1. Al Aqel A, Al Saed S, Alsaber A, Al Bustan SA. Evaluation of Parental Awareness, Attitudes, and Perceptions Regarding Autism Spectrum Disorders in Kuwait: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Impact of Social Awareness Initiatives on Stigmatization. J Autism Dev Disord;2026 (Mar 26)

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2. Aloud A, Alzahrani H, Arzoo S, Mohammed R, Alredah IA, Khatab AR. Beneficial effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on leaky gut, inflammation and oxidative stress in propionic acid-induced autism in aged rats. Acta Pharm;2026 (Mar 1);76(1):1-17.

This study examined the effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on gut barrier integrity, systemic inflammation, neurotrans-mission and oxidative stress, in an aged rat model of propionic acid (PPA)-induced neurotoxicity. Twenty-four aged male rats were divided into four groups: control, omega-3, PPA and PPA + omega-3. Serum cytokines, tight-junction proteins (TJP1), dopamine, serotonin, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), oxidative stress markers, and histopathology of the brain and small intestine were evaluated. PPA exposure significantly increased tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and reduced TJP1 expression, confirming gut barrier disruption and systemic inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation selectively reduced IL-6 but did not reverse PPA-induced TNF-α elevation or oxidative stress. CLDN2 expression increased in PPA + omega-3 rats, suggesting a compensatory but incomplete barrier response. Dopamine, serotonin, and SCFA levels showed upward trends with supplementation but were not statistically significant. Histological analysis demonstrated partial preservation of neuronal and intestinal structure in the PPA + omega-3 group. Overall, omega-3 fatty acids exerted modest anti-inflammatory effects but failed to fully restore oxidative balance or barrier integrity in aged rats, suggesting that omega-3 fatty acids may be more effective as a preventive rather than restorative intervention in ageing-related gut-brain axis disruption.

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3. Bashir A, Rana KS, Murphy J, Drozd M. Tier 1 evaluating the implementation of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in learning disabilities and autism across interdisciplinarity health-related courses at Aston University. Front Med (Lausanne);2026;13:1672094.

INTRODUCTION: The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training (OMMT) on Learning Disability and Autism was developed to address recognized gaps in healthcare professionals’ education and training. Under the Health and Care Act, 2022, healthcare providers are required to ensure staff receive role-appropriate training in autism and learning disabilities. In response, NHS England introduced OMMT as a standardized national programme to support the development of a skilled and inclusive healthcare workforce, aligned with the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan (2023). This study reports on the first pilot implementation of Tier 1 OMMT within a higher education institution, involving students enrolled in Nursing, Biomedical Science, Physician Associate, Optometry, and Pharmacy programmes at Aston University, UK. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The interdisciplinary Tier 1 training consisted of a 90-min e-learning module and a 1-h interactive webinar featuring experts by experience and facilitators. This study evaluated healthcare students’ understanding pre- and post-training. Data on autism and learning disabilities awareness was collected via Jisc Online Surveys. Likert scale data were analyzed quantitatively, and free-text responses examined using thematic analysis to evaluate training effectiveness. RESULTS: Post-OMMT training results showed significant improvements in students’ confidence in verbal communication and using various methods to communicate with autistic individuals and those with learning disabilities (p < 0.0001). Students reported enhanced understanding and awareness of autism and mild, moderate, severe and profound learning disabilities (p < 0.0001). Thematic analysis highlighted those students valued learning from experts by experience. Post-training participants recognized the benefits of individualized healthcare, the need for reasonable adjustments, and the importance of multidisciplinary team approaches in providing equitable care for autistic people and people with learning/intellectual disabilities. DISCUSSION: This interdisciplinary training enhanced healthcare students' understanding of autism and learning disabilities, equipping them with key skills for future NHS roles and supporting improved outcomes for neurodivergent populations. Embedding such training across all HEIs is essential to prepare professionals to not only treat, but also understand, respect, and advocate for autistic and learning-disabled individuals.

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4. Başkaya GD, Şahin N, Bilgiç AD, Topal H, Yazıcı Ö N, Dombaycı Ö, Edgünlü T. Investigation of the Relationship Between Prodynorphin Gene Polymorphisms and Sensory Differences in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Dev Neurosci;2026 (Apr);86(2):e70118.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and repetitive behaviours. Sensory processing abnormalities are now recognized as a core feature of ASD and have been extensively studied. While differences in sensory profiles between individuals with and without ASD are well established, the genetic underpinnings of sensory variability within the ASD population remain unclear. The opioid system is believed to play a role in processes such as social behaviours, pain, addiction, reward, mood, cognition and perception. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ASD, sensory differences and prodynorphin (PDYN) gene polymorphisms. METHODS: This was a case-control study that included 45 children aged 3 to 7 years diagnosed with ASD and 45 neurotypical children matched for age and gender. The parents of all participating children were administered the Sociodemographic Data Form, the Autism Behaviour Checklist and the Dunn Sensory Profile-Parent Questionnaire. The ASD clinical severity of the cases was assessed using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. Venous blood samples were collected from all the children for the analysis of PDYN gene polymorphisms. Prodynorphin gene variants were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the ASD and control groups in terms of PDYN gene polymorphisms. While there were no differences in scores related to endurance and tone sensory processing, low endurance-tone and inactivity between the groups, all other subtest scores were significantly lower in the ASD group. In children with ASD, a significant difference was observed in the number of individuals showing atypical performance in the oral sensory processing and regulation of visual inputs influencing emotional responses and activity level subtests for the prodynorphin rs1022563 polymorphism. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the preliminary nature of this investigation and the relatively small sample size, these findings should be interpreted with caution and require validation in larger cohorts. These preliminary findings suggest a potential modulatory role of PDYN gene variants in sensory processing characteristics among children with ASD. These novel findings warrant replication in larger cohorts to validate the influence of PDYN polymorphisms on sensory phenotypes and to further clarify their neurobiological relevance.

