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. Ahn S, Oh JH, Kang YG, Oh DE, Lee T, Kim S, Hyun Y, Sung CO, Kim HW. Germline functional variants contribute to neurodevelopmental trajectories in children with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2026; 146: 111655.

While genetic studies have identified risk variants for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID), their role in informing neurodevelopmental outcomes remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between functional germline variants (FGVs) and neurodevelopmental trajectories in children with ASD or ID. The study cohort comprised 484 children (448 with ASD or ID and 36 controls) recruited at Asan Medical Center between 2018 and 2023. Diagnoses and clinical variables were assessed at baseline and the index age (60-72 months). Whole exome sequencing was conducted, and FGVs were defined based on public databases and functional impact. Pathway analysis was performed to identify biological pathways associated with ASD or ID for these FGVs. Children with ASD or ID showed a significantly higher burden of FGVs in ASD/NDD-related genes compared to controls (P = 0.012). Among children with ASD or ID, mutations were enriched in lysine degradation and dopaminergic synapse pathways. The lysine degradation pathway showed a weak but significant correlation with increased severity of ASD symptoms (Childhood Autism Rating Scale, rho = 0.097, P = 0.0499) and poorer adaptive functioning (Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale Adaptive Behavior Composite Score, rho = -0.12, P = 0.023). Mutations in this pathway were independently associated with gaining diagnoses of ASD or ID (OR = 4.25, P = 0.017), specifically earlier diagnosis of a new ASD or ID at the index age (HR = 3.64, P = 0.02). In conclusion, our findings suggest that FGVs, particularly those in the lysine degradation pathway, may play a critical role in the neurodevelopmental trajectories of children with ASD or ID.

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3. Bodde AE, Helsel BC, Willis E, Montgomery RN, Ptomey LT, Forseth B. Feasibility and Preliminary Impacts of a Stress Reduction Intervention for Caregivers of Adolescents and Young Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. J Appl Res Intellect Disabil. 2026; 39(2): e70202.

BACKGROUND: Family caregivers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities often experience chronic stress and poor mental and physical health. This study examined the feasibility of a 12-week single-arm intervention to reduce caregiver stress. METHODS: The caregiver intervention included a yoga class and informational support group. Feasibility measures included recruitment, attendance, retention, fidelity and acceptability (interviews). Exploratory impacts on perceived and physiological stress (salivary cortisol), social support, caregiver strain, family empowerment, sleep, physical activity and body mass index were assessed by percent change across the intervention. RESULTS: Twenty caregivers enrolled (95% retained) and participants attended 67% of sessions. Intervention fidelity was 95%. Semi-structured interviews revealed high acceptability of the intervention. Perceived stress decreased by 5.8% and cortisol decreased by 24.1%. Changes in all but one exploratory outcome were in desirable directions. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention was feasible and acceptable among participants with positive initial effects on the majority of exploratory outcomes. We evaluated whether we could deliver a yoga and informational support group programme for caregivers of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We were able to complete a 12‐week in‐person programme, and caregivers improved their stress levels, saw positive changes in other health outcomes and reported enjoying the programme. Caregivers may benefit from stress‐reducing programmes which include yoga and an informational support group. Additional studies should test these programmes in larger groups. eng.

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4. 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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5. Brenugat L, Mendy M, Maitre A, Danset C, Attali D, Rigaut B, Prost Z, Vinckier F, Gaillard R, Todd A, Launay C, Péchaud L, Jabeur M, Morvan Y, Amado I, Moualla M. Personalized approach to cognitive remediation for people with schizophrenia and autism. Psychiatry Res. 2026; 359: 117054.

OBJECTIVE: People with schizophrenia (PSCZ) and autism spectrum disorders (PASD) suffer from cognitive impairment. Cognitive remediation (CR) interventions aim to enhance cognition, but the approach is often not customized to meet the participants’ needs. The Neuropsychological Educational Approach to Remediation – Medalia 2002 (NEAR)- enhances intrinsic motivation. Here participants are choosing cognitive goals according to their cognitive profile, and their training is adjusted accordingly. The aims of this study were 1. To demonstrate patient progress with NEAR for schizophrenia and autism 2. To see if adapted cognitive objectives before the NEAR program, with selected cognitive functions, improved specific clinical, functional and neuropsychological outcomes. METHODS: Fifty-one PSCZ and 17 PASD performed 30-biweekly-group-sessions with selected goals and pre/post program assessments for symptomatology, autonomy, self-esteem, quality-of-life, apathy, attention, working and verbal memory, and inhibition. RESULTS: PSCZ improved overall, but PASD only improved for self-esteem, attention, and long-term recall. Within the Total Group (PTG), comparing Trained (T) and Non-trained (NT) showed increased performance: for « speed », in executive and verbal learning; for « attention », in attention, verbal learning and executive functions; for « working memory », in Digit span backward, verbal learning and executive functions; for « verbal learning », in verbal recall, attention and executive functions; for « executive », in attention, verbal learning, executive performances. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: Participants with schizophrenia progressed after NEAR in clinical, functional and cognitive aspects, as well as self-esteem, attention and verbal memory dimensions in autism. The good matches between goals and observed change can optimize adherence and satisfaction to this therapy.

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6. Cao M, Jin C, Jing J. The association between motor coordination impairment and altered functional connectivity among autistic children. Front Pediatr. 2026; 14: 1711271.

