ADNP loss impairs microglial synaptic pruning through altered endocytic trafficking; and mTOR pathway dysregulation in PTEN- and TSC2-perturbed models links genetic risk directly to metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction. Computational frameworks including MIMOSCA and SCEPTRE enable causal network reconstruction and pseudotime inference from these datasets, moving the field from gene lists toward pathway-level models of ASD pathobiology. Translational applications leverage isogenic iPSC panels and variant-level base and prime editing to stratify ASD variants by functional impact, informing gene therapy design for haploinsufficient targets such as CHD8 and SCN2A via AAV or antisense oligonucleotide delivery. Remaining challenges, including model developmental immaturity, batch variability, and the difficulty of modeling polygenic risk, are addressed by a roadmap integrating spatial perturbomics, AI-driven causal inference, and population-scale standardized biobanks. This review synthesizes the current state of CRISPR-based functional genomics in human stem cell neural models as a coherent experimental framework for converting ASD genetic associations into mechanistic understanding and therapeutic opportunity.

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6. Hendrix N, Ransom L, Chatson E, Zambrano T, Pickard K. Evaluating Partnership Quality and Outcomes Within an Autism Community Collaborative. J Autism Dev Disord. 2026.

PURPOSE: Participatory approaches are increasingly emphasized in autism research, yet evaluations of partnership processes and outcomes remain limited. The present study sought to evaluate partnership processes and outcomes within an autism community collaborative that spanned three years. Study aims were to evaluate to what extent members rated their participation in a community collaborative as reflective of principles of partnership and engagement as well as member perceptions of engagement and partnership. METHODS: Participants (n = 20) completed survey items assessing synergy, decision-making, and satisfaction with engagement in the collaborative; sixteen participants completed semi-structured interviews. Qualitative data were analyzed using rapid qualitative and inductive content analysis. RESULTS: Survey ratings reflected high partner engagement and satisfaction. Qualitative results generally aligned with survey results while revealing how partnership processes contributed to these outcomes. Themes related to the experience of establishing shared values, relational communication, diversity of perspectives within the collaborative, drivers of experience, and community engagement. CONCLUSION: The present work provides further evidence on how relational processes, shared values, and inclusive communication shape partnership outcomes.

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7. Huang JY, Lin YP, Hsieh MH, Chou MC, Chang HP. Prenatal exposure to sedative-hypnotics and the risk of ADHD and ASD in offspring: a nationwide population-based cohort study. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2026; 29(5).

PURPOSE: Sedative-hypnotics are commonly prescribed for anxiety and insomnia during pregnancy; however, concerns persist regarding their potential long-term neurodevelopmental effects on offspring. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the associations between prenatal exposure to benzodiazepines or Z-hypnotics and subsequent diagnoses of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using a restricted cohort design. METHODS: We analyzed nationwide data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance and Birth Registry from 2009 to 2016, restricting the study population to live-born offspring whose mothers had diagnosed insomnia, depression, or anxiety in order to minimize confounding by indication. A total of 25,159 exposed offspring were matched in a 1:2 ratio with 50,318 unexposed controls based on child sex and birth date ± 6 months. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models, with adjustment for maternal comorbidities and sociodemographic factors. RESULTS: Among 75,477 mother-child pairs, the crude incidence rates of ADHD were 6.98 and 6.09 per 10,000 person-months in the exposed and unexposed groups, respectively. For ASD, the rates were 1.34 and 1.15, respectively. Following multivariable adjustment, prenatal exposure to sedative-hypnotics was not significantly associated with an increased risk of ADHD (adjusted HR 1.08; 95% CI 0.99-1.18) or ASD (adjusted HR 1.08; 95% CI 0.88-1.32). Associations observed in crude analyses were attenuated after adjusting for maternal psychiatric severity and familial factors. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that previously reported associations are likely attributable to confounding by indication rather than direct medication effects. However, because the residual confounding inherent to observational designs cannot be entirely ruled out, these findings should be interpreted cautiously. Further studies using designs that explicitly account for covariate timing, medication initiation, and familial confounding are warranted.

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8. Jonak CR, Assad SA, Binder DK, Tran J, Missling CU, Kaufmann WE. Blarcamesine improves EEG biomarkers of cortical dysfunction in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome. Front Pharmacol. 2026; 17: 1786406.

