1. Abrams DA, Leipold S, Bowling DL. A dysfunctional hub model of voice-reward integration in autism. Trends Cogn Sci. 2026.

Children with autism often struggle to tune in to voices, missing important cues for social connection and language learning. What underlies this diminished engagement? Neuroimaging evidence implicates disrupted connectivity between voice-selective temporal regions and brain networks supporting reward, salience, and social cognition, leading to a new neural model of vocal insensitivity in autism.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

2. Alikadic L, Röer JP. Data from three experiments on auditory attention and distraction in autistic and nonautistic adults. Data Brief. 2026; 64: 112431.

In this article, we describe a combined dataset from three experiments on auditory attention and distraction in young adult individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and nonautisitic individuals. In Experiment 1, we investigated the effects of steady-state, changing-state, and auditory deviant sounds on visual-verbal serial recall with list length adjusted individually to each participant. In Experiment 2, we investigated the effects of low- and high-intensity single-channel, dual-channel, and multi-channel speech on visual-verbal serial recall with a fixed list length of eight to-be-remembered items. Both serial position and cross-trial performance data are available for Experiments 1 and 2. In Experiment 3, we used a selective listening task with a to-be-attended relevant channel and a to-be-ignored irrelevant channel in which the own name and that of a yoked-control partner were embedded. The dataset also contains information on intellectual and language abilities (IST screening scores) and self-report autistic traits (AQ-10). The autistic group was recruited from the same participant pool, so that for many individuals, data from more than one experiment are available that can be compared with each other.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

3. Christiansen AL, Fishman I, Hutchison SM, Mickelson E, Zwicker JG. Retrospective Review of Children’s Diagnostic Assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder in British Columbia: Are we Identifying Co-occurring Motor Deficits?. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2026.

OBJECTIVES: Since the publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) in 2013, a dual diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental coordination disorder (DCD) has been permitted. This study assessed the prevalence of DCD in children with ASD and whether DCD diagnosis increased after the publication of the DSM-5. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data from 19,307 children (≤19 years) assessed for ASD in the province of British Columbia in Canada between 2010 and 2019 (N = 19,307). Data from 2010 to 2013 (DSM-4 in place, n = 6532) and 2014 to 2019 (after publication of DSM-5, n = 12,775) were analyzed separately. RESULTS: From 2010 to 2013, only 1.1% (37/3261) of children diagnosed with ASD received a co-diagnosis of DCD. Children who were assessed for ASD but not given a diagnosis, 2.4% (62/2559) received a DCD diagnosis. After the publication of the DSM-5 (2014-2019), diagnosis of DCD in children diagnosed with ASD showed a modest increase to 2.8% (172/6152). For children without an ASD diagnosis, 2.9% (99/3396) were given a DCD diagnosis. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates consistently low rates of DCD diagnosis across 2 periods: before and after the publication of the DSM-5. Despite a modest increase, the prevalence of ASD + DCD co-diagnoses after the introduction of DSM-5, DCD rates remain significantly lower than reported in the literature. This discrepancy suggests significant and persistent underdiagnosis of DCD in children with ASD in British Columbia.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

4. Coşkun F, Hira Selen AT, Kılınç İ, Kılıç AO. Serum Levels of Wnt/β-catenin Pathway Regulators Dkk-1, PORCN, Notum, and Tiki-1 in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci. 2026; 24(1): 84-92.

OBJECTIVE: Dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling system has been increasingly associated with the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Nevertheless, regulators of this system remain unexamined in patients with ASD. This study aimed to examine serum concentrations of Dkk-1, PORCN, Notum, and Tiki-1 in preschool children with ASD. METHODS: A total of 60 children diagnosed with ASD and 50 healthy controls, aged 18 to 60 months, were included in the study. Serum levels of the target molecules were quantified utilizing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Autism severity and behavioral traits were evaluated utilizing the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and the Autism Behavior Checklist (AuBC). RESULTS: Serum concentrations of Dkk-1 and PORCN were significantly higher in the ASD group relative to controls. However, no significant difference for serum Notum and Tiki-1 levels was detected between the groups. Correlation analyses revealed significant positive associations between serum PORCN, Notum, and Tiki-1 levels and multiple AuBC subscale and total scores. No significant correlations were found between any of the molecules and CARS scores. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that regulators of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, notably Dkk-1 and PORCN may play a potential role in the pathogenesis of ASD. This study presents new data confirming the significance of Wnt/β-catenin pathway regulators in ASD and underscores the necessity for further research.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