BACKGROUND: Motor coordination impairment among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has recently gained increasing attention. However, the relationship between functional connectivity (FC) alterations and motor coordination impairment among ASD remains inconclusive. METHODS: We evaluated motor coordination function using the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ) and acquired resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans from 23 autistic individuals and 25 typically developing (TD) controls (6-10 years old). Within- and between-network FC was estimated using group independent component analysis (ICA) and group comparison was addressed using two-sample t-tests. Relationships between abnormal FC and motor coordination among ASD were investigated with multiple linear regression, with age, gender, and intelligence quotient (IQ) considered as covariates. RESULTS: In the ASD group, 1) FC within the right cerebellar crus II was negatively correlated to the score of general coordination (β = -.566, p = 0.035) and control during movement (β = -0.529, p = 0.026); 2) FC between the cerebellar network and frontal-temporal-parietal network was negatively correlated to the score of general coordination (β = -2.610, p = 0.006); 3) Increased FC between the cerebellar network and insular network was associated with a higher score of fine motor/handwriting (β = -0.529, p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed the role of the insular network in interoception and motor processing among ASD, which was related to impaired information integrating, relaying, and visual feedback during movement. A significant relationship between the cerebellar network and frontal-temporal-parietal network in motor coordination indicated that a deficit in the planning of movements may contribute to atypical motor skills. The study gained an understanding of neuroimaging traits among ASD children and may provide evidence for the design of the motor-related intervention.

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7. Cardoso PM, Martins LC, Machado FC, Carrada CF, Scalioni FAR. Dental Care Access Among Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross Sectional Survey in Juiz de Fora, Brazil. Spec Care Dentist. 2026; 46(2): e70158.

AIMS: To investigate the conditions of access to dental care among children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Juiz de Fora, Brazil, and to identify the main barriers faced by this population. METHODS AND RESULTS: This cross sectional study used a convenience sampling strategy. Data were collected from 130 parents or caregivers of children and adolescents with ASD through a structured questionnaire disseminated via institutions and digital platforms. The instrument was developed based on previous studies and reviewed by experts to ensure content validity. Descriptive analyses and Pearson’s chi-square (χ(2)) tests were performed. Most children with ASD (70.8%) had received dental care at least once, but 56.2% did not undergo regular follow-up. The main barriers were difficulty finding specialized professionals (54.5%), financial constraints (42.0%), and behavioral limitations (23.9%). Younger children and those with higher family income, level 1 support, and verbal communication showed better adherence and behavior during dental care. Associations are reported without effect sizes or confidence intervals, as these analyses were not included in the study design. CONCLUSION: Although most children and adolescents with ASD in Juiz de Fora had received dental care, ongoing barriers hinder consistent access, as identified through associative-not causal-relationships, given the cross sectional nature of the study. The shortage of specialized professionals, behavioral challenges, and financial difficulties remain major barriers to access. Early age, verbal communication, and higher family income were associated with, rather than predictive of, better access and adherence.

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8. Carotenuto M, Gnazzo M, Bargiacchi G, Baldini V, Umano GR, Messina G, Monda M, Smirni D, Plazzi G, Spruyt K. Leptin as a biomarker of sleep dysregulation in children with ASD: A drug-free cohort study. Sleep Med. 2026; 142: 108842.

OBJECTIVE: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), typically diagnosed before the age of three, is characterized by deficits in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent in ASD and have been associated with altered neuroendocrine regulation. Leptin, a hormone involved in metabolic balance and circadian rhythms, has been proposed as a potential biomarker of sleep and neurodevelopmental dysfunction. This study aimed to explore the association between serum leptin levels, sleep habits, and autism symptomatology in a cohort of children with ASD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 76 medication-naïve children with ASD (mean age: 6.86 ± 1.88; range 4-11 years), defined as no current or previous exposure to psychotropic or sleep-modifying medications (including melatonin, stimulants, antihistamines, antidepressants, and antipsychotics), were compared to 105 age-matched typically developing controls. ASD diagnosis was based on DSM-5 criteria and confirmed using ADOS-2, ADI-R, and SRS-2. Sleep disturbances were assessed using the caregiver-reported Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) and fasting morning blood samples were collected to measure serum leptin levels. RESULTS: Children with ASD showed significantly higher SDSC total scores (p < 0.001) and leptin levels (p < 0.001) compared to controls. Significant positive correlations were observed between leptin levels and sleep disturbance scores as well as autism severity measures (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight a significant association between elevated serum leptin levels and both sleep disturbances and autism symptom severity in medication-naïve children with ASD. While causality cannot be inferred, the data support the potential role of leptin as a peripheral correlate of sleep and behavioral dysregulation in ASD. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to examine leptin's utility as a monitoring biomarker within neurodevelopmental trajectories.

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9. 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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10. Chen S, Zhang B, Qin T, Zhu M, Chen Q, Xia L, Pan H, Yang Q, Guo S, Gong R, Jiang Q, Li H, Zhang X, Cheng P, Qi X, Chen W, Mo W. Endogenous retrovirus-derived RNA-DNA hybrids induce microglial synaptic pruning in autism models. Neuron. 2026.

Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation is increasingly recognized as a key pathological component in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), though the mechanisms driving microglial activation remain largely elusive. Our study reveals that deficiency in the high-risk ASD gene SETDB1, as well as maternal immune activation (MIA), elevates complement protein C4b expression specifically in prefrontal cortex (PFC) neurons. This upregulation triggers excessive microglial synaptic pruning, leading to autistic-like behaviors. Furthermore, we found that microglia elimination improved synaptic density, while complete C4b knockout rescued all observed autistic-like phenotypes in mice. C4b expression is driven by RNA-DNA hybrids formed through the reactivation of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). Notably, we identify that existing FDA-approved HIV medications, which inhibit retrotranscriptional activity, substantially reduce C4b levels and alleviate ASD symptoms. These findings underscore the crucial role of C4b in microglia-mediated synaptic pruning in ASD and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting ERV reactivation with existing HIV medications.

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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. El-Ansary A, Al-Ayadhi L, Dewedar A, Bhat RS, Saad R, Bjørklund G. Mercury-induced excitotoxicity in autism spectrum disorder: disruption of glutamatergic homeostasis and the therapeutic role of the selenium-glutathione axis. Biometals. 2026.

Researchers have implicated mercury (Hg) exposure in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through multiple mechanisms, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and glutamatergic dysregulation. This review delineates the molecular and cellular pathways by which Hg exerts neurotoxic effects, emphasizing its disruption of the glutamate-glutamine-GABA cycle and the resulting excitotoxic activation of NMDA receptors. The selenium (Se)-glutathione (GSH) axis is central to these processes, which play a pivotal role in Hg detoxification and the maintenance of redox balance. Individuals with ASD frequently exhibit impairments in these systems, increasing their susceptibility to Hg-induced neurotoxicity. Nutritional strategies to restore Se and GSH levels may mitigate oxidative stress and neurobehavioral abnormalities in ASD. By integrating findings from molecular studies, animal models, and clinical research, this paper proposes a targeted therapeutic framework to address environmentally mediated biochemical vulnerabilities in ASD.

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13. Filiz KD, Abate N, Pizzella A, Ferraro MG, Speranza L, Cristiano C, Mollica MP, Di Giaimo R, Miniaci MC, Lacivita E, Leopoldo M, Perrone-Capano C, Crispino M, Volpicelli F. Involvement of serotonin receptor 7 in synaptic dysfunctions in a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Eur J Pharmacol. 2026; 1019: 178689.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication, repetitive behaviors, and altered brain plasticity. Emerging evidence indicates that impairment in the serotonergic system, particularly involving serotonin receptor 7 (5-HT(7) receptor), plays a crucial role in ASD pathophysiology. In this study, we investigated the synaptic alterations in the brain of juvenile and adult BTBR T + Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice, a well-established ASD model, emphasizing the pivotal role of 5-HT(7) receptor in regulating synaptic morphology and functions. Our analyses revealed a significant alteration of pre- and post-synaptic proteins expression, impaired synaptic protein synthesis, and abnormal dendritic spine morphology in the brain cortex of BTBR mice. These synaptic deficits were accompanied by a reduction in 5-HT(7) receptor expression in brain cortex synaptosomes of BTBR mice, underscoring the importance of 5-HT(7) receptor in maintaining synaptic homeostasis. Remarkably, pharmacological activation of 5-HT(7) receptor with the selective agonist LP-211 restored synaptic protein synthesis and ameliorated dendritic spine abnormalities in brain cortex of BTBR mice. Altogether, our findings provide new insights into the molecular underpinnings of ASD, suggesting that targeting the 5-HT(7) receptor is a promising therapeutic approach to address synaptic dysfunctions in neurodevelopmental disorders.

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14. Goldman ID, Chabner BA. Cerebral Folate Deficiency, Autism, and the Role of Leucovorin. N Engl J Med. 2026; 394(9): 833-5.

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15. Guo H, Chen X, Zhou A, Kou J, Lei Y, Kendrick KM, Xu L. Large-scale neural network compensation associated with camouflaging in trait autism and its potential mental health costs. Mol Autism. 2026; 17(1).

BACKGROUND: Social camouflaging refers to strategies to hide or compensate for social difficulties, often at significant mental health costs, and is particularly prevalent in autism. The large-scale neural network associated with this adaptation remains poorly understood. This study aimed to identify these neural network patterns and their link to potential mental health issues. METHODS: Using a dimensional approach, we recruited 110 healthy young adults who completed self-report questionnaires measuring autistic traits and camouflaging as well as depression and anxiety, and underwent resting-state fMRI scans. The interaction between camouflaging and autistic traits on brain network connectivity was examined using the 300-node Seitzman atlas, encompassing 13 functional networks. RESULTS: Among individuals with higher autistic traits, greater camouflaging was associated with increased connectivity between the Default Mode Network (DMN) and the Cingulo-Opercular Network (CON), as well as within the CON. Crucially, DMN-CON hyperconnectivity statistically mediated the relationship between camouflaging and potential mental health costs (i.e., depression and anxiety scores) but only in individuals with higher autistic traits. Limitations: Our study was limited by its predominantly non-clinical sample, the cross-sectional design, and the use of resting-state rather than task-based fMRI. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal specific compensatory neural network patterns associated with camouflaging in those high in autistic traits, involving interoception, self-referential, and executive control systems, and provide a neurobiological explanation for its potential mental health burden, highlighting the need for societal changes that reduce the pressure for such adaptations. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13229-026-00710-7.