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5. Bouargane Z, Olucha-Bordonau FE, Bennis M, Ba-M’hamed S, Lamghari-Moubarrad FZ. Comparative analysis of BORIS, Ethovision, DeepLabCut, and SimBA for quantifying autism spectrum disorder-like behaviors in the valproic acid mouse model. Neurosci Lett;2026 (Mar 26);875:138542.

Preclinical research often relies on animal observation and subsequent behavioral analysis to study brain function; however, traditional methods are considered time-consuming and prone to human error. In contrast, emerging machine learning (ML) approaches now enable rapid, objective, and high-resolution behavioral assessment, such as DeepLabCut (DLC), combined with post-processing tools like Simple Behavioral Analysis (SimBA), which allow high-resolution behavioral classification. DLC provides accurate markerless tracking, while SimBA improves sensitivity and reliability in behavior identification. This study tests the hypothesis that pose-estimation-based behavioral analysis increases sensitivity for detecting functionally relevant impairments in social investigation and motor pattern organization in the valproic acid (VPA) mouse model of ASD, compared with conventional semi-automated tracking (Ethovision) and manual scoring (BORIS). Our results revealed significant and consistent core ASD-like symptoms in VPA-exposed mice across all methods. In the 3-chamber test, the tracking of the animal’s nose provided greater precision and accuracy in detecting sociability deficits in VPA-exposed mice compared to the Ethovision analysis method. Correlation and Bland-Altman analyses indicated moderate agreement between both approaches for chamber time, but low concordance for the time in the proximity of the cages. Additionally, VPA-exposed mice exhibited significantly more repetitive behaviors (self-grooming and rearing) across both scoring methods. Indeed, DLC and BORIS scoring results demonstrated a higher correlation coefficient and a lower bias in the Bland-Altman analysis. Overall, this study demonstrates that integrating DLC and SimBA enhances behavioral scoring precision, overcomes limitations of conventional methods, and surpasses commercial automated tracking systems in detecting ASD-like phenotypes in mice.

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6. Bouaziz N, Poulinet C, Martirosyan A, Toscana S, Lambert AG, Recasens C, Pichon CA, Creantor C, Negrescu L, Frères J, Benoit L, Baleyte JM. Parent-mediated Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy (PACT): a focus group study of parental experience. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health;2026 (Mar 26)

BACKGROUND: Parent-mediated interventions are increasingly recommended for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study explores parental experiences of Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy (PACT), a parent-mediated intervention focused on social communication. PACT uses video feedback to analyze parent-child play sequences with the parent and to support parental reflexivity about the most appropriate interactive style for developing their child’s socio-communicative skills. METHOD: We conducted a qualitative study using focus groups with 20 parents, among the 60 families who completed PACT with their children with ASD. Data analysis was conducted using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. RESULTS: Five main key themes stand out (1) Video feedback enhanced parental perspective and recognition of children’s emergent skills; (2) Parents transitioned from feeling incompetent to supported and empowered; (3) Daily integration and mutual shared enjoyment reinforced the intervention’s effects; (4) Parent-child play is not a prerequisite that is uniformly present among all parents, yet it is one of the main levers in PACT. Cultural approaches are necessary to support this skill to prevent it from becoming an obstacle to the course of therapy; and (5) PACT had systemic repercussions on partners and siblings we have to deal with to support the engagement of parents who are concerned about this family impact. CONCLUSIONS: PACT was positively received by parents, enhancing their observational skills and sense of competence. However, cultural factors and family dynamics significantly influenced its implementation and outcomes.

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7. Campbell AA, Barroso J, Weitlauf A, Karp SM, Darcy-Mahoney A, Mogos M. « I’ve got to fix this »: Mothers’ challenges when experiencing feeding difficulty in their autistic children during infancy. Res Dev Disabil;2026 (Mar 24);171:105274.

PURPOSE: Mothers of infants often experience heightened stress while establishing feeding habits and routines. When those routines are complicated by feeding challenges later recognized as associated with autism, the emotional and caregiving strain can be substantial. While the challenges faced by mothers of older autistic children with feeding difficulties are well documented, less is known about mothers’ experiences of feeding challenges that occurred during their child’s first year of life, prior to autism diagnosis. METHODS: Using a qualitative descriptive design, this study explored mothers’ recollections of managing feeding difficulties in infants later diagnosed with autism, to identify areas where additional support may be needed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 mothers of autistic children aged 2-12 years who reported feeding difficulties during the first year of life. RESULTS: Reflexive thematic analysis generated three themes: Challenges of Feeding, Emotional Toll of Feeding, and Pressure to Feed the Infant. Factors that contributed to mothers’ challenges included time, physical contributors, emotional causes, lack of feeding support, the need to feed their infant effectively, and an absence of autism diagnosis at birth. CONCLUSION: There is a critical need to identify feeding difficulties early and provide mothers with emotional, informational, and practical support to reduce the burden of managing these feeding challenges. Primary care, mental health care, community-based services, and lactation support all play a critical role in supporting mothers and their autistic children who experience feeding difficulty during infancy.