5. Esteve-Pérez R, Sevilla-Ferrer P, Lanuza E, Herranz-Pérez V, Torres-Pérez JV, Agustín-Pavón C. Doublecortin-expressing cells are selectively altered in the piriform cortex but not in neurogenic areas of symptomatic Mecp2-heterozygous mice. Neuroscience. 2026; 593: 87-95.

Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder which mainly affects girls, leading to profound impairments in motor function, loss of speech, intellectual disability, and epilepsy, among other symptoms. Most cases are caused by mutations in the X-linked MECP2 gene, which encodes the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2), an epigenetic reader with a crucial function in the regulation of neural maturation. Previously, using the marker of immature neurons doublecortin (DCX), we showed that a population of embryonic-born neurons of the piriform cortex, which experience prolonged maturation throughout life, was increased in the piriform cortex of symptomatic young adult (2 months old) Mecp2-null male mice. By contrast, these cells were not affected in age matched Mecp2-heterozygous female mice, who are pre-symptomatic at that age. To determine whether symptom onset would affect DCX-expressing neurons, in this study we analysed samples from 6 months old, symptomatic Mecp2-heterozygous female mice. Our results show a specific increase in the density of DCX-positive neurons in the piriform cortex, consistent with observations in males. However, no differences were detected in the neurogenic niches of the dentate gyrus or the ventricular-subventricular zone when compared to their wild-type controls. Further, morphological analyses of the DCX-expressing cells of the piriform cortex reveal that they are smaller and show less complex dendritic branching in mutant mice. In conclusion, our findings support a role of MeCP2 in the maturation process of the embryonic-born DCX neurons in the piriform cortex and point to region-specific alterations in neuronal maturation in RTT.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

6. Frost KJ, Chen H, Schoonover Z, Raman R, Shannon CN, Pandharipande PP, Smith HAB. Effect of Neurologic Conditions on Delirium Duration and Time to ICU Discharge. Crit Care Explor. 2026; 8(2): e1367.

IMPORTANCE: Delirium is prevalent and associated with poorer clinical outcomes in critically ill children. OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine whether presence of baseline developmental delay (DD) or a primary admission diagnosis of an acute neurologic condition (ANC) was associated with longer delirium duration and/or time to ICU discharge, and whether delirium acts as a mediator among observed outcome associations. DESIGN SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Post hoc analysis of a prospective, observational study in patients 6 months to 5 years old admitted to a tertiary PICU regardless of admission diagnosis. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Patients assessed daily for delirium using the Pediatric Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU series (PEDs CAM-ICU). Baseline demographics and in-hospital outcomes obtained. RESULTS: Of 282 patients, 79 had baseline DD and 54 were admitted with an ANC. Delirium prevalence among patients with DD was 53% and 43% in those with an ANC. DD was associated with significantly longer delirium duration (p = 0.008), with a meaningful association between ANC and delirium duration (p = 0.056). DD was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of ICU discharge (hazard ratio, HR, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.54-0.95]), with delirium partially mediating this relationship. Patients with ANC diagnoses trended toward a relevant association with lower likelihood of ICU discharge (HR 0.73 [0.53-1.00]) with partial delirium mediation. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Baseline DD among critically ill infants and children is linked to longer delirium duration and lower likelihood of ICU discharge. An innovative finding is that delirium mediates this relationship. Although ANCs were loosely correlated with both prolonged delirium duration and decreased likelihood of ICU discharge, the true impact of delirium on these patients warrants further investigation. Finally, a focus on how to mitigate the impact of DD (predisposing risk factor) on ICU delirium and outcomes in critically ill infants and children is paramount.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

7. Harker A, Tarafdar S. How Are Pedagogical Practices Within Medical Education Being Adapted for Autistic Students?. Cureus. 2025; 17(12): e99817.

