1. Alaskar MK, Alonazi M, Ben Bacha A, Alamri AM, Amina M, Al Musayeib NM, Abuaish S, El-Ansary AK. Effects of artichoke extracts and probiotic on maternal immunological activation, valproic acid-induced oxidative stress, and gut leakiness in a rat model of autism. Open Life Sci. 2026; 21(1): 20251355.

Maternal health during pregnancy is a leading factor influencing offspring risk. This study investigated whether postnatal dietary supplementation could reduce oxidative stress and gut leakiness in a rat model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Male rat pups were prenatally exposed to valproic acid (VPA) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce ASD-like conditions. A total of 54 offspring of Wistar albino rats were divided into nine groups to evaluate various postnatal treatments, including an artichoke-based prebiotic (AR), probiotics (Pro), and omega-3 fatty acids (ω3). The experimental design also included control groups (saline, VPA-only, and LPS-only), as well as a protective regimen in which AR was administered both prenatally and postnatally. Oxidative stress and gut permeability « leakiness » were assessed using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Prenatal exposure to VPA and LPS was associated with increased oxidative stress levels in brain homogenates, accompanied by a significant decrease in glutathione (GSH). Additionally, elevated plasma levels of gut permeability biomarkers were observed. In the VPA model, treatment with artichoke-derived prebiotics – administered either prenatally, postnatally, or in combination with probiotics – effectively improved oxidative stress markers, as evidenced by a significant increase in GSH levels. Conversely, similar interventions in the LPS-induced maternal immune activation model did not significantly ameliorate oxidative stress, although a modest increase in GSH levels was noted. Plasma levels of gut permeability biomarkers did not show significant improvement in either model following treatment with artichoke-derived probiotics alone or in combination with probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids. However, intestinal fatty acid-binding protein levels were significantly reduced in all treatment groups across both models. In contrast, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels were not significantly reduced by artichoke extract monotherapy in either model, although combination therapy with probiotics and/or omega-3s led to significant reductions in LBP. These results support the use of both VPA and LPS as complementary models for studying ASD. The VPA model, characterized by direct and predictable neurotoxic effects, appears to be more suitable for evaluating preventive interventions. In contrast, the LPS model more accurately captures the complex immune-inflammatory mechanisms implicated in ASD, highlighting the need for broader and more individualized treatment strategies. The differing responses to artichoke-based interventions in these models underscore the importance of considering ASD etiology when designing dietary and microbiome-targeted therapies.

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2. Boles K, Hoffman K, Mahurin M, Hardesty R, Nanclares-Nogués V, Odum M, Mitre R, Sohl K. Multilevel Evaluation of ECHO Autism Programs: Development and Pilot Study of a Standardized Minimum Dataset. JMIR Form Res. 2026; 10: e86274.

BACKGROUND: The rising prevalence of autism highlights the challenges faced by health care professionals, educators, and guardians in managing autism care. ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) Autism Communities was established to train professionals in best practice autism care and diagnosis through regular virtual case-based learning sessions. As programmatic offerings expanded to include more professions and ongoing care after diagnosis, program measures were adapted to fit the desired learning outcomes and were adapted over time. As a result, consistent measures were not in place to assess any individual program longitudinally, and assessments of all programs collectively were even further limited. The global expansion of the ECHO Autism model led to an insistent need for standardized outcome measures to evaluate effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: In this study, a team consisting of ECHO Autism leaders with more than 20 years of combined knowledge of ECHO Autism programs reviewed existing measures to create a standard set of participant survey metrics, the ECHO Autism Communities minimum dataset (MDS). The study included a rapid 3-month pilot with a small 3-program dataset, followed by a 2-year pilot across 8 programs. METHODS: The study team collected 42 surveys from existing programs, organized all survey metrics, and refined them into a standardized set of metrics. The MDS was designed to measure priority information, set consistent scales and anchors, use inclusive language, standardize response choices, and determine units of analysis to transform data into actionable information. An early version of the MDS was translated into Spanish and implemented as a 3-month pilot across programs in the United States, Argentina, and Chile. Participant program-level data for the 2-year pilot were visualized and presented in PDF reports. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests of significance were performed on postsurvey self-efficacy data for programs and across all programs. An interactive dashboard was created for comparisons. RESULTS: Three-month pilot data provided actionable insight so that adjustments were made before ongoing evaluation. The first 2 years of MDS implementation showed consistency in evaluation and significant improvements in self-efficacy across 8 programs. ECHO Autism leaders appreciated clear and simple data visualizations that showcased aggregate participant demographics, as well as changes in self-efficacy and barriers. CONCLUSIONS: As a result of this study, ECHO Autism leaders can assess and compare program effectiveness, participant characteristics, and demonstrate the program’s impact on professionals providing autism care. This study highlights the importance of consistent outcome measures for evaluation and enabling data-informed decisions for similar professional training programs for delivering autism best practices.

