1. Arici Gürbüz A, Cömertoğlu Arslan S, Bozduman Çelebi S, Binokay H, Altun H. The impact of sleep habits on emotional and behavioral problems, quality of life, caregiver depression, and burnout in children with autism spectrum disorder. Front Psychiatry. 2026; 17: 1918823.

BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbances affect 40-80% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet their concurrent associations with neurobehavioral functioning, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and primary caregiver mental health remain insufficiently characterized within an integrated multivariate framework that includes typically developing controls. This limits clinicians’ ability to position sleep disturbance within the broader family burden associated with ASD. METHODS: This cross-sectional case-control study included 101 children aged 6-12 years with DSM-5-confirmed ASD and 81 typically developing controls, together with their primary caregiving mothers. Sleep was assessed using the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), child behavior using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), HRQoL using the KINDL, and maternal psychiatric morbidity using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Multiple linear regression and bootstrap mediation analyses were performed. RESULTS: Despite significantly longer total daily sleep duration, children with ASD had poorer scores across most CSHQ subscales, including bedtime resistance, night wakings, and parasomnias (p < 0.05), whereas daytime sleepiness was not significantly different (p = 0.075). Maternal depression and burnout were substantially higher in the ASD group (p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, ASD diagnosis (B = -6.124, p = 0.001), SDQ total difficulties (B = -0.533, p < 0.001), sleep disturbance severity (B = -0.523, p < 0.001), and maternal burnout (B = -0.146, p = 0.016) independently predicted lower HRQoL. Sleep quality significantly mediated the associations of child behavioral difficulties (23.1%, p = 0.016), maternal depression (51.4%, p = 0.002), and maternal burnout (36.6%, p = 0.027) with HRQoL. CONCLUSION: Sleep disturbances in children with ASD were associated with greater behavioral difficulties, lower HRQoL, and poorer maternal mental health. Sleep quality also mediated the associations between child behavioral difficulties, maternal psychological well-being, and HRQoL. These findings highlight the importance of assessing sleep as part of comprehensive, family-centered care for children with ASD.

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2. Barbosa de Matos M, Liberalesso PBN, Bara TS, Figliano G, Mack JM. Sleep Disorders and the Influence of Maternal Age in Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study. J Autism Dev Disord. 2026.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the prevalence of clinically diagnosed sleep disorders in young autistic children at a single-center in Brazil and identified associated clinical and demographic factors. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted using records from a pediatric neurology department in southern Brazil (January 2008 to January 2015). The study included autistic children aged < 60 months. Data on demographic, perinatal, and clinical variables were extracted, with maternal age analyzed continuously and categorically (age ≥ 35 years). Sleep disorders were classified according to DSM-5 criteria. Associations were examined through bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 93 participants (mean age 33.26 months; 62.37% male), 59.14% had at least one sleep disorder. Insomnia was the most prevalent (33.33%), followed by confusional arousals (11.83%). In bivariate analysis, advanced maternal age was significantly associated with sleep disorders (p = 0.028). Multivariable analysis confirmed maternal age as an independent predictor of sleep disorders (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.06-1.35; p = 0.003) and of insomnia (AOR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.01-1.26; p = 0.029). For insomnia, neonatal intensive care unit admission (p = 0.028) and maternal age (p = 0.026) were significantly associated in bivariate analyses. CONCLUSION: Sleep disorders, particularly insomnia, are highly prevalent in preschool-aged autistic children. Maternal age at delivery emerged as an independent predictor of sleep disturbances. These findings highlight the importance of early screening and suggest that maternal age may contribute to variability in sleep outcomes among children with ASD.

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3. Blanco-Gomez G, Scorah J, O’Reilly C, van Noordt S, Leno VC, Webb SJ, Elsabbagh M. Sex differences in early brain development in a multi-site ASD likelihood cohort. Front Comput Neurosci. 2026; 20: 1868455.

