1. Aaltonen A, Tamaki A, Peris Ramón A, Borgkvist A, Santini E. Postnatal reduction of eIF4E overexpression in D1-SPNs ameliorates KCNQ channel dysfunction, hyperexcitability and ASD-like behaviours. Cell Mol Life Sci;2026 (Feb 18)

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2. Ábalos Z, Kissine M, Vicente A, Castroviejo E. Conversational Topic Shifts and Topic Maintenance in Autistic and Neurotypical Children. Autism Res;2026 (Feb 18):e70204.

Topic maintenance and topic shifts are crucial components of conversation; however, existing research lacks a clear quantitative operationalization of these topic management skills. Previous studies suggest that autistic children are less likely than their neurotypical peers to maintain and elaborate on the interlocutor’s prior topic, and that they shift topics inappropriately more often. Nevertheless, findings on topic maintenance remain inconclusive, and studies specifically investigating topic shifts are limited. Moreover, little is known about the conversational skills of autistic children from non-English-speaking contexts. We investigated topic maintenance and shifting in 43 autistic and 46 age-matched neurotypical Spanish-speaking children (M = 8.55, SD = 1.91) during a semi-spontaneous conversation task. Given their important role in social interactions, we developed a theoretically grounded protocol for systematically coding topic shifts, supported through a rating task conducted with neurotypical adults. Results showed that although autistic and neurotypical children provided a comparable number of topic-supporting responses, autistic participants produced significantly more topic shifts. Furthermore, autistic children’s topic shifts corresponded to a less natural end of the empirically supported rating scale, indicating such topic shifts interrupted the conversation flow more drastically. These findings suggest that, while autistic children may not have difficulties maintaining a conversation topic, the frequency and nature of their topic shifts could challenge reciprocal conversations. Our study presents a coding scheme that captures relevant distinctions in how different topic shifts are perceived in conversation, serving as a valuable resource for research and clinical practice in assessing and supporting the conversational skills of autistic individuals. This study compared how autistic and neurotypical children maintained and shifted topics during conversation. Autistic and neurotypical children produced a similar number of on‐topic responses, but autistic children made more topic shifts, and their shifts were more drastic. These results suggest that while autistic children are able to maintain a conversation topic, their topic shifts can make their conversations harder to follow. eng

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3. Carollo A, Fong S, Belardinelli G, Perzolli S, Vivanti G, Messinger DS, Dimitriou D, Esposito G. Accuracy of Autism-Related TikTok Information in Italian: A Comparison Between Human Raters and Large Language Models. J Autism Dev Disord;2026 (Feb 18)

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4. Chen B, Ji L, Menu I, Taylor A, Trentacosta CJ, Thomason ME. A null findings study: graph theoretical analysis of the fetal functional connectome shows no relationships with future autistic traits. Neuroimage Rep;2026 (Mar);6(1):100326.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition, with ex vivo studies suggesting its neurobiological origin as early as the first and second trimester of pregnancy. Functional MRI studies using graph-theoretical approaches have isolated features in the global connectome architecture that distinguish toddlers with ASD from their typically developing peers. Additionally, functional connectivity patterns in the infant brain have shown to be predictive of later ASD diagnosis. An important yet unexplored question in the literature is whether graph-theoretical differences are evident prior to infancy, in the brain of fetuses who will later exhibit ASD traits in early childhood. In this study, we address this question using a sample of 88 children with both quality-assured fetal brain resting-state functional MRI data and standardized parent assessment of ASD traits including social-emotional and social communication skills and repetitive and restricted behaviors at age 3. Multiple regression analyses revealed no significant associations between fetal global graph features (e.g., network segregation, integration, and small-world architecture) and ASD traits at age 3 (p’s > 0.1). Therefore, our findings do not provide support for prenatal emergence of global topographical differences of brain functional organization in fetuses who later develop ASD traits. However, this does not rule out the possibility of other neural signatures in the fetal functional connectome that may predict autistic traits and future ASD diagnosis.

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5. Chen Y. Analysis of behavioral sequences in social interactions of autistic children: a latent class model based on structured play observation. Front Psychiatry;2025;16:1700142.

OBJECTIVE: This study addresses the unclear dynamic mechanisms underlying social interactions in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by constructing a structured play observation framework. METHODS: By combining latent class analysis (LCA) and temporal analysis techniques, this study systematically analyzed the heterogeneous characteristics of social behavioral sequences. Using a longitudinal tracking and cross-sectional design, multimodal data (video coding and physiological indicators) were collected from 60 children with ASD and 40 typically developing (TD) children. RESULTS: The behavioral sequence complexity of the ASD group was significantly lower than that of the TD group, exhibiting an « avoidance-rigid » cyclical pattern. The LCA model identified three behavioral patterns: high interaction, medium interaction-rigid, and low interaction-high avoidance. The low interaction-high avoidance group demonstrated the poorest intervention response rate. CONCLUSION: This study innovatively applies dynamic systems theory to the ASD field, demonstrating that behavioral sequences can serve as intervention targets. It advances evaluation tools from static description to dynamic prediction, providing a scientific basis for personalized intervention planning. The integration of structured observation and multimodal data analysis deepens the understanding of the dynamic mechanisms underlying social impairments in ASD and holds significant theoretical and practical value.

