1. Alashkar EM, Abdel-Aal AA, El Shinawy AS, Abu Ghazala MA, Abdelhafez HM. Monte Carlo Investigation of Field Size Effects on Central-Axis Dose Distributions (PDD Curves) and Lateral Dose Profiles. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2026; 27(1): 123-8.

INTRODUCTION: After radioactivity and X-rays were first discovered, researchers found that radiation could harm cells by damaging their internal structures, with cancer cells particularly vulnerable to these effects. Today, various advanced machines and methods are employed to enhance the precision of radiation delivery to tumors. Monte Carlo simulation is an excellent method for predict the dose distributions under certain conditions. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the field size effect on the central dose distributions (PDD Curves), and the lateral profiles of the dose. METHOD: MC codes, i)- MCBEAM code, ii)- MCSIM code, and iii) MCSHOW code used to simulate 6MV photon beams with 5 different field sizes (10x10cm, 5x5cm, 8x8cm, 15x15cm, and 20x20cm). PDDs and profile curves were compared for each field size. RESULT: Smaller field sizes (e.g., 5×5 cm) exhibited a lower surface dose compared to larger fields, and the depth of maximum dose dmax shifts slightly deeper as field size increases due to increased scatter contributions. Larger fields (15×15 cm, 20×20 cm) demonstrated a slower dose falloff at deeper depths compared to smaller fields. CONCLUSION: Monte Carlo calculations confirms that field size significantly impacts PDD curves and affects surface dose. This agreement encouraged us to research with these codes to improve treatment techniques in radiotherapy.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

2. Escobar MV, Eshman SR, Hollinger C, Carter EW, Mire SS, Tomek S. Parents’ Perspectives on How Respite Care Impacts Children With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. J Appl Res Intellect Disabil. 2026; 39(1): e70177.

BACKGROUND: Although respite care is a critical support for families, most research has focused on its impact on caregivers. This mixed-methods study explored the impact of respite care on children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. METHOD: We surveyed 178 parents and interviewed 31 parents of children and youth with disabilities (ages 6-23) about the ways they observed their children benefiting from overnight respite care. Our research team independently coded the interviews, compared interpretations and refined emerging themes until consensus was achieved. RESULTS: Multiple benefits were identified, including broadening children’s experiences, personal growth, increased autonomy, feeling known and valued, new friendships, experiencing love and spiritual well-being. CONCLUSION: These dimensions provide new insights into the mutual impact of respite care and underscore the need to increase children’s access to consistent opportunities for extended breaks, especially overnight rest. We explore directions for future research and practice to broaden family support services. Parents described overnight respite care as offering significant personal benefits for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Many children were reported to experience social and emotional growth. Spiritual well‐being emerged as a meaningful dimension. This study extends respite research beyond its traditional focus on caregiver outcomes. eng.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

3. Firat S, Hergüner S. Atomoxetine for encopresis in children with autism spectrum disorder: Report of 4 cases. Psychiatr Danub. 2025; 37(4): 502-5.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

4. Koç R, Akbulut Ö F. Emotional Reactivity as a Mediator and Moderator of the Relationship Between Psychological Flexibility and Parental Burnout in Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). J Autism Dev Disord. 2026.

PURPOSE: Parenting a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often entails ongoing emotional challenges that can contribute to parental burnout. This study aimed to investigate the mediating and moderating roles of emotional reactivity in the relationship between psychological flexibility and parental burnout among parents of children diagnosed with ASD. METHODS: A total of 230 parents (74.8% female; Mage = 40.14, SD = 8.27) participated in the study. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling from special educational centers. Mediation and moderation analyses were conducted using the PROCESS macro for SPSS to test indirect and conditional effects of emotional reactivity. RESULTS: Emotional reactivity partially mediated the association between psychological inflexibility and parental burnout. Higher psychological inflexibility was linked to greater emotional reactivity, which in turn predicted higher parental burnout. Moreover, emotional reactivity significantly moderated this relationship (ΔR² = 0.009, p = .025), indicating that the association between psychological inflexibility and parental burnout was stronger among parents with higher emotional reactivity. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that interventions aimed at reducing psychological inflexibility and managing emotional reactivity may help mitigate parental burnout among parents of children with ASD.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