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8. Cheng M, Hawco C, Yang D, Ni HC, Yeh CH, Chang JC, Tu EN, Hsu MY, Wu YY, Chou TL, Gau SS, Lin HY. Brain idiosyncrasy during biological-motion perception is amplified in autistic individuals with intellectual impairment. J Neurodev Disord;2026 (Mar 25)

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9. El-Ansary A, Alabdali A, Bacha AB, Alonazi M, Al-Ayadhi LY, Bjørklund G. Plasma EAAT2 and GABA as candidate biomarkers in males with autism spectrum disorder: an exploratory case-control study with ROC analysis. Sci Rep;2026 (Mar 25)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) lacks validated laboratory markers for diagnosis or risk stratification. Astrocyte-linked glutamatergic regulation and GABAergic signaling may be altered in ASD. This exploratory study quantified plasma excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and the GABA(A) receptor α5 subunit (GABRA5) and described their apparent discriminative performance. In a case-control sample of 46 male participants with ASD and 26 age-matched typically developing male controls, plasma biomarkers were measured by ELISA. Group differences were assessed with nonparametric tests. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses summarized discrimination. Logistic regression was used solely to generate combined-marker ROC curves; coefficients were not interpreted. EAAT2 and GABA concentrations were lower in ASD than controls (both P < 0.001). GABRA5 was directionally lower but not statistically significant (P = 0.149). Individual AUCs were 0.952 for EAAT2, 0.827 for GABA, and 0.646 for GABRA5. Combined-marker models yielded high apparent AUCs (EAAT2 + GABA+GABRA5: 0.993) within this dataset. Lower plasma EAAT2 and GABA are associated with ASD status in this male sample. Combined markers show high apparent discrimination in a case-control design, but estimates are optimism-biased and not diagnostic. Replication with comprehensive assay validation, calibration, and clinically representative cohorts (including females and relevant differentials) is required.

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10. Gele A, Duale HA. Somali and Eritrean parents experiences and challenges in the diagnosis and early intervention of autism spectrum disorder in Norway. BMC Pediatr;2026 (Mar 26)

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11. Hossain KMA, Sharna SY, Sharmin F, Hossain T, Naim JH, Amin A, Badhon TI. Effectiveness of a five-component multimodal intervention on executive function in children with Autism spectrum disorder: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. PLoS One;2026;21(3):e0345716.

BACKGROUND: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent deficits in social interaction, communication, and executive functions such as inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and working memory. These deficits hinder daily functioning and learning outcomes in children. Exercise-based interventions improve executive function; however, most previous studies have focused on single-modality programs with limited generalizability. This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured, five-component multimodal intervention-comprising yoga, aerobic, strengthening, neurocognitive, and music-based mindfulness activities-on improving executive functioning in children with ASD. METHODS: This assessor-blinded, double-center randomized controlled trial will enroll 130 children aged 4-18 years diagnosed with ASD in Bangladesh. Participants will be randomly assigned (1:1) to either the experimental group receiving the multimodal intervention or a wait-list control group receiving healthy lifestyle guidelines. The intervention will include five supervised sessions per week for 12 weeks, followed by a 12-week follow-up. An additional group of 65 typically developing children will serve as healthy controls. Primary outcomes will assess executive function domains: inhibitory control (Go/No-Go Task), cognitive flexibility (Trail Making Test A-B), and working memory (Corsi Block Tapping Task; Forward and Backward Digit Span). Secondary outcomes include social responsiveness (Social Responsiveness Scale-2) and ASD-related behaviors (Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist). Outcomes will be evaluated at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks by blinded assessors. Data will be analyzed using SPSS following the intention-to-treat principle. DISCUSSION: This trial will address an important evidence gap by evaluating a comprehensive, low-cost, non-pharmacological multimodal intervention targeting multiple domains of executive function in children with ASD. The findings may help clinicians, educators, and policymakers adopt structured exercise-based programs within rehabilitation, school, and community settings. Although limited to two centers, the results could guide future large-scale studies and support the development of standardized multimodal intervention guidelines for ASD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is prospectively registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of India: CTRI/2025/11/096943 [Registered on: 06/11/2025]. Link: https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?EncHid=MTQ1NDEy&Enc=&userName=.

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12. John JR, Chua A, Eapen V. Maternal And Paternal Differences in Parental Stress and Children’s Autistic Features Among Parents of Preschool Autistic Children. Autism;2026 (Mar 26):13623613261427131.

Parents of autistic children experience varying levels of stress, with only few studies examining gender-specific differences and their determinants. This study examined the sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with stress among mothers and fathers of preschool-aged autistic children in Australia. Data were analysed from 516 parents of preschool-aged autistic children enrolled in six Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centres. Multilevel regression models assessed associations between maternal and paternal stress and sociodemographic factors, parental quality of life, and child’s clinical characteristics, while adjusting for key covariates, and accounting for clustering of parent responses within children. Among the sample, 465 mothers and 216 fathers completed the Parental Stress Index-Fourth Edition-Short Form questionnaire, representing 516 unique children, with some children having responses from both parents. Findings showed that culturally and linguistically diverse status was protective against stress for both parents, but higher level of education was protective only against maternal stress. Maternal stress was influenced by a broad range of child’s autistic traits, including behavioural differences, social communication, repetitive behaviours and adaptive functioning, whereas paternal stress was only associated with behavioural differences. These findings highlight gender-specific factors affecting stress and reinforce the need for tailored supports for families of autistic preschool children.Lay AbstractMany parents of autistic children experience high levels of stress. While mothers and fathers may face these challenges differently, only a few studies have explored gender-specific differences in parental stress. This study looked at the factors linked to stress in both mothers and fathers of preschool-aged autistic children in Australia. We analysed data from 516 parents whose children were enrolled in six Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centres nationwide in Australia. Mothers reported higher overall stress than fathers. Parents from a culturally and linguistically diverse background or those who had higher education levels tended to report lower stress. On the other hand, greater child behavioural difficulties, challenges in social communication and poorer parental quality of life were linked to higher stress levels. These findings highlight the need for tailored, culturally sensitive supports for families, especially during the early years when children are starting intervention and parents are adapting to new caregiving demands.

