1. Adès N, Bouslama-Oueghlani L. Myelin dysfunction in autism spectrum disorder: insights into core symptoms and mechanisms of brain development. Mol Psychiatry. 2026.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with multifactorial etiologies. Although much research has historically focused on neurons, growing evidence indicates that multiple cell types within the central nervous system (CNS), particularly glial cells, also play critical roles. Importantly, glial cells express most of the high-confidence ASD (hc-ASD) genes, and mutations in these genes are strongly associated with an increased risk of ASD. These cells also play a crucial role in the development, refinement and maturation of circuits. This review highlights the central role of oligodendrocytes (OLs) and myelin in ASD pathophysiology. Individuals with ASD frequently exhibit impairments in white matter development and integrity, particularly in brain regions associated with sociability, stereotyped behaviors, and decision-making. These findings are supported by advanced CNS imaging and postmortem analyses, including structural, proteomic, and transcriptomic studies. Rodent models that replicate core ASD symptoms, such as social disinterest and restricted/repetitive behaviors, demonstrate that aberrant myelination profoundly affects these behavioral traits. Moreover, perturbations in oligodendroglial development directly alter CNS architecture, leading to neuronal morphological abnormalities and disruptions in excitation/inhibition balance. The correlation between OL dysfunction, altered brain architecture, and ASD symptoms underscores the importance of studying OLs in the context of ASD. A comprehensive understanding of the interplay between OL function and ASD pathophysiology could inform the development of targeted therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring white matter integrity and improving functional outcomes.

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2. Ashburner J, Tomkins V, Downing C, Reitberg E, Hill J, Copley J, Bobir N. « My Sensory Experiences Tool »: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapeutic Tool to Support the Sensory Challenges and Preferences of Autistic Children and Adults. Occup Ther Int. 2026; 2026: 4779496.

BACKGROUND: My Sensory Experiences Tool (MYSET) is a picture-based card-sort tool designed to support conversations with autistic people about their sensory experiences with a view to enabling better understanding and accommodation of their sensory challenges. PURPOSE: This study aimed firstly to describe MYSET and the considerations that guided the development of the tool, and secondly to explore the perceptions of autistic people, family members and professional practitioners of the usefulness of MYSET and ways it could be improved. METHOD: We gathered the perspectives of 18 professional practitioners, five autistic individuals and four family members through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. The data was analysed through inductive content analysis. FINDINGS: The participants perceived that MYSET enabled the gathering of individualised qualitative information about the person’s sensory experiences. MYSET was also perceived to be accessible, including people ranging in age from 5 years to adulthood and people with abilities ranging from mild intellectual disability to average/high IQ. The tool facilitates conversations about the links between the person’s sensory responses and their daily life experiences. A key perceived outcome of MYSET was the enhancement of others’ capacity to understand and accommodate the autistic person’s sensory challenges. The tool was refined in response to participant feedback. CONCLUSION: MYSET enables the gathering of detailed, individualised qualitative data on the sensory experiences of an autistic person and the collaborative design of accommodations that are compatible with their lifestyle.

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3. Balan-Moshe L, Shemesh-Iron M, Assaf D, Goldman S, Schwartz-Lifshitz M, Tsafrir S, Gothelf D. Comparison of Autistic and Nonautistic Transgender Youth Attending Psychiatric Clinics Who Request Hormonal Therapy: A Retrospective Pilot Study. Isr Med Assoc J. 2026; 28(2): 82-7.

BACKGROUND: Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adolescents often experience higher rates of psychiatric co-morbidities, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and autistic traits. A few studies have described TGD adolescents who were referred to psychiatric clinics. To the best of our knowledge, no study has yet compared clinical characteristics of autistic vs. nonautistic TGD adolescents. OBJECTIVES: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of TGD adolescents referred to a tertiary child and adolescent psychiatric clinic, and to compare the characteristics of autistic and nonautistic TGD adolescents. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 28 TDG adolescents who were consecutively referred for psychiatric evaluation in a child and adolescent psychiatric clinic at a tertiary children’s hospital between December 2020 and February 2023. Data were collected from electronic medical files. RESULTS: Of the sample, 67.9% first questioned their gender identity after the onset of secondary sex characteristics (pubertal onset) and 35.7% were identified as gifted. The gifted group had a higher rate of pubertal onset compared to the nongifted group. Our cohort exhibited a higher rate of ASD (39.3%) than the general population. Autistic compared to nonautistic TGD adolescents had a higher rate of giftedness and a lower rate of social transition. CONCLUSIONS: TGD adolescents referred for psychiatric evaluation display distinct features, including high rates of ASD, giftedness, and pubertal onset. Autistic compared to nonautistic TGD are more likely to be gifted and less likely to have undergone social transition.

