1. Alsayed SK, Starkweather AR, Orlando AM. Effectiveness of Training Programs for Caregivers of Children With Autism: A Systematic Review. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv. 2026: 1-10.

PURPOSE: To synthesize current research that evaluated caregiver training programs for children with autism. METHOD: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement was followed to conduct this systematic review. A literature search was performed using MeSH terms in the following databases: PubMed (n = 239), PsycINFO (n = 31), CINAHL (n = 390), and Scopus (n = 5,336). After screening and quality assessment review, data from a total of 24 articles were extracted for inclusion in the literature synthesis. RESULTS: Of 24 studies reviewed, 22 reported a positive impact on caregiver knowledge, children’s behavior, and social communication skills despite variation in training modalities and duration. CONCLUSION: Caregiver training programs that integrated individualized instruction using applied behavioral analysis were found to be most effective in improving caregiver knowledge and skills, child behavior, and communication skills. Psychiatric-mental health nurses may use these findings to coordinate training programs or inform caregivers about this resource.

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2. Bhat M. Autism in older adults: the health system must recognize its effects. Nature. 2026; 651(8106): 846.

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3. Calisgan K, Zubarioglu T, İsat E, Babazade H, Akca-Yesil S, Akbulut S, Uygur E, Keskin V, Cirkin B, Durcan G, Dogangun B, Cansever MS, Aktuglu-Zeybek AC, Kiykim E. Plasma sterol profiling in autism spectrum disorder: insights from cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis screening and beyond. Metab Brain Dis. 2026; 41(1).

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4. Chaudet J, Pichot J, Pedoux A, Fleury M, Maruani A, Vantalon V, Humeau E, Bourgeron T, Houenou J, Dumas G, Duchesnay E, Delorme R, Iftimovici A, Lefebvre A. Beta power as a neural correlate of sensory features in autistic individuals. J Neurodev Disord. 2026.

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5. Edlund S, Haglund N, Bornehag CG, Gennings C, Kiviranta H, Kolevzon A, Lindh C, Rantakokko P, Reichenberg A, Swan S, Källén K. Perinatal and maternal factors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder. PLoS One. 2026; 21(3): e0316968.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Prenatal and perinatal exposures have been implicated in ASD etiology, but their influence may vary across clinical subgroups, including subgroups defined by co-occurring intellectual disability (ID). METHODS: We conducted a population-based case-control study in southern Sweden including all children diagnosed with ASD before the age of 9, and whose mothers were born in Sweden. Diagnoses were confirmed through detailed medical record review, and information on ASD severity, ID status, and familial ASD were collected for subgroup analyses. A total of 996 ASD cases and 9,960 age- and sex-matched controls were identified from a regional perinatal database. Multivariable logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for maternal, obstetric, and neonatal factors. RESULTS: Higher maternal body mass index (BMI) in early pregnancy was associated with increased likelihood of ASD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.41-1.76 for overweight and obesity compared with normal weight), with broadly similar associations observed across ASD subgroups defined by severity, intellectual disability, and familial ASD. Maternal smoking in early pregnancy (aOR 1.49, 95% CI 1.22-1.82) and both elective (aOR 1.22, 95% CI 1.01-1.48) and emergency cesarean delivery (aOR 1.40, 95% CI 1.15-1.81) were also associated with higher odds of ASD, with generally stronger associations in children without intellectual disability and in those with less severe ASD. Subgroup-specific associations were observed for maternal epilepsy and gestational diabetes, while prematurity showed weaker associations than anticipated and was mainly observed in severe ASD and non-familial cases. Low Apgar scores at 5 minutes showed no consistent association with ASD. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple maternal and perinatal factors were associated with ASD in this large Swedish cohort. Stratified analyses by ASD severity, ID status, and familial ASD revealed both shared and subgroup-specific association patterns, underscoring the value of considering ASD heterogeneity in studies of neurodevelopmental variation.

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6. Fante C, Fontana F, Capelli F, Dioni B, Pezzi M, Raffin C, Picione RL, Musetti A. From challenge to growth: A qualitative study of parental adaptation to Autism Spectrum Disorder. PLoS One. 2026; 21(3): e0345020.

Raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) profoundly affects family dynamics and parental well-being. While research has often focused on stress and negative outcomes, less is known about the processes and resources that foster adaptation and growth in parents. This qualitative study explored the adaptation process among parents of children with ASD, examining both challenges and transformative experiences, and identifying key personal and contextual factors that support or hinder adjustment. Thirty-six parents (19 mothers, 17 fathers) of children aged 5-11 years with ASD (severity level 2 or 3, DSM-5) were recruited from two health care centres for ASD in Northern Italy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using a guide developed according to an established methodological framework for qualitative interviews and analysed following Braun and Clarke’s framework. Themes were organised into three conceptual domains (i.e., Outcomes, Resources, and Challenges) reflecting the main research aims. Parents reported both emotional distress and personal growth, including improvements in family functioning and child development (Outcomes). Facilitating factors included social support, access to information, professional interventions, and parental self-efficacy (Resources). Barriers included difficulties with services, family conflicts, social stigma, and maladaptive coping strategies (Challenges). Parental adaptation to ASD emerged as a dynamic, ongoing process of negotiation between challenges and resources, often leading to transformative experiences and personal growth. The findings support the implementation of systematic intervention strategies aimed not only at reducing parental stress, but also at empowering parents and promoting the development of adaptive resources.

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7. Lee DH, Suarez-Lopez JR. Maternal Diabetes Mellitus and Child Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Rethinking Causality in Light of Environmental Pollutants. J Korean Med Sci. 2026; 41(10): e110.

Numerous epidemiological studies have linked maternal diabetes mellitus (DM) to neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, such as autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. However, recent evidence challenges a direct causal relationship: sibling-matched analyses show similar risks regardless of gestational DM status, and glycemic control during pregnancy does not consistently predict neurodevelopmental outcomes. We propose that exposure to environmental pollutants-rather than DM itself-may underlie these associations. Although usually examined separately, many pollutants both increase DM risk and disrupt fetal brain development, providing a biologically plausible basis for the observed epidemiological patterns. Because fetuses encounter these pollutants via placental transfer from maternal blood, understanding what determines maternal circulating pollutant levels is essential. Two major sources contribute: (1) ongoing external exposure through food, air, water, and consumer products, and (2) the release of previously accumulated lipophilic pollutants stored in adipose tissue. Often overlooked, adipose tissue serves as an important reservoir, and lipolysis mobilizes these compounds into circulation. Importantly, key pathophysiological features of DM-insulin resistance and insulin deficiency-accelerate lipolysis, increasing circulating pollutant levels. These pollutant-related mechanisms may also account for associations observed with other maternal conditions, such as obesity, eating disorders, psychological stress, and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, all of which may also be linked to elevated pollutant levels in maternal circulation. These insights suggest that maternal risk factors should be reconsidered in light of toxicokinetic dynamics, particularly the mobilization of lipophilic pollutants stored in fat. This perspective may offer a unifying explanation for otherwise disparate epidemiological findings and help guide more effective prevention strategies.

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8. Lin Z, Liu X, Li M, Deng M, Wei L, Chen R, Fang R. Dual Graph Strategy with Diffusion Tensor Imaging for Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng. 2026; Pp.

OBJECTIVE: Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is a special magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique. Most of the existing research on DTI data primarily focuses either on Structural Connectivity (SC) networks derived from DTI or on DTI-derived metrics like Fractional Anisotropy, Mean Diffusivity, $\lambda _{1}$, $\lambda _{2}$, and $\lambda _{3}$. This may lead to the neglect of potential complementary information provided by different graphs, thereby preventing the improvement of classification performance. In this study, we propose a graph neural network framework based on a dual graph strategy using DTI data for the diagnosis of ASD. METHODS: Specifically, we have done the following: 1) To address the challenges of small datasets and class imbalance, we employed data augmentation techniques (including replication of minority class samples and the mixup method) to enhance data diversity and representativeness. 2) We combined a threshold-based real physical connectivity adjacency matrix with a local microstructure adjacency matrix learned from node features to mitigate the limitations of relying on single structural information. 3) We designed a Multi-Layer Pooling Fusion (MLPF) method to capture multi-layered and richer feature representations. RESULTS: Our proposed method was evaluated on 198 subjects and the experimental results showed that our proposed method outperformed multiple existing methods in five-fold cross-validation, achieving 75.24% accuracy and 73.12% AUC. CONCLUSION: DTI is crucial for analyzing connectivity abnormalities in ASD. Our proposed method enables more efficient, objective, and reliable diagnosis of ASD. SIGNIFICANCE: This work provides a valuable reference framework for utilizing DTI data in research on neurological disorders.

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9. Liu C. Correction: Targeted drug screening for autism based on Cav1.2 calcium ion channel. PLoS One. 2026; 21(3): e0345218.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324018.].

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10. Mazzoni N, Kurz EM, Cellini N, Ciringione L, Calderan M, Gallitto G, de Falco S, Venuti P, Zinke K, Born J, Caria A. Aperiodic and periodic neural activity during sleep in autism spectrum disorders. BMC Med. 2026.