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3. Chin WC, Fang YM, Lin C, Leung TH, Tang I, Huang YS. Neurocognitive Functions and Their Associations With Autistic Symptoms, Emotion, and Behavior in High-Functioning Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Psychiatry Investig. 2026; 23(8): 1014-23.

OBJECTIVE: Studies have revealed the prognostic significance of intelligence in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the correlations of non-social cognitive functions and clinical characteristics of high-functioning children and adolescents with ASD remain unclear. To identify individual needs, this study aimed to investigate their correlations in high-functioning children and adolescents with ASD and conduct an exploratory comparison between subgroups. METHODS: We recruited children and adolescents who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition criteria for ASD, excluding those with intellectual disability. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition and Conners’ Continuous Performance Test, Second-Edition were administered to assess intelligence and attention. Their parents completed questionnaires, including the Child Behaviour Checklist, the Social Responsiveness Scale, and the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist, to report their clinical characteristics. Group differences were analyzed using t-tests and chi-square tests. Partial correlation was used to measure correlations between variables of cognitive tests and questionnaires, while adjusting for age, sex, and, where appropriate, the presence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. RESULTS: A total of 98 high-functioning participants with ASD were recruited (mean age, 11.44±3.13 years; 75.5% male). Significant correlations were found between their non-social cognitive functions and clinical characteristics. Specifically, Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ), working memory, processing speed, attention, and impulse control were negatively associated with the severity of autistic, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. In addition, the Asperger’s disorder group demonstrated significantly better FSIQ, perceptual reasoning, working memory, processing speed, attention, and impulse control than the high-functioning autism group. CONCLUSION: Significant correlations between non-social cognitive functions and autistic, emotional, and behavioral symptoms underscore the increased needs of high-functioning individuals with relatively poorer non-social cognitive abilities. Individualized support and management strategies can be developed and provided accordingly.

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4. Dinu I, Kulatunga-Moruzi C, Joffe AR. Methodological Cautions in Interpreting Autism and Gender Dysphoria in a Referred Clinical Sample. Can J Psychiatry. 2026: 7067437261471757.

Plain Language SummaryInterpreting autism and gender dysphoria findings carefully in a referred clinic samplePascoe and colleagues studied adults referred to a gender identity clinic and compared people with and without a recorded autism diagnosis. Their study raises important questions about how autism, gender-related distress, and mental health difficulties may overlap in people seeking care. This letter argues that the findings should be interpreted with caution. The study relied on autism diagnoses already recorded in medical charts, rather than confirming autism through a structured assessment. This means some autistic people may have been missed, while others may have been more likely to have autism documented because they had more complex mental health histories. Either situation could affect the comparison between groups. The letter also notes that the study reports many statistical comparisons, so some results may need more cautious interpretation. The largest and most clinically important finding may not be the difference in gender dysphoria diagnosis, but the higher burden of mental health and neurodevelopmental difficulties in the group with recorded autism. Overall, the letter does not argue against care for autistic gender-diverse adults. Rather, it emphasizes that when autism, mental health difficulties, and gender-related distress overlap, clinicians should take time to understand each person’s individual situation before drawing conclusions about the most appropriate care pathway. Interpreting autism and gender dysphoria findings carefully in a referred clinic samplePascoe and colleagues studied adults referred to a gender identity clinic and compared people with and without a recorded autism diagnosis. Their study raises important questions about how autism, gender-related distress, and mental health difficulties may overlap in people seeking care. This letter argues that the findings should be interpreted with caution. The study relied on autism diagnoses already recorded in medical charts, rather than confirming autism through a structured assessment. This means some autistic people may have been missed, while others may have been more likely to have autism documented because they had more complex mental health histories. Either situation could affect the comparison between groups. The letter also notes that the study reports many statistical comparisons, so some results may need more cautious interpretation. The largest and most clinically important finding may not be the difference in gender dysphoria diagnosis, but the higher burden of mental health and neurodevelopmental difficulties in the group with recorded autism. Overall, the letter does not argue against care for autistic gender-diverse adults. Rather, it emphasizes that when autism, mental health difficulties, and gender-related distress overlap, clinicians should take time to understand each person’s individual situation before drawing conclusions about the most appropriate care pathway. eng.