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4. Bioque M, Pérez-Ramos A, Llorca-Bofí V, Penadés R, Forte MF, García-Rizo C, Amoretti S, Pina-Camacho L, Parellada M, Cuesta MJ, Martinez-Sadurní L, de la Serna E, Puig O, Mezquida G. Clinical Implications of Autistic Features in Patients With a First Episode of Psychosis. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2026.

INTRODUCTION: Schizophrenia and autism share neurobiological mechanisms and overlapping clinical features, often resulting in the emergence of autistic traits in early stages of psychosis. The PANSS Autism Severity Score (PAUSS) provides a rapid measure of autistic features within the standard PANSS assessment. We aimed to determine the prevalence of autistic features in first-episode psychosis (FEP), characterise their clinical, cognitive, and functional profile, and examine their impact on 2-year outcomes. METHODS: A total of 328 FEP patients were included from the PEPs multicentre cohort, followed for 2 years. Autistic features were rated using PAUSS (cut-off ≥ 30), yielding autistic (n = 38) and non-autistic (n = 290) groups. Sociodemographic, clinical, cognitive, and functional variables were analysed. Longitudinal analyses examined symptomatic remission rates and trajectories of psychopathology and functioning using logistic regression and mixed-model ANOVA. RESULTS: The autistic group represented 11.6% of the sample. At baseline, they exhibited lower birth weight, greater medication side effects, higher general psychopathology and depressive severity, and poorer global functioning. Cognitively, they showed significant deficits in working memory, social cognition, and cognitive reserve compared to the non-autistic group. Over 2 years, this group was 3.6 times less likely to achieve symptomatic remission and consistently exhibited higher symptom severity and lower functioning across all follow-ups. CONCLUSIONS: Autistic features in FEP identify a subgroup with a possible distinct profile of neurodevelopmental markers, greater cognitive and functional impairments, and poorer clinical outcomes. Early identification may guide more personalised interventions, although further research is needed to refine PAUSS specificity and develop targeted, tailored treatments.

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5. Bjørklund G, Gurgas L, Hangan T. Environmental metals, prostaglandin pathways, and immune-mediated neuroinflammation in autism spectrum disorder: A secondary analysis of peripheral biomarker studies. Metab Brain Dis. 2026; 41(1).

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6. Brennan A, Wyse C, Vasconcelos M, Rudderham L, Gallagher L, Lopez LM. Synchronisation of circadian timing in families and the impact of autism: a scoping review. J Neurodev Disord. 2026.

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7. Carpita B, Nardi B, Muti D, Battaglini S, Parri F, Giovannoni F, Cerofolini G, Bonelli C, Cremone IM, Massimetti G, Di Vincenzo M, Pini S, Pellecchia E, Fiorillo A, Dell’Osso L. Hikikomori-Like Social Withdrawal Mediates the Relationship Between Autistic Traits and Pathological Video Game Use Among University Students. Int J Soc Psychiatry. 2026: 207640251405460.

BACKGROUND: With the rise of immersive digital entertainment, concerns have grown around Video Gaming addiction (VGA) and its potential link to severe social withdrawal, such as hikikomori, especially in individuals with high autistic traits (ATs). While the association between these dimension has been widely described, there are still few studies on its correlation and, so far, no study has yet investigated the three simultaneously. AIMS: Our study aims to explore the presence and interplay between ATs, hikikomori tendencies and VGA, particularly in the context of university students. METHODS: 2,168 university students were assessed with the Assessment of Internet and Computer Game Addiction (AICA-S), the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS Spectrum), and the Hikikomori Questionnaire-25 (HQ-25) and classified in non-pathological, excessive and pathological gamers, based on the AICA-S scores. RESULTS: Pathological gamers reported greater autistic traits and hikikomori tendencies, moreover AdAS Spectrum and HQ-25 total scores, as well as some of their domains, emerged as significant positive predictors of AICA-S total score, of a greater number of hours spent playing video games and of the presence of school-related issues attributed to video games. A mediation analysis demonstrated significant direct and indirect effect through the HQ-25, of the AdAS Spectrum total score on the AICA-S total score. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the association between pathological use of video games and both autistic traits and hikikomori tendencies.

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8. Cooper K, van der Miesen AIR, Lai MC. Autism Diagnostic Assessments for Gender-Diverse Individuals: A Modified Delphi Study of Clinician Experts in the Fields of Autism and Gender Diversity. JAACAP Open. 2026; 4(1): 68-89.

