1. Abbas K, Steingass K, Abrams MA, Brown CM, Levine A, Klamer BG, Barnhardt E. An Investigation into Referrals Placed Following Positive Screening With the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised With Follow-up. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2026.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine referral practices after positive autism spectrum disorder screening with the modified checklist for autism in toddlers, revised with follow-up (M-CHAT-R/F) for potential variability based on demographic factors focusing on language and patient-reported need for interpretation. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study. The study population consisted of 776 patients (mean age 25 months) with a positive M-CHAT-R/F (367 high risk, 409 moderate risk). Data collected included self-reported race, ethnicity, preferred language, interpreter need, screening results, and referrals placed at the time of screening. Patients with a prior autism spectrum disorder diagnosis were excluded. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s χ2 test of independence and logistic regression to determine if demographic factors, focusing on preferred language and need for an interpreter, were associated with placement of recommended referrals. RESULTS: Among children with a positive M-CHAT-R/F screen, 69% were referred to developmental behavioral pediatrics, 76% to behavioral health, 83% for early intervention, 93% for speech therapy, and 91% for audiology. In unadjusted stratified analysis, no significant differences were found in rates of referral to recommended services in relation to race, language spoken, or interpreter need. After a logistic regression analysis, no factors were predictive of higher or lower rates of referral to any service studied. CONCLUSION: We found no disparities in referrals after a positive M-CHAT-R/F in relation to preferred language or interpreter need. Further research could examine what factors can help prevent disparities in referral placement to recommended services.

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2. Alassaf MA. Teachers’ self-efficacy and its relationship to inclusive education for students with autism: a cross-sectional study. Front Psychol. 2026; 17: 1811958.

BACKGROUND: Inclusive education is increasingly recognized as an important approach to promoting equitable learning opportunities for all students, including students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Teachers’ self-efficacy, or their perceived capability to manage classrooms, adapt instruction, and support diverse learners, is considered an important factor in autism inclusion. However, limited research in Saudi Arabia has examined teachers’ self-efficacy in relation to self-reported inclusive education orientations toward students with ASD. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess teachers’ self-efficacy and self-reported inclusive education orientations toward students with ASD in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It also examined whether selected demographic and professional characteristics were associated with self-efficacy and inclusive education orientations. METHODS: A cross-sectional correlational design was used. A convenience sample of 381 general and special education teachers from mainstream schools in Riyadh participated in the study. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire covering demographic and professional characteristics, teachers’ self-efficacy, and inclusive education orientations toward students with ASD. Descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple linear regression were conducted using SPSS version 27. RESULTS: Teachers reported moderately high levels of self-efficacy (M = 3.84, SD = 0.62) and generally positive inclusive education orientations (M = 3.88, SD = 0.59). A strong positive correlation was found between self-efficacy and inclusive education orientations (r =0.62, p < 0.001). In the regression model, self-efficacy showed the strongest association with inclusive education orientations (β =0.48, p < 0.001). Prior training on inclusion, longer teaching experience, special education teaching role, and prior experience teaching students with ASD were also significantly associated with more positive inclusive education orientations. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that teachers' self-efficacy is closely associated with self-reported inclusive education orientations toward students with ASD among the participating teachers. They also suggest that targeted training, teaching experience, teaching role, and autism-specific exposure may be relevant factors in supporting inclusive education. Because of the cross-sectional design, convenience sampling, and reliance on self-report data, the findings should be interpreted as evidence of association rather than causation, population-level generalizability, or direct evidence of observed classroom practice.

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3. Avni D, Weissberg O, Pintel N, Izraelov L. Healing from the Ocean: Targeting Shared Mechanisms in Autism and Epilepsy Using Algae-Derived Compounds. Mar Drugs. 2026; 24(8).

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and epilepsy are complex, frequently co-occurring neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders that share key mechanisms, such as altered neurotransmission, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and gut-brain axis disruption. Despite pharmacological advances, current treatments often provide only partial relief and are associated with significant side effects. The comorbidity of ASD and epilepsy, affecting millions worldwide, remains under-recognised and poorly addressed, imposing a profound burden on patients, families, and healthcare systems through reduced quality of life, increased caregiving demands, and substantial social and economic costs. This review highlights the convergent pathways shared between ASD and epilepsy, including immune dysregulation, synaptic dysfunction, and metabolic imbalance, which create opportunities for unified therapeutic strategies. Marine algae have emerged as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds offering a unique potential to address these overlapping pathologies. Algal polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, and vitamins have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and microbiota-modulating activities. By addressing both the biological underpinnings and clinical burden of ASD-epilepsy comorbidity, algae-based strategies represent a novel and ecologically sustainable direction for mitigating ASD-epilepsy comorbidity and advancing marine-inspired neurotherapeutics.