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6. Chumpitazi BP, Zelinski A, Marchesani N, Brantner CL, Tomaiuolo M, Kappelman MD. High Burden of Constipation among Autistic Youth – A Nationwide Query Powered by PCORnet®. Am J Gastroenterol;2026 (Feb 18)

BACKGROUND: Autism is associated with gastrointestinal problems; however, contemporary data on constipation prevalence and healthcare utilization are lacking. METHODS: We queried >20 million electronic records of youth 6-17 years from 70 PCORnet® health systems during 2015-2024, identifying diagnoses of autism, constipation, ED visits and hospitalizations. RESULTS: Among 578,807 autistic children, 22% had constipation versus 9% in non-autistic youth. Autistic children with constipation (versus without) had more frequent abdominal pain (34% vs. 8%), ED visits (26% vs 3%) and hospitalizations for abdominal pain/constipation (16% vs 1%). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 1 in 5 autistic children have constipation and experience high unplanned healthcare utilization.

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7. Cremone-Caira A, Schnur G, Surmacz M, Faja S. Reduced delay-based executive function in autistic toddlers and preschoolers. Autism;2026 (Feb 18):13623613261418541.

« Hot » or reward-based executive function describes the regulatory skills needed to suppress or delay actions in emotionally salient contexts. These delay-based executive function skills impact social development, mental health, and academic achievement. Accumulating evidence indicates that autistic children (3 years or older) show reduced delay-based executive function relative to neurotypical counterparts. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether these findings extend to younger children (younger than 3 years). Our secondary aim was to determine whether the strategies employed during delay-based executive function tasks differed between autistic and neurotypical toddlers, to understand why autistic children often experience difficulty in this domain. A behavioral battery was administered to measure delay-based executive function in autistic and neurotypical children, aged 2 and 4 years. Consistent with evidence in older children, delay-based executive function was reduced in autistic toddlers. Autistic 2-year-olds waited less during tasks that utilized food rewards, whereas autistic 4-year-olds waited less during tasks using both food- and non-food-based incentives. Autistic children also used significantly less adaptive strategies during tasks. These results are the first to indicate diagnostic differences in delay-based executive function among children as young as 2 years and may inform interventions that target these skills to improve related developmental outcomes.Lay Abstract »Hot » executive function involves the ability to control actions when emotions are involved. For example, a situation when an individual must resist a temptation requires hot executive function. These skills are important for social growth, mental health, and doing well in school. Research shows that autistic children over 3 years of age are less likely to use these skills compared to other children. This study examined whether autistic children under 3 years of age show similar difficulties. We also examined whether autistic children use different strategies than neurotypical children. To find out, we asked both autistic and neurotypical children, ages 2 and 4 years, to complete tasks that required them to delay their responses. The study found that, like older autistic children, younger autistic children also delayed their responses less than neurotypical children. Autistic 2-year-olds waited less for rewards, like food, compared to their neurotypical peers. Similarly, autistic 4-year-olds waited less for both food and other types of rewards, compared to their neurotypical peers. Relative to their neurotypical peers, autistic children also used fewer effective strategies during these tasks. These findings suggest that even very young autistic children have differences in impulse control, which might help in creating better support and interventions for them.

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8. Eccles S, Vanyai HK, Bergamasco MI, Malelang S, Pehlivanoglu H, Garnham AL, Ranathunga N, Blewitt ME, Vogel AP, Smyth GK, Hannan AJ, Thomas T, Voss AK. Acetyl-carnitine improves hyperactivity and learning deficits in KAT6A haploinsufficient mice. Life Sci Alliance;2026 (May);9(5)

Pathogenic variants in one allele of the KAT6A gene encoding the histone acetyltransferase KAT6A (MOZ, MYST3) cause Arboleda-Tham syndrome (ARTHS), characterised by developmental delay, cognitive impairment, and autism-like behaviours. As histone acetylation is reversible, and brain development continues after birth, treatments that address deficits in histone acetylation may ameliorate the condition. Here, we examined the effects of ARTHS mutations on histone acetylation in human cells and the effects of heterozygous loss of Kat6a in mice (Kat6a (+/-) ) on learning, memory, activity, and sociability. We found that KAT6A was required for normal levels of histone H3 lysine 23 acetylation (H3K23ac) in human cells and mouse brain. Kat6a (+/-) mice displayed hyperactivity and learning, memory, and sociability deficits compared with WT mice. Treatment with the acetyl-donor, acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) resulted in the rescue of H3K23ac levels in mouse brain and amelioration of the hyperactivity and learning impairments. Our results suggest that some individuals with ARTHS might benefit from ALCAR treatment. However, the suitability of ALCAR treatment would depend on the specific KAT6A variant and should be discussed with health professionals.

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9. Ferraiolo J, Parenteau CI, Khaw J, Herbert G, Adams R, Taylor J, Bishop S, Zheng S. Self-Reported Strengths and Difficulties by Autistic Young Adults. J Autism Dev Disord;2026 (Feb 18)

PURPOSE: The autistic community has called for a neurodiversity-affirming perspective of autism. By asking autistic adults about their strengths and difficulties, we can expand our understanding of autism by challenging deficit-dominant narratives and moving towards strengths-informed support tailored to address challenges explicitly expressed by autistic individuals. METHODS: A sample of 292 autistic adults recruited from the SPARK research match registry responded to the question « What are your strengths? », and 294 individuals responded to the question « What are your primary difficulties at this time? » as part of a larger study. We employed an inductive coding approach to analyze free-text responses and organized coded responses into themes. RESULTS: Participants most frequently reported Interpersonal Skills/Traits (43.8%) as a strength and Everyday Life Challenges (39.1%) as a difficulty. Specifically, the most frequently reported strengths were « Kind/Caring/Loving, » « Smart/Intelligent, » and « Perseverant/Resilient ». The most frequently reported difficulties were « Socializing, » « Executive Functioning, » and « Co-occurring Mental Health Challenges. » CONCLUSION: Reported strengths and difficulties varied widely among autistic adults, highlighting the heterogeneity of autistic experiences. Autistic adults reported strengths in interpersonal skills/traits and resilience that are not typically acknowledged in current literature. They also reported difficulties across multiple areas of life not directly connected to autism. Our findings expand ideas about what strengths autistic individuals have and advocate for wraparound supports to help autistic individuals access their strengths, reducing the burden of self-reliance through addressing unmet needs.