Autism can be defined as a neurodevelopmental learning difficulty characterised by deficits in social communication, the presence of restrictive interests and repetitive behaviours. The aim of this systematic review was to explore pedagogical practices and identify interventions that would have an impact on autistic medical students’ experiences. A search strategy was undertaken on databases relevant to medical education. Included studies pertained to autistic medical students and/or postgraduate autistic doctors and concerned factors that could have implications on pedagogical practice. A quality appraisal was conducted, and a narrative synthesis was employed to produce the final report. Seven articles were included in the final synthesis, with three deemed high risk of bias. Four themes were identified. Findings that improved experiences included raising understanding and awareness through training, recognition and language usage and individualised practical adaptations. Emphasis was placed on role modelling from autistic medical educators/clinicians to facilitate insight into strengths and weaknesses. Taking an alternative view on empathy and considering co-creation of empathy teaching sessions (faculty and autistic students) would positively impact not only autistic medical students but also their neurotypical peers. Potential strategies have been proposed to bolster the effectiveness and equitable nature of current pedagogical practice in medical education. The more tenable propositions suggested include altering language use and co-creation of empathy teaching sessions. The remaining proposals may not currently be plausible within the United Kingdom given cost and feasibility factors when considering their implementation. Further evaluation is needed when considering the global context. The paucity of literature pertaining to this topic indicates that further research is warranted.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

8. Kachura A, Chernyshev V, Kachan O, Levchenko E. Blurred magnitude homology of functional connectome for ASD diagnosis. Front Psychiatry. 2025; 16: 1677282.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. Existing studies show that adults with ASD may experience accelerated or altered neurocognitive aging. Consequently, cognitive decline in people with ASD can be delayed if timely measures are taken to treat this disorder. This study focuses on the development of a new algorithm for the early prediction of ASD from fMRI images. Autism spectrum disorder alters functional connectivity between brain regions. Therefore, it is important to develop methods for diagnosing this condition based on the analysis of a brain network. Functional brain networks are usually studied using undirected correlations, while functional connections in the brain are inherently directed. Blurred magnitude homology is an algebro-topological tool that enables the analysis of directed graphs, including directed functional connectomes. The method proposed in this work is based on applying a fully connected neural network to blurred magnitude homology-based features of a directed functional connectivity network. Experiments on empirically derived connectomes from fMRI images show that blurred magnitude homology is a useful invariant for distinguishing directed brain networks of individuals with ASD and typically developing individuals.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

9. Liao LY, Li XF, Zhang XX. [Resistance to thyroid hormone syndrome with developmental disorders in two children]. Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi. 2026; 28(1): 115-9.

Patient 1, a 4-year-old boy, presented with delayed language development. Persistently elevated free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) were found, with normal or elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). A de novo heterozygous mutation in the THRB gene (c.1373T>C, p.Val458Ala) was identified, and resistance to thyroid hormone syndrome (RTH) was diagnosed. No specific medication was administered, and regular follow-up was arranged. Patient 2, a 2-year-old boy, had elevated TSH detected on neonatal screening. Thyroid dysfunction persisted for 1 year and 10 months and was accompanied by growth delay and tachycardia. Genetic testing revealed a de novo heterozygous mutation in the THRB gene (c.959G>A, p.Arg320His), and pituitary-type RTH was diagnosed. Propranolol was administered for heart rate control. RTH shows marked clinical heterogeneity and is prone to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis. For children with unexplained thyroid dysfunction and developmental disorders, early THRB gene testing helps achieve precise diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

10. Lin X, He Q, Pei X, Wang Y, Zhou S, Chen L, Ma K, Dou Z, Liu Y, Ma Y, Li S. Disease and Economic Burden of Intellectual Developmental Disability Attributable to Congenital Heart Disease, 1990-2021. Glob Heart. 2026; 21(1): 2.