5. Liu H, Zhang L, Li Z, Meng H, Zhang T, Gao M, Zhang Z, Li Y. Reliability and Validity of the Chinese Version of the Rapid Interactive Screening Test for Autism in Toddlers. J Autism Dev Disord. 2026.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Rapid Interactive Screening Test for Autism in Toddlers (RITA-T) in a cohort of Chinese toddlers aged 18 to 36 months. METHODS: Screening was conducted on toddlers aged 18 to 36 months, encompassing those with ASD, language impairments, developmental delays, and typical development. Evaluations were performed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed), the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2, and the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers. A random sample of 25 toddlers underwent a follow-up assessment with the RITA-T two weeks later. Critical values were determined based on the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of the RITA-T total score in differentiating ASD diagnoses. RESULTS: A total of 114 toddlers were enrolled in the study. The optimal cut-off score for the RITA-T in screening for ASD was determined to be 16, yielding a sensitivity of 0.918 and a specificity of 0.981, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.961 (95% CI: 0.924-0.998, p < 0.001). Additionally, the scale exhibited strong internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.828), high test-retest reliability (Spearman's rho coefficient = 0.962, p < 0.01), and excellent inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.975, 95% CI: 0.970-0.979, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The Chinese version of the RITA-T is a robust instrument for the early identification of ASD and is highly applicable for early screening efforts in China.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

6. McHugh CM, John JR, Wu WT, Eapen V. The spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders: comorbidities as clues to pathogenesis. Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2026; 39(2): 91-102.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: High comorbidity rates across neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) may suggest shared pathogenic mechanisms rather than independent disease processes. This review synthesizes recent neuroimaging evidence (2024-2025) examining how comorbidity patterns reveal circuit-level convergence across traditional diagnostic boundaries. RECENT FINDINGS: Studies of brain connectivity demonstrate that four core transdiagnostic dimensions of cognitive rigidity, sensory processing, repetitive behaviours, and social-emotional regulation show both circuit convergence and disorder-specific patterns across autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, Tourette syndrome and anxiety disorders. Analyses of how brain networks change over time clarify inconsistencies in earlier static studies, revealing that temporal network inflexibility predicts symptom severity better than anatomical connectivity alone. Developmental studies suggest circuit dysfunction emerges early (as early as 18 months for sensory processing) and creates cascade effects throughout maturation. Interventions targeting specific brain circuits produce transdiagnostic improvements, validating circuit-based approaches over disorder-specific supports. SUMMARY: Comorbidity patterns provide critical clues to shared pathogenesis, with circuit-level evidence supporting dimensional models over categorical diagnoses. The timing and of circuit dysfunction inform whether patterns reflect shared vulnerabilities, developmental cascades, or independent processes converging on similar phenotypes. These findings suggest that assessments and interventions targeting underlying brain mechanisms may be more effective than traditional categorical diagnosis-based interventions.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

7. Mumena WA, Zaher S, Althowebi M, Alharbi M, Alharbi R, Aloufi M, Alqurashi N, Qadhi R, Faqeeh S, Alnezari A, Aljohani GA, Kutbi HA. Investigation of Feeding Problems and Their Associated Factors in Children with Developmental Disabilities in Saudi Arabia. Nutrients. 2026; 18(2).