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10. Gül H, Özel Y, Murat N, Gül A. YouTube as a source of autism treatment information: A quality and reliability assessment. Res Dev Disabil;2026 (Feb 16);170:105254.

YouTube is a major source of health information for families seeking guidance on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet the reliability and educational value of treatment-related content remain uncertain. This cross-sectional study evaluated the quality, reliability, and credibility of ASD treatment videos on YouTube, providing a snapshot of the platform as of July 2023. A structured search yielded 114 eligible English-language videos. Two trained evaluators independently assessed each video using validated instruments: the DISCERN questionnaire (DISCERN) and the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria for reliability, and the Global Quality Scale (GQS) for overall educational quality. Inter-rater reliability was acceptable to excellent across all tools (ICC = 0.516-0.801), permitting the use of combined scores. Overall, video quality was predominantly low to moderate. DISCERN scores indicated that only 14.0 % of videos were « Excellent, » while 66.7 % fell within the Poor-to-Fair range. Similarly, only 24.6 % of videos were rated High quality on the GQS. JAMA scores were the lowest overall, with 71.1 % of content failing to meet basic standards of authorship, attribution, disclosure, or currency. Professionally produced content-particularly academic and specialist videos-consistently outperformed family-, patient-, and other non-health-related sources across all measures. Video duration demonstrated positive associations with quality and reliability, whereas higher comment counts were negatively correlated with all scoring systems. Treatment category alone did not predict quality; instead, uploader identity and information structure were the primary determinants. These findings highlight significant variability and persistent gaps in the quality of ASD treatment information on YouTube. Increased clinician involvement, stronger visibility for evidence-based content, and targeted digital health literacy efforts are needed to support families in navigating online ASD resources.

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11. Güvenir Seven S, Sahin H, Erkanlı Şentürk G, Uysal N, Uzun H, Ekici O, Rakıcı G, Şimşek G. Therapeutic Effects of MOTS-c in the Valproic Acid-Induced Autism Model in Rats: Role of Tetrahydrobiopterin and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. Mol Neurobiol;2026 (Feb 18);63(1):453.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and repetitive behaviors, with currently limited therapeutic options. Oxidative stress is suggested as significant in ASD pathophysiology, making antioxidant strategies a promising therapeutic direction. Exercise reduces oxidative stress, alleviates ASD symptoms, and increases tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels through AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. MOTS-c, a mitochondrial-derived peptide acting through AMPK, mimics the effects of exercise but reportedly does not cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Considering the challenges in exercise adherence in ASD, our study hypothesizes that MOTS-c could increase circulating BH4 and BDNF, both of which are BBB-permeable, and alleviate oxidative stress and ASD symptoms. To evaluate this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of MOTS-c in the valproic acid-induced rat model of autism. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats received intraperitoneal 500 mg/kg valproic acid or saline on embryonic day 12. Female and male offspring were treated with 0.5 mg/kg/day MOTS-c or saline intraperitoneally from postnatal days 21 to 46. Following behavioral testing, animals were sacrificed, and histological and biochemical analyses were performed. Valproic acid exposure led to impaired sociability, repetitive behaviors, anxiety, cerebellar Purkinje cell loss, and increased oxidative stress and neuronal damage in the prefrontal cortex. These alterations were reversed by MOTS-c, except for anxiety and neocortical damage. No significant changes in plasma BH4 or BDNF levels were detected. Through its neuroprotective and antioxidant effects independent of BH4 and BDNF, MOTS-c may alleviate autism-like behaviors, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for ASD.

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12. Hatzell K, Pfingston B, Sneed L. Sleep problems and the occurrence of dangerous behavior within autistic people: A retrospective community-based sample. Autism;2026 (Feb 18):13623613261417525.