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5. García-Fernández D, Cereijo-Parra A, López-Diego D, Luna M, Mateo-Martí E, Conde-Moreno E, García Bermejo ML, Crespo-Toro L, Ramos Aranda I, López-Moreno A, Buenache Espartosa R, Revenga-Parra M, Pérez EM, García-Mendiola T. Amplification-free attomolar sensing of autism biomarkers with MINT-DNA dendrimer hybrids. Nanoscale. 2026.

Optimizing nano-bio interfaces to successfully combine the extreme sensitivity characteristic of SWCNT sensors with the ultimate selectivity provided by bio-molecules remains a major challenge, since covalent approaches can disrupt the SWCNT lattice and noncovalent chemistry yields kinetically unstable adducts. In this work, we address this challenge by connecting the macrocycles of mechanically interlocked SWCNTs (MINTs) to high-density DNA dendrimers, via thiol-ene covalent chemistry. This nanoscale design leverages the mechanical bond as a stable yet harmless connection between the SWCNTs and DNA dendrimers for signal amplification. The result is an amplification-free electrochemical biosensor for miRNA-27a with an outstanding limit of detection of 0.855 aM for the early and accurate detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) biomarkers. The validity of the structural design is confirmed by the fact that the biosensor outperforms supramolecular analogues, SWCNTs, and conventional single-strand probes. It also exhibits excellent specificity, detecting miRNA-27a in the presence of interferents and successfully applied to clinical serum samples from autistic children, with results validated against the standard PCR technique. These findings confirm the platform’s robustness under clinically relevant conditions and position it as a rapid, simple, efficient, and practical tool for miRNA-27a sensing, with strong potential for early ASD diagnosis and broader nucleic acid biomarker detection in complex biological matrices.

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6. Lauttia J, Helminen TM, Kauppinen P, Eriksson K, Hietanen JK, Kylliäinen A. Longitudinal Resting State Heart Rate Variability in Young Children With Autism. Am J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2026: 1-13.

As a potential indicator of social competence, the present study longitudinally examined resting state heart rate variability, measured as respiratory sinus arrythmia (RSA), at two time points in young children with autism (AU), children with intellectual disability without AU (ID), and typically developing children (TD). Participants were 29- to 81-month-old children. We replicated previous findings of lower resting state RSA in children with AU as compared to TD children. We further advanced the current knowledge by demonstrating that children with AU also exhibited lower resting state RSA compared to I children with ID. In children with AU and ID, the resting state RSA correlated with restricted, repetitive and stereotyped behavior, but the direction of the correlation was reversed between the groups. These findings indicate that lowered variability in resting state heart rate could be specific to autism in early development.

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7. Lindly O, Bear CR, Henderson DE, Kirby BR, Begay V, Shui A, Dababnah S, Magaña SM. Pilot study of a strengths-based education program for Diné (Navajo) families of autistic children: Feasibility, fidelity, acceptability, and initial outcomes. Res Autism. 2025; 127.