OBJECTIVE: There is limited evidence-based guidance about how autism diagnostic assessments should be conducted for gender-diverse people. This study aimed to integrate expert knowledge on key clinical considerations for these assessments. METHOD: A modified Delphi study was conducted. World experts in the field (N = 21) were invited to complete 2 rounds of surveys. Survey one collected open-text responses about key clinical considerations when conducting diagnostic assessments, structured around the DSM-5-TR criteria for autism, across age ranges. Experts were asked to rate the importance of each consideration they listed. A content analysis was conducted to synthesize and collate similar considerations, alongside descriptive statistics of importance ratings. Survey two presented the resulting considerations and mean importance ratings, with experts rerating their importance. Statements rated as at least « important » and that had an SD of less than 1.0 were reported. RESULTS: Round one resulted in 65 individual statements, of which 37 met our definition for reporting. These statements, summarizing expert opinions, were categorized as being general considerations for assessments, linked to the DSM-5-TR autism criteria (A-E), or practical considerations for working with the gender-diverse population. They highlighted areas to be considered during assessments, such as ways in which the features of autism may intersect with gender diversity, and practical considerations for increasing comfort and engagement of gender-diverse individuals undergoing an autism assessment. CONCLUSION: The summary of expert opinions provides preliminary considerations for clinicians working in this field and for researchers to use as hypotheses for empirical investigations. Gender-diverse people are more likely to be diagnosed with autism or have autistic traits. In this study, the authors conducted surveys of 21 experts in conducting autism assessments in youth from around the world. The authors summarized expert opinion including general considerations for assessment, autism diagnostic criteria, and working with gender-diverse populations. eng.

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9. Crespo MD, Vaillancourt SM, Goldstein EA, Broderick MR, Neske GT, Kuhlman SJ. Open-Source Platform for Adjustable Training Regimes in Freely Moving and Head-Fixed Mice. eNeuro. 2026; 13(3).

Molecular tools available for rodent research enable detailed interrogation of the neural cell types and circuits that give rise to perception and decision-making during complex behaviors. To take full advantage of these molecular tools and successfully define causal relationships between neural function and overt actions during learning, there is a need for low-cost behavioral platforms with inherent flexibility in the implementation of task details. We present a behavioral platform capable of executing both head-fixed and freely moving task designs. The platform incorporates a user-interactive GUI that allows parameters to be adjusted online, during an acquisition session. Task metrics and performance indicators are acquired and organized into a standardized output, enabling single users to quickly master data analysis across a variety of task designs. To demonstrate the flexibility of the platform, mice of either sex were trained in two discrimination tasks: a head-fixed two-choice task as well as a freely moving operant conditioning task. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the platform can be used to show that mice harboring a mutation associated with autism spectrum disorder are able to perform a basic visual discrimination task in freely moving conditions. The presented work demonstrates the integration of multiple external devices to record task-related variables in a synchronized manner. As a result, the platform provides a valuable tool for affordable and reproducible investigation of behavioral decision-making as well as the neural basis underlying cognitive processes in health and disease.

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10. Crompton CJ, Efthimiou TN, Dockrell DM, Berg KM. Health experiences and outcomes of autistic and non-autistic adults with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorder. BMC Med. 2026.

BACKGROUND: Previous research has indicated an association between hypermobility and autism. This study examined whether being autistic affects diagnosis, symptoms, and health experiences of people with hypermobility, including hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD). We compare three groups: autistic adults, non-autistic adults, and adults who are not autistic but have a high level of autistic traits. Additionally, we examined which health and social factors predicted self-reported physical and mental health outcomes for autistic and non-autistic people with hEDS/HSD. METHOD: A total of 1754 participants completed an online questionnaire about their diagnostic experience, hypermobile symptoms, co-occurring health conditions, self-rated physical and mental health, engagement with health services, and employment and benefits status. Around 25% of respondents were autistic; a further 25% had high levels of autistic traits. RESULTS: Autistic participants had more symptoms of hEDS/HSD and were more likely to have co-occurring physical and mental health conditions, compared with non-autistic and high autistic trait respondents. Autistic and high autistic trait participants self-reported poorer physical and mental health compared with non-autistic participants. Autistic participants’ mental health was impacted by limitations to everyday activities, whereas non-autistic participants were more impacted by difficulties with self-care. CONCLUSIONS: Autistic and non-autistic people may experience hEDS/HSD differently, which may impact the type of supports that are most beneficial to them.