Sleep disturbances affect 50%-80% of autistic individuals and are linked to heightened risk for psychiatric comorbidities and dangerous behaviors, including self-injury, suicidal ideation, and aggression. While previous studies have identified correlational relationships, few have examined whether sleep problems predict dangerous behaviors in large, real-world samples. This study used retrospective clinical data from a behavioral health nonprofit to investigate whether sleep problems predict dangerous behaviors among autistic individuals, accounting for age and adaptive functioning. The sample included 8,375 autistic individuals (mean age = 8.35 years). Sleep problems, dangerous behaviors, and adaptive functioning were measured at intake and every 6 months. Binary logistic regressions assessed whether sleep problems predicted current and historical suicidal ideation, self-injury, and aggression. Results showed that sleep problems significantly increased the odds of a history of suicidal ideation and suicidal ideation at intake (odds ratio = 2.29, 2.46, respectively), a history of self-injury and self-injury at intake (odds ratio = 1.95, 2.20, respectively), and aggression at intake (odds ratio = 1.58), even after adjusting for age, sex, and adaptive functioning. Age and adaptive behavior were also independently associated with dangerous behaviors. These findings underscore the importance of routinely assessing and treating sleep problems in autistic individuals as a potential pathway to reducing dangerous behaviors and improving overall wellbeing.Lay AbstractSleep problems are very common among autistic children and adults, affecting between half and three-quarters of individuals. Poor sleep is linked to higher risks for serious behaviors such as self-injury, suicidal thoughts, and aggression, but it is not well understood whether sleep problems actually predict these behaviors. This study looked at real-world clinical data from over 8,000 autistic individuals, ages 2 to 21, who received services from a large behavioral health organization. We examined whether having sleep problems increased the likelihood of dangerous behaviors, even after taking into account a person’s age, daily living skills, and sex. We found that individuals with sleep problems were more than twice as likely to show self-injury or suicidal thoughts and were also more likely to show aggression. These findings highlight how important it is for providers and families to regularly assess and address sleep difficulties as part of autism care. Improving sleep may be an important step toward reducing the risk of dangerous behaviors and supporting overall wellbeing for autistic individuals and their families.

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13. Hedlund Å. The neurodiversity paradigm and the fundamentals of nursing. Br J Nurs;2026 (Feb 19);35(4):200-204.

In this article, the author argues that the neurodiversity paradigm must be integrated into nursing care. Neurodivergent groups, such as autistic and ADHD people (which this article focuses on), are prevalent worldwide, with diagnoses steadily increasing as societal awareness and understanding continue to grow. Neurodivergent patients may have needs that differ from the majority, making it essential for nurses to provide care that accommodates these differences. To achieve this, the neurodiversity paradigm must first be integrated into the theoretical foundation of nursing. This article offers a new perspective on the human being in nursing and emphasises its importance for clinical practice.

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14. Hiramatsu Y, Asano K, Shimizu E. Does compassion affect shame emotions and mental health in individuals with ASD traits. BMC Res Notes;2026 (Feb 17)

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15. Kadambi A, Baia S, Yeo E, Lu H. Threat discrimination of real-world social interactions in schizotypal traits. Psychon Bull Rev;2026 (Feb 17);33(3):68.

Threat detection is compromised across the schizophrenia spectrum, often revealed by paranoia and delusions. Threat difficulties extend to nonclinical populations with liability toward schizophrenia. A key source of these difficulties may be due to hyper-sensitivity to social stressors in real-world environments. In a large, nonclinical sample (N = 161), we measured the influence of social context to threat detection in social interactions. Social interactions were captured in naturalistic videos and validated as threatening or nonthreatening. Deep learning models were employed to re-render the videos by parsing different amounts of social context depicted in these interactions. Then, we measured how threat detection was influenced by individual variability in schizotypal and autistic traits as a function of social context. Individuals with high schizotypal traits showed reduced threat discrimination ability in the presence of more social context, but better threat detection when the interactions were primarily reduced to body kinematics. The effect was more pronounced in individuals higher on suspicious tendencies and odd belief traits in schizotypy, and social communication traits in the autism spectrum. These results suggest that disruptions from social context may underlie threat detection difficulties across the schizophrenia spectrum.

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16. Li J, Ke Z, Li X, Zhang B, Liao Y, Mou Y. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the proficiency and variability of mathematical ability in populations with autism spectrum disorder. Nat Hum Behav;2026 (Feb 18)

The fundamental characteristics of math ability in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), specifically proficiency and variability, remain inadequately understood. Here, in this systematic review and meta-analysis, we addressed this gap by synthesizing evidence on math ability in autistic individuals relative to the non-autistic population. Searches in multiple databases yielded 66 studies. Risk of bias was assessed using an adapted Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Random-effects meta-analyses used Hedges’ g and natural logarithm of variability ratio (lnVR) as effect sizes. Publication bias was adjusted for using the precision-effect test and precision-effect estimate with standard errors, as well as a three-parameter selection model. Results show that, compared with the non-autistic population, as represented by standardized norms (mean 100, s.d. 15; 3,051 participants) and typically developing (TD) control groups (2,351 participants), individuals with ASD exhibit significantly lower math scores (ASD versus norms: Hedges’ g = -0.360, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.605 to -0.114; ASD versus TD: Hedges’ g = -0.696, 95% CI -0.947 to -0.445) and greater variability (ASD versus norms: lnVR 0.159, 95% CI 0.102 to 0.216; ASD versus TD: lnVR 0.298, 95% CI 0.199 to 0.396). Group discrepancies were moderated by intelligence, age or their interactions. The math-intelligence relationship in ASD provides a theoretical framework for understanding their mathematical development. In addition, the ASD-TD discrepancy has widened over the past four decades. These findings underscore the need for sustained, individualized mathematical education for ASD and investigation of the developmental trajectories of mathematical skills in ASD. Methodological challenges in the field included potential publication bias and insufficient rigour in sample matching.

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17. Lin F, Albantakis L, Noppari T, Santavirta S, Brandi ML, Sun L, Lukkarinen L, Tani P, Salmi J, Nummenmaa L, Dukart J, Schilbach L, Lahnakoski JM. Reduced inter-subject functional connectivity during movies in autism: replicability across cross-national fMRI datasets. Mol Autism;2026 (Feb 18);17(1):11.