Biological sex is increasingly recognized as a fundamental dimension of brain organization, yet how it influences early neurodevelopment, particularly autism spectrum disorder (ASD), remains understudied. Using data from the International Infant EEG Data Integration Platform (EEG-IP), a multi-site longitudinal cohort of 179 infants (91 males, 88 females) at elevated (ELA) and typical (TLA) likelihood of ASD, we conducted a series of re-analyses of previously published EEG studies to examine whether key EEG metrics differ by biological sex and whether biological sex can moderate the relationship between early brain profiles and language development from 6 to 36 months. Across all EEG metrics, we found that females displayed significantly higher left-hemisphere functional connectivity within speech-related regions at 6 months of age compared to males. Females also demonstrated increased posterior theta consistency during face processing as well as steeper expressive language trajectories from 6 to 36 months. Speech connectivity at 6 months also moderated receptive language growth, but not expressive language growth in females, suggesting sex-specific relationships between brain dynamics and language. These findings show the importance of including biological sex as a primary variable in infant developmental studies and provide support for the study of sex-differentiated biomarkers in prospective ASD studies.

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4. Caven I, Hamdani Y, Lunsky Y, Weaver C, Penner M. Parent perspectives on services available to autistic children in Canada: A mixed methods survey study. PLoS One. 2026; 21(8): e0353678.

OBJECTIVES: Given the differing opinions among interest holders on services that are commonly accessed by autistic children, exploration of parent perspectives is needed to contribute to this knowledge base. Our objective was to explore perspectives of parents of autistic children on select services accessed by autistic children in Canada. METHODS: Using a mixed methods survey, the perspectives of parents of autistic children living in Canada on occupational therapy (OT), speech-language pathology (SLP) services, and applied behaviour analysis (ABA) based therapies were sought. The Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA) and its constructs were used to develop the survey and served as a framework for qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Eighty-seven parents completed the survey. Acceptability scores were higher for OT and SLP compared to ABA (F (2, 239) = 43.42, p < 0.01). Related to the TFA construct of Ethicality, parent respondents shared concerns about potential harms of negative therapy experiences, emphasized the value of neurodiversity-affirming services and held mixed views on behavioural approaches. Under the construct of Perceived Effectiveness, acceptability was contingent on parents attributing improvements to the therapy and therapist fit. For the construct of Self-Efficacy, respondents reported the importance of therapist engagement with parents. CONCLUSIONS: Across OT, SLP, and ABA, Ethicality, Perceived Effectiveness, and Self-Efficacy informed the perceived acceptability of autism services. This work highlights that many parents are concerned with promoting a positive autistic identity for their children, including through therapies. Future work should seek to develop shared definitions and goals for therapy between clinicians, parents/care partners, and autistic people.

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5. Clayton P, Lindsay-Webb K, Happé F, Hollocks MJ. Autism and Self-Esteem: A Systematic Review Quantifying Differences Between Autistic and Non-Autistic Adolescents and Investigating Associations With Mental Health Difficulties. Autism. 2026: 13623613261433170.

Autistic individuals are at increased risk of developing mental health difficulties. Self-esteem has been found to be a significant indicator of mental health in the general population yet remains underexplored in autistic adolescents. This review aimed to explore rates of low self-esteem in autistic versus non-autistic adolescents (10-19 years of age) and examine the relationship between self-esteem and mental health symptomatology. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across four databases to identify relevant studies published until March 2025. The systematic review included 30 studies of self-esteem in autistic adolescents, including 15 studies with a non-autistic comparison group, and 16 studies with measures of both self-esteem and mental health. Autistic adolescents reported significantly lower levels of self-esteem compared with non-autistic adolescents, with a moderate weighted pooled effect size (g = -0.47). Group differences were maintained when considering measure variance in self-esteem tools but observed to be greater when using the Self-Perception Profile (g = -0.55) in contrast to the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (g = -0.33). Lower self-esteem was associated with greater depressive symptomatology in autistic adolescents, with large effect (r = -.59). These findings highlight the need for targeted self-esteem interventions in autistic adolescents as a potential means to address co-occurring mental health difficulties.Lay AbstractAutistic adolescents are more likely to experience mental health difficulties than their non-autistic peers. One factor that may influence mental health is self-esteem, which refers to how positively or negatively a person views themselves. This review looked at how self-esteem differs between autistic and non-autistic adolescents, and whether low self-esteem is linked to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. The review included 30 studies, some of which compared self-esteem levels between autistic and non-autistic adolescents and others explored how self-esteem relates to mental health symptoms. The findings showed that autistic adolescents tend to have lower self-esteem than non-autistic adolescents. In addition, lower self-esteem was linked to higher levels of depression in autistic adolescents. These results suggest that supporting self-esteem in autistic adolescents may be an important way to help improve mental health difficulties. The studies in this review included mainly male participants and used different ways to measure self-esteem and mental health, so more research is needed to better understand these relationships and how best to support a diverse range of autistic adolescents.