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11. Du M, Shi P, Liu Z, Lu X, Cao L, Liu B, Liu X, Liu W, Liu S, Ming D. Multidimensional Acoustic-Prosodic Quantification Framework Using Unscripted Speech for Autism Spectrum Disorder Identification. Autism Res. 2026: e70206.

Although clinical observations have noted early speech abnormalities in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), automatic speech-based detection remains challenging. This is primarily due to the reliance on scripted tasks, which younger children often struggle to complete and which are not generalizable to large-scale, non-clinical screening. To address this, we developed an unscripted speech-based framework to quantify atypical acoustic-prosodic patterns for automatic ASD identification in naturalistic interactions. It processes free-flowing conversations, extracts multidimensional acoustic features from the time and frequency domains, and models ASD-related prosodic patterns for classification. For evaluation, we collected spontaneous speech from 88 children with ASD (3-10 years) and 82 typically developing (TD) children (3-9 years) during naturalistic interactions on daily topics (e.g., toys, animated movies, storybook reading). Group comparisons revealed atypical prosodic patterns in ASD, including reduced speech continuity, speech rate, and Formant 3, alongside increased zero-crossing rate, pitch, pitch variability, and Formant 1 (all p < 0.01). Using these features, a linear discriminant analysis classifier achieved robust performance (accuracy = 0.85 ± 0.07, F1 = 0.86 ± 0.07). Further analyses indicated no significant gender interaction (p > 0.05), but a pronounced effect of speech context (p < 0.01), with atypical patterns being more evident in open-ended dialogues than in text-guided settings. Moreover, these patterns correlated with clinical scores (p < 0.05), particularly language ability, demonstrating the framework's utility for assessing ASD severity. These findings underscore the importance of analyzing unscripted speech to capture atypical prosodic patterns and provide a basis for large-scale ASD screening outside clinical settings. We developed an unscripted speech‐based framework to assess children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in natural interactions. It revealed distinct timing‐ and frequency‐related speech differences that were more evident in open‐ended conversations and unrelated to gender. The framework accurately distinguished ASD from typical development and aligned well with clinical symptoms, supporting its use for large‐scale assessment outside clinical settings. eng.

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12. Eslahi A, Kahaei MS, Shirvan BB, Alerasool M, Tabarestani S, Rezaie R, Hashemi N, Akhondian J, Arabi M, Ebrahimzadeh F, Toosi MB, Mojarrad M. Comprehensive Clinical, Diagnostic, and In Silico Assessment of a Novel 1p36.33p36.32 Copy Number Variant. J Cell Mol Med. 2026; 30(4): e71079.

Clinical manifestations of 1p36.33 duplications vary depending on duplication size. This region is prone to copy number variants associated with diverse phenotypes. We report a novel 1p36.33p36.32 duplication in a patient with developmental delay and facial dysmorphism. The causative duplication was detected by whole-genome Oligo-array CGH and confirmed by real-time PCR. Integrative bioinformatic analyses-including network analysis, phenotype-driven gene prioritisation, and dosage sensitivity assessment-were performed to explore the molecular basis of the phenotype; we used integrative bioinformatic analyses, including network analysis, phenotype-driven gene prioritisation, and dosage sensitivity assessment. Assessment of a child with tonic seizures, developmental delay, and dysmorphic facial traits revealed a 2.3 MB gain in the 1p36.33p36.32 region (nucleotide 898,721 to 3,153,945) through array CGH. Bioinformatic analyses identified several candidate genes, including GABRD, DVL1, and GNB1, which are implicated in neurodevelopmental and congenital disorders. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed significant involvement of the ‘1P36 Copy Number Variation Syndrome’ pathway. This case expands the phenotypic spectrum of 1p36 duplications and highlights the importance of integrating clinical, genomic, and bioinformatic data for accurate interpretation.

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13. Holland L, Drummond K, Thomson S, Sominsky L, Marx W, Love C, Dawson SL, Harrison LC, Saffery R, Symeonides C, Tang ML, Burgner D, Sly PD, Vuillermin P, Ponsonby AL. Correction: Prenatal and birth factors associated with child autism diagnosis: a birth cohort perspective. Pediatr Res. 2026.

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14. Honório CRL, Bobadilha BG, Conscetta MP, Silveira FM, Durigon F, Planello AC. Pharmacogenomics of risperidone in autism spectrum disorder: a minireview. Front Pharmacol. 2026; 17: 1768109.