BACKGROUND: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by repetitive behaviors and difficulties in social communication and interaction. Previous research has shown that these symptoms are linked to idiosyncratic behavioral and brain activity patterns while viewing natural social events in movies. This study aimed to investigate the replicability of brain activity idiosyncrasy in adult autistic individuals by comparing their inter-subject functional connectivity (ISFC) with that of neurotypical individuals. METHODS: We tested for ISFC differences between adult autistic and neurotypical groups using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from two independent datasets from Germany (N(neurotypical) = 25, 7 Males, 18 Females; N(autism) = 22, 12 Males, 10 Females) and Finland (N(neurotypical) = 19, N(autism) = 18; All males). Participants watched short movie stimuli, and pairwise ISFCs were computed across 273 brain regions. Group differences were evaluated using subject-wise permutation tests for each dataset. RESULTS: In both datasets, the autistic group showed lower ISFCs compared to the neurotypical group, specifically between visual regions (e.g., occipital gyrus, cuneus) and parietal regions (e.g., superior and inferior parietal lobules), as well as between visual regions and frontal regions (e.g., inferior frontal gyrus, precentral gyrus). ISFC was higher in the Finnish autistic group in temporal regions associated with sound and speech processing. LIMITATIONS: Larger multi-site datasets using diverse analysis pipelines are needed to evaluate the robustness and replicability of current findings. They are also essential for evaluating the reliability of the subject-wise permutation method without explicit correction for multiple comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirmed the replicability of reduced ISFCs in adult autistic individuals during naturalistic movie-watching, especially between visual and parietal/frontal brain regions. These findings reinforce the utility of ISFC and naturalistic movie-watching paradigm in studying neural connectivity alterations in autism. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13229-026-00707-2.

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18. Malik ZLH, Raundale P. Predicting fine motor deficit in autism by measuring brain activities and characterizing motor impairments. Comput Biol Med;2026 (Feb 16);204:111470.

Motor impairments affect approximately 86.9% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), often persisting into adolescence and increasing the risk of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Despite their prevalence, only 31.6% of affected individuals receive physical therapy, underscoring a critical gap in early intervention. Traditional methods for diagnosing Fine Motor Deficits (FMD) are often time-consuming and costly, necessitating the adoption of data-driven approaches. This study introduces a machine learning framework for the rapid and reliable prediction of fine motor impairments in adolescents with ASD. By integrating EEG-based neurophysiological signals, behavioral assessments, and motor coordination tests, the study evaluates five classification models-Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine, K-Nearest Neighbors, Random Forest, and Neural Network. Among these, Logistic Regression achieved the highest accuracy (95.84%), demonstrating strong predictive power for identifying fine motor deficits. The proposed framework enhances the efficiency of FMD screening and provides an interpretable model for potential clinical use in early ASD diagnosis.

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19. Miedes LR, Souza ES, Santos T, Fornel MS, Scapini KB, Sanches IC, Uzam CPP, Aparecido JML, Bernardes N. The effects of aromatherapy in children: a systematic review and a call for research in autism. J Complement Integr Med;2026 (Feb 19)

INTRODUCTION: Aromatherapy, the therapeutic use of essential oils, is a growing complementary practice in pediatric care. This systematic review analyzed the scientific evidence on its application and effects in children, with a secondary aim of exploring its use for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). CONTENT: Following the PRISMA guidelines, the screening was carried out in Rayyan by two researchers, with studies from the PubMed, Cochrane Library, BVS Library and Web of Science databases, including only clinical trials. The risk of bias assessment used the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. SUMMARY: Out of 1,089 identified studies, seven randomized controlled trials were included. The literature was predominantly focused on neurotypical children, revealing that acute inhalation of essential oils (mainly lavender and orange) was used for managing anxiety in specific settings, particularly dentistry. Findings showed a trend towards reduced anxiety and pain scores, alongside decreased heart rate. However, significant methodological heterogeneity and small sample sizes were noted. The secondary aim highlighted a pronounced evidence gap: only one small-scale study included children with ASD, which reported no significant benefits of aromatherapy. OUTLOOK: Preliminary evidence suggests potential benefits of aromatherapy for anxiety in neurotypical children within controlled contexts. However, the evidence base is limited and insufficient for robust clinical guidance. A critical scarcity of research exists on aromatherapy for children with ASD, underscoring the need for more rigorous and adequately powered future studies.

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20. Moreno RJ, Rose D, Ashwood P. Altered phenotype and gene expression of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in children with Autism, and the relationship with comorbid gastrointestinal symptoms. J Neuroinflammation;2026 (Feb 17)

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21. Osaki T, Wan Z, Haratani K, Jin Y, Campisi M, Barbie DA, Kamm RD, Sur M. miR126-mediated alteration of vascular integrity in Rett syndrome. Mol Psychiatry;2026 (Feb 18)

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2). MeCP2 is a non-cell type-specific DNA binding protein, and its mutation influences not only neural cells but also non-neural cells in the brain, including vasculature-associated endothelial cells. Vascular integrity is crucial for maintaining brain homeostasis, and its alteration may be linked to the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases, but a non-neurogenic effect, such as the relationship between vascular alteration and RTT pathogenesis, has not been shown. Here, we developed a microvascular network model using RTT patient-derived induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells that carry the MeCP2[R306C] or MeCP2[R168X] mutation to investigate early developmental vascular impact. To expedite endothelial cell differentiation, doxycycline-inducible ETV2 expression vectors were inserted into the AAVS1 locus of RTT patient-derived iPS cells and their isogenic controls by CRISPR/Cas9. With these endothelial cells, we established a disease microvascular network and observed higher permeability in RTT microvascular networks than in isogenic controls, indicating that the barrier function is altered by MeCP2 mutation. Furthermore, by microRNA profiling and RNAseq, we found that hyperpermeability is associated with up-regulation of miR126-3p in RTT patient-derived endothelial cells and can be rescued by restoring miR126-3p levels. Overall, our findings point to miR126-3p-mediated vascular impairment in RTT patients and suggest potential therapeutic approaches for restoring function.