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6. Coccurello R. Hierarchical Inference Dysfunction in Autism and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Conceptual Predictive-Coding Framework From Hyper-Precision to Predictive Collapse. Eur J Pharmacol. 2026: 179276.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are characterized by profound alterations in cortical circuit function, synaptic plasticity, and neuromodulatory regulation, leading to disrupted hierarchical integration of feedforward and feedback signaling. This review synthesizes evidence that these disorders represent opposing patterns of dysfunction within hierarchical cortical systems governing sensory integration and contextual modulation. Within a predictive coding framework, these alterations can be understood as disturbances in precision weighting, a process critically implemented by neuromodulatory systems. In ASD, neurodevelopmental alterations in excitatory-inhibitory balance, parvalbumin-positive interneuron function, laminar microcircuit organization, and neuromodulatory tuning bias cortical networks toward excessive bottom-up signaling and heightened synaptic gain, associated with increased gamma-band activity, local hyperconnectivity, and impaired contextual integration. In contrast, AD is marked by progressive degeneration of deep-layer pyramidal neurons, entorhinal-hippocampal circuits, and long-range feedback projections, together with cholinergic and dopaminergic depletion, disrupting beta- and alpha-mediated top-down coordination, impairing synaptic plasticity, and destabilizing large-scale networks such as the default mode system. Across the lifespan, these processes produce opposite distortions in hierarchical signal flow, namely hyper-reactive sensory processing in ASD and degraded generative control in AD. By integrating findings from laminar anatomy, interneuron vulnerability, oscillatory dynamics, and neuromodulatory systems, this review proposes a mechanistic framework linking microcircuit pathology to network dysfunction and clinical phenotypes. Dopaminergic, cholinergic, and noradrenergic systems emerge as key modulators of precision-related processes, positioning neuromodulation as a plausible pharmacological entry point for probing and potentially recalibrating hierarchical inference.

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7. Dauterman S, De Stefano LA, Smith E, McCord E, Piloto S, Westerkamp G, Gross C, Pedapati EV, Miyakoshi M, Erickson CA. Alpha Reactivity Dynamics Reveal Multi-System Variability Without Global Alpha Slowing in Fragile X Syndrome. Res Sq. 2026.

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is associated with alterations in alpha-band activity recorded using electroencephalography (EEG), including reports of alpha slowing, that may reflect impaired inhibitory regulation and network-level dysfunction. However, it remains unclear whether these abnormalities represent a global shift in oscillatory frequency or dissociable disruptions across distinct systems. In the present study, we leveraged alpha reactivity dynamics, defined as eyes-open to eyes-closed modulation, to probe alpha function in 23 individuals with FXS and 23 typically developing controls using both absolute and relative spectral measures. In FXS, absolute alpha reactivity showed a robust, region-specific reduction localized to occipital cortex, consistent with impaired sensory-inhibitory modulation. While relative alpha reactivity revealed more widespread attenuation across regions, indicating broader network alterations. Peak reactivity frequency showed no evidence of global slowing but was consistent with localized shifts toward lower frequencies. These effects were region- and sex-specific, with females showing reduced frontal relative peak frequency and males showing associations between lower relative peak frequency in non-occipital regions and higher IQ. These findings support a multi-system model of alpha dysfunction in FXS, characterized by posterior inhibitory deficits and distributed network alterations, and highlight alpha reactivity dynamics as a promising translational biomarker.

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8. Di Iorio MR, La Monica I, Imperatore A, Sica A, Iorio V, Pastore L, Lombardo B. Contribution of Copy Number Variants and Cumulative Genetic Load to Autism Spectrum Disorders: Integrative Insights from Chromosomal Microarray Analysis. Int J Mol Sci. 2026; 27(16).