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Children with developmental disabilities (DD) may experience feeding problems that increase their risk of malnourishment. However, data concerning factors linked to feeding problems in children with DD are lacking. The present study aimed to investigate feeding problems and their associated factors in children with DD who are fed orally. This cross-sectional study included data from 160 children with DD aged 2-18 years, recruited from 9 disability centers and schools located in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A total of 666 envelopes were distributed randomly to children to take home. Caregivers were asked to provide sociodemographic, health, and nutrition information. Feeding problems were assessed using a validated screening tool for eating/feeding problems (STEP-AR), which included 17 items divided into 5 subdomains (Aspiration risk, Food refusal, Food selectivity, Nutrition behaviors, and Skill). Phone interviews were conducted with caregivers within two weeks of data collection for dietary assessment. RESULTS: The most frequently reported feeding problems involved feeding skills and food selectivity, with 39.3% unable to feed themselves, 33.1% showing overeating behavior, and 31.2% exhibiting pica-like behavior. Chewing difficulties (28.7%), limited food intake (25.6%), and swallowing challenges (21.2%) were moderately reported, while aspiration-related problems were less common. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed significant positive associations between feeding problems and caregiver education level, family income, caregiver’s relationship to the child, and the child’s living arrangement. Dietary intake was not associated with feeding problems. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate a range of feeding problems and key sociodemographic factors associated with feeding problems in children with DD. These results highlight the need for targeted interventions such as behavioral support and caregiver education to effectively address and manage feeding challenges in children.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

8. Osa T, Mohr M, Halling J, Veyhe AS, Lundstrøm LH, Strøm M, Petersen MS. Prevalence of ASD, ADHD and co-occurring conditions among children and adolescents in the Faroe Islands, 2004-2022: a nationwide register-based study. BMC Pediatr. 2026.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

9. Pang J, Sun X. From « Looking » to « Deciding »: Making POV-glasses-based autism signals clinically actionable in the gray zone. Asian J Psychiatr. 2026; 117: 104871.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

10. Pozo-Rodríguez M, Cruz S, Conde-Pumpido-Zubizarreta S, Carracedo A, Tubío-Fungueiriño M, Fernández-Prieto M. A systematic review on the association between executive function and emotional regulation in autism, ADHD, and autism/ADHD. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2026; 183: 106570.

Executive function (EF) and emotion regulation (ER) have been proposed as transdiagnostic factors that contribute to the socio-emotional and behavioural difficulties observed in neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Investigating potential differences in the association between EF and ER in autism, ADHD and autism/ADHD co-occurrence could be an important avenue to inform possible differential diagnosis. In this study, we present a systematic review examining the associations between EF and ER in autism, ADHD, and autism/ADHD. PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and Scopus datasets were searched for empirical articles, published between January 2013 and October 2024. Twenty-two articles were included. Of these, four analysed the relationship between EF and ER in autism, 16 in ADHD and two in autism/ADHD, demonstrating a clear focus on the study of these dimensions in ADHD over the past decade. Although age (i.e., children versus adults) and methodological (i.e., task-based versus report-based measures) differences may contribute to the variability of findings, the overall evidence suggests an association between EF difficulties and emotional dysregulation across conditions. Further research comparing autism, ADHD and autism/ADHD individuals is needed to draw clearer conclusions about how the association between EF and ER differs across these neurodevelopmental disorders, to inform more accurate diagnosis.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

11. Shield A, Cardamone K. Expressive Language Development in an Autistic Bimodal Bilingual Child: A 10-Year Case Study. Autism Dev Lang Impair. 2026; 11: 23969415261416775.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Children of Deaf adults (codas) acquire both a spoken language and a signed language from birth, making them bimodal bilinguals. While the language development of typically developing codas has been well studied, little is known about bimodal bilingual development in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS: This study presents the first longitudinal case study of expressive spoken and signed language in an autistic bimodal bilingual child, spanning ten years of development. The participant, a hearing child with Deaf parents, was exposed to both English and American Sign Language (ASL) from birth. Expressive language samples were analyzed at ages 4;11, 6;6, 9;11, and 14;11 for syntactic complexity, lexical diversity, modality use, and echolalia. RESULTS: Results revealed a significant expressive language delay in both modalities, with no consistent advantage of one modality over the other. Despite lifelong exposure to ASL, the child exhibited similarly limited language development in both English and ASL, challenging assumptions that signed language may be inherently more accessible for autistic individuals. Although there were global delays in expressive language in both modalities, there was evidence of pragmatic strengths and sensitivity to the linguistic preferences of his conversation partners. Unique features of bimodal bilingualism in autism, including code-blending, whispering, and cross-modal echolalia, are described. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the need for further research into the developmental trajectories and communicative strategies of autistic bimodal bilingual children.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