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22. Pin Arboledas G, Merino Andreu M, Rodríguez Hernández PJ, Furones García M, Monfort Belenguer L, de la Calle Cabrera T, Benito Ruiz G, Sans Capdevila Ó, Egea Santaolalla CJ. Consensus document on the treatment of insomnia in patients with autism spectrum disorder under 18 years of age. An Pediatr (Engl Ed);2026 (Feb 16):504064.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of sleep problems in people with ASD is high, affecting their quality of life and social skills. To date, there is no guideline for the treatment of insomnia in people with ASD at the national level in Spain or the European level. With the aim to guide the comprehensive management of insomnia, this consensus document was created under the leadership of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP) and the Spanish Sleep Society (SES). METHODS: Modified and adapted Delphi process. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The document describes diagnostic tools for use before treatment initiation and provides recommendations for comprehensive management. The treatment of insomnia begins with sleep hygiene measures and personalized cognitive-behavioral therapies. In maintenance insomnia, if these are not sufficient, pediatric prolonged-release melatonin (PedPRM) is recommended as the first-line drug, starting with a dose of 2mg/day and adjusting it to up to 10mg/day as needed. If the problems persist, alimemazine, risperidone or clonidine can be added, in that order, in a stepwise fashion. For early insomnia, immediate-release melatonin (IRM) is recommended, starting with a dose of 5mg/day and reducing it to up to 2mg/day if it is effective or increasing it to up to 7mg/day otherwise, or else PedPRM. The dosage should be reevaluated periodically in regular follow-up visits using sleep diaries.

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23. Raja W, Zhang Y, Busby D, El Khoury G, Zgheib A, Hawamdeh HF, Ansaarie I, Suma V, Zeyl T, Soffer DE, Belli E, Choi C. Transcatheter Valve-in-Valve and Iatrogenic ASD Closure for Tricuspid Thrombosis in Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia. JACC Case Rep;2026 (Feb 18):106870.

BACKGROUND: Early bioprosthetic valve thrombosis is a life-threatening complication, and hypercoagulable states such as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) can contribute to the formation of thrombi. CASE SUMMARY: A 67-year-old woman with a prior history of HIT and surgical replacement of mitral and tricuspid valves presented with shortness of breath. Transthoracic echocardiography showed an atrial septal defect with right-to-left shunt and thickened tricuspid valve leaflets. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography revealed a severe thrombotic bioprosthetic tricuspid valve. She underwent successful transcatheter tricuspid valve-in-valve (TTViV) and atrial septic device closure. DISCUSSION: TTViV is a critical option for patients presenting with early tricuspid valve thrombosis due to HIT. Increased right atrial pressure from tricuspid thrombosis can result in dehiscence of the interatrial sutures, leading to a hemodynamically significant shunt and necessitating its closure. TAKE-HOME MESSAGES: HIT is a prothrombotic state that can lead to early valve thrombosis. TTViV offers an effective treatment option for high-surgical risk patients.

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24. Simpson K, Allen C, Wheeley E, Pellicano E, Heyworth M, den Houting J, Bowen R, Adams D. Supporting a ‘good life’ for autistic children: Autistic adults’ and parents’ perspectives. Autism;2026 (Feb 18):13623613261418945.

There has been limited research into what helps to promote autistic children’s quality of life. This qualitative study, co-produced with autistic people, aimed to identify, from multiple perspectives, what helps autistic children to live a ‘good life’. We conducted semi-structured interviews with autistic adults (n = 28) and parents of autistic children (n = 29). Using reflexive thematic analysis, we identified four themes: Being accepted by others in a way that allows the child to be themselves; Finding ‘the things that light [the child]’; Having a sense of control over their own life and Physical/sensory environments matter. All themes were common to both autistic adults and parents of autistic children, with the exception of one sub-theme, which was predominantly driven by autistic adults’ responses. These findings highlight potential pathways to support autistic children’s quality of life now and into the future.Lay AbstractThere hasn’t been much research about what helps autistic children to live a ‘good life’ or to have a good quality of life. This makes it difficult to know how to help autistic children to do so. In this study, we asked autistic adults and parents of autistic children what they thought helped autistic children to live a ‘good life’. They mentioned four important areas. These were (a) autistic children being accepted as their real or true self, (b) autistic children finding the things that they enjoy and that energise them, (c) autistic children having a sense of control in their life and (d) physical environments that suit autistic children’s sensory needs. These are things that can be changed in the autistic child’s environment to support the autistic child in living a good life.

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25. Smith J. Daily briefing: What we know about autism and ageing – and what we don’t. Nature;2026 (Feb 18)

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26. Takahashi M, Yako H, Miyamoto Y, Kukimoto-Niino M, Shirouzu M, Yamauchi J. Autism spectrum disorder-associated Sema5A p.Arg676Cys drives Arf6/FE65 signaling and aberrant cell morphogenesis. Sci Rep;2026 (Feb 17)

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27. Tsypes A, Allen TA, Antezana L, Beck KB, Conner CM, Scott LN, Mazefsky CA. Integrating Dimensional Personality and Autistic Traits to Predict Suicidal Ideation, Suicide Attempts, and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Autistic Adults. Autism Res;2026 (Feb 17):e70202.