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are characterized by a complex genetic architecture involving both rare high-impact variants and cumulative low-effect alterations. The contribution of borderline copy number variants (CNVs) to disease susceptibility and phenotypic variability remains incompletely understood. Reflecting a real-world clinical setting rather than a prospectively recruited research cohort, we performed a retrospective analysis of a tertiary care registry comprising 328 individuals referred for suspected ASD or NDDs who underwent array comparative genomic hybridization (a-CGH), identifying 612 CNVs classified according to ACMG/ClinGen guidelines. CNVs were evaluated by type, size, genomic distribution, and clinical correlation, and patients were stratified based on CNV burden and the presence of borderline variants. Duplications were more frequent than deletions, and medium-sized CNVs (100-500 kb) were the most common. Borderline CNVs represented the largest category. Within this descriptive cohort, increased CNV burden, in both number and cumulative genomic size, co-occurred more frequently in individuals with severe phenotypes, including ASD with intellectual disability, epilepsy, and broader NDDs. Individuals with isolated ASD showed a lower burden and enrichment of small borderline variants, which often co-occurred alongside CNVs. In contrast, severe phenotypes were frequently associated with single large pathogenic variants. Recurrent loci included 15q11.2-q13, 16p11.2, and 22q11.21. Overall, these exploratory observations from a real-world clinical registry illustrate how cumulative genomic burden and borderline CNVs co-occur across different neurodevelopmental presentations, providing descriptive context for future mechanistic studies.

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9. Goodwin C, Shaw SCK, Turner EJ, Russell G, Doherty M, Barreto M. Autistic experiences of breast cancer: an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Psychol Health. 2026: 1-26.

Barriers to healthcare exist for autistic people but are under explored in relation to cancer care. Previous research into autistic experiences have focused on other people’s (healthcare professional (HCP) or family members) perspectives but there is a lack of research into autistic experiences of cancer care. This qualitative study used interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore autistic experiences of breast cancer based on interview data from ten participants. Four themes are discussed in this paper, 1) interactions with HCPs, 2) overwhelming hospital processes, 3) understanding autism: self and HCPs perceptions, and 4) long-lasting impact of a breast cancer diagnosis. Findings suggest that autism-specific barriers to cancer care exist and comprise three domains, firstly that the barriers are attributed to autistic characteristics and experiences, secondly that they are persistent throughout cancer care and finally, that there is a cumulative exposure to repeated barriers. These findings provide insight to HCPs that without acknowledgement and understanding of barriers to cancer care, reducing and removing them will not be possible. There needs to be more research looking at cancer care from the autistic person’s point of view. Autistic people already experience barriers to accessing healthcare, but we do not yet know about cancer care. Cancer care refers to support for a patient’s well-being as well as the treatment of cancer and any side effects. In autism related healthcare research, we hear about healthcare professionals, family members or carers point of view on how an autistic person experiences cancer care. This study explored what it is like to have breast cancer by asking autistic people. We did this by interviewing ten participants about their experiences of breast cancer. Four key areas are discussed in this paper, 1) interactions with healthcare professionals, 2) how hospital processes can be overwhelming, 3) understanding autism both from the participant’s point of view as well as the healthcare professionals, and 4) the long-last effect of a breast cancer diagnosis. The findings showed that the participants did experience barriers to cancer care that involve three parts, firstly that the barriers can be linked to autistic ways of being and experiences, secondly that they occur throughout cancer care, and finally that the barriers happen over and over again. These findings help healthcare professionals to understand that barriers exist in cancer care for autistic people and without understanding this, it will not be possible to reduce or remove the barriers. eng.

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10. Gürsoy S, Kot M. Teaching Earthquake Safety Skills to Students With Autism Using Video Modeling. J Autism Dev Disord. 2026.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of video modeling in teaching essential earthquake safety skills to students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The targeted skills were preparing an emergency kit before an earthquake, performing the drop, cover, and hold on procedure during an earthquake, and safely transitioning to an emergency assembly point after an earthquake. METHODS: A multiple probe design across behaviors within a single-subject research framework was used. Two 16-year-old male students with ASD participated in the study. Video modeling was used to teach three earthquake safety skills representing the pre-earthquake, during-earthquake, and post-earthquake phases. Data were collected during baseline, daily-probe, full-probe, intervention, maintenance, and generalization sessions. Tau-U effect sizes were calculated to quantify intervention effects and adjust for baseline trends. RESULTS: Visual analysis indicated that video modeling was effective in promoting the acquisition of all targeted earthquake safety skills. Both participants showed rapid increases in correct responding following the introduction of the intervention. The acquired skills were maintained during maintenance sessions and generalized to a different school setting. Tau-U values indicated complete nonoverlap and statistically significant intervention effects for all target behaviors. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that video modeling may be an effective instructional approach for teaching safety skills required before, during, and after an earthquake. The results highlight the potential of video modeling for enhancing disaster preparedness among students with ASD. Educators and practitioners may consider incorporating video modeling into safety instruction programs for students with ASD.