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4. Bucaro I, Palanza P, Ponzi D. Sex-dependent vulnerability to early-life phthalates exposure and autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review. Front Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2026; 5: 1865057.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by restricted and repetitive behaviours (ICD-11) and severe and persistent difficulties in social interaction and communication. A marked male predominance has consistently been reported, with ASD being three times more common among boys than girls, although the biological mechanisms underlying this sex difference remain unknown. Physical and chemical stressors occurring during critical windows of development may alter foetal and infant physiology and interfere with neurodevelopmental trajectories. Among these stressors, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including phthalates, have been proposed as potential environmental contributors to neurodevelopmental vulnerability. In this systematic review, we examined whether early-life exposure to phthalates may be associated with sex-specific vulnerability to ASD and autistic traits. METHODS: The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and followed a PECO framework. The target population included human children of both sexes, ranging from early childhood to adolescence. Exposures of interest included prenatal and/or early-life exposure to phthalates, assessed through biological matrices during prenatal and/or postnatal periods. Eligible outcomes included ASD and autistic-like traits assessed using validated diagnostic or screening tools. The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261438630). RESULTS: A total of 18 studies were included. Phthalates exposure was assessed across a broad developmental window, ranging from the preconception period to 8 years of age. Urinary biomarkers represented the primary method for assessing chemical exposure, while a smaller proportion of studies also relied on blood samples. Sample size ranged from 77 to 3,220, and the age at assessment of autistic traits or ASD-related outcomes ranged from 18 months to 15 years. The Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) was the most frequently used instrument for assessing autistic traits, followed by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). CONCLUSION: Prenatal exposure to phthalates, especially during early and mid-gestation, appears to be associated with subtle increases in autistic traits, with some evidence suggesting greater susceptibility among boys, particularly in relation to MBP, MEP, and DEHP-related metabolites. However, evidence remains limited and heterogeneous, and current findings require further confirmation. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/home, PROSPERO CRD420261438630.

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5. Contreras-Pérez ME, Tao X, Vezina O, Spirito A, Sheinkopf SJ, Cragin CA, Jackson KM. Understanding the Impact of Living Situation and Social Satisfaction on Depression and Substance Use in Autistic Young Adults Without Intellectual Disability. Autism Adulthood. 2026.

BACKGROUND: Autistic young adults face elevated risks for depression, and emerging evidence indicates that some engage in substance use. Residential status and social satisfaction may be related to these outcomes, yet little research has examined their interplay in autistic populations. METHODS: Baseline data were drawn from 267 autistic young adults ages 18-24 (M=21.56; SD=1.76). Participants were predominantly female (65.63%), non-Hispanic White (75%), and enrolled in school (68.76%). Participants reported their current residential status, mental health, and substance use, and completed measures of social and role functioning, social satisfaction, and demographic characteristics. A unified mediation model tested whether social satisfaction mediated associations between residential status and (1) depression, (2) alcohol use, and (3) cannabis use, adjusting for relevant covariates. RESULTS: Living alone, compared to living with a parental figure, was associated with greater social satisfaction, which in turn predicted fewer depression symptoms. In contrast, living alone or with friends or roommates was directly associated with elevated alcohol and cannabis use but showed no indirect effects through social satisfaction. Social satisfaction predicted lower depression but was not significantly related to alcohol or cannabis use. CONCLUSION: Residential status and social satisfaction jointly shape emotional and behavioral outcomes among autistic young adults. Independent living may enhance well-being when accompanied by fulfilling social connections, whereas peer cohabitation may increase exposure to substance use. Interventions that support autonomy, foster social engagement, and incorporate harm reduction strategies may be particularly valuable in promoting healthy transitions to adulthood for autistic individuals.

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6. Duncan A, Stark LJ, Ruble L, Fassler C, Meinzen-Derr J. Maintenance of Gains in Autistic Teens Receiving a Daily Living Skills Intervention at a 6-Month Follow-Up. Res Autism. 2026; 131.

BACKGROUND: Autistic adolescents without an intellectual disability have daily living skills (DLS) that are often 6-8 years behind same-aged peers. The Surviving and Thriving in the Real World (STRW) intervention has demonstrated gains in age-appropriate DLS from baseline to post-treatment compared to a comparison group. AIMS: Evaluate maintenance of DLS gains from post-treatment to 6-month follow-up from two randomized clinical trials of the STRW intervention. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: 112 autistic teens were randomized to receive the STRW intervention (n = 60) or an active comparison group (n = 52). Adolescents were assessed at 6-month follow-up on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, 3(rd) Edition (VABS-3) and the DLS goal attainment scale (DLS-GAS). OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Results revealed that the majority of teens in STRW maintained or improved their DLS on the VABS-3 and DLS-GAS. On the VABS-3, adolescents in STRW were not significantly different from the comparison group from post-treatment to 6-month follow-up. On the DLS-GAS, teens in both STRW and the comparison group maintained gains in cooking and self-care, but the comparison group made significant gains in laundry and money skills compared to STRW. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The STRW intervention may lead to sustained and clinically meaningful gains, but autistic teens may benefit from continued support. Future studies should examine if these DLS gains are maintained into adulthood and whether they impact outcomes in employment and independent living.