Given the elevated rates of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) in autistic adults, we examined whether autism-informed traits and transdiagnostic personality tendencies jointly relate to these outcomes. One hundred and two adults with clinician-diagnosed autism completed structured clinical interview assessments of lifetime histories of suicidal ideation, attempts, and NSSI. Predictors were six Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory (CATI) subscales and selected Personality Inventory for DSM-5 Short Form (PID-5-SF) domains and facets. We fit CATI-only, PID-5 domain, and facet models, then combined significant predictors and refit with age, sex, and IQ as covariates. Shared variance between PID-5-SF facet Anhedonia and CATI Social Interactions showed suppression in joint models, and latent variable modeling confirmed that their shared variance-indexing overlapping reward and social disengagement-was the most consistent correlate of risk across outcomes. PID-5-SF facet Emotional Lability was robustly related to NSSI and to ideation severity. CATI Self-Regulatory Behaviors predicted NSSI. PID-5-SF domain Disinhibition showed no associations. Higher IQ showed a modest protective effect for attempts. Findings highlight central roles of reward-related processes and affective volatility, with added contributions from interpersonal strain and self-regulation. Combining CATI with PID-5 yields complementary targets for assessment and intervention. Key strengths include a clinician-diagnosed autistic sample, a rare direct comparison of people with lifetime suicidal ideation vs. suicide attempts, and an integrated trait framework that moves the field beyond prevalence toward trait-informed risk. Findings support brief screening for anhedonia and emotional lability, autism-adapted behavioral activation, rapid arousal-reduction skills, and attention to social communication needs that may impede disclosure and help-seeking. In 102 clinician‐diagnosed autistic adults, lower enjoyment of daily activities and greater social difficulties were linked to higher risk of suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, and self‐harm without intent to die. Rapid mood swings also related to self‐harm and more severe suicidal thinking. These results support brief screening for low pleasure and mood swings, efforts to reduce social strain, and the use of autism‐adapted behavioral activation and quick calming skills. eng

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28. Tuschick E, Smith J, Harrison B, Youngman M, Giles EL. Food Insecurity in Families With Children or Young People With Autism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutr Bull;2026 (Feb 17)

Food insecurity is frequently reported among families of children with autism spectrum conditions (ASC), yet there is limited evidence synthesising its prevalence and impact. This systematic review aimed to examine and meta-analyse the existing literature on food insecurity in families of children and young people with ASC. A comprehensive search across nine databases identified 39 papers, of which 11 met the inclusion criteria. Studies were included if they involved autistic children or young people under the age of 25 (and/or their family members) and focused on food insecurity. Eligible studies were critically appraised, and data were synthesised using both narrative and meta-analytic approaches. Meta-analyses of nine studies estimated a pooled prevalence of food insecurity at 29% (SE: 5%; 95% CI: 17%-40%; z = 5.35, p < 0.001), which increased to 31% following adjustment for publication bias. The review also found that food insecurity worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to increased caregiver stress and disruptions in eating behaviours. This review demonstrates the high prevalence of food insecurity among families of children with ASC and the complex interplay of social, economic and behavioural challenges they face. Addressing food insecurity in autistic households requires policy responses that extend beyond financial aid to consider the sensory, behavioural and nutritional needs specific to ASC. Future research should adopt standardised measures and prioritise the development and evaluation of inclusive, tailored food support systems that reflect the lived experiences of neurodiverse families.

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29. Wu J, Chen X, Zhang J, Wettschurack K, Robinson M, Li W, Zhao Y, Yoo YE, Deming BA, Shu Y, Abeyaratna AD, Que Z, Du D, Tegtmeyer M, Yuan C, Skarnes WC, Zhang ZY, Rochet JC, Wu LJ, Yang Y. Human microglia in brain assembloids display region-specific diversity and respond to hyperexcitable neurons carrying SCN2A mutation. Sci Adv;2026 (Feb 20);12(8):eady2977.

Microglia critically shape neuronal circuit development and function, yet their region-specific properties and roles in distinct circuits of the human brain remain poorly understood. In this study, we generated region-specific brain organoids (cortical, striatal, and midbrain), each integrated with human microglia, to fill this critical gap. Single-cell RNA sequencing uncovered six distinct microglial subtypes exhibiting unique regional signatures, including a subtype highly enriched for the GABA(B) receptor gene within striatal organoids. To investigate the contributions of microglia to neural circuitry, we created microglia-incorporated midbrain-striatal assembloids, modeling a core circuit node for many neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism. Using chemogenetics to activate this midbrain-striatal circuit, we observed increased calcium signaling in microglia involving GABA(B) receptors. Leveraging this model, we examined microglial responses within neural circuits harboring an SCN2A nonsense (C959X) mutation associated with profound autism. Microglia displayed heightened calcium responses to SCN2A mutation-mediated neuronal hyperactivity and engaged in excessive synaptic pruning. These pathological effects were reversed not only by pharmacological inhibition of microglial GABA(B) receptors but also by knockout of the GABBR1 gene in microglia. Collectively, our findings establish an advanced platform that can be used to dissect human neuroimmune interactions in subcortical regions and to evaluate previously undiscovered therapies, highlighting the important role of microglia in shaping critical circuitry related to neuropsychiatric disorders.