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11. Halaç E, Gündoğan Küçükşahin N, Bora E. Minor physical anomalies in ASD and ADHD: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nord J Psychiatry. 2026: 1-10.

BACKGROUND: Minor physical anomalies (MPAs) are subtle morphological variants that may reflect atypical prenatal development. Elevated MPAs have been reported in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but findings have been inconsistent. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and grey-literature sources for case-control studies published through December 2025 that reported total MPA scores in ASD or ADHD versus typically developing controls. Pooled effect sizes were calculated as Hedges’ g using random-effects models with restricted maximum likelihood estimation. Shared control groups were handled by sample splitting. Heterogeneity, subgroup and moderator effects, and small-study effects were examined. RESULTS: Twelve ASD studies and eight ADHD studies met inclusion criteria. Across disorders, MPAs were significantly elevated relative to controls (pooled g = 0.72, 95% CI 0.56-0.89). Disorder-specific pooled estimates were significant for both ASD (g = 0.69) and ADHD (g = 0.77), with no significant difference between disorders (Q(bet) = 0.22, p = 0.64). In ASD, effects were stronger for craniofacial anomalies than for peripheral anomalies, and item-level syntheses highlighted several ear- and palate-related features. In ADHD, evidence of small-study effects suggested possible overestimation, although conclusions remained robust in sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: MPAs are reliably elevated in both ASD and ADHD. Current case-control evidence supports MPAs as a transdiagnostic marker of early developmental perturbation rather than a feature that strongly differentiates between these disorders.

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12. Keller R, Giacchero M, Capiotto F, Masoero M, Corna S, Figliano G, De Matos MB, Liloia D. Integration of specialized residential interventions with community-based services for autistic adults with severe challenging behaviors: preliminary evidence from the Piedmont model. Front Psychiatry. 2026; 17: 1925564.

BACKGROUND: Severe challenging behaviors in autistic adults are difficult to manage in generic psychiatric settings and impose a heavy burden on individuals, families, and services. The Piedmont Region (Italy) established a specialized third-level inpatient unit for these presentations, embedded within an integrated, three-tier regional network. This study reports preliminary effectiveness data from this model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective, pre-post design, 10 autistic adult males admitted for severe challenging behaviors received an intensive, individualized psychoeducational program based on Applied Behavior Analysis during a time-limited specialized admission. Psychopathology (Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, BPRS), challenging behaviors (Aberrant Behavior Checklist, ABC), global clinical severity (Clinical Global Impression, CGI), and social support (Social and Affective Functional Support Scale, SSAF) were assessed before admission (T0) and at discharge (T1). Change was examined with paired-samples t-tests and standardized effect sizes; given the sample size and number of comparisons, analyses were exploratory. RESULTS: Improvement was selective rather than uniform. On the BPRS, significant reductions emerged across several dimensions, concentrated in a coherent behavioral-disorganization and agitation cluster (i.e., motor tension, distractibility, bizarre behavior, conceptual disorganization, and anxiety) with large effect sizes. The ABC showed significant reductions in lethargy/social withdrawal and hyperactivity, whereas stereotypic behavior, irritability, and inappropriate speech did not change significantly. CGI and SSAF showed non-significant trends toward improvement. Trait-like, affective, and global dimensions appeared least responsive to the admission. CONCLUSION: A time-limited, specialized inpatient program delivered within an integrated regional network was associated with improvement concentrated in observable, modifiable behavioral dimensions. These preliminary findings support the development of specialized, coordinated care pathways for severe challenging behaviors in autistic adults and warrant controlled studies with larger, sex-diverse samples and post-discharge follow-up.