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7. Farran EK, Alexiou S, Danielsson H, Orefice C, Cristescu L, Pellicano E, Van Herwegen J, Scerif G. Statistical power in UK genetic syndrome research; evidence from studies of Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome and Williams syndrome as model syndrome groups. Br J Dev Psychol. 2026.

Research on genetic syndromes is vital to our understanding of how development unfolds, but the rarity of genetic syndromes can mean that studies are carried out with small sample sizes. Small sample sizes can reduce the statistical power of a study to produce reliable and replicable results. Here, we review all UK journal articles on three target genetic syndromes published from 2013 to 2022. There were 368 eligible articles. The median sample size of genetic syndrome groups was N = 30, and only 6.5% of articles reported a power analysis. Power analysis was performed on the 123 articles classed as ‘Cognitive’ research, as a test case. This demonstrated an average power of only 54% for a medium effect size and an alpha of 0.05. This is well below the recommended threshold of 80% power. The low power of UK genetic syndrome research has consequences for the replicability of the field due to the risk of Type II errors and reduced precision in effect size estimates, as well as implications for the communities that this research seeks to serve. We provide suggestions for researchers, journal editors and funders for improving the replicability of the field of genetic syndrome research.

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8. Huang Q, Jiang S, Luo C, Yao D, Biswal BB, Klugah-Brown B. Machine-learning classification of children and adolescents with ASD using resting-state frequency-specific intrinsic activity. Front Neurosci. 2026; 20: 1892288.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by heterogeneous developmental trajectories, yet it remains unclear whether frequency-specific resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) features can distinguish age-defined developmental stages within the condition. METHODS: We analyzed rs-fMRI data from 251 participants with ASD, comprising 146 children and 105 adolescents aggregated from ten sites in the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE). ALFF and ReHo were computed across three frequency bands: Conventional (0.01-0.08 Hz), slow-4 (0.027-0.073 Hz), and slow-5 (0.01-0.027 Hz). Region-of-interest features were extracted using the 246-region Brainnetome Atlas. To ensure rigorous generalization, participants were divided into a stratified training set (80%, n = 200) and a held-out test set (20%, n = 51), with stratification based on the child-adolescent group label and a fixed random seed of 42. CovBat harmonization parameters, feature-scaling parameters, LASSO feature selection, and classifier hyperparameters were estimated using the training data only and subsequently applied to the held-out test data. Final model performance was evaluated once on the held-out test set. Performance was evaluated using Logistic Regression (LR), Support Vector Machine, and Random Forest classifiers, with Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) used to characterized interpret feature contributions. RESULTS: The slow-4 and Conventional-band features showed higher held-out ASD test-set performance than slow-5 features. The best single-metric model by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was slow-4 ReHo Logistic Regression, which achieved an AUC of 0.811 and accuracy of 0.745. The exploratory combined model using slow-4 ALFF and ReHo features achieved the highest overall AUC of 0.819 (accuracy = 0.725). SHAP analysis identified distributed model-contributing regions in the slow-4 ReHo model, including the inferior parietal lobule, lateral occipital cortex, middle and inferior frontal gyri, basal ganglia, and thalamus. CONCLUSION: Frequency-specific resting-state features, particularly local synchronization in the slow-4 band, capture developmental-stage-related variation within ASD. The involvement of frontoparietal, visual, and subcortical networks suggests that developmental heterogeneity in ASD is supported by distributed reorganization of intrinsic brain activity. These findings highlight the potential of frequency-specific rs-fMRI metrics as candidate markers for characterizing neurodevelopmental stages in ASD, warranting further validation in longitudinal and independent cohorts.

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9. Iacobucci G. ADHD and autism: 207% rise in complaints to NHS services as patients spend up to £4000 for private treatment. Bmj. 2026; 394: e100679.

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10. Kabdesh IM, Rizvanov AA, Mukhamedshina YO. MeCP2 Dosage Control in Rett Syndrome: Non-Coding RNA-Based and Epigenetic Strategies for Safer Gene Therapy. Noncoding RNA. 2026; 12(4).