Risperidone is one of the most widely prescribed antipsychotics for the management of irritability and associated behavioral symptoms in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet clinical response and adverse-effect risk vary widely among individuals. Pharmacogenomic (PGx) research has sought to explain this variability, with accumulating evidence pointing to contributions from metabolic, transporter, and neurotransmitter pathways. In this narrative minireview, we synthesize current findings on PGx factors influencing risperidone outcomes in children and adolescents with ASD. CYP2D6 emerges as the most robust predictor of pharmacokinetics and toxicity, while pharmacodynamic associations involving dopaminergic, serotonergic, and metabolic pathways in genes such as ABCB1, DRD3, HTR2A, HTR2C, and LEP remain inconsistent and largely derived from small cohorts. We also discuss methodological challenges in assessing treatment response, current clinical guidelines, barriers to implementation, and emerging approaches including polygenic models, pharmacoepigenomics, and machine learning. Together, the available evidence points to both the promise and the limitations of PGx in guiding safer and more individualized risperidone therapy in ASD.

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15. Nagar-Shimoni H, Leibovitch N, Zilbershot Fink E, Cnaan Y, Leitner Y. Challenging Case Report: Reevaluating autism diagnosis in a 7-year-old girl. Front Psychiatry. 2025; 16: 1701629.

Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in verbally fluent, socially motivated children, particularly girls, remains challenging due to compensatory behaviors and masking. This case report follows a 7-year-old girl repeatedly referred to autism spectrum evaluation. Despite early developmental delays, attentional variability, and sensory sensitivities, initial community-based multidisciplinary assessment excluded ASD but did not resolve parental concerns. A second evaluation at the hospital-based developmental clinic included neurological and psychological assessments, revealing divergent impressions and prompting naturalistic peer-group observations. In these naturalistic settings, the girl demonstrated strong social interest, reciprocity, emotional expressiveness, and adaptability, with no repetitive behaviors or marked rigidity. Support was required for attention and frustration management, but overall social interaction quality was age-appropriate given her developmental profile. The final diagnosis ruled out ASD. The observed difficulties were instead attributed to below-average cognitive functioning, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, language difficulties and immature socio-emotional development. This case highlights the value of integrating longitudinal, naturalistic peer-group observations with standardized tools to provide ecologically valid insights into adaptive functioning. Such methods are particularly useful in complex diagnostic cases and align with recent calls to refine procedures for girls with social difficulties. In the present case, accurate diagnostic clarification required sustained multidisciplinary teamwork, clear communication with the parents, and the incorporation of naturalistic peer-group observation alongside standardized assessment tools.

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16. Ojha SK, Kartawy M, Hamoudi W, Tripathi MK, Aran A, Amal H. Nitric Oxide-Mediated S-Nitrosylation of TSC2 Drives mTOR dysregulation across Shank3 and Cntnap2 Models of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Mol Psychiatry. 2026.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by core behavioral symptoms. We previously showed that nitric oxide (NO) plays a key role in ASD. However, the precise molecular mechanism through which NO acts via its posttranslational modification, S-nitrosylation (SNO), in ASD remains largely unknown. Emerging evidence, including our previous studies, suggests that the mechanistic target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway plays a critical role in ASD pathophysiology. Our SNO-proteome systems biology analysis showed the enrichment of the mTOR pathway. In this study, we deciphered a novel mechanism of the cross talk between NO and mTOR pathway using two well-established mouse models as well as clinical samples of children with ASD. To assess changes in the SNO-proteome, we used the SNOTRAP method, revealing increased S-nitrosylation of tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2) in Shank3(Δ4-22) and Cntnap2((-/-)) mutant mice. We proved that this modification led to the loss of TSC2 protein via ubiquitination, resulting in dysregulated mTOR signaling in both excitatory and inhibitory neurons. Pharmacological inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) successfully prevented TSC2 S-nitrosylation, mTOR overactivation, and altered protein translation in ASD models, highlighting NO’s role in modulating mTOR function. To further validate the role of TSC2 S-nitrosylation in ASD, we generated a cysteine-to-serine mutation (C203S) in TSC2 to prevent its S-nitrosylation. Intracranial injection of the mutant TSC2 (C203S) in Shank3(Δ4-22) mice in the prefrontal cortex prevented ASD-like behaviors, confirming the pathogenic role of NO-mediated TSC2 modification. Critically, analysis of clinical samples from children with ASD, including those with SHANK3 mutations and idiopathic ASD, revealed reduced TSC2 levels and increased mTOR signaling activity, further validating our findings. Collectively, this study uncovers a novel molecular mechanism by which S-nitrosylation disrupts TSC2 function, leading to aberrant mTOR signaling and ASD-like phenotypes. By revealing a unique SNO-TSC2-mTOR axis, our work deciphers the novel nitric oxide-mediated mTOR activation and opens new avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies in ASD, including those carrying SHANK3 mutations.