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16. Guo J, Zhu B, Zhang Y, Li Q, Zhang J, He Q, Du J, Song Y, Li T, Yin H, Que H, Li J, Wu S, Huang G, Ji Z, Xu P, Xu W, Tang T. The novel role of GADD45A in the etiology of autism: modulating neuronal excitability via TET1/R-loop dependent regulation of KCNQ5. Mol Psychiatry. 2026.

The etiology of autism currently includes prenatal exposure factors and genetic variants, but it remains unclear how these factors converge on a common pathway. Through multiple autism transcriptome analyses of public data, we discovered that the disruption of Gadd45a may explain the pathogenesis of various types of autism, including the most established valproic acid (VPA) prenatal exposure and MECP2 gene-related autism. Subsequently, we generated Gadd45a knockout mice and found that these mice exhibit significant deficits in social ability, as well as autistic-like phenotypes such as increased digging behaviors. We demonstrated the preferential expression of Gadd45a in cortical excitatory neurons. Through in vivo electrophysiological recordings, we found that the firing frequency of excitatory neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex of knockout mice is abnormal in both resting and task states, which may explain the autistic-like phenotypes exhibited by these mice. Remarkably, we revealed that abnormal neuron firing may be due to the failure of TET1, a GADD45A-interacting protein, to be recruited to the promoter region of Kcnq5, thereby preventing normal DNA demethylation and transcription initiation in the absence of GADD45A. We also demonstrated that GADD45A can recognize R-loop structure to recruit TET1 to the CpG islands of KCNQ5 and regulate the transcription level of KCNQ5. This process also involved nearby antisense lncRNA in the formation of R-loops. Our study revealed a hub gene, GADD45A, and its epigenetic regulation of ion channels (GADD45A/TET1-KCNQ5 axis), which plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of autism.

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17. 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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18. Imran M, Iftikhar U, Arshad A, Hassan K, Almusharraf N. Parenting Practices and Emotional Regulation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Mediated Moderation Model of Sibling Prosocial Behavior and Gender. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ. 2026; 16(2).

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently struggle with emotion regulation, which can be influenced by parental practices and the supportive role of siblings in encouraging emotional and social development. The study aimed to examine the relationship between parenting practices and emotional regulation of children with ASD and to explore the mediating role of the prosocial behavior of siblings between parenting practices and emotional regulation in children with ASD. Additionally, this study investigated the moderating role of sibling gender in the relationship between prosocial behavior and emotional regulation. A total of 600 parents/caregivers aged 25-40 years (M = 32.91, SD = 4.23) of children with ASD were selected from special education institutes in Lahore, Pakistan, using a non-probability, purposive sampling method. Although the majority of respondents were mothers (94.5%), the term parenting practices is used to reflect a family-level caregiving construct rather than exclusively maternal behavior. Data were interpreted through IBM SPSS Statistics 23 and PROCESS macros, revealing that authoritative parenting had a significant positive relation with emotional regulation in children with ASD. Results also indicated that the prosocial behavior of siblings partially mediated the relationship between authoritative parenting and emotional regulation in children with ASD. Furthermore, sibling gender significantly moderated the indirect effect, with female siblings showing stronger facilitation of emotional regulation through prosocial behaviors compared to male siblings.

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19. Jalalian-Javadpour M, Khaledian M, Moradi H, Behnoud H, Sajjadi M, Yekta BG, Vaseghi S. Investigating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) changes in three main rodent models of autism spectrum disorder (ASD): a systematic review. Neurotox Res. 2026; 44(2).

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social impairments, and repetitive and aggressive behaviors. The pathophysiology of ASD still remains unclear, while the population with ASD is 1/36 in children in the USA in 2024. Evidence suggests a wide range of inconsistent changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the most important neurotrophin in the central nervous system, in ASD. The present systematic review investigated studies that examined BDNF levels in three main ASD-like models in rodents [induced by valproic acid (VPA) and propionic acid (PPA), and in the BTBR mouse strain] in accord with PRISMA guidelines and in PubMed database. Forty-two studies were included. Most studies used male rats/mice. The results showed ASD model induced by VPA often leads to decreased BDNF, although unchanged or increased BDNF levels were also reported. ASD model induced by PPA leads to both increased and decreased BDNF. BDNF changes in BTBR mouse strain were also inconsistent. We found that the type of molecular assay appears to be important in evaluating BDNF. Also, few evidence showed a role for postnatal day and sex difference in BDNF changes in ASD-like rodent models. In addition, some studies have shown the potential role of the brain region in BDNF changes in different ASD-like models. In conclusion, it was suggested that inconsistencies in BDNF changes in rodent models of ASD may be related to the type of the molecular assay, the brain region, ASD model, sex, or even the postnatal day. However, evidence is still insufficient.