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13. Kanchana A, Khilar R. A Robust Computational Framework for Autism Spectrum Disorder Identification Using Optimized Image Processing and Hybrid Learning Models. Dev Neurobiol;2026 (Apr);86(2):e70028.

The classification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has reached a new stage of development that includes the former machine learning (ML) designs and image analysis designs. The study introduces a new framework that uses discrete wavelet transformation with Gaussian filter kernel (DWT-GFK) to achieve the robust preprocessing of the image, including noise removal and preserving edges without affecting the quality of the image. The VGG16 deep learning model is used to extract features, elaborate visual patterns, and data features that are pertinent to the identification of ASD. The classification stage uses a family of Elevated Learning-based Boosting Network with Hybrid Learning with Neural Classifier Logic (ELBN-HLNCL) that is optimized with the help of Walrus Optimization Algorithm (WaOA) to derive optimal model settings. Experimental testing of the proposed methods using the autism image dataset (AID), ASD screening dataset, and ABIDE dataset has shown the superiority of the proposed methodology with 99.95% accuracy, 99.9% recall, 99.8% precision, and 99.85% F1-score. The results demonstrate strong competitive performance compared with existing ASD classification approaches across multiple datasets. The findings offer promising applications in early ASD detection, facilitating improved diagnostic tools and aiding healthcare professionals in accurate assessments.

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14. Kasujja R, Kissa BY, Murphy T, Fleetwood-Meade K. Correction: « Actually, even me I wouldn’t think that it is there » exploring the knowledge and attitudes of health professionals towards autism spectrum disorders in Uganda. PLOS Ment Health;2026;3(3):e0000587.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmen.0000088.].

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15. Lan W, Zhong J, Li Y, Shen Y, Gong J, Zou Z, Hou X. Effects of exercise on behavior and hippocampal neuroinflammation in rat model of autism spectrum disorder. Brain Behav Immun Health;2026 (May);53:101208.

BACKGROUND: Running exercise has been shown to relieve symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the mechanisms underlying the positive effects of exercise are unclear. Neuroinflammation, involving dysregulated microglial activation and cytokine release, is implicated in ASD pathophysiology. The hippocampus is a key region for social and cognitive functions impaired in ASD and is susceptible to neuroinflammatory changes. However, the effects of running exercise on hippocampal neuroinflammation in ASD have not been studied. METHODS: An ASD rat model was induced by prenatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure, followed by a 6-week voluntary running wheel intervention starting from postnatal day 28. The behavioral performance before and after the intervention was evaluated using the three-chamber social interaction test, the open field test, and the Morris water maze test to assess social, exploratory, and cognitive functions. After the intervention, hippocampal tissues were collected, and Iba1+ microglial activation subregions were analyzed by immunofluorescence, and cytokine levels were quantified based on luminex. RESULTS: The results showed that 6-week of voluntary running exercise could improve the social ability and social novelty preference of ASD rats, increase their exploration behavior and spontaneous activities, and improve the ability of learning and memory. In addition, 6-week of voluntary running exercise attenuated the VPA-induced microglial activation in the CA1 and CA3 region of the hippocampus. Furthermore, exercise could reduce the level of IL- 2, IL-4 and increase the level of IL-7 and IL-10. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the antidepressant effects of exercise may be mediated by reducing the number of microglia and inhibiting microglial activation and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus.

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16. Milne N. Critically Appraised Paper: In children with mild autism, non-immersive virtual reality combined with traditional physiotherapy is superior to traditional physiotherapy alone for improving balance and postural control [synopsis]. J Physiother;2026 (Mar 26)

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17. Mullally SL, Wood AE, Edwards CC, Connolly SE, Constable H, Watson S, Rodgers J, Rose K, King N. Growing-up autistic: Sharing autistic children’s experiences and insights. Autism;2026 (Mar 26):13623613261427795.