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17. Perets N, Kerem L, Waiskopf N, Horesh N, Goldman I, Avichzer J, Bril D, Tobelaim W, Barashi M, David L, Tenenbaum A. Patient-derived brain organoids reveal divergent neuronal activity across subpopulations of autism spectrum disorder. Transl Psychiatry. 2026.

Patient-derived brain organoids have emerged as a powerful model for investigating the mechanisms underlying neurological and psychiatric disorders. They provide novel insights into autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition whose underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Recent advancements in generating electrophysiological functional 3D brain organoids enable the study of molecular and network-level neuronal activity. Here, we aimed to characterize the neurophysiological underpinnings of ASD by comparing electrophysiological properties of brain organoids derived from eleven individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, 10 with monogenic syndromic ASD across five genetic subtypes, and 1 with idiopathic ASD, to organoids derived from 4 neurotypical control individuals. We identified distinct differences in baseline activity (resting state) and evoked responses (synaptic plasticity and network dynamics) across ASD subgroups. To comprehensively assess these differences, we applied dimensionality reduction (principal component analysis, PCA) to integrate multiple electrophysiological features into a unified framework. Our findings reveal subtype-specific neurophysiological alterations in ASD brain organoids, offering mechanistic insights into ASD heterogeneity and potential applications for early diagnostics, drug screening, and therapeutic development.

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18. Sarwar T, Obaid AAH, Alhumaydhi FA, Khan RM, Rahmani AH. Computational approaches for the identification of potential HDAC2 inhibitors and histamine H3 receptor antagonists from Berberis vulgaris: a dual mechanistic approach for autism spectrum disorder treatment. Open Life Sci. 2026; 21(1): 20251272.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses early emerging deficits in repetitive sensory-motor behaviors and social communication. Rooted in a solid genetic foundation, ASD exhibits diversity among individuals but consistently manifests core features in restricted repetitive behaviors and social communication. ASD originates from early neural reorganization and alterations in brain development, forming a spectrum from mild to severe. The economic burden of ASD is substantial, driven by the ongoing need for assistance in adulthood. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) modulation, including HDAC2, influences ASD traits. Interest in HDAC modulation has led to the FDA approval of drugs that show promise. Additionally, studies suggest histamine, a CNS neurotransmitter, and H3R antagonism may impact social behavior in ASD. Recognizing the significance of HDAC2 and H3R, we conducted virtual screening of phytocompounds from Berberis vulgaris against these ASD-associated targets. Cinnamyl acetate (CA) emerged as the primary compound for targeting ASD. Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to explore the dynamics and stability. Of the tested compounds, only three exhibited AMES toxicity, and none were predicted to be hERG I inhibitors or to cause oral acute toxicity in rats. The interaction energies for CA docking to HDAC2 and H3R were -7.4 and -7.6 kcal/mol, respectively. The molecular dynamics simulation confirmed the stability of CA with target proteins under physiological conditions, revealing minimal perturbation to the proteins’ secondary structure upon CA binding. These findings underscore the potential of CA in the treatment of ASD. The proposed inhibitor demonstrated dual-target activity, inhibiting HDAC2-mediated deacetylation and H3R-mediated synaptic transmission irregularity. Experimental validation is warranted to develop it as an effective drug against ASD.

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19. Sharma G, Russell AL, Dixon KG, Fusha R, Triplett JW. Extracellular spike waveform analysis reveals cell type-specific changes in the superior colliculus of fragile X mice. Open Biol. 2026; 16(2).

Sensory processing deficits are common in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs); however, we lack a full understanding of the circuits impacted. The superior colliculus (SC) is a sensorimotor region that directs complex behaviours, which recent work suggests is adversely impacted in NDDs. However, our understanding of cellular diversity in the SC lags in comparison to other regions, limiting our ability to parse circuit changes in NDDs. A goal of neuroscience has been to elucidate the diversity of neurons in the brain. Analysis of action potential shape in extracellular recordings has revealed subpopulations in several regions, allowing for insights into subtype-specific function in the intact brain. Here, we utilized semi-automated clustering methods to classify neurons in the mouse SC based on features of extracellularly recorded waveforms to identify five putative cell types. Secondary analysis of firing statistics and visual tuning properties supported cluster segregation. Interestingly, the proportions of units assigned to each cluster differed in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome (Fmr1-/y). Furthermore, we observed changes in waveform properties and firing statistics between genotypes in a subtype-specific manner. Taken together, these data add to our understanding of neuronal diversity in the SC and alterations of visual circuit organization and function in NDDs.