OBJECTIVE: Progressed medical techniques improved the life expectancy of congenital heart disease (CHD) population. Intellectual developmental disability (IDD) has progressively been a raised concern. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the global burden, regional and age-specific differences, temporal trends, and economic cost of IDD attributable to CHD. METHODS: This study was a secondary analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 and World Development Indicators. The burden of IDD attributable to CHD was evaluated with prevalence, disability-adjusted life years, and estimated annual percentage change across global, socioeconomic, geographic, and age-specific subgroups. Joinpoint regression models were used to describe the temporal trends. Economic cost models were developed to estimate both direct and indirect costs. RESULTS: In 2021, an estimated 1.05 million people lived with IDD attributable to CHD worldwide. Low-middle social-demographic index (SDI) regions were mostly affected. South Asia experienced the highest prevalence (0.30 million) among all geographic subregions. Children under the age of five were more susceptible to IDD attributable to CHD. The temporal trends varied across different SDI regions and age subgroups. The health-related expenditure of direct costs was disproportional with the burden of IDD attributable to CHD, which also contributed to a substantial income loss in the future. CONCLUSIONS AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS: Socioeconomic disadvantage and younger age are associated with a higher burden of IDD attributable to CHD. Efforts for both reducing CHD mortality and improving neurodevelopmental outcomes should be coordinately allocated.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

11. Matsuda S, Shinohara Y. Feasibility of one-month home-based HRV monitoring in ASD: a case study using smart clothing technology. Front Digit Health. 2025; 7: 1741400.

BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbances and autonomic dysregulation are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet few studies have examined long-term nocturnal heart rate variability (HRV) in home settings. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the feasibility of one-month home-based HRV monitoring using smart clothing in a preschooler with ASD, and explored whether nocturnal HRV predicts next-day problem behaviors. METHODS: HRV was recorded nightly for 25 valid days using a garment-type wearable ECG. Problem behaviors were reported daily by caregivers. HRV indices were compared between nights preceding days with and without problem behaviors using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. RESULTS: No significant differences in total sleep time or HRV indices were found between the two day types. CONCLUSION: Although HRV did not predict next-day behavior, the study demonstrates the feasibility and methodological transparency of long-term home-based physiological monitoring in young children with ASD.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

12. Miao JW, Song J, Zhang YH, Zhang XL, Yang LX, Wang YB, Zhu Y. [Neurodevelopmental outcomes in different types of neonatal stroke]. Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi. 2026; 28(1): 23-9.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of neonates with different types of stroke. METHODS: Data from 41 neonates diagnosed with stroke at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2017 and May 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. Stroke types included arterial ischemic stroke (AIS), hemorrhagic stroke (HS), and cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT). All infants were followed to 2 years of age. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (BSID-III), focusing on motor and cognitive development. Outcomes were compared according to vascular involvement. RESULTS: Of the 41 neonates, 35(85%) had AIS, 5(12%) had HS, and 1(2%) had CSVT. Among the 35 AIS cases, 16(46%) involved the main trunk of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). The incidences of cerebral palsy (CP) and cognitive developmental delay were significantly higher in the MCA main trunk group than in the non-main-trunk group (P<0.05). Among the 5 HS cases, 1 involving the frontal cortical branch of the MCA died at 12 days of life. Two cases involving the temporal cortical branches had BSID-III cognitive development indices of 102 and 106, and motor development indices of 90 and 95 at 2 years. The remaining 2 cases involving the MCA main trunk developed CP. The single CSVT case involved the great cerebral vein and presented with CP and language developmental impairment. CONCLUSIONS: AIS is the most common type of neonatal stroke and shows poorer outcomes by 2 years of age. Early identification and early intervention are essential in clinical practice.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

13. Millar C. « The black box of scary memories »: a prison-based trauma intervention case report. Int J Prison Health (2024). 2026; 22(1): 146-61.