BACKGROUND: Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited form of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. Previous studies in the Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse model of FXS and affected individuals have identified common electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities, which constitute biomarkers of cortical dysfunction for drug treatments. METHODS: We evaluated the effects of three different doses of oral blarcamesine, a Sigma-1 receptor agonist (S1R), on FXS-relevant EEG biomarkers in Fmr1 KO mice utilizing a multielectrode array (MEA) on resting-state power (from delta to gamma frequencies) and network synchronization (inter-trial phase coherence [ITPC]) using three auditory stimulation paradigms (chirp, auditory steady-state response [ASSR] at 40 Hz and at 80 Hz). RESULTS: Blarcamesine-treated Fmr1 KO mice showed dose-dependent modulation of EEG biomarkers across cortical regions. Resting-state EEG power was reduced across multiple frequency bands, including suppression of the FXS-distinctive elevation in the gamma band. Significant improvements in ITPC were observed in all cortical regions for chirp stimulation and 40 Hz ASSR, while modest improvements were seen for 80 Hz ASSR. CONCLUSION: Altogether, these data demonstrate that blarcamesine modulates multiple EEG biomarkers of cortical dysfunction in Fmr1 KO mice. Given that these biomarkers are associated with fundamental neurophysiological mechanisms underlying cognitive and behavioral abnormalities, and are shared between FXS mouse models and affected individuals, these findings are consistent with previously characterized S1R-mediated pharmacological effects of blarcamesine. These data support further investigation of blarcamesine’s clinical potential in FXS and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

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9. Jordan Kemere K, Boedeker PJ, Fremion E. Development, implementation, and impact of a peer mentorship program for healthcare transition in youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2026: 1-13.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience challenges navigating healthcare transition from paediatric to adult systems. Peer mentorship may enhance healthcare transition readiness by leveraging lived experience. OBJECTIVES: We developed and piloted a peer mentorship program delivered in person and virtually at an academic transition clinic. METHOD: Mentors and mentees (n = 55) completed the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) and Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale before and after participation. Quantitative analyses assessed change in questionnaire scores; qualitative surveys and focus groups evaluated perceived value and lessons learned. RESULTS: Mentees and mentors demonstrated statistically significant improvement in some TRAQ domains. Thematic analysis revealed perceived benefits in goal setting, self-advocacy, emotional development, and social connection. CONCLUSION: Peer mentorship for adolescents and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities appears feasible, acceptable and was associated with preliminary improvements in some transition-readiness domains, representing a strategy for enhancing healthcare transition.

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10. Liu J, Chen Z, Li J, Liu D, Wei X. The asymmetric relationship of parental psychological flexibility and parenting involvement in autism: anxiety as a mediator. Front Public Health. 2026; 14: 1912741.

INTRODUCTION: Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face immense pressure and challenges. In traditional Chinese culture, a distinct division of labor exists, with mothers typically bearing greater parenting burdens. This study examined the relationship between parental psychological flexibility (PPF) and parental involvement in families of children with ASD, investigated the mediating role of anxiety, and explored the interaction effects between parents. METHODS: The study included 83 pairs of parents of children with ASD. Parental psychological flexibility, anxiety, and parenting involvement were assessed using the Parental Psychological Flexibility Scale, Anxiety Scale, and Parenting Involvement Scale, respectively. An actor-partner interdependence model was constructed. RESULTS: Both paternal and maternal PPF exhibited significant actor effects on parental involvement, while maternal PPF showed a partner effect on paternal involvement. When anxiety was included as a mediator, maternal PPF was negatively associated with both maternal and paternal anxiety. There was also a significant indirect association between maternal PPF and paternal involvement through maternal anxiety. DISCUSSION: These findings suggest that PPF is a core factor contributing to parenting. In the Chinese cultural context, enhancing mothers’ psychological flexibility may be key to improving family parenting capacity.

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11. Mangope B, Kuyini AB, Mabefam MG, Moletsane L, Mashava R. Perspectives of Parents of Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: An Exploration of Inclusive Education in Botswana. Intellect Dev Disabil. 2026; 64(5): 387-99.

This study examined parents’ views on the inclusion of their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through six focus group discussions involving parents from two public primary schools in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas of South-Central Botswana. Using purposive sampling, data were analyzed through content analysis. Findings revealed that parents primarily expressed concerns about the lack of suitable programs for their children, teachers’ preparedness and teaching quality. Whereas some parents favored specific programs, there was no consensus on the most appropriate option. The discussion emphasizes the need for accessibility, training for parents and teachers, and parental choice in educational decisions.