12. Tezel Yalçın H, Yalçın N, Allegaert K, Erkekoğlu P. A Noisy Signal? Geographic Bias in FAERS Reports Linking Paracetamol to Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Clin Med. 2026; 15(2).

Background/Objectives: Recent public and scientific discussions have raised concerns about a possible link between prenatal paracetamol exposure and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, pharmacovigilance-based evidence remains scarce, and the role of reporting bias has not been systematically assessed. This study aimed to characterize ASD-related adverse event reports involving paracetamol in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) and to evaluate potential disproportionality signals, considering demographic, temporal, and geographic patterns. Methods: FAERS data from January 2010 to September 2025 were screened for reports listing paracetamol as the suspect drug and ASD-related Preferred Terms. After excluding duplicates and concomitant drugs, 1776 unique cases were analyzed. Patient demographics, reporter type, and country of origin were summarized descriptively. Disproportionality was calculated using four algorithms: Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR), Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR), Information Component (IC), and Empirical Bayes Geometric Mean (EBGM). Results: Among 172,129 paracetamol-associated reports, 1776 (1.03%) included ASD-related terms. All were classified as serious and mostly submitted by consumers (98.6%). Gender was available in 47.7% of cases, showing male predominance (68.8%). Most reports referred to fetal exposure during pregnancy. Nearly all originated from the United States (98.4%). A marked rise was observed after 2022, with 562 reports in 2023 and 1051 in 2025. Disproportionality analyses revealed consistently elevated signals (ROR = 69.8, PRR = 69.2, IC025 = 5.60, EB05 = 48.3). Conclusions: The strong disproportionality signal likely reflects increased public attention and reporting dynamics rather than a causal association. Further integration of pharmacovigilance and epidemiologic data is warranted to clarify the clinical significance of these findings.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

13. Yaqi X, Shuai Z, Ma D, Yinchen C, Zhiping Z. Clinical Value of Early Motor Skill Assessment and Intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Res. 2026.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

14. Yates Flanagan A, Hill T, Childs M, Wozniak-Kelly SN, Guthrie W, Wallis KE. Black Mothers’ Perspectives on the Early Childhood Screening Process and the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers in Primary Care. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2026.

OBJECTIVE: To understand Black mothers’ perspectives on the autism screening process with the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) and preferences in provider communications and interactions around autism screening. METHOD: This qualitative study thematically analyzed semi-structured interviews of Black mothers (N = 11) whose child screened positive on an autism screener administered as part of a routine well-child visit in primary care. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and entered into NVivo software for data management and analysis. Coders achieved an average of over 95% agreement in double-coded transcripts across all thematic codes. RESULTS: Results from a qualitative thematic analysis of Black mothers’ experiences with and preferences for early autism screening in primary care produced 5 primary themes: (1) preference for the pediatrician to report positive screening results, (2) desire to discuss developmental concerns with family members, (3) online resources as key information resources on autism and child development juxtaposed to, (4) valuing face-to-face time with early childhood providers, and (5) barriers to completing the M-CHAT. CONCLUSION: Black mothers described their preferences for completing autism screening for their children and emphasized the role of the pediatrician, family members, and online resources in providing information about child development and autism concerns. Trust in the pediatrician emerged as a salient theme, which runs counter to prior narratives that describe earned mistrust between Black caregivers and medical providers. Results can inform the improvement of early autism screening processes and health care communication for underrepresented families in primary care settings.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)