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30. Zarokanellou V, Gryparis A, Papatheodorou P, Tatsis G, Tafiadis D, Papadopoulos A, Voniati L, Siafaka V. Correction: Societal Attitudes Towards Autism (SATA): Validation of the Greek Version in the General Population. J Autism Dev Disord;2026 (Feb 18)

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31. Zhang Y, Ofori E, Chen K, Harker SA, Velez M, Gallegos S, Grabeel K, Johnson F, Baxter L, Woodruff B, Braden BB. Association of glymphatic dysfunction, free water, white matter integrity and long-term memory performance in aging autistic adults. Mol Autism;2026 (Feb 18);17(1):10.

BACKGROUND: Autistic adults are at elevated risk of accelerated cognitive aging and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), yet the underlying neurobiological mechanisms remain poorly understood. Dysfunction in the glymphatic system—a brain-wide network responsible for clearing waste via interstitial fluid flow—may contribute to this vulnerability by promoting extracellular free water (FW) accumulation and white matter (WM) degeneration. METHODS: A total of 113 autistic and 90 age- and sex-matched neurotypical (NT) adults (aged 18–71 years) underwent multimodal MRI scanning and episodic memory assessments. Diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index, alongside FW maps, and fractional anisotropy (FA) maps were computed for each participant. Group comparisons, correlations, and mediation analyses were performed. RESULTS: Autistic adults showed significantly lower DTI-ALPS values, higher fornix FW, lower fornix FA, and poorer episodic memory scores compared to NT adults. Age-related hippocampal FW accumulation was more pronounced in autistic adults. Mediation analyses revealed that fornix FW mediated the relationship between DTI-ALPS and both fornix FA and hippocampal FW. Long-term episodic memory scores correlated with fornix FA, as well as whole-brain gray matter FW and WM FA in autistic adults. LIMITATIONS: The cross-sectional design precludes causal inference regarding glymphatic function, free water accumulation, WM integrity, and cognition. In addition, our sample was not evenly balanced by sex and excluded individuals with co-occurring intellectual disability, which may limit generalizability to the broader autistic population. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that glymphatic dysfunction and FW accumulation may contribute to aberrant WM microstructure and episodic memory challenges in autistic adults across a broad age range. These findings point to potential biomarkers for identifying and intervening in the cognitive aging process in autism.

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32. Zhao Y, Zou G, Shi M, Law KM, Lau SL, Meng M, Ting YH, Poon CYL, Dong Z, Chau MHK, Leung TY, Choy KW, Zhang X, Cao Y. NONO-Related Syndromic X-Linked Developmental Disability 34: Further Clinical and Molecular Delineation in a Prenatal Cohort. Prenat Diagn;2026 (Feb 18)

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the prenatal sonographic features across different trimesters and genomic spectrum of NONO-related X-linked intellectual developmental disorder. METHOD: We analyzed two fetuses presenting with corpus callosum agenesis and rare cardiac anomalies using genome sequencing and exome sequencing. A systematic literature review was conducted to provide a comprehensive analysis of genotype-phenotype correlations. RESULTS: Two novel cases were reported in this study: one with a de novo 61.7 kb deletion affecting both NONO and ITGB1BP2, and another with a de novo c.1093 C > T(p.Arg365Ter), a recurrent variant reported in the literature. A total of 23 cases with NONO defects and prenatal phenotypes were identified, encompassing 19 distinct variant types. Large deletions and splicing variants accounted for approximately 32% (6/19). Among all cases, 78% (18/23) exhibited typical or concurrent brain abnormalities, such as corpus callosum agenesis, cardiac defects including left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC), or short long bones in the second trimester. Notably, 4% (1/23) of cases were reported with isolated intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), primarily identified in the third trimester. CONCLUSION: Genome sequencing facilitates thorough identification of the genetic causes of NONO-related syndrome. The recurrent variant p.Arg365Ter has been reported to cause variable cardiac abnormalities in different patients, suggesting that other genetic or non-genetic factors may contribute to the cardiac manifestations in NONO-related syndromes.

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33. Zhu C, Bore MC, Wang X, Xu T, Feng T. Distinct neurobiological alterations during hedonic experience of rewards in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder: Multimodal evidence from neuroimaging meta-analyses. Mol Psychiatry;2026 (Feb 17)

While aberrant responsiveness to rewards represents a core transdiagnostic feature across attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it remains unclear whether those deficits are underpinned by shared or distinct neurobiological signatures. Here we leveraged pre-registered task-based functional neuroimaging meta-analyses to identify shared and specific neurofunctional alterations during hedonic processing of rewards in ADHD and ASD, and further validated the distinctions by integrating behavioral decoding, brain network and neurotransmitter linkage analyses. Our coordinate-based meta-analysis of 29 studies (468 ADHD patients, 424 ASD patients, and 1027 healthy controls, HCs) revealed that both disorders shared abnormal subcortical activation patterns in the putamen and amygdala, whereas the disorder-specific neurofunctional alterations were primarily localized to the prefrontal cortex. Such segregate neurofunctional patterns were further associated with differential behavioral manifestations, brain network connectivity changes and anatomical expression of specific neurotransmitter systems. Overall, those findings suggest that impaired responses to rewards in ADHD and ASD are mediated by shared subcortical dysfunction and distinct prefrontal functional abnormalities. The disorder-specific prefrontal activations characterized by divergent functional and neurochemical profiles may explain different motivational symptoms of ADHD and ASD, and further inform treatments on distinct cortico-subcortical circuits for precision therapeutics.

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