PURPOSE: Women in prison face profound challenges, including high rates of trauma and gender inequalities. This paper aims to explore the barriers to delivering effective psychotherapy in these settings and the importance of approaches tailored to women’s specific needs. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A case study is presented of « Clare », a white, British woman in her early 30s, with diagnoses of autism and severe depression, serving a life sentence for murder in a women’s prison in England. The intervention combined cognitive behavioural therapy with systemic working delivered within a National Health Service commissioned service. Outcomes were assessed using the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation and Problem Behaviour Checklist, supported by qualitative reflections on therapeutic resources, strengths and limitations. FINDINGS: The intervention produced significant improvements suggesting partial support for the therapeutic approach. The case highlights the therapeutic potential of collaborative and tailored interventions, while recognising the challenges related to gender, trauma, autism and the constraints of the prison environment. Additional complexities were noted in the context of COVID-19 and social isolation. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: This case study offers in-depth clinical insight but is limited by its single-subject design and lack of post-discharge follow-up data. The absence of longitudinal outcome measures restricts conclusions about the sustainability of change. Further research is needed to explore adapted therapeutic models for individuals with complex trauma and co-occurring neurodivergence in forensic settings. Ethical challenges surrounding consent, particularly posthumously, highlight the importance of developing clearer publication frameworks for clinical learning. Future studies could strengthen the evidence base by combining individual case data with service-level evaluations of trauma-informed approaches in secure environments. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This paper illustrates how trauma-informed psychological therapy, adapted for neurodivergent needs, can be delivered safely and effectively within a high-security women’s prison. It highlights the value of flexible, relationship-based work supported by robust supervision and multi-agency collaboration. The case emphasises the importance of formulation-driven approaches, staff training and managing systemic barriers such as restricted access, risk procedures and limited specialist services. Clinicians working in secure settings may draw on this example to inform safe and ethical trauma work, particularly when navigating complex presentations, co-occurring diagnoses and environments that often compound psychological distress. SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS: This case highlights the impact of social inequalities, institutional trauma and system-induced distress on women in prison, particularly those with neurodivergent needs. It raises important questions about access to psychological care in secure settings, the potential for re-traumatisation and the risks of exclusion from therapy. The work reinforces the need for equity in mental health provision for marginalised groups, especially those affected by intersecting vulnerabilities. Sharing this anonymised account may help inform service development, promote more compassionate care and advocate for change within carceral systems that often neglect the psychological needs of those most affected by adversity. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This case study contributes to the limited literature on trauma-focused psychotherapy with women in prison. It illustrates how adapted, evidence-informed interventions can promote recovery in an often-overlooked client group, offering insights into the intersectionality of trauma, gender and imprisonment.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

14. Sulek R, Wicks R, Hinze E, Dargue N, Dempsey B, Goodall E, Groves L, Trembath D, Waddington H, Whitehouse AJ, Varcin KJ. Community views on the assessment and diagnosis of autism: Principles to guide clinical practice. Autism. 2026: 13623613251406094.

This study aimed to identify guiding principles to underpin assessment and diagnosis of autism to improve the quality, consistency and accuracy of services provided to individuals and their families. An online survey and focus groups were used to capture community perspectives of members of the Australian autistic and autism communities. A total of 871 individuals participated across the research activities, including autistic individuals (n = 253), parents of autistic individuals (n = 344), practitioners (n = 325) and members of organisations with an interest in the assessment and/or diagnosis of autism (n = 115). Three overarching themes, encompassing 15 codes, representing the principles that should underpin practice across the assessment and diagnostic process were developed (a) placing the person at the centre of the process; (b) understanding and valuing the whole person and (c) improving quality and access. Assessment and diagnosis for autism should go beyond diagnostic decision-making to include understanding of individual needs and identifying support pathways. The principles identified serve as a first step to guiding practitioners in their approach, ensuring they work in ways that promote best practice, reflect the perspectives of autistic people and engender meaningful outcomes for individuals and families that are independent of receiving a diagnostic label.Lay AbstractThis study looked to identify principles of practice that could help make autism assessments and diagnoses better for autistic people and their families. To do this, the researchers asked people from the autism community in Australia to share their thoughts through an online survey and focus groups. A total of 871 people took part. This included autistic adults, parents of autistic children, professionals like psychologists and speech pathologists and people from autism-related organisations. From what people said, three main ideas stood out: (a) putting people at the centre of the process, (b) looking at the whole person and (c) improving quality and access to services. The study found that getting a diagnosis is just one part of the process. It is also important to use the assessment to help people understand themselves better and find the right support. The principles highlighted in this study can help guide professionals to do a better job when assessing autism. They encourage practices that are respectful, person-focused and based on what autistic people and their families say is important. This can lead to better outcomes for everyone, no matter whether a diagnosis is given or not.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