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12. Nevison C, Zahorodny W. Accelerating autism prevalence in California with changepoint in the mid-2010s and divergence by county and socioeconomic indicators. SAGE Open Med. 2026; 14: 20503121261490679.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) network has observed an ongoing increase in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among U.S. children, with highest prevalence in California. Recent county-level trends in California were analyzed to provide insight into this increase. METHODS: ASD prevalence was estimated from the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) ASD caseload in 2025, stratified by county, race/ethnicity, and age across birth years 1993-2020. Denominators were estimated from the mean of public school and U.S. census data. RESULTS: Diagnosed ASD prevalence increased among all race/ethnicity groups across this period, with a strong uptick in the mid-2010s, most commonly in birth year 2016, in many low and middle income counties. The estimated values varied widely by county and by race/ethnicity, ranging from 1.2% ± 0.2% in San Mateo to 9.5 ± 1.3% in Los Angeles among white and black children, respectively, born in 2019. The rate of change in diagnosed prevalence from birth year 2015-2019 was significantly correlated to county Medicaid (Medi-Cal) fraction for Hispanics and all races, although this ecological association could not distinguish individual-level risk. Comparison of diagnosed ASD prevalence in San Diego County between DDS and ADDM (for which California is represented by San Diego) suggested that DDS tends to underestimate total ASD, likely because it represents the more severely affected subset. Within DDS, diagnosed prevalence trends in San Diego captured statewide California trends relatively well but prevalence was about 20% higher in San Diego by birth year 2019. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosed ASD prevalence has risen unequally across California counties and race/ethnicity groups since the birth years of the mid-2010s, with the steepest increases in low and middle income counties. Understanding these patterns and disentangling true increases in ASD from diagnostic changes are urgent priorities for future research.

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13. Osten S, Susko M, Botha C, Jones J, Woodbury-Smith M, Frei J, Georgiades S, Nicolson R, Trinari E, Anagnostou E, Kelley E. Anxiety as a Moderator Between Autistic/ADHD Traits and Quality of Life in Autistic Children and Adolescents. J Autism Dev Disord. 2026.

PURPOSE: Anxiety is associated with lower well-being in autistic children, yet little is known about how anxiety symptoms moderate the relationship between neurodivergent traits and Quality of Life (QoL). METHODS: The present study analyzed data from 316 clinician-diagnosed autistic children aged 7-17 from the Province of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Disorders Network. QoL, depression (as a control variable), anxiety, autistic traits, and ADHD traits were assessed. We expected anxiety to interact with autistic and ADHD traits in their associations with QoL domains. RESULTS: Regression analyses revealed that after controlling for depression, greater anxiety was associated with reduced school QoL. Additionally, greater ADHD hyperactive-impulsive (ADHD-HI) traits were associated with lower family QoL, while greater ADHD inattentive (ADHD-I) traits were associated with lower self-esteem QoL. Autistic traits were associated with lower friendship QoL but higher school QoL. There were interactions between ADHD-HI traits and anxiety. At high levels of anxiety, ADHD-HI traits were associated with higher school and self-esteem QoL. At low levels of anxiety, ADHD-HI traits were associated with lower friendship QoL. No significant associations were found for the interaction between ADHD-I traits and anxiety, or for the interaction between autistic traits and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: These results introduce novel insights into how autistic traits, ADHD traits and anxiety interact in their associations with QoL in autistic children. Given that no corrections were made for multiple comparisons, this study should be considered exploratory and hypothesis-generating, intended to inspire future research that adopts a trait-based approach in studying the QoL of neurodiverse children.

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14. Pelaez M, Crysdale C, Monlux K. Increasing Joint Attention in Children With Autism Using Contingent Social Stimuli as Reinforcers. J Autism Dev Disord. 2026.