There is a critical lack of exploration into the firsthand experiences of autistic children in the psychological literature. We sought to address this using baseline data from a wider mixed-methods study. A total of 136 autistic children (mean age = 10.35) completed an online questionnaire. Questions explored children’s understanding of autism, their feelings about being autistic in different contexts and challenges experienced. Quantitative data revealed limited autism knowledge and understanding for some. Challenges included talking about being autistic and self-advocating for needs, especially with non-family members. Children generally recognised both strengths and challenges of being autistic, although concerns about feeling/being different were widespread, and masking common. Strikingly, although most children felt positive about being autistic at home, significantly fewer felt this to be true when around peers or teachers. Using reflexive thematic analysis, four main themes were developed: (1) overwhelming experiences, (2) unsafe people, (3) sanctuary and (4) autistic identity. Overall, the children felt safest at home with family and/or with autistic/neurodivergent/understanding friends, but most unsafe at school with their teachers and neurotypical peers, where victimisation was rife. These findings offer valuable insights into the lives of autistic children, and demand we explore how places of education can be transformed into safe spaces for autistic children.Lay abstractAutistic children are rarely asked directly about their own experiences. In this study, 136 autistic children (ages 8-14) shared their views through an online questionnaire. They were asked what being autistic means to them, how they feel about it and what challenges they face in different environments. Many said they knew little about autism, and most did not have the words to talk about being autistic or feel safe doing so. Talking was especially difficult outside the family; while over 60% felt comfortable with family, only 16.5% felt this way with other people. Children also told us how overwhelming everyday life can be. Noisy, crowded or unpredictable environments often caused distress or shutdown. Many described how strong emotions, especially anxiety, build up in these moments. Some lost the ability to speak, and tasks like decision-making or emotional regulation became especially hard and exhausting. School was often named as a major source of overwhelm. Children showed deep insight into the people around them. They were highly attuned to whether others, for example, friends, family, teachers or professionals, felt safe or unsafe. Feeling unsafe often meant being misunderstood, ignored or bullied. School peers were commonly described as sources of victimisation, and teachers as making children feel unsafe by not listening or misunderstanding their needs. When children did not trust those around them, they masked their autistic traits to avoid judgement. This came at a cost: many described exhaustion, loneliness or feeling like they had to hide who they really are. By contrast, home and trusted relationships, especially with neurodivergent family or friends, offered sanctuary. Children felt freer to be themselves, ask for what they need and talk about autism. Emergent positive autistic identities were evident in some children. These findings show autistic children are thoughtful, perceptive and deeply affected by their environments while simultaneously shining a bright light on the challenges growing up autistic in a neurotypical world. Their voices offer vital insights and a call to make schools and services safer, more respectful spaces.

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18. Myllylä IL, Wiklund M, Haakana V, Vainio L, Saalasti S, Vainio M. Perceived prosodic typicality in Finnish preadolescents: Findings from speakers on the autism spectrum. Clin Linguist Phon;2026 (Mar 26):1-26.

Speech of persons on the autism spectrum is often described as prosodically distinctive, yet the perceptual basis and acoustic correlates of these judgements remain undefined. We investigated how prosodic typicality is perceived in low-pass filtered speech from Finnish-speaking preadolescents on the autism spectrum and matched controls, and how these perceptions relate to acoustic features. A total of 53 listeners rated 150 utterances for typicality and provided written comments. Mixed-effects modelling revealed no significant effect of diagnostic group on perceived typicality; instead, individual listener variability predominated. Acoustically, speakers on the autism spectrum exhibited greater pitch range, intensity range and frequent pausing. However, only select acoustic measures predicted typicality ratings, regardless of speaker group. Analysis of listener comments emphasised the salience of intonation and voice quality to typicality perceptions. These findings suggest that perceived prosodic typicality may not be a direct marker of neurodivergence but rather reflect the interaction of specific acoustic configurations and listener expectations.

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19. Pedrahita S, Linke A, Cordova M, Wilkinson M, Hau J, Toro G, Alemu K, Kohli J, Müller RA, Carper R. Decreased BOLD Signal Variability in Middle-Aged and Older Adults on the Autism Spectrum. Autism Res;2026 (Mar 26):e70208.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder. Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk for early-onset cognitive and neurological decline in ASD. While brain development in children, adolescents, and young adults with ASD diverges from neurotypical (NT) peers, it remains unclear in older adults with ASD. Understanding age-related changes of brain function in ASD is crucial to establish best practices for cognitive and health screenings and develop interventions that might reduce the risk of accelerated decline. Decreases in blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) signal variability (BSV) in typical aging have been shown across multiple studies and are associated with poorer cognitive performance. We hypothesized that adults with ASD would show reduced BSV compared to the NT group, with steeper negative age associations in the ASD than NT group. The study assessed BSV during resting state fMRI in adults (40-70 years), 28 with ASD and 39 age-matched NT. General linear models tested diagnostic group, age, and group-by-age interactions, controlling for motion. Significant group-by-age interactions were observed for the right insular, left temporal occipital fusiform, right frontal orbital, and right inferior lateral occipital cortex, with BSV showing strong negative associations with age in the ASD but not NT adults. These findings suggest that BSV decreases may occur earlier in adults with ASD compared to their NT peers. This would be consistent with accelerated aging; however, additional longitudinal analyses are necessary to determine if the results presented truly reflect accelerated aging or arise from lifelong persistent differences in brain function. Understanding age‐related changes of brain function during aging in ASD is crucial to establish best practices for cognitive and health screenings to detect potential accelerated decline in older adults with ASD and to develop interventions that might reduce risk. BSV is an MRI‐based measure that decreases in typical aging and is linked to cognitive decline. In this study, we found that BSV decreases may occur earlier in 40–70‐year old adults with ASD compared to their neurotypical peers, possibly indicating accelerated aging, although additional longitudinal analyses will be required to confirm this. eng

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20. Perry N, Boulton KA, Hankin L, Roisenberg BB, Guastella AJ. A qualitative study investigating caregiver perspectives of an artificial intelligence assistive device to support daily activities in families with children with autism spectrum disorder. Digit Health;2026 (Jan-Dec);12:20552076251411228.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families report diverse challenges in adaptive functioning. Artificial intelligence (AI)-assistive devices can offer innovative solutions to support adaptive functioning by offering real time assistance and capacity to adapt to heterogenous needs. OBJECTIVE: This qualitative study utilised an AI-assistive device, the Pixi Home-Hub, to explore caregiver perspectives, experiences and needs related to the broader potential of AI to support adaptive functioning in their daily lives. METHODS: Criterion purposive sampling recruited 10 caregivers of children with ASD. Two focus groups were conducted to discuss how an AI-assistive device, the Pixi Home-Hub, could support their child and families adaptive functioning. Content analysis was utilised to interpret the data. Independent coding by a second reviewer, analytical memos and peer review were employed to promote rigour. RESULTS: Three key themes emerged from the data: (1) Caregiver experiences of their child’s adaptive functioning in daily activities and areas for growth, (2) Caregiver experiences of balancing their child’s support needs with their own, and (3) Access and barriers to integrating AI technology into everyday use. CONCLUSION: Caregivers believed that AI-technology can play a role in supporting their family’s adaptive functioning activities and proposed using AI-assistive devices as a digital support navigator to facilitate greater access to health and government supports.