PURPOSE: Culturally responsive, strengths-based parent education and training programs for Indigenous families of autistic children are needed to help optimize their health; however, few exist. Parents Taking Action, an evidence-based, parent education and training program delivered by community health workers (i.e., family advisors), was adapted for Diné (Navajo) families of autistic children ages 2 to 12 years (Diné PTA). We conducted a pilot study to examine the feasibility, fidelity, acceptability, and initial outcomes of Diné PTA. METHODS: Using mixed methods, program feasibility was assessed from participant enrollment and lessons completed; program fidelity was captured using a structured checklist; and initial family and child outcomes were measured with a verbally administered survey at baseline, mid-way through the program, and following program completion. The program’s social validity and other aspects of its acceptability were assessed after program completion through the final survey, a virtual focus group with participants, and family advisor feedback. Paired t-tests with quantitative survey data and content analysis with qualitative data were performed. RESULTS: Of the 13 Diné parents enrolled in the study, 10 completed all (n = 9) or some (n = 1) of the program. The program was delivered with high fidelity and had high acceptability for both participants and their family advisors. Participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements on the Family Outcomes Survey (e.g., understanding the child’s strengths, needs, and abilities) between baseline and program completion. CONCLUSION: Results suggest Diné PTA holds promise as a culturally responsive, strengths-based autism education and training program for Indigenous families.

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8. Miryounesi F, Ghezelbash S, Alavi M. The Effect of Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on Sleep Quality in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2026; 31(4): 576-82.

BACKGROUND: Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) would experience elevated levels of stress and psychological distress. This study examined the effect of an online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program on sleep quality in mothers of children with ASD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a randomized single-blinded controlled trial that was conducted in 2022 on 72 mothers of children with ASD from Fatemeh Zahra and Parnian Autism Centers in Isfahan City, Iran. Participants were recruited through a convenient sampling and randomly assigned to intervention (n = 36) and control (n = 36) groups. The intervention group underwent eight 90-min MBSR sessions twice a week. Data were collected using a demographic information form and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at baseline, immediately after, and one month after the intervention. Data were analyzed using independent samples: t-test, Chi-square, and one-way repeated-measure. RESULTS: The intervention group showed significantly improved sleep quality scores immediately after (F = 107.004, P < 0.001) and one month after (F = 107.004, P < 0.001) the intervention compared to the control group (lower PSQI score indicates better sleep quality). Repeated-measure ANOVA indicated a significant change in sleep quality scores over time within the intervention group (F = 107.004, P < 0.05), but no significant change was found in the control group (F = 1.292, P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study demonstrate that MBSR effectively improves sleep in mothers of children with ASD. Given its cost-effectiveness, MBSR should be integrated into healthcare protocols.

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9. Piergies AMH, Iosif AM, Young GS, Gangi DN, Schwichtenberg AJ, Ozonoff S, Miller M. Early-life trajectories of dyadic synchrony among infants developing autism or concerns for ADHD. Child Dev. 2026.

This study followed infants at elevated and average likelihood for autism or ADHD (n = 163) from 6-36 months, classifying them into 36-month outcome groups: Autism (n = 28), ADHD Concerns (n = 20), or Comparison (n = 115). The sample was predominantly male, White, and non-Hispanic. Between 2013 and 2019, caregiver-child dyads played up to five times, with gaze, positive affect, and vocalizations coded from video. Developmental trajectories of dyadic synchrony (the degree of state matching and turn-taking relative to chance) were estimated via mixed-effects models. From 6 to 36 months, overall synchrony was lower in the Autism vs. Comparison group. Within behavior modalities, there were unique patterns of actor responsiveness, with mixed evidence for outcome group differences. Future research should explore links between synchrony, developmental milestones, services, and longer-term outcomes. We followed infants with and without a family history of autism or ADHD from 6 months to 3 years of age. At the end of the study, children were grouped based on whether they had an autism diagnosis (Autism), symptoms of ADHD (ADHD Concerns), or neither (Comparison). During lab visits, children and their caregivers played together. From recordings, we determined when they looked at each other and toys, smiled or laughed, and verbally communicated with each other. We estimated how coordination changed over time using longitudinal models. Overall, pairs across the three groups had similar trajectories, but the Autism group demonstrated reduced behavioral coordination relative to the Comparison group. The presence or absence of group differences in coordination depended on the type of behavior and who was responding to whom. eng.