PURPOSE: Joint attention is a critical skill that supports the development of early communication and language. This study examines whether joint attention responses of 5-6-year-old children with ASD can be increased using social stimuli without the use of tangible stimuli. We compared the efficacy of contingent social stimuli alone to the efficacy of social stimuli delivered with tangible reinforcers on increasing joint attention skills with children with ASD. METHOD: Using a single-subject multiple treatment reversal design (A(1) B A(2) C and A(1) C A(2) B), this study measured the joint attention responses (i.e., gaze shifting and pointing) in six participants. The treatment conditions were implemented in a counterbalanced order. The conditions included: (A(1)) Baseline, (B) contingent delivery of social stimuli (smiles and praise), (A(2)) reversal, and (C) contingent delivery of social stimuli in conjunction with tangible stimuli. RESULTS: Data analyses were conducted by visual inspection and comparison of the percentage of correct responses between all four phases. All participants increased their joint attention responses in both treatment conditions compared to baseline and reversal phases. Contingent social stimuli delivered alone (without a tangible reinforcer) were sufficient to increase the gaze shifting and pointing responses of all children. CONCLUSION: The present findings suggest that contingent social stimuli can provide practitioners with a practical and socially valid intervention for increasing responding to joint attention in children with ASD. The results underscore the importance of incorporating contingency learning principles within comprehensive developmental frameworks for joint attention interventions.

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15. Savatt JM, Nixon MP, Berry ASF, Johns A, Walsh LK, Martin CL, Ledbetter DH, Challman TD, Myers SM. Elevated Rates of Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: Not Just an Autism Issue. medRxiv. 2026.

Gastrointestinal (GI) conditions are common among children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs), and are associated with functional impairment, behavioral symptoms, and increased health care utilization. A unique relationship between autism and GI dysfunction has been proposed, leading to a focus on autism in GI research, management guidelines, and clinical tool development. Leveraging >20 years of electronic health record data and a cohort of 42,204 cases with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or intellectual disability and 297,402 controls without NDDs, we quantified associations between NDDs and GI conditions in children. GI conditions were more common in cases than controls across all individual NDDs; intellectual disability and cerebral palsy were most strongly associated with having a GI condition. In this work, clinically recognized GI morbidity was elevated across all NDDs and not unique to autism, suggesting that a broader, transdiagnostic approach to GI dysfunction in children with NDDs is warranted.

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16. Suresh A, Kourdougli N, Nomura T, Buth JE, Miranda-Rottmann S, Sánchez-León CA, Wu MW, Nelson SM, Wall LT, Tran AT, Araya R, Contractor A, Gandal MJ, Portera-Cailliau C. Translatome profiling reveals opposing alterations in inhibitory and excitatory neurons of fragile X mice and identifies EPAC2 as a therapeutic target. Neuron. 2026; 114(18): 3400-17.e9.

Symptoms of fragile X syndrome (FXS), the leading monogenic cause of intellectual disability and autism, are thought to arise from an excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalance. Here, we leverage cell-type-specific mRNA sequencing to profile molecular alterations in cortical excitatory (Camk2) and inhibitory (Pvalb) neurons in Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice, integrating transcriptomic results with circuit and behavioral readouts to prioritize novel therapeutic targets. We uncovered significant genotype-by-cell type interactions for differential gene expression in Camk2a and Pvalb translatomes, and, strikingly, the underlying signaling pathways were often altered in opposite directions. Among the 184 differentially expressed genes that were concordantly dysregulated across both cell types, only Rapgef4 (a.k.a., exchange protein direftly activated by cAMP 2 [Epac2]; upregulated in Fmr1 KO) was also a fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein (FMRP) target, brain-enriched, and associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Treatment of Fmr1 KO mice with a specific EPAC2 antagonist restored cortical circuit function and ameliorated multiple behavioral phenotypes. Thus, EPAC2 should be considered a potential therapeutic target for FXS.

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17. Surmacz M, Coffman MM, Faja S, Nadwodny N, Dawson G, Jeste SS, Kleinhans N, Chawarska K, Webb SJ, Shic F, Naples A, Sugar C, Dziura J, McPartland JC. Longitudinal predictors of internalizing and externalizing behaviors in autism: Examining relationships with ritualistic behavior and social diagnostic features. Dev Psychopathol. 2026; 38(4): 2105-16.