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21. Qiao SN, Wang SE, Kim KY, Jo S, Jiang YH. Inflammation increases the penetrance of behavioral impairment in Shank3 haploinsufficiency mice – can it explain the behavioral regression in Autism?. Mol Psychiatry;2026 (Mar 25)

Behavioral regression occurs in approximately 40% of individuals with SHANK3-associated autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We previously reported that significant behavioral regression in a small cohort of patients with SHANK3 haploinsufficiency, triggered by subclinical infections, responded to immunomodulator treatments. We hypothesize that behavioral regression results from the interplay between SHANK3 deficiency and neuroinflammation. Using Shank3 exon 4-22 deletion heterozygous mutant (Sh3(+/-)) mouse, which shows no significant behavior impairments, we established a preclinical model – Shank3 haploinsufficiency mouse undergoing a systemic inflammation challenge via intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). We found that, two weeks after LPS challenge, wild-type mice (WT) recovered but Sh3(+/-) mice exhibited motor impairment, anxiety-like behaviors, and excessive grooming, similar to Shank3 exon 4-22 deletion homozygous mutants. Anti-inflammatory treatment partially reversed LPS-induced behavioral changes. Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of neuroinflammation-related genes and downregulation of synaptic function-related genes in LPS challenged Sh3(+/-) mice. Especially, pro-inflammatory genes and microglia markers were overly activated that may result from the increased toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in Sh3(+/-) mice. Microglia overactivation elevated synapse engulfment and disrupted synaptic protein may underlie LPS-triggered worsen behavior phenotypes in Sh3(+/-) mice. Together, our findings indicate that neuroinflammation increases the penetrance of behavioral impairment in Shank3 haploinsufficiency mice and support a potential mechanism for the behavioral regression in human SHANK3 related disorders for future investigations.

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22. Rivard M, Mestari Z, Morin D, Hastings R, Coulombe P, Mello C, Forget J. Patterns of Behavioral and Emotional Problems in Young Children With Developmental Disabilities: Cluster Analysis and Longitudinal Follow-Up. J Autism Dev Disord;2026 (Mar 26)

PURPOSE: Data on the presentation of behavioral and emotional problems in early childhood and their evolution over time through large, longitudinal cohort studies remain scarce, which limits the current state of knowledge on how to guide early childhood interventions. This study aimed to develop a better understanding of behavior problems in young children with developmental disabilities, of how these change over time, and of associated child and family characteristics. METHODS: This longitudinal study on 958 families addressed several shortcomings of the literature by adopting an instrument specifically developed to measure behavioral and emotional problems in children with developmental disabilities, the Developmental Behavior Checklist (Einfeld et al. in Manual for the developmental behaviour checklist: Primary carer version (DBC-P) and teacher version (DBC-T), Monash University, 2002), by employing consistent data collection intervals (i.e., after the diagnosis and at two annual follow-ups), and by sampling a homogeneous age group (i.e., 18-59 months at the time of diagnosis). Children’s emotional and behavioral problems, adaptive behavior, intellectual functioning, and autism symptoms, as well as parenting stress and family quality of life were assessed. RESULTS: Overall, social and communication problems tended to decrease, while externalizing behavior problems tended to increase and internalizing behaviors remained stable over time. Cluster analysis yielded four subgroups based on behavioral and emotional problems as assessed at the time of diagnosis. These subgroups differed in child’s gender and diagnostic labels and on other child and family characteristics. Patterns of change in behavioral and emotional problems significantly differed over time according group membership. CONCLUSION: Co-occuring conditions, such as emotional and behavioral problems, should be considered in planning interventions.

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23. Roisenberg BB, Boulton KA, Thomas EE, Perry N, Yu D, Guastella AJ. A qualitative evaluation of cognitive-behavioural therapy components for social anxiety in autistic adults: Lived experiences from a modified group program. Autism;2026 (Mar 26):13623613261424830.

Cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for social anxiety. However, despite the high prevalence of social anxiety among autistic adults, much less is known about how autistic people experience each CBT component used in treatment. This qualitative study explores autistic adults’ perspectives on a modified cognitive-behaviour therapy group programme for social anxiety, focusing on the perceived effectiveness of CBT components and the identification of needed modifications. Twenty-seven participants who completed the intervention took part in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis identified core themes related to therapeutic impact (application of CBT group strategies) and participant experiences (suggestions for future iterations of social groups). Overall, exposure tasks were viewed as helpful in reducing anxiety, particularly when structured and predictable. Cognitive restructuring was often experienced as effective; however, its impact was sometimes limited by persistent and deeply held core beliefs and past negative experiences. Social strategies and anxiety management skills were appreciated for their structured format and educational elements, but generalizability was sometimes raised as a limitation. Participants also recommended additional adaptations, including flexibility in content delivery and modifications to the physical environment. Findings highlight overall support of cognitive-therapy components for reducing social anxiety in adults, but also benefit to tailoring CBT approaches to theneeds of autistic adults. Results from this study offer practical guidance from autistic people to enhance the acceptability and effectiveness of future CBT interventions.Lay abstractMany autistic adults experience social anxiety, making everyday interactions feel stressful or overwhelming. To help with this, clinical researchers developed a group therapy programme based on cognitive-behaviour therapy adapted for autistic adults. While cognitive-behaviour therapy is commonly used to treat anxiety, there has been relatively little research into how autistic people experience group-based versions of this therapy. This study aimed to understand how participants felt about the programme and how it could be improved. The intervention included eight group sessions where participants learned about social anxiety and autism, social strategies and took part in guided activities to build confidence. The programme encouraged a supportive environment where autistic individuals could safely try out new ways of connecting with others without feeling pressure to hide who they are. To understand how helpful the programme was, researchers interviewed participants about their experiences. Many said the programme helped them feel more confident and less anxious in social situations. For example, they found role-playing in a safe group setting especially useful. Participants also appreciated that the therapy was adapted to suit their needs. However, the study also highlighted some areas for improvement. Some participants found parts of the programme challenging, especially unstructured activities or settings. Others suggested the programme could be more flexible, offer clearer instructions or be better prepared for people who had past negative experiences with therapy. These early findings suggest that cognitive-behaviour therapy can be effective when thoughtfully adapted for autistic adults. This work helps lay the foundation for more inclusive, autism-informed mental health services that support social confidence in a way that feels safe and empowering.

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24. Sauer AK, Walsh JA, Curran D, Zohourian N, Stanton JE, Zabetakis I, Brown JAL, Grabrucker AM. Synaptic protein mutations in autism. Neurobiol Dis;2026 (Mar 26):107365.

Several genetic and non-genetic factors associated with the etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have been identified, impacting directly or indirectly on the formation and function of synapses. Therefore, in recent years, synaptopathy has emerged as a central motif for a causative mechanism of ASD. Within synapses, many physically linked proteins or proteins found within the same signaling process have been associated with ASD and studied in in vitro systems and animal models. The results of this research support the crucial role of synaptic protein dysfunction in the development of ASD. The synaptic processes defined by critical proteins may be a point of convergence for many genetic and non-genetic factors. Therefore, this review will summarize key findings on the link between synaptic proteins and ASD from human genetic and animal studies and discuss the emerging synaptic biological processes directed by these proteins. The convergence of genetic and environmental risk factors impacting these processes will be highlighted to unify a theory in ASD research: A significant portion of ASD cases may in fact be explained by the dysregulation of essential synaptic proteins.

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25. Singh JS, Nicholas J. « You can’t whoop autism »: Intersectional stigma in the Black community. Soc Sci Med;2026 (Mar 20);399:119218.

Black caregivers of autistic children encounter numerous barriers to accessing diagnoses and services, leading to adverse outcomes due to delayed diagnosis and limited access to services. The presence of stigma within the Black community, combined with interpersonal and institutional racism, may contribute to these ongoing inequalities; however, few studies address these forms of discrimination together. This study is based on 55 in-depth interviews conducted with caregivers of Black autistic children receiving services at a public autism clinic in the U.S. South. Using grounded theory analysis of the interview data, our study examines intersectional stigma through ideological, economic, and political lenses to understand how racism and stigma intersect within persistent structural inequities across various social contexts, including punitive community responses toward child behaviors, safety concerns related to public transportation, and challenges in accessing public school services. Our findings highlight the unique difficulties faced by Black caregivers of autistic children, showing how different types of stigma, racism, and structural inequities lead to adverse outcomes such as reluctance to seek help, delayed diagnoses, and limited access to autism services. This study centers on the complex milieu of intersectional stigma, which is an essential step toward understanding the autism experience within low-income and under-resourced Black communities.

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26. Sree KB, Padickaparambil S, Tiwari S. Speech language pathologists’ attitudes on bilingual practices for children with autism in India: A qualitative study. PLoS One;2026;21(3):e0343695.

The present study, aimed to investigate SLPs’ attitude regarding bilingual practices in children with autism. We conducted in-depth telephonic interviews on 13 SLPs working with autistic children in India having at least 2 years of work experience. The data obtained were subjected to stepwise inductive thematic analysis. Results of the study displayed five themes, viz. SLP’s opinion of monolingual vs. bilingual approaches in children with autism, Bilingual Practices for children with autism, Factors explaining the choice of language, Suggestions for parents of children with autism and future SLPs, and Need and scope for bilingual practice. Results of the study indicated SLP’s divergent attitude towards bilingual practices in children with autism, factors explaining the choice of language, such as lack of culturally appropriate assessment tools, and limited strategies for addressing parental concerns. These findings have implications to address awareness of evidence based bilingual practices in SLPs for children with ASD in multilingual settings, development of practice guidelines and standardized tests in underdeveloped languages. Furthermore, there is a need to educate and address concerns of parents and families of autistic children regarding bilingual approach.

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27. Stenum J, Eiler E, Roemmich RT, Landa R, Reetzke R. Quantifying Repetitive Hand Flapping Kinematics in Autistic and Non-Autistic Toddlers Using Video-Based Pose Estimation. Dev Sci;2026 (May);29(3):e70176.

While repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping are associated with autism, non-autistic toddlers also exhibit this behavior (e.g., when excited), making clinically meaningful differences difficult to discern prior to age 2. Computer vision, a subfield of artificial intelligence (AI), has the potential to capture subtle movement differences that may otherwise be overlooked. We examined whether movement amplitude and frequency of repetitive hand flapping differed between autistic and non-autistic toddlers. Based on prior literature, we hypothesized that autistic toddlers would exhibit more intense or vigorous flapping, as reflected by increased amplitude and frequency of repetitive hand flapping. We analyzed 81 manually annotated video segments from 28 toddlers (autism spectrum disorder (ASD): n = 14; no ASD: n = 14), ages 13-16 months (M = 14.78, SD = 0.85), participating in a 3-min bubble play activity (1-10 events per child). Using AlphaPose, we automatically identified arm key points and quantified amplitude and frequency. Event-level analyses revealed that, compared to non-autistic toddlers, autistic toddlers showed significantly greater amplitude (p = 0.028) but did not significantly differ in the frequency of repetitive hand flapping (p = 0.464). In contrast, event-averaged results showed no group differences in amplitude (p = 0.997) or frequency (p = 0.383). These findings highlight the variability of repetitive hand flapping and suggest that averaging may mask potentially important nuances of repetitive hand flapping. Clinically, the dynamic nature of these early, subtle behaviors may require more fine-grained observation to identify meaningful differences during this highly dynamic period of early development. SUMMARY: Video-based pose estimation was used to examine kinematic differences in repetitive hand flapping during a 3-min bubble play activity in autistic and non-autistic toddlers. Event-level analyses of all repetitive hand flapping instances revealed a significantly elevated amplitude of hand flapping in autistic toddlers relative to non-autistic toddlers. Event-averaged analyses appeared to mask group amplitude differences, suggesting that an event-level analysis of repetitive hand flapping may better capture clinically meaningful kinematic differences. Findings underscore the possible added value of examining the quality of repetitive hand flapping to identify clinically meaningful differences during a highly dynamic developmental period.

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28. Tazinaffo LS, Wolf BB, Sposito AMP. Performance of Daily Living Activities of Autistic Children With Sensory Processing Difficulties: Caregivers’ Perceptions. Occup Ther Int;2026;2026(1):e5556699.

BACKGROUND: Sensory integration difficulties are common among autistic children and can significantly affect their occupational performance, particularly in activities of daily living (ADLs). Despite the increasing recognition of these challenges, few studies have specifically examined how sensory and praxis difficulties interfere with functional autonomy in daily routines. OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed at analyzing caregivers’ perceptions of sensory processing difficulties and their impact on the performance of autistic children in basic ADLs. METHODS: A qualitative, descriptive study was conducted with caregivers of children aged 3-8 years diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), recruited from a private pediatric rehabilitation clinic in Brazil. Data were collected through semistructured interviews focusing on children’s engagement in and performance of ADLs. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic content analysis with the support of MAXQDA software to systematically identify and categorize recurring sensory and motor-related difficulties reported by caregivers. RESULTS: Caregivers consistently reported that sensory processing difficulties had a significant negative impact on multiple domains of daily living activities, notably feeding, personal hygiene, dressing, bathing, and toileting, resulting in a restricted active and independent participation. Sensory modulation difficulties, including patterns of hyperresponsiveness and hyporesponsiveness, affected performance across all assessed activities. Sensory discrimination difficulties were particularly evident in dressing and toileting tasks. Praxis-related difficulties were identified in all children and manifested as challenges in ideation, motor planning, and motor execution, which collectively compromised functional performance across daily activities and increased dependence on caregivers during daily routines. CONCLUSIONS: Sensory processing difficulties involving modulation, discrimination, and praxis substantially limit functional independence and occupational engagement in children with ASD. These findings highlight the importance of individualized occupational therapy interventions tailored to each child’s sensory and motor profile, with the aim of supporting participation, autonomy, and engagement in everyday activities.

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29. Zeng L, Ji Z, Gong X, Wang H, Jin Y, Guo J, Xue J, Su X, Liu Q, Han G, Chen S, Lin P, Huang Z, He A, Zhao L, Li X, Liu J. Resilience and coping styles mediate the associations of autistic and ADHD traits with internet addiction in general adolescents. Sci Rep;2026 (Mar 26)

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30. Zhang W, Chen K, Ke Y, Yan D, Lin Z, Chen L, Gao Z, Shen Y, Wan H, Yang X, Hu C, Chen R, Ma X, Zhang S. Spatial and single-cell transcriptomics reveals senescence-associated changes in MIA-induced ASD male mouse brain. Cell Rep;2026 (Mar 25);45(4):117191.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and maternal immune activation (MIA) is highly implicated in neuropathology and ASD-like phenotypes in offspring. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms of ASD are multifactorial and remain largely unknown in MIA offspring. Here, we performed spatial transcriptome and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) analysis in MIA offspring brain to explore the neurobiological features of ASD. We obtained MIA-induced genes and pathways across multiple key brain regions. We found that senescence-associated APP-CD74 pathway, IGFBP7, and CDKN1A may act as the key pathogenic factors for ASD development. Our further analysis identified broad senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) signature of MIA-induced ASD brain that are regulated in a cell-type specific manner. Moreover, we validated that pharmacological inhibition of IGFBP7 and CDKN1A effectively prevents ASD-like behaviors in MIA offspring. Collectively, our data reveal a senescence-associated regulatory mechanism for ASD, and provide potential intervention strategy for the treatment of ASD.

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