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13. Kılıç KD, Garipoğlu G, Çakar B, Uyanıkgil Y, Erbaş O. Correction: Antioxidant‑Effective Quercetin Through Modulation of Brain Interleukin‑13 Mitigates Autistic‑Like Behaviors in the Propionic Acid‑Induced Autism Model in Rats. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol. 2026; 21(1).

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14. Kotsari K, Smyrnaiou Z, Gena A. AI-Enhanced Science Learning for Primary Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Quasi-Experimental Study With Educational Robotics and Virtual Reality. J Autism Dev Disord. 2026.

PURPOSE: This study examines the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enhanced instructional tools on science learning, engagement, and social interaction among primary school students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The research addresses a gap in the literature by exploring how adaptive, multisensory technologies can support conceptual understanding of « Light and Color » and foster inclusive learning experiences in special education settings. METHODS: A quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design was implemented with 34 students with ASD, divided into an experimental group and a control group receiving traditional teaching. Quantitative data were collected through science knowledge tests, teacher-rated engagement scales, and AI-generated learning analytics. Qualitative data were obtained through structured observations and teacher reflective journals. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests, ANOVA, MANOVA, and effect size calculations, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. RESULTS: Students in the AI-enhanced group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in conceptual understanding compared to the control group, with large effect sizes across most test items. Engagement and motivation ratings were also higher for the experimental group. Qualitative observations revealed increased curiosity, sustained attention, collaborative behaviors, emotional regulation, and autonomy when interacting with the robot and VR environments. CONCLUSION: AI-enhanced, multisensory instruction substantially benefits neurodiverse learners by promoting deeper conceptual learning, supporting emotional and behavioral engagement, and enhancing inclusive participation. Findings highlight the pedagogical value of integrating adaptive AI tools into science education for students with ASD and suggest that AI can serve as an effective co-mediator alongside teachers in special education contexts.

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15. Lu H, Li S, Peng S, Zhang Y, Li N, Hu Z. Correction: Stepped-Care Digital Gaming Intervention Enhanced Emotion Recognition in Autistic Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Autism Dev Disord. 2026.

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16. McDonald RG, Cargill MI, Lynch E, Khawar S, Freden C, Kang E. Linking Emotion Dysregulation to Autistic Traits Across Neurodiverse Samples. Autism. 2026: 13623613261472147.

Emotion dysregulation (ED) is defined as difficulty regulating emotions in response to activating situations, and subsequent difficulty choosing an environmentally appropriate strategy to modulate one’s emotions. Despite ED being identified as a transdiagnostic construct, little research has examined the links to constructs like social communication and interaction (SCI) and restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs). SCIs and RRBs are core components of neurodevelopmental conditions like autism, as well as other mental health conditions more broadly. This article sought to examine the effects of emotional dysphoria and emotional reactivity on SCI and RRBs. Caregivers of 99 youth (64 autistic) ages 6 to 17 completed questionnaires about their child’s ED, SCI, and RRBs. Path models were used to examine ED’s impact on SCI difficulties and RRBs. Results suggest that both SCI and RRBs are affected by ED dysphoria and reactivity, with some differences across autistic and non-autistic groups. These findings can inform treatments for medication management and intervention planning for different profiles of ED in both autistic and non-autistic youth.Lay AbstractMany youth experience struggle with managing their emotions, which is sometimes called emotion dysregulation. Some youth, particularly autistic youth, also experience difficulties with social communication and present with repetitive or restrictive behaviors and interests. However, research has not closely examined how emotional difficulties might be connected to these specific behaviors. This study looked at two distinct types of emotion dysregulation: persistent low or distressed mood (emotional dysphoria) and intense emotional reactions (emotional reactivity). Caregivers of 99 youth aged 6 to 17, including 63 autistic youth, answered questions about child’s emotion regulation, social communication, and repetitive behaviors. The findings show how both types of emotion dysregulation related to greater challenges with social communication and repetitive behaviors, and how there were some differences in how these patterns appear between autistic and non-autistic youth. These findings suggest that addressing emotional difficulties could be an important aspect of supporting youth. Clinicians may benefit from identifying which type of emotional dysregulation a youth experiences to help tailor intervention approaches more effectively for each individual.

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17. Meera SS, Uljarević M, Hoekstra RA. Whose Outcomes Count? Rethinking Measurement in Global Autism Research. Autism. 2026: 13623613261480175.