Autistic youth commonly experience co-occurring mental health conditions. Core autism features have been linked to internalizing and externalizing symptoms, yet longitudinal pathways remain unclear. This study examined how ritualistic and social diagnostic features predict later internalizing and externalizing behaviors in school-age autistic children. Caregivers reported ritualistic behavior (PDDBI), social diagnostic features (SRS-2), and internalizing and externalizing behaviors (CASI-5; BASC-3) at two time points (baseline M(age) = 8.50, SD = 1.62, range = 6.0-11.5; follow-up M(age) = 12.67, SD = 1.79, range = 8.7-16.1). Children (n = 139) were 79.1% male (n = 110), 20.9% female (n = 29), 5% African American/Black (n = 7), 0.7% American Indian/Alaska Native (n = 1), 7.2% Asian (n = 10), 17.3% Mixed Race (n = 24), 1.4% Other (n = 2), 68.3% White (n = 95), 17.3% Hispanic/Latinx (n = 24), and 82.7% non-Hispanic/Latinx (n = 115). Ritualistic behavior and social diagnostic features were associated at baseline (r = .590). Baseline ritualistic behavior predicted later internalizing behaviors, while neither social diagnostic features nor ritualistic behavior predicted later externalizing behaviors. Findings underscore the importance of examining specific core autism features, particularly ritualistic behavior, as early indicators of internalizing and externalizing challenges across development.

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18. Suzuki T, Nakazato M, Ohtani T, Ikeda S. Workplace adjustments equivalent to reasonable accommodations and workplace maladjustment in a general working population, with a focus on high autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits. Environ Health Prev Med. 2026; 31: 62.

BACKGROUND: The potential effectiveness of reasonable accommodations for workers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been reported, but quantitative evidence remains limited. It is also unclear whether ASD- or ADHD-equivalent workplace adjustments benefit workers with lower ASD or ADHD trait levels in the general population. This study aimed to quantitatively examine whether individuals with high or non-high levels of ASD or ADHD traits experience greater workplace maladjustment in environments without ASD- or ADHD-equivalent adjustments compared with those where such adjustments are provided. METHODS: Participants were 1,000 randomly selected workers from across Japan who completed a self-administered online survey conducted as a cross-sectional study. Workplace adjustments equivalent to reasonable accommodations were identified from 14 examples drawn from two case collections published by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. ASD traits, ADHD traits, and workplace maladjustment were assessed using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, and the Social Adaptation Self-evaluation Scale, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for workplace maladjustment. RESULTS: Among workers with high ASD or ADHD trait scores, the odds of workplace maladjustment were higher when ASD- or ADHD-equivalent adjustments were not provided than when such adjustments were available; a comparable but less pronounced association was also observed among those with non-high trait scores. CONCLUSIONS: These quantitative findings suggest that workplace adjustments equivalent to reasonable accommodations are associated with a lower risk of workplace maladjustment and improved workplace adaptation among employees with high ASD or ADHD trait levels, and may also be beneficial for those with milder traits.

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19. Wang S, Zhao Y, Jia M. Gender differences in developmental profiles of Chinese children with autism spectrum disorder: An age-stratified analysis using the C-PEP-3. Acta Psychol (Amst). 2026; 270: 107803.

BACKGROUND: Gender differences in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain understudied in Chinese populations. Previous studies using simple domain comparisons have yielded inconsistent findings. OBJECTIVE: This study examined gender differences in developmental delay profiles across the seven domains of the Chinese version of the Psychoeducational Profile-3rd Edition (C-PEP-3), and evaluated the gender-sensitivity of this widely used assessment tool in Chinese children with ASD across different age groups. METHODS: We analyzed C-PEP-3 profiles from 1050 children with ASD (834 boys, 216 girls; aged 2-10 years) assessed at the Beijing Autism Association from 2021 to 2024. Nine children had missing scores for all seven C-PEP-3 developmental domains; therefore, the primary complete-case analytic sample comprised 1041 children (826 boys and 215 girls). A Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) first tested the overall multivariate gender effect across seven developmental lag scores, followed by age-stratified ANCOVAs for each domain within three age groups (2-3, 4-6, 7-10 years), controlling for chronological age and applying Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) correction. RESULTS: In the complete-case analytic sample (N = 1041), MANCOVA revealed a significant overall multivariate gender effect (Wilks’ λ = 0.974, F(7, 1032) = 3.89, p < .001). Age-stratified ANCOVAs identified a single domain-specific difference after FDR correction: among children aged 2-3 years, girls showed significantly smaller delays in Cognitive Performance than boys (F = 10.19, p_FDR = 0.011, η(2) = 0.029, Cohen's d = -0.36). No significant gender differences were found in any domain for the 4-6 or 7-10 year age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Few significant gender differences in C-PEP-3 developmental lag scores were detected across domains and age groups, with girls aged 2-3 years showing smaller cognitive performance delays than boys as the sole exception. This pattern of largely null findings may reflect genuinely similar developmental profiles between boys and girls with ASD in Chinese clinical samples, and/or the possibility that the C-PEP-3's domain-general structure limits its capacity to detect gender-specific patterns; distinguishing between these interpretations will require further validation research.