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20. Kang J, Li Y, Wu J, Mao W, Li X, Li X, Su R. Multiscale static and dynamic brain functional network analysis reveals aberrant connectivity patterns in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder. Behav Brain Res. 2026; 498: 115931.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with altered brain functional connectivity, but findings regarding the nature of these abnormalities remain inconsistent, partly due to methodological limitations and the disorder’s intrinsic heterogeneity. This study aims to provide a comprehensive characterization of functional network alterations in preschool children with ASD by integrating low- and high-order functional connectivity (LOFC/HOFC), static and dynamic network analysis, and entropy-based state transition assessment. METHODS: EEG data were collected from 32 children with ASD and 32 typically developing (TD) children during resting state. Static and dynamic LOFC and HOFC networks were constructed across four frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, beta). Graph theoretical measures (clustering coefficient, characteristic path length, global and local efficiency) and state entropy were computed to assess network organization and dynamic integration-segregation transitions. RESULTS: Compared to TD children, those with ASD exhibited decreased LOFC strength in theta, alpha, and beta bands but increased strength in the delta band. In contrast, HOFC analysis revealed higher connectivity in ASD across delta, theta, and alpha bands. Graph metrics showed significantly lower clustering, efficiency, and higher path lengths in the ASD group, indicating reduced integrative capacity. Dynamic network analysis further revealed altered state entropy in ASD, suggesting impaired flexibility in transitioning between network integration and segregation. These alterations varied across frequency bands and time scales, with distinct patterns between LOFC and HOFC. CONCLUSION: This multiscale approach demonstrates that ASD in early childhood is characterized by both hypo- and hyper-connectivity, disrupted topological organization, and abnormal temporal dynamics in brain networks. The integration of hierarchical connectivity analysis with dynamic measures provides novel insights into the neurophysiological underpinnings of ASD and may inform future biomarker development.

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21. Kerkez M, Şanli ME. The effect of the micro-appreciation training-based ‘three things diary’ intervention for mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder on care burden, family functioning, and happiness levels: An experimental study. J Pediatr Nurs. 2026; 88: 148-61.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effects of the micro-appreciation training-based ‘Three Things Diary’ (MT-TTD) intervention for mothers of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) on care burden, family functioning and happiness levels. METHOD: This unblinded randomized controlled trial involved 70 mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder. The intervention group completed an eight-week micro-appreciation-based « Three Things Diary » program. Data were collected face-to-face using the Caregiver Burden Scale, Oxford Happiness Questionnaire-Short Form, and Family Functioning Scale. Analyses included t-tests, Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon, chi-square, and covariance tests. FINDINGS: The mean age of the participating mothers was 37.9 ± 6.2 years, while the mean age of the children was 9.0 ± 3.4 years, and 71.4% of the participants were male. Prior to the intervention, the experimental group showed lower family functioning and subjective well-being (p < 0.05), but lower caregiving burden than the control group (p < 0.05). After the intervention, caregiving burden significantly decreased (t = -10.185, p < 0.001, d = -1.569), and family functioning improved (Z = -5.803, p < 0.001, r = 1.923). Although happiness did not differ significantly (t = 1.720, p = 0.091, d = 0.703), the intervention showed a moderate effect. The effect sizes obtained revealed that the intervention has moderate to high clinical significance. CONCLUSION: The MT-TTD intervention stands out as an effective psychosocial intervention for mothers of children with ASD, demonstrating efficacy in reducing caregiving burden, improving family functioning, and enhancing happiness. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: The findings indicate that family-centered and positive psychology-based approaches have an important place in nursing care, and that innovative interventions aimed at empowering mothers should be supported. Clinical Trials Registration ID:NCT07124091.

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22. Laurenti F, Presta V, Compiani M, Zobbi G, Ilari B, Picchi MP, Maré E, Severini F, Guarnieri A, Mazzei S, di Martino O, Pozzi G, Condello G, Gobbi G. The Effects of a Sport-Based Training Program on Reaction Time and Fine Motor Coordination in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study. Sports (Basel). 2026; 14(2).

BACKGROUND: Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are generally less involved in physical activity and sport. Therefore, the present pilot study aimed at determining the effect of a sport-based training program on motor coordination development and functioning in children with ASD. METHODS: Twenty children with ASD (age: 8.7 ± 1.6 years, 5 females) were included in a sport-based training program for 6 months. Participants were free to select their own sport discipline. Before and after the program, reaction time was evaluated using a simple (by identifying the targeted stimulus) and a complex (by discriminating the targeted stimulus among confounding signals) reactive test, while fine and gross motor coordination was assessed by transferring pennies, jumping in place (same sides synchronized), tapping feet and fingers (same side synchronized), and the Flamingo test. RESULTS: The analysis showed a significant reduction (p = 0.016, d = 0.16) in complex reactive test (pre: 15.8 ± 14.8 s; post: 13.6 ± 11.1 s) and a significant improvement in transferring pennies test (pre: 6.3 ± 3.4 pt.; post: 7.8 ± 3.8 pt.; p = 0.034, d = 0.42). Furthermore, two of the low-functioning children, who did not perform any motor test before the program, were able to complete both reactive tests and transferring pennies test. No significant differences emerged for the remaining tests. CONCLUSIONS: A sport-based extra-curricular program improved reaction time and fine motor coordination in children with ASD. The complex reactive and transferring pennies tests were particularly effective in detecting changes, even in low-functioning children. These findings support the promotion of diverse physical activities to aid physical and cognitive development.

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23. Li X, Wang C, Tu X, Wang J, Zhang Z, Wu J, Tang Q, Qu C, Chen JG. Cortex-Restricted Deletion of Foxp1 Impairs Visual Responses by Disrupting Geniculocortical Connections in a Mouse Model of Autism. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2026; 67(2): 50.