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18. Mihai EE, Ciobanu I, Teodorescu M, Marin AG, Maharatna K, Berteanu M. From risk to resilience: a narrative overview of modifiable factors influencing depression in children with autism spectrum disorder (part I). Front Psychiatry. 2026; 17: 1859969.

BACKGROUND: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition frequently associated with internalizing disorders, particularly depression, which significantly impacts functioning and quality of life (QoL) in children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE: This paper represents the first part of a two-part structured narrative overview examining internalizing psychopathology in children and adolescents with ASD. Given the high co-occurrence and shared neurobiological, psychological, and environmental mechanisms linking depression and anxiety, the multidisciplinary research team elected to develop two complementary overviews to allow a more comprehensive and clinically meaningful synthesis of the evidence. The present review specifically aims to identify and synthesize current evidence on modifiable risk and protective factors influencing depression in children and adolescents with ASD. METHODS: A structured narrative overview was conducted, integrating evidence from systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and robust clinical studies. Studies were selected based on relevance and methodological quality, and findings were synthesized across biological, psychosocial, and lifestyle domains. RESULTS: Growing body of evidence indicates that depression in ASD is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic vulnerability, sensory and emotional dysregulation, social stressors, and environmental factors. At the same time, modifiable protective factors-including physical activity, psychosocial interventions, digital health approaches, and family-centered care-show potential in enhancing resilience and emotional well-being. However, the evidence base remains heterogeneous and often limited by methodological constraints. CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary and prevention-oriented approach that simultaneously addresses risk and strengthens protective pathways may optimize mental health outcomes and improve QoL in children and adolescents with ASD.

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19. Parra G, Szilagyi K, Braverman Y, Kranz D, Bebin EM, Bernier RA, Bernstein JA, Berry-Kravis E, Buxbaum JD, Chawarska K, Condy EE, Cornelissen L, Dawson G, Dickinson A, Dziura J, Eng C, Faja S, Foss-Feig JH, Gavornik JP, Hardan AY, Hanson E, Jeste S, Joffe-Nelson L, Kolevzon A, Kreuger DA, Krishnan B, Law R, Lieberman DN, MacKay C, Martinez-Agosto JA, Naples AJ, Nelson CA, Northrup H, Pedapati E, Poduri A, Punia V, Rajaraman RR, Ritter DM, Saulnier C, Shic F, Soorya LV, Sugar CA, Takach KE, Thurm A, Webb SJ, Wiltrout K, Şentürk D, Jones S, Fagiolini M, McPartland JC, Sahin M, Levin AR. Electroencephalographic Transient Beta Event Rates in Autism and Related Neurogenetic Conditions. medRxiv. 2026.

Transient beta events (TBE) during electroencephalography (EEG) reflect thalamocortical activity, bridging genotype to phenotype and impacting sensory responsivity. Compared to typically developing controls, we found elevated TBE rate in some children with idiopathic Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and a majority of children with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, and SYNGAP1 -related disorder. TBE rate thus offers promise as a stratification biomarker with divergent and convergent properties across ASD and neurogenetic conditions, respectively.

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20. Schweizer T, Fangmeier T, Lichtblau A, Peters J, Mannherz M, Biscaldi-Schäfer M, Ebert D, Riedel A, Tebartz van Elst L. Feasibility and effectiveness of a manualized group psychotherapy program for autistic adults: a naturalistic clinical study. Front Psychiatry. 2026; 17: 1863942.

BACKGROUND: Psychosocial interventions for autistic adults remain limited. This study evaluated the implementation feasibility and potential clinical effectiveness of a manualized group psychotherapy program delivered under routine care conditions. METHODS: Data from 115 autistic adults who completed the program in routine outpatient care were analyzed. Outcomes included pre- to post-intervention changes in social responsiveness as primary outcome, as well as self-worth, depressive symptoms, and quality of life as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Overall social responsiveness improved significantly from pre- to post-intervention. Significant post-intervention improvements were further detected for self-worth and depressive symptoms, while quality of life showed no significant change. DISCUSSION: The findings indicate that the manualized group psychotherapy program seems to be feasible in routine clinical care and was associated with improvements in social functioning, self-worth, and depressive symptoms, suggesting preliminary clinical effectiveness. However, randomized controlled trials are warranted to further establish efficacy.

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