BACKGROUND: Influential theories propose that the complex and heterogeneous clinical and behavioral manifestations of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) arise from dysregulation of neural circuits driven by an imbalance between excitatory (glutamatergic) and inhibitory (GABAergic) neurotransmission. Building on this framework, and considering the role of homeostatic regulation of neuronal excitability in shaping sleep stages, we hypothesized that dysregulation of neuronal network activity-including altered ratios of excitatory drive to interneuronal inhibitory control-might manifest in sleep architecture. An elevated E/I ratio in ASD is expected to render the sleep EEG noisier, less synchronized, and less precisely timed, thereby compromising NREM sleep quality and disrupting memory-related oscillatory coordination. METHODS: To test this hypothesis, we examined sleep patterns in a homogeneous cohort of adults with ASD without intellectual disability and free from pharmacological treatment, compared with neurotypical (NT) controls. We specifically investigated electrophysiological sleep markers that may reflect alterations in cortical excitability and inhibition. Macro- and microstructural features of nocturnal sleep were assessed using in-home polysomnography (PSG), including analyses of periodic EEG components, such as slow oscillations and sleep spindles, and aperiodic metrics of EEG activity. RESULTS: Our findings revealed sleep-stage-specific PSG differences in ASD, characterized by increased N3 sleep, decreased N2 sleep, and heightened slope and offset of aperiodic EEG activity during NREM sleep relative to NT controls. Moreover, ASD participants showed elevated alpha power during N2, which positively correlated with ADOS total scores. We also observed a steeper slow-oscillation slope, a reduced anterior-posterior gradient in spindle density, and diminished spindle-slow oscillation coupling, collectively indicating atypical thalamocortical network dynamics in ASD. Overall, these spatially distributed and sleep-stage-dependent alterations reflect dysregulated neuronal dynamics, potentially pointing to increased inhibitory activity arising from altered thalamocortical regulation and compensatory mechanisms related to E/I imbalance. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides novel electrophysiological evidence for a nuanced, sleep-related dysregulation in ASD that varies by sleep stage and cortical region, and subtly diverges from patterns observed in NT controls. Given the mechanistic relevance of sleep for neurodevelopment and circuit homeostasis, these findings offer valuable insights into sleep-related neurophysiological dysregulation in ASD.

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11. Rezende LV, Ortega AB, Do Valle DA, Bara TS, Cordeiro ML. Autism spectrum disorder in children with spinal muscular atrophy type 1: Case series. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2026.

This case series provides a detailed description of the coexistence of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1 and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children treated with disease-modifying therapies. Among 13 patients (2-7 years; mean age 4 years [SD 2 years], eight males), five met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision criteria for ASD-a proportion substantially higher than expected and exceeding recent reports in SMA cohorts. These findings indicate that ASD may be underrecognized in this population and that traditional screening tools, such as the autism trait assessment, may fail to detect symptoms because of the severe motor and communicative limitations characteristic of SMA. Although all children demonstrated meaningful motor gains after treatment, those with SMA and ASD showed marked cognitive and adaptive impairments, particularly in communication, socialization, and daily living skills. The dissociation between motor improvement and neurodevelopmental outcomes underscores the need for tailored assessments and continuous behavioral surveillance. This report provides clinically relevant insights and highlights the importance of adapted diagnostic approaches for neurodevelopmental evaluation in SMA.

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12. Sharma A, Bhalla S, Mehan S. Retraction Note: PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling inhibitor chrysophanol ameliorates neurobehavioural and neurochemical defects in propionic acid-induced experimental model of autism in adult rats. Metab Brain Dis. 2026; 41(1).

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13. Shin Y, Swain D, Kim J, Hong SJ, Lord C, Kim SH. Emotion Dysregulation Predicts Impairments in Peer Interaction and Adaptive Functioning in Autistic Kindergartners. Autism Res. 2026: e70225.

Emotion Dysregulation (ED) refers to difficulties in using adaptive strategies to modulate and express emotional arousal in socially appropriate ways. While ED contributes to developmental trajectories including peer engagement, academic achievement, and mental health in neurotypical children, its impact on autistic children is unclear. This study examines whether ED emerging during school transition can affect peer and adaptive functioning in autistic kindergartners. Participants included 64 autistic children at kindergarten-entry (M(age) = 63.06 months) with the majority of children (n = 53) followed at kindergarten-exit. ED was measured based on the Child Behavioral Checklist-Dysregulation Profile (CBCL-DP scores and severity levels) and the CBCL-Emotion Dysregulation Index scores (CBCL-EDI). Children’s peer engagement was examined with the Penn Interactive Peer Play Scale (PIPPS) and adaptive functioning with the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition (VABS-3). Hierarchical linear regressions were conducted to examine whether ED at kindergarten-entry predicts peer interaction and adaptive functioning concurrently and longitudinally at kindergarten-exit while controlling for age, gender, nonverbal IQ, and autism symptom severity. One-way ANOVAs were analyzed to compare significant mean differences in peer interactions and adaptive functioning domains across three CBCL-DP severity levels. Higher ED at kindergarten-entry was a strong predictor of impairments in peer and adaptive skills at both kindergarten-entry and -exit. Significant mean differences in peer interaction and adaptive social outcomes were found at both times across CBCL-DP severity levels categorized at kindergarten-entry. Targeted intervention for enhancing ED during the preschool years may optimally support peer engagement and adaptive functioning. Autistic children showing severe emotion dysregulation in the first year of kindergarten were more likely to struggle with peer relationships and independent daily functioning both at kindergarten‐entry and ‐exit. Findings underscore the importance of early interventions targeting emotion dysregulation for autistic children during school transition to support their key functional outcomes including peer interaction and adaptive functioning. eng.