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20. Taylor R, Sumner P, Singh KD, Jones CRG. Exploring the association between mental imagery, sensory sensitivity, and autistic traits in autistic and non-autistic adults. Sci Rep. 2026.

Mental imagery vividness varies between individuals. Low levels of mental imagery have been associated with high levels of autistic traits, whilst autistic traits are known to positively correlate with sensory sensitivities. This would predict a negative correlation between sensory sensitivity and imagery. However, one recent study has suggested that mental imagery vividness may be positively associated with sensory sensitivities, possibly through the shared mechanism of hyperexcitability of the sensory cortices. The aim of this paper was to explore this contradictory set of associations across two modalities (visual and tactile). We used standardised questionnaires to measure autistic traits, sensory sensitivities, and mental imagery vividness in a sample evenly comprised of autistic and non-autistic adults (n = 595). Higher autistic traits were significantly associated with lower mental imagery (r =  - 0.20 and r =  - 0.17 for visual and tactile imagery respectively), and a higher incidence of aphantasia was observed in the autistic group compared to the non-autistic group. In addition, higher autistic traits were significantly associated with increased sensory sensitivities (r = 0.76). Importantly, we found negligible evidence of an association between mental imagery and sensory sensitivity, even when controlling for autistic traits. In the first study to directly explore autistic traits, sensory sensitivities and mental imagery, we conclude that there is no clear evidence to suggest that mental imagery and sensory sensitivity are related, challenging the idea of shared mechanisms of hyperexcitability of sensory cortex.

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21. Veseli A, Čuković-Bagić I, Raka L, Veseli E. Oral health and quality of life in preschool children with autism: evidence from Kosovo. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent. 2026.

PURPOSE: To evaluate differences in oral health status and parent/caregiver-reported oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) between preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and healthy controls. METHODS: A cross-sectional study included 90 children aged 4-6 years (45 with ASD and 45 controls). Oral health was assessed using WHO guidelines with Gingival, Plaque, Erosive Wear, and Decayed-Missing-Filled Teeth indices. Parents completed questionnaires covering WHO oral health (Q1-Q14), ASD-specific items (Q15-Q25), and P-CPQ-16. The differences between the groups were assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test. The questionnaire results, represented as percentages, were compared between groups utilizing Pearson’s chi-square, Fisher’s exact, or the Monte Carlo test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: No significant differences in oral health status existed between groups. OHRQoL showed significant differences within the ASD group, with higher P-CPQ-16 scores affecting "emotional well-being," "functional limitations," and "social well-being" (p < 0.001), while "oral symptoms" showed no difference. ASD children had fewer dental visits, mainly for toothaches, and brushed teeth less often (p = 0.035), with increased behavioral difficulties during dental visits (p < 0.001). No differences existed in fluoride toothpaste use, gingival condition, toothache experience, or dietary habits. ASD children had more difficulty with hard foods (p = 0.029) and higher self-injurious behavior (p ≤ 0.010). CONCLUSION: Children with ASD experienced significantly poorer OHRQoL, especially in functional, emotional, and social domains. Promoting oral health through the education of parents and caregivers could help enhance the oral health-related quality of life and well-being of children with ASD.

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22. Wallisch A, Nowell S, Zhang E, Boyd B, Tenenbaum E, Zucker N, Bakula D, Davis A. Short report: An examination of behavioral factors linked to picky eating in autistic children. Autism. 2026: 13623613261418948.

Eating difficulties are highly prevalent among autistic children and are linked to negative health consequences. While many mechanisms are thought to underly these behaviors, we know less about how internalizing and externalizing behaviors relate to eating difficulties in autism. The purpose of this study was to examine how internalizing and externalizing behaviors differ between autistic children (3-6 years of age) with parent-reported picky eating (n = 80) and without picky eating (n = 30). Data was drawn from intake paperwork and assessments completed as part of an autism diagnostic evaluation at a large medical center. Results suggested that picky eaters, when compared to non-picky eaters, had significantly more difficulties with aggression and withdrawal. Our study findings suggest that understanding the behavioral profiles associated with picky eating may be particularly useful when devising treatment plans. Furthermore, diagnosticians who may be the first to gather both eating and behavioral symptom data can initiate referrals to feeding specialists to help prevent some of the negative health consequences associated with these eating behaviors.Lay AbstractMany autistic children have trouble with eating (e.g. not eating a wide variety of foods) which can lead to later health issues. While there are many factors that are thought to relate to these eating issues, one factor we know less about are internalizing behaviors, or being worried, anxious, or sad, and externalizing behaviors, or issues with attending to a task or aggressive behaviors. In this study, we looked at differences in externalizing and internalizing behaviors in autistic children, who were 3-6 years of age, with picky eating (80 children with picky eating) and without picky eating (30 children without picky eating). Our results suggested that autistic children with picky eating had more issues with an externalizing and an internalizing behavior than autistic children without picky eating. Our findings are important because both externalizing and internalizing behaviors are likely important factors to consider when supporting an autistic child with eating difficulties and their family. Practitioners who diagnose autism may also be the first to gather both eating and behavioral information and may help to refer the child to a feeding specialist to prevent later issues.