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10. Ramirez AC, Gasquoine PG, Weimer AA, Gonzalez-Nunez G, Maldonado-Coronado JR, Surrain S, Gonzalez-Barrero AM, Montiel-Nava C. A community-based participatory research approach to evaluating perceptions of bilingualism among Latino parents of autistic children. First Lang. 2026.

Bilingualism has multiple benefits, however, non-native English speakers in the U.S. often lose their minority language. Nevertheless, language attrition is preventable, as parental perceptions of bilingualism contribute to a child’s active use of each language and influence proficiency. At present, there is a significant gap in understanding how different cultures and belief systems might influence the language development of autistic children from bilingual Latino families. Furthermore, research on perceptions of bilingualism among parents of autistic children has mainly been qualitative in nature. The purpose of this study was to (a) employ a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to develop a culturally and linguistically appropriate scale for both Latino autistic and non-autistic populations to quantify parental perceptions of bilingualism and (b) to assess the psychometric properties of the scale. The study used a cross-sectional mixed-methods approach comprised of two separate stages. The first stage followed a qualitative and CBPR framework to develop the scale, and the second stage involved psychometric testing to assess construct validity and reliability of the scale. Results from stage 1 yielded significant revisions to the scale, particularly highlighting the relationship between bilingualism and its emotional value. Results from stage 2 suggested that the revised scale possessed good internal consistency (α =0.93). Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) identified a three-factor structure explaining 71.86% of the variance: General Perceptions of Bilingualism (54.78%), Cultural and Emotional Benefits (10.05%), and Value of Bilingualism in the United States (7.03%). The scale demonstrated high internal consistency (α = 0.93). The BRAVO scale provides a valid, reliable, and culturally sensitive measure of parental perceptions of bilingualism, addressing significant gaps in bilingualism research among autistic Latino populations. The findings underscore the importance of stakeholder involvement and offer clinicians and educators valuable insights to support bilingual development strategies tailored to culturally diverse autistic children and their families.

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11. Rashid N, Rajagopalan K, Syed SS, Okeke CM, Nechi RN, Yunusa I. A global literature review of comorbidities and concomitant supportive medications among individuals with Rett syndrome. J Comp Eff Res. 2026: e260100.

Aim: To synthesize evidence on the multisystem clinical burden of Rett syndrome, integrating comorbidity prevalence and concomitant medication use to inform proactive care. Materials & methods: A structured search of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane (January 2000 to July 2024), plus gray literature, identified clinical trials, observational studies, registries, and case series (n >10). Non-English articles, case reports, reviews and commentaries were excluded. Two investigators independently screened studies, extracted data and synthesized the evidence using a descriptive approach with evidence mapping. Results: Of 6253 records screened, 148 studies met inclusion criteria, spanning 24 countries and participants aged 7 months to 37 years. Neurological, musculoskeletal and developmental manifestations predominated (reported in 62.0%, 44.0% and 41.0% of studies, respectively). Epilepsy prevalence ranged from 15.0% to 91.0%, scoliosis 8.9-100% and gastrointestinal dysfunction was common, including constipation (16.4-82.8%) and gastroesophageal reflux (15.8-100.0%). Hand stereotypies were reported in 11.4% of studies, with prevalence of 70.0-100.0%. Among studies reporting developmental burden, inability to walk ranged from 19.0% to 100.0%. Additional comorbidities included sleep, oral, and endocrine disorders, among others. Antiepileptic medications contributed most to treatment burden (14.3-33.0% for monotherapy). Other commonly used medications targeted sleep (melatonin, 7.7-30.0%), gastrointestinal symptoms (proton-pump inhibitors, 37.0-61.0%) and behavioral symptoms (anti-anxiety agents, 10.0-21.4%). Conclusion: Rett syndrome imposes a substantial, lifelong multisystem burden requiring continuous surveillance. Findings highlight the importance of anticipatory, multidisciplinary care rather than symptom-driven management. Patterns of medication use, particularly for epilepsy, reflect reliance on symptom-directed therapies and highlight the need for routine medication review, careful prescribing and longitudinal monitoring to optimize outcomes. What is this article about? Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare genetic disorder that primarily affects girls and causes lifelong problems across many body systems, including the brain, muscles, digestive system and lungs. People with RTT often need multiple medications and care from many different specialists. This review brought together findings from 148 studies conducted in 24 countries to create a comprehensive picture of how common these health problems are and what medications are used to manage them. What were the results? Brain-related problems were the most commonly reported, with seizures affecting anywhere from 15 to 91% of people with RTT. Spinal curvature (scoliosis) affected up to 100% of individuals, and digestive problems like constipation (16–83%) and acid reflux (16–100%) were also very common. Sleep difficulties, anxiety, and breathing irregularities were frequently reported across all age groups. To manage these issues, many people required several medications simultaneously seizure medications were used most often, followed by laxatives, acid-reducing drugs and sleep aids. What do the results mean? These findings show that RTT causes health problems across multiple body systems throughout a person’s entire life, not just in childhood. Because these health problems are interconnected. For example, worsening spinal curvature is linked to more frequent seizures, therefore care should be coordinated across specialists from an early stage, rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen. Routine monitoring, proactive treatment planning and regular medication review are essential to improving quality of life for people with RTT and reducing the burden on their families. eng.