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14. Valencia-Agudo F, Villalta-Macià L, Urbiola-Merina E, Garriz-Luis A, López-Moreno L, Rivas-Rodríguez M, Parellada M, Romero-González M. FIRST STEPS: A Pilot Randomized Study Analyzing the Preliminary Efficacy of the Incredible Years for Autism Spectrum and Language Delays (IY-ASLD(®)). J Autism Dev Disord. 2026.

PURPOSE: Having access to parenting interventions in the early years is key to improve developmental outcomes of children with neurodevelopmental problems. The Incredible Years(®) Parent Program has been adapted for families of children with autism or language delays (IY-ASLD(®)). The aim of this study is to analyze the preliminary efficacy of the intervention in the Spanish public mental health services. METHODS: The FIRST STEPS study is a multicenter, pilot randomized controlled trial. Sixty-two families of children with autism spectrum disorder and preterm children with communication and/or socialization difficulties (aged 2-5 years) were recruited. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the intervention was performed online. A generalized estimating equations model was conducted. RESULTS: No significant differences in parental stress ([Formula: see text] = 2.01, [Formula: see text]0.640), depressive symptoms ([Formula: see text] = - 1.42, [Formula: see text]0.437), child psychopathology ([Formula: see text] = 0.74, [Formula: see text]0.886) ), positive parenting [Formula: see text] = 2.25, [Formula: see text]0.076) or total expressed emotion ([Formula: see text] = - 0.10, [Formula: see text]0.605) were found between groups at T2. In terms of expressed emotion at T2, a significant interaction was observed between positive comments at T1 (a subscale of the expressed emotion tool) and study group ([Formula: see text] = 0.75, [Formula: see text]0.007). CONCLUSION: Future studies should analyze the efficacy of the program using a larger sample. Families showing higher levels of expressed emotion might need more support during the therapy groups to improve this variable. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol for the study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (ID number: NCT04358484. Unique Protocol ID: PIC-220-19).

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15. Wang X, Guo X. Provision of Alternative Care for Autistic Adults: A Multi-Stakeholder Qualitative Study in China. Autism. 2026: 13623613261434406.

Providing alternative care for autistic adults unable to live with their biological families remains a low priority, particularly for those requiring high support. This population often receives inadequate attention despite its significant and long-term developmental needs. Using an exploratory qualitative design with ethnographic methods, this study conducted directed content analysis on data collected through 4 months of participant observation and 36 semi-structured interviews across four Chinese cities. The findings reveal that small-group alternative care emphasizes the physical and psychological development of autistic adults. However, charitable expectations among alternative care institutions and charitable donors lag behind the actual care needs of autistic adults with high support needs, limiting resource efficiency. The « present bias » diminishes recognition of the long-term societal benefits of developmental care. In developing contexts, achieving cohesive and sustainable nursing strategies led by non-state actors is crucial. A misalignment between charitable motivations and developmental priorities creates a « care sustainability gap » that threatens the continuity and effectiveness of alternative care for autistic adults.Lay AbstractMany autistic adults in China cannot live independently, yet non-family alternative care for this group is poorly supported and understudied. This study explored alternative care for autistic adults in four Chinese cities through participant observation and semi-structured interviews with private enterprises, charitable organizations, care providers, and autistic adults’ families. We found that charitable organizations and private enterprises mostly focus on short-term, visible support (like donating daily supplies or facility equipment) for autistic adults’ care, while ignoring their long-term needs for independent living skills and social integration. Social stigma that mislabels autistic adults as mentally ill also leads to overemphasis on safety in care, limiting their growth. In addition, many alternative care institutions lack clear long-term plans, making it hard to sustain development-focused care. This study highlights a gap between donors’ expectations and autistic adults’ actual care needs. A misalignment between charitable motivations and developmental priorities creates a « care sustainability gap » that threatens the continuity and effectiveness of alternative care for autistic adults.

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16. Weng ZC, Chang JC, Chen HL, Wang TN. Handwriting Challenges in Autistic Children: A Comparative Study of Legibility and Character Processing in Logographic Chinese Writing. J Autism Dev Disord. 2026.

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