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20. Yerkibayeva Z, Yermukhanova G, Saduakasova K, Yessembayeva S, Menchisheva Y, Rakhimov K, Abu Z. Oral health status in children with autism spectrum disorder in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Front Dent Med. 2026; 7: 1928744.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to characterize oral health status, oral hygiene practices, and caregiver-reported dental care experiences among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and to describe caregiver awareness and practices related to oral care. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional pilot study included 53 children aged 3-18 years with a confirmed ASD diagnosis recruited from the « Autism Pobedim » rehabilitation center in Almaty. Clinical examinations assessed caries using the DMFT/dmft and CAST indices and oral hygiene using the OHI-S index. A study-specific 36-item caregiver questionnaire collected information on home oral hygiene, dental care experiences, and selected developmental characteristics. RESULTS: Only 24.5% of children brushed their teeth twice daily, and most required parental assistance. Overall, 30.2% had never visited a dentist, while 58.5% of caregivers reported major difficulties during dental visits. Reported management approaches in the sample included physical restraint, sedation, and general anesthesia. Overall, 39.6% of children had received completed dental treatment. In addition, 71.7% consumed sweets between meals and only 17.0% rinsed their mouths after eating. Although 75.5% of caregivers reported checking toothpaste composition, professional guidance on oral hygiene was limited. CONCLUSION: In this single-center sample, children with ASD had a substantial burden of dental caries, suboptimal home oral hygiene, limited independent oral care, and caregiver-reported challenges during dental treatment. These exploratory findings support larger multicenter studies and further evaluation of tailored preventive, caregiver-education, and behavior-support strategies for children with ASD in Kazakhstan.

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21. Zhu X, Tian P, Lin L, Bian B, Liu Z, Yuan G, Deng Y, Jia F, Li D. Serum vitamin D status is associated with prefrontal excitation-inhibition balance and functional connectivity in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2026; 150: 111935.

Purpose This study aimed to examine the associations of serum vitamin D status with medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) neurochemistry, mPFC-centered functional connectivity, and developmental functioning in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods A total of 244 children with ASD aged 24-72 months were stratified into mild-to-moderate and severe groups according to Childhood Autism Rating Scale scores and further classified by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] status. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy quantified mPFC GABA+ (γ-aminobutyric acid plus co-edited macromolecules and homocarnosine), Glx (glutamate plus glutamine), their ratios to total creatine (tCr), and the GABA+/Glx ratio, while resting-state functional MRI assessed mPFC-centered connectivity. Developmental functioning was assessed using the Griffiths Mental Development Scales-Chinese version. Correlation and serial mediation analyses were performed. Results Vitamin D status was associated with mPFC neurochemical indices and functional connectivity in both severity groups. In mild-to-moderate ASD, the deficient subgroup showed lower GABA+/tCr and GABA+/Glx, higher Glx/tCr, and reduced mPFC connectivity with the right lingual gyrus, left postcentral gyrus, and right putamen. In severe ASD, the deficient subgroup showed higher GABA+/tCr and Glx/tCr, lower GABA+/Glx, reduced mPFC-left middle occipital connectivity, and increased connectivity with the left middle temporal gyrus and left supplementary motor area. Exploratory mediation analyses identified indirect associations between 25(OH)D and personal-social development involving GABA+/tCr and mPFC-right putamen connectivity in mild-to-moderate ASD, and between 25(OH)D and hearing-language development involving Glx/tCr and mPFC-left middle temporal connectivity in severe ASD. Conclusion Serum vitamin D status was associated with mPFC excitation-inhibition-related neurochemistry, functional connectivity, and developmental functioning in preschool children with ASD. These findings may provide insight into neurobiological variation in ASD, although longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the temporal and causal relationships among vitamin D status, brain function, and developmental functioning.

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