PURPOSE: Visual deficits are prominent features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. Mutations in FOXP1, which is a major risk factor for ASD, are often associated with visual issues. This study aims to investigate how the loss of cortical Foxp1 may contribute to the visual problems. METHODS: A mouse model of ASD was generated by specific knockout of Foxp1 in cortical progenitors and their descendant excitatory neurons (Foxp1-cKO). We assessed visual depth perception using the visual cliff test. Visual signal conduction was evaluated through flash visual evoked potentials (FVEPs) and light-induced c-Fos neuronal activation in the primary visual cortex (V1). Geniculocortical afferents and connectivity were evaluated by immunolabeling of pre- and post-synaptic markers in V1. Dendrites and spines of layer IV neurons were analyzed using Golgi staining, and mitochondria were examined by Western blots and in neuronal cultures from V1. RESULTS: Foxp1-cKO mice showed deficits in binocular depth perception. The knockout mice exhibited reduced FVEP amplitudes and diminished c-Fos activation in V1 neurons. Knocking out Foxp1 reduced geniculocortical connectivity and decreased dendrites and spines of layer IV neurons of V1. Deletion of Foxp1 impaired the mitochondria in the V1 cortex. CONCLUSIONS: Foxp1-cKO mice have deficits in visual signal transmission and depth perception, indicating binocular vision abnormalities. This study highlights the importance of geniculocortical connectivity for binocular vision and offers new insights into the mechanisms underlying ASD-related visual impairments, suggesting future studies to explore therapies aimed at restoring mitochondrial function.

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24. Liu W, Lu Y, Ng SC, Chan FK, Sung JJ, Yu J. Bacterial genomic structural variations in children with autism serve as diagnostic biomarkers. Gut. 2026.

BACKGROUND: Gut microbiota dysbiosis is linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. However, the role of bacterial genomic structural variations (SVs) in ASD remains largely unexplored. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify bacterial SVs associated with ASD and explore their mechanistic role and clinical application. DESIGN: We collected faecal metagenomes from 452 children (261 ASD, 191 neurotypical) across an in-house and seven public datasets. Using linear mixed-effects modelling, we identified ASD-associated SVs and compositional shifts and validated candidate SVs in humanised gut microbiome mice. RESULTS: We identified 100 bacterial SVs significantly associated with ASD (p<0.05). These SVs were enriched in genes involved in critical biological processes, including ion and amino acid metabolism and bacterial growth regulation in ASD. In particular, we found important SVs in Bacteroides uniformis related to thiamine and iron metabolism. Moreover, SVs in Ruminococcus torques were associated with the MazF (endoribonuclease toxin) and MazE (antitoxin) system, a key regulator of pathobiont proliferation. Validation in humanised mouse models confirmed significant correlations between these SV signatures and ASD-like behaviours, such as reduced social interaction and increased repetitive behaviours. Both phylogeographically conserved and regionally restricted SVs showed strong associations with ASD. A diagnostic model combining nine SVs and three bacterial species achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 81.1%, outperforming models based solely on variable SVs (79.1%), deletion SVs (75.2%) or bacterial species abundance alone (72.3%). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest the significant role of bacterial genomic SVs in ASD and highlight their potential as diagnostic biomarkers.

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25. Lu W, Wong OWH, Zhu J, Chen S, Tun HM, Wan Y, Xu Z, Cheung CP, Ching JYL, Cheong PK, Chan S, Wong S, Chan D, Chan FKL, Su Q, Ng SC. Gut microbiome composition and strain-sharing in multiplex autism spectrum disorder families. Nat Commun. 2026.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with alteration of gut microbiome, but the influence of familial structure on it remains poorly understood. We investigate gut microbiota across 429 children from multiplex families with multiple affected children, simplex families with one affected child, and single-child ASD families, alongside typically developing controls. We found that children from multiplex families exhibit the most distinct microbiome compositions. Cohabiting siblings in ASD families display higher microbiome similarity than those in healthy families, with a clear gradient in strain-sharing rates that is highest in multiplex, intermediate in simplex, and lowest in healthy siblings. This increased sharing involves specific taxa with reported opportunistic pathogenic potential, such as Eubacterium rectale, alongside reduced sharing of the commensal bacterium Bacteroides xylanisolvens. This suggests that their gut microbiome configurations, which are potentially influenced by shared environmental and host factors, are associated with increased persistence or detectability of specific bacterial strains. Our results underscore the significant contribution of family type to microbial heterogeneity in ASD and provide a hypothesis-generating context for future studies to explore the role of the shared microbial environment in a familial context.

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26. Mounzer W. Sustained Autism Outcomes Eight Years After Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention in a Conflict-Affected Low-Resource Setting: A Longitudinal Follow-Up Study. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol. 2026; 54(2).