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12. Smrčková A, Kantor J, Sedláčková D, Kabiri N, Svobodová Z, Kiszio B, Vrbová T, de Goumoëns V, Perimal-Lewis L, Munn Z, Klugar M. Experiences of having a sibling with autism spectrum disorder: a qualitative systematic review. JBI Evid Synth. 2026.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to explore the experiences of neurotypical (NT) individuals who have a sibling with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). INTRODUCTION: The presence of a child with ASD significantly impacts the life and functioning of the entire family. Support is typically associated with individuals with ASD and their parents, yet the needs of siblings of these individuals are often overlooked. Being a sibling of a person with ASD is linked to various challenges and complex situations that accompany them throughout their lives, influencing their health, personal development, and social integration. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Qualitative studies involving neurotypical siblings of individuals with ASD who describe their experiences were eligible for inclusion. There were no limitations regarding age, gender, sex, or length of relationship with the sibling. We considered studies from all countries and contexts. METHODS: This study was conducted according to JBI methodology for qualitative reviews. A 3-step search strategy was used to find published and unpublished studies from the following sources: MEDLINE, CINAHL, APA PsycINFO, Scopus, SocINDEX, Web of Science, Embase, ERIC, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, Open Dissertations, and Google Scholar (first 100 records). Screening, data extraction, and data synthesis were conducted by 2 independent reviewers. RESULTS: As a result of the search, 7445 records were detected and, after exclusion of 3737 duplicates, 3708 records were screened. Subsequently, 3546 records were excluded based on title and abstract screening, and 12 records were not retrieved. We assessed 150 reports: 66 did not meet the eligibility criteria and 59 were excluded due to quality as per the qualitative critical appraisal tool based on the dependability domain. A total of 34 studies met the eligibility criteria. The synthesis of the results led to the identification of 3 synthesized findings, based on 13 thematic categories, including 309 findings. The credibility was moderate for 2 synthetized findings (SF) and high for 1. CONCLUSIONS: Siblings of people with ASD need to develop an understanding of the disability in order to accept their siblings. They wish for a better understanding of ASD in society. In their relationships, neurotypical siblings experience moments of happiness and love as well as challenging situations caused by their siblings’ disability and these experiences influence their identity; their private, family, and social lives; and impact their future choices. NT siblings may have a higher need for support. Practitioners working with individuals with ASD should consider including siblings in interventions whenever appropriate, and professional services addressing specific needs of NT siblings throughout their life should be developed, even in economically prosperous areas. Because of a low availability of research outside North America and Europe, transferability of these findings may be low considering the differences in sociocultural context.

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13. Temelturk RD, Yurumez E, Kaymak B, Özgür Karabıyıkıoglu Y, Zengın ND, Öztop DB. Prevalence, Phenotypic Correlates and Predictive Factors of Catatonia in Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Intellect Disabil Res. 2026.