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23. Xu H, Shi Z, Guo X, Deng S, Wu M, Chen B, Qin J, Xu N, Zhao T, Chang Y, Song X. Low-Dose Sevoflurane Restores Prefrontal Excitatory/Inhibitory Balance and Improves Autism-Like Social Behavior: A Preclinical and Pilot Clinical Study. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2026; 20: 534484.

BACKGROUND: Medications aimed at modulating excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance have shown promise in alleviating the behavioral manifestations of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We therefore aimed to investigate the potential of low-concentration sevoflurane, a GABA(A) agonist, to modulate E/I balance and affect autism-like behavior deficit in BTBR mice and ASD patients. METHODS: In the preclinical study, BTBR mice were exposed to 1% sevoflurane for 30 minutes daily, 5 days per week, from postnatal weeks 4 to 6. Behavioral and electrophysiological assessments were performed. In the clinical trial, ASD patients received 1% sevoflurane treatments for 2 hours per session, 3-5 times during the first two weeks, followed by 2-3 sessions per week for a total of 12 weeks. Assessments were conducted at baseline and the 14(th) week. The primary outcomes were evaluated using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement (CGI-I) scale, while secondary outcomes were assessed using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2), Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale (CGI-S), Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC), and Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC). RESULTS: Our preclinical results demonstrated that repeated exposure to low-concentration sevoflurane restored E/I balance and improved social interaction and social memory without affecting repetitive behaviors. Accordingly, an open-label and single-arm clinical trial enrolled 20 ASD patients in Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center. Significant reduction in CARS score of 4.7 points was observed between baseline and the end of treatment, which is both statistically and clinically significant. Additionally, 61% of ASD children demonstrated a positive response as measured by the CGI-I scale. Furthermore, analysis of secondary outcomes revealed that sevoflurane treatment primarily improved social impairments in ASD patients. Importantly, no significant safety concerns were observed during the one-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Low-concentration sevoflurane shows promise as a novel therapeutic strategy for improving social deficits in ASD by modulating E/I balance. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical trial Number: ChiCTR1900027459.

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24. Yılmaz D, Çelik P, Kara Uzun A, Dibek Mısırlıoğlu E. Evaluation of sleep quality, social-emotional development, and parental stress levels of children with atopic dermatitis. Eur J Pediatr. 2026; 185(3).

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease in early childhood that may affect sleep and emotional well-being. This study aimed to assess sleep quality, parental stress, and social-emotional development in infants and toddlers with AD compared to healthy controls. In this case-control study, 109 children aged 3 months to 2 years with AD and 65 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were assessed using validated parent-report questionnaires: the Expanded Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire(BISQ), the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form(PSI-SF), and the Ages & Stages Questionnaire-Social Emotional(ASQ: SE). Children with AD showed significantly poorer sleep quality(p = 0.006), increased night awakenings(p = 0.013), and shorter sleep durations(p = 0.010) than controls. Mothers of children with AD reported significantly higher stress levels(p < 0.001). Social-emotional developmental delays were more common among children with AD(p = 0.037) and were especially prevalent in those with poor sleep(p = 0.002). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a diagnosis of AD(OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.05-4.29, p = 0.035) and lower paternal education(OR = 4.60, 95% CI: 1.01-20.77, p = 0.047) were independently associated with poor sleep. Among children with AD, poor sleep was associated with a more than 13-fold increased risk of socio-emotional delay(OR: 13.23, 95% CI: 1.69-103.45, p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Infants and toddlers with AD are at elevated risk for poor sleep, parental stress, and social-emotional challenges. These findings highlight the need for early multidisciplinary interventions targeting both dermatological and developmental aspects of AD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Children with atopic dermatitis (AD) often experience impaired sleep and increased parental stress; however, evidence on how these factors affect early social-emotional development in infants and toddlers remains limited. WHAT IS NEW: • Infants and toddlers with AD and poor sleep were found to be more than 13 times more likely to have social-emotional delays, highlighting the need for early recognition and integrated interventions in this vulnerable population.

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