This study examined the long-term outcomes of the Future Centre’s Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (FC-EIBI) for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a conflict-affected, low-resource setting in Syria. Sixty-six participants were assessed at baseline (2008), post-treatment (2010), early follow-up (2013), and long-term follow-up (2019) using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), the Autism Behaviour Checklist-Arabic (ABC), and the Adaptive Behaviour Scale-Arabic (ABS-Arabic). Longitudinal change was examined using nonparametric repeated-measures analyses, with additional analyses of subdomains across six ABS-Arabic domains. Significant improvements were observed across all measures from baseline to post-treatment and early follow-up (all ps < 0.001), indicating substantial reductions in autism symptom severity and marked gains in adaptive functioning. By 2019, small but significant attenuation of earlier gains was detected; however, outcomes remained significantly improved relative to baseline. Improvements in adaptive functioning were most pronounced between 2008 and 2013, particularly in Social Interaction and Communication/Language, whereas later declines were most evident in Communication/Language and Personal-Emotional Adaptation. Overall, FC-EIBI was associated with considerable and durable developmental benefits over more than a decade, despite prolonged sociopolitical instability and service disruptions. These findings underscore the feasibility of sustaining meaningful developmental outcomes for children with ASD in conflict-affected, low-resource contexts.

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27. 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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28. 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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29. Rafiei F, Ghaderi H, Amini-Khoei H. Levothyroxine mitigates autism-related behaviours in the maternally separated male mice possibly through manipulating hippocampal nitrite imbalance and neuroinflammation. World J Biol Psychiatry. 2026: 1-13.

OBJECTIVES: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the progressively occurring neuro-developmental condition. There is a link between low concentrations of thyroid hormones during neonatal stage with ASD susceptibility. Neuroprotective effects have been reported for levothyroxine. We aimed to evaluate the effect of levothyroxine on autism-like behaviours in mice subjected to MS paradigm, focusing on its possible effects on hippocampal nitrite imbalance and neuroinflammation. METHODS: Thirty-two mice were randomly allocated into four groups: including control group (normal saline (10 ml/kg)) and MS groups respectively treated with normal saline (10 ml/kg) or levothyroxine at doses of 0.625 or 1.25 µg/g BW orally for 2 weeks. Shuttle box, marble burying (MB), elevated plus maze (EPM) and three-chamber tests were performed. Nitrite levels and expression of genes related to neuroinflammation, including Tlr4, Inos, Il-1β and Nlrp3, were measured in the hippocampus. RESULTS: Levothyroxine increased social interaction indexes in the three-chamber, enhanced passive avoidance memory in the shuttle box, increased time spent in open arms of EPM and reduced repetitive behaviours in the MB tests. Levothyroxine reduced the hippocampal nitrite level and expression of neuroinflammatory markers. CONCLUSIONS: Levothyroxine, maybe through attenuating of the hippocampal nitrite imbalance and neuroinflammation, mitigates autism-related behaviours in MS mice.

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30. Rosenberg S, Garcia Estrada JA, Tewolde S, Higgins A, Tao J, Levine AA, Sisson EQ, Michals A, Rubenstein E. Medicaid home and community based services are vital for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A descriptive study of service use among all adult enrollees, 2022. Disabil Health J. 2026: 102058.

BACKGROUND: Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) are Medicaid funded services that support independence, person-centered care, and connection to community for disabled people. With drastic Medicaid cuts on the horizon due to the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill, HCBS will likely be impacted. OBJECTIVE: To describe HCBS among adults in Medicaid with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in 2022. METHODS: We used Medicaid data from all with claims for autism, intellectual disability, and Down syndrome and identified HCBS use using established algorithms. We described differences by state, IDD type, and race/ethnicity and used multi-level models to account for confounding and state-level differences. RESULTS: Of 1,400,630 adults with IDD, 68.3% (N = 957,220) received HCBS in 2022. The most used HCBS types were case management (35.4%), home-based services (34.6%) and non-medical transportation (19.8%). There were limited differences by race and ethnicity in overall HCBS use. Asian Americans were more likely to use home-based services and less likely to use case-management compared to white peers. After adjustment, Autistic individuals without intellectual disability were 18.3 percentage points less likely and autistic people with intellectual disability were 4.6 percentage points more likely to receive any HCBS compared to people with intellectual disability without autism. CONCLUSION: Disabled people have care needs that exist beyond the scope of typical healthcare system. HCBS are widely used optional services that are not mandated to be covered. With pending Medicaid cuts, HCBS loss may be an area where services are lost, which will disproportionately harm the IDD community.

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31. Sheth SAM, Lemoniatis E, Ejaz T, Kennedy E, Charalambous G. Effectiveness and Usability of Artificial Intelligence and/or Machine Learning Enabled Wrist and Ankle Wearables for Physiological and Behavioral Monitoring in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. J Autism Dev Disord. 2026.

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32. Wallach J, Cameron S, Dybek M, Stanley B, Orme C, Riad N, Kavanagh P, Brandt SD, Knapp A, Gamrat J, Jauhola-Straight R, Adejare A, Rogier AJ, Tyagi R, Canal CE. Bioisostere-Driven Discovery of SePP: A Selenium-Containing Polypharmacological Agent Relevant to Fragile X Syndrome. J Med Chem. 2026; 69(4): 4020-36.

Diphenidine is a prototypical 1,2-diarylethylamine that functions as an uncompetitive N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist and monoamine reuptake inhibitor. To examine the effects of phenyl-ring bioisosteric replacement within this scaffold, a series of diphenidine analogs incorporating chalcogen heterocycles (2-furan, 2-thiophene, 3-thiophene, and 2-selenophene) was synthesized. Compounds were evaluated for in vitro binding to rat forebrain NMDARs and inhibition of human DAT, NET, and SERT in cell-based assays, enabling assessment of polypharmacology. In silico analyses (molecular volume, tPSA, electrostatic surfaces, stockholder charges) and induced-fit docking were used to rationalize structure-activity relationships. The 2-selenophene analog SePP is notable given the underexplored role of selenium in medicinal chemistry. SePP exhibited favorable polypharmacology, good brain penetration in mouse pharmacokinetic studies, and prevented audiogenic seizures in Fmr1 knockout mice (10 mg/kg, i.p.) without impairing motor coordination. These findings support further exploration of SePP for fragile X syndrome.