BACKGROUND: Catatonia, a psychomotor syndrome increasingly recognized in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), remains frequently underdiagnosed due to symptom overlap, particularly in adolescent populations where data remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, clinical correlates and predictive factors of catatonia in adolescents with ASD, focusing on sociodemographic, behavioural and affective characteristics. METHODS: A total of 107 adolescents aged 12-20 years with ASD were evaluated at a tertiary child and adolescent psychiatry outpatient clinic. The diagnosis of catatonia was established using DSM-5 criteria and the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS). ASD severity, repetitive behaviours and internalizing symptoms were assessed using the Global Assessment Scale, the Autism Behaviour Checklist (ABC), the Repetitive Behaviour Scale-Revised (RBS-R) and the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale-Parent version (RCADS-P). Group comparisons, correlation analyses and binary logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: Catatonia was identified in 21.5% of participants. The most frequent symptoms were stereotypy (73.8%), impulsivity (37.4%), echolalia (36.4%), verbigeration (30.8%) and agitation/excitement (30.8%). Female sex, greater ASD severity, depressive symptoms and separation anxiety were significantly associated with catatonia. The catatonia group demonstrated higher scores on the ABC-Relationship Building, RBS-R-Stereotyped Behaviour and RCADS-P-Depression subscales. Logistic regression revealed that female gender and clinically significant separation anxiety symptoms were independent predictors of catatonia (Nagelkerke R(2) = 0.26, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of targeted screening for catatonia in ASD populations, particularly in females and individuals with co-occurring separation anxiety symptoms. Early recognition and intervention may mitigate functional deterioration and improve clinical outcomes.

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14. Tuschick E, Smith J, Harrison B, Youngman M, Copping L, Giles EL. Feeding Behaviours in Families With Children or Young People With Autism: A Systematic Review. Nutr Bull. 2026.

Children and young people with autism often experience feeding difficulties and are at increased risk of food insecurity. However, the interplay between these challenges remains underexplored. This systematic review aimed to synthesise existing evidence on the prevalence and characteristics of feeding behaviours in families with children with autism, alongside associated factors such as sensory sensitivity and mealtime dynamics. Nine databases identified 399 records. Following screening, 88 original empirical research studies (including quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods designs) were included. Studies were included if they investigated children and young people with autism under 25 years and focused on feeding behaviours. Reviews, meta-analyses, editorials, protocols and grey literature were excluded. Included studies were critically appraised and findings were synthesised using narrative analysis. The analysis highlighted widespread food selectivity, sensory sensitivities and restrictive eating patterns, contributing to nutritional deficiencies and parental stress. Children with autism commonly preferred starchy foods and snack foods, alongside reduced consumption of protein-rich foods, with mealtime challenges including refusal and social disruption. Sensory processing difficulties and autism severity were strongly linked to feeding behaviours. Feeding difficulties are prevalent among children with autism and are shaped by sensory sensitivities and family dynamics. Tailored interventions, standardised assessment tools and further research into the social and nutritional implications of feeding challenges are needed to better support children with autism and their families.

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15. Whelpley CE, Fezzey T, Batchelor JH, Weekley JA. Using selection tests to hire autistic employees: An exploration of methods. PLoS One. 2026; 21(8): e0356539.

A persistent barrier to employment for autistic individuals is the personnel selection process. Although prior research demonstrates that traditional employment interviews disadvantage autistic applicants relative to neurotypical applicants, far less is known about whether commonly used alternative selection methods reduce or reproduce such disparities. Drawing on a sample of autistic and neurotypical adults, this study examines subgroup differences across three widely used selection tools: general mental ability (GMA) tests, personality inventories, and situational judgment tests (SJTs). We assess subgroup differences using standardized mean comparisons and further examine predictors of SJT performance using multivariate regression analyses. The results indicate that all three selection methods produce meaningful subgroup differences that are unfavorable to autistic respondents. Moreover, autistic respondents scored significantly lower on the SJT even after controlling for GMA, personality traits, gender, and age. Together, these preliminary findings suggest that commonly used selection tools, often promoted as objective alternatives to interviews, may nonetheless result in adverse impact for autistic applicants if used in hiring decisions. We discuss implications for personnel selection research, the design of inclusive hiring systems, and the need to develop assessment methods that better capture job-relevant strengths among neurodiverse applicants.

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