15. Viscomi MP, Ziętek MM, Sampino S. Embryonic and placental factors are linked with the development of autism-like behaviors in the BTBR mouse model. Neuroscience. 2026; 593: 18-28.

Neurodevelopmental disorders arise from the interplay between genetic and maternal influences during prenatal life. Using the BTBR T(+)Itpr3(tf)/J (BTBR) mouse model of idiopathic autism and the C57BL/6J (B6) control strain, we examined how embryonic genotype and maternal environment interact to shape placental development, fetal growth, and postnatal behavior. Quantitative analyses of fetal and placental weights confirmed strain- and stage-specific growth restriction in BTBR conceptuses (n = 18-35 conceptuses from 3 litters per strain). Morphological assessment further demonstrated a substantial strain effect on placental layers, characterized by enlarged labyrinth compartments and reduced glycogen stores in BTBR placentas. Through reciprocal embryo transfers (n = 3 litters per strain combination), we found that maternal strain predominantly determined placental morphology: BTBR and B6 conceptuses developed placentas that mirrored the histological architecture of their foster mothers. In contrast, autism-like behaviors remained specific to BTBR offspring, regardless of the maternal strain, indicating a prevalent embryonic genotype effect on behavioral outcomes. Placental transcriptomic profiling (n = 4 conceptuses per strain) revealed an enrichment in lipid metabolism, nutrient transport, and extracellular matrix remodeling pathways. Together, these findings indicate that maternal factors primarily shape placental architecture, whereas embryonic determinants are linked with the development of autism-like behaviors in the BTBR mouse model. These insights advance our understanding of early-life determinants of autism and suggest placental metabolism as a potential target for early diagnosis of neurodevelopmental risk.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

16. Williams R. ‘It’s not fair, this isn’t what an autistic person should go through’: Experiences of autistic adults on inpatient mental health wards. Autism. 2026: 13623613251412722.

When an autistic person requires inpatient mental health support, they should be supported in mainstream services with reasonable adjustments. However, there is a lack of research into how autistic service users find their admissions to mental health wards. Ten United Kingdom-based autistic adults took part in semi-structured interviews to explore their experiences of being a mental health inpatient. These results were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) and four themes were developed: ‘I’m not mental health, I’m not autism, I’m just me’, ‘All the noise. All the people. All the unpredictability’, ‘You work out how to survive’, and ‘It’s the usual set up, all the decisions had been made’. Results highlighted a negative overall appraisal of inpatient admissions, with specific difficulties in a lack of nuanced autism understanding, sensory environments, unpredictability and a felt sense of powerlessness. Findings indicate further autism training is required for staff working on inpatient wards, as well as changes to sensory environments that could benefit neurodivergent populations. These changes should detail how to put in place reasonable adjustments throughout a person’s admission. Decisions around these factors should be made in collaboration with experts-by-experience to ensure effective intervention.Lay AbstractAt times, autistic adults who experience mental health difficulties may need to be supported in inpatient mental health care to manage risks to themselves and others. When this is the case, these adults should be able to access mainstream mental health services, and those supporting them should put in place reasonable adjustments to support their autistic needs. The researcher interviewed 10 UK-based autistic adults who had spent time in NHS England inpatient mental health wards to find out about their experiences. All participants found their time on mental health wards difficult, and there were some common reasons for this, including: autism needs not being recognised or understood, the environment of the ward not fitting their needs, and feeling as though they had no power to make changes in their care. This suggests that changes need to be made to how inpatient mental health care is delivered to autistic service users.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)