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33. Yan T, Jin Y. Enhancing Mathematics Learning for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in China: A Qualitative Study of Instructional Support. J Intell. 2026; 14(2).

This study explored how mathematics teachers in Chinese special schools provide instructional support to primary-aged students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The types, characteristics, and classroom implementation processes of such support were identified to address a gap in the literature regarding subject-specific instructional practices in special education settings. A qualitative research design using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was employed. Five mathematics teachers from special schools in Shanghai participated in the study. Data were collected through 15 video-recorded classroom observations and five semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify key patterns of instructional support. The analysis revealed five core domains of instructional support for students with IDD: (1) comprehension facilitation through simplified explanations, real-life connections, and visual scaffolding; (2) responding to tasks involving prompts, modeling, and hand-over-hand support; (3) maintaining attention using individual and collective cues; (4) sustaining motivation through praise, encouragement, and second-chance opportunities; and (5) regulating behavior such as verbal restraint, physical proximity, and attention redirection. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of effective instructional support tailored to students with IDD.

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34. Yu J, Volk H, Klein-Tasman BP, Zheng C, Lyall K, Fallin MD, Croen LA, Schmidt R, Newschaffer C, Hertz-Picciotto I, Kalkbrenner AE. The impact of prenatal phthalate exposure on language development trajectories in siblings of children with Autism. Int J Environ Health Res. 2026: 1-14.

Language development is a critical part of human development that unfolds across time. We aimed to examine how prenatal phthalate exposure affects early childhood language development, utilizing a robust longitudinal analysis methodology. Participants were drawn from the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI) (n = 251) and the Markers of Autism Risk in Babies – Learning Early Signs (MARBLES) (n = 393) cohorts that recruited pregnant mothers who previously had a child with autism (ASD). Expressive and receptive language development was measured using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) at ages 6,12, 24, and 36 months. Fourteen phthalate metabolites were assessed in first morning urine in each trimester of pregnancy. We used latent class growth analysis (LCGA) to determine language trajectories and measure their associations with prenatal phthalqaates. We found three trajectories for both expressive and receptive languages. Most of the phthalates measured were not significantly associated with language development, though metabolites of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate decreased the risk of belonging to an abnormal receptive language trajectory. These observations, along with general trends observed within molecular weight classes, were largely consistent with prior literature.

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35. Zeevi D, Acosta-Rodriguez H, Bobba P, Stephan A, Lin H, Malhotra A, Payabvash S. Integrating Multimodal Neuroimaging and Physical-Health Markers for Autism Spectrum Disorder in the ABCD Study. J Integr Neurosci. 2026; 25(2): 48212.

BACKGROUND: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by diverse presentations, which complicates the identification of consistent biological markers. This study examined whether integrating multimodal neuroimaging and physical-health measures from a population-based cohort can improve ASD classification and reveal interpretable markers that reflect both clinical and community variation. METHODS: Data were drawn from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, a large community-based cohort of adolescents recruited from the general population. Participants with and without ASD were selected from this cohort, allowing contrasts that reflect natural variability across individuals. Structural, diffusion, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were integrated with physical-health markers, including sleep, growth, and early development. Propensity-score matching created demographically balanced groups, and multimodal machine learning models were evaluated through stratified cross-validation. RESULTS: The multimodal integration of brain and physical-health markers outperformed single-modality models (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC-ROC] = 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.62-0.73; area under the precision-recall curve [AUC-PR] = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.60-0.73). Among physical-health markers, sleep function contributed most strongly to ASD classification, while neuroimaging predictors included cortical thickness in the right superior temporal gyrus and connectivity between the cingulo-opercular and default mode networks. These findings indicate that integrating modalities capturing both neural and physiological systems provides complementary information for identifying ASD-related differences within a population-based framework. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a proof of concept that combining multimodal MRI and physical-health data within a large, demographically representative cohort can enhance ASD classification and yield biologically interpretable features. The population-based design situates these findings within a community context and offers a preliminary framework for integrating neural and physiological measures in future large-scale studies of neurodevelopmental diversity.

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36. Zhu L, Yao D. Integrated Interventions for Executive Function Deficits in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: From Cognitive Training to Neuroregulation. Alpha Psychiatry. 2026; 27(1): 40062.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder primarily characterized by difficulties in social interaction, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. Advances in neuropsychological research have highlighted the crucial role of executive function (EF) deficits in children with ASD and their impact on the core symptoms of the disorder. EF encompasses higher-order cognitive processes, including working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. Given that EF deficits represent a significant cognitive impairment in this population, the variability in clinical intervention outcomes underscores the need for targeted strategies informed by underlying neural mechanisms. This narrative review explores the current research landscape on EF deficits in children with ASD. It synthesizes empirical findings related to cognitive and motor training, neuromodulation techniques, and collaborative interventions involving families and schools. The aim is to provide theoretical and practical guidance for enhancing EF and improving the quality of life of children with ASD.

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