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder that is caused in most cases by pathogenic variants in MECP2, the gene encoding methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2). Despite substantial progress in the development of gene therapy, restoring MECP2 expression remains challenging because MeCP2 is highly dosage-sensitive. Both deficiency and excessive expression of this protein are associated with severe neurological abnormalities. This makes simple viral vector-mediated replacement of MECP2 potentially unsafe and underscores the need for multilayered systems that control transgene expression. This review discusses current and emerging strategies for regulating MeCP2 expression in RTT, with an emphasis on non-coding RNA-based and epigenetic mechanisms. Particular attention is given to the limitations of conventional AAV-mediated gene therapy, the use of cell-specific and endogenous promoters, miRNA-regulated elements, autoregulatory systems, and post-transcriptional control of MECP2 expression. Strategies for reactivating the inactive X chromosome are also discussed, including XIST-dependent regulation and epigenome editing. In addition, the review considers CRISPR-mediated regulation, selective epigenetic activation, and combined therapeutic platforms that integrate viral delivery, RNA-dependent post-transcriptional control, and endogenous gene regulation. Overall, clinically applicable gene therapy for RTT will likely need to move beyond simple MECP2 replacement and instead rely on precise cell- and dose-dependent regulation of its expression. Non-coding RNA and epigenetic mechanisms represent important layers of such control and may contribute to the development of safer gene therapy strategies for RTT.

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11. Li P, Men S, Patel PJ, Saleem K, Zhong P, Tam KW, Feng J, Yan Z. Cognitive and synaptic impairment induced by deficiency of autism risk gene Smarcc2 and its rescue by histone deacetylase inhibition. Mol Psychiatry. 2026.

SMARCC2, which encodes BAF170, a core subunit of chromatin remodeling BAF complex, is one of the top-ranking risk genes for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the mechanisms linking SMARCC2 haploinsufficiency to ASD remain poorly understood. ChIP-seq of SMARCC2 demonstrated its binding to many other ASD risk genes involved in transcriptional regulation. SMARCC2 expression was significantly reduced in the nuclear fraction of postmortem prefrontal cortex (PFC) from patients with ASD. Smarcc2 deficiency in PFC of adolescent mice led to impaired working memory, with largely intact social and anxiety-like behaviors. Significant downregulation of genes enriched in synaptic transmission was found in PFC of Smarcc2-deficient mice by RNA-seq and qPCR profiling. Furthermore, SMARCC2 was reduced in human iPSC-derived neurons (hiPSC-N) from ASD patients, and synaptic genes were downregulated by SMARCC2 knockdown in hiPSC-N. In parallel, electrophysiological recordings uncovered the significant impairment of GABAergic and glutamatergic synaptic currents in PFC pyramidal neurons of Smarcc2-deficient mice. Smarcc2 bound to HDAC2, and Smarcc2 deficiency led to the reduced global histone acetylation and H3K9ac enrichment at synaptic gene promoters. Treatment of Smarcc2-deficient mice with romidepsin, a class I HDAC inhibitor, normalized histone acetylation, working memory, synaptic genes and currents. These findings highlight the critical role of Smarcc2 in regulating cognitive and synaptic function, suggesting that targeting HDAC could alleviate deficits in Smarcc2-associated neurodevelopmental disorders.

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12. Medeiros WMB, da Silva Junior EA, de Albuquerque K, da Rosa MD, de Lima Oliveira AG, da Silva MJ, Fernandes JVA, Vieira ECC, Dos Santos JPM, Borges TC, AHA ES, Segundo CEN, Torro-Alves N. Effects of Cannabidiol-Rich Cannabis Oil on Facial Expression Recognition and Theory of Mind in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Autism Res. 2026: e70353.

To evaluate, in a post hoc subanalysis, the effects of cannabidiol (CBD)-rich cannabis oil on facial expression recognition and theory of mind in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This post hoc subanalysis included children from a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial who completed social cognition assessments at baseline and after treatment. Participants received CBD-rich cannabis oil or placebo for 12 weeks. Facial expression recognition and theory of mind were assessed using neuropsychological tasks. Between-group differences were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test, whereas within-group changes were assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Nineteen Brazilian children with ASD were included (72.7% male; mean age, 7.82 years). Within-group analyses showed significant improvements in facial expression recognition (p = 0.030) and verbal theory of mind (p = 0.016) after treatment in the CBD group, whereas corresponding changes in the placebo group were not statistically significant. However, between-group comparisons showed no significant differences after treatment in facial expression recognition (p = 0.527) or verbal theory of mind (p = 0.901). Total theory of mind scores improved significantly within both groups, with no significant between-group difference (p = 0.967). Although significant within-group improvements in facial expression recognition and verbal theory of mind were observed following CBD-rich cannabis oil treatment, these changes were not significantly different from those observed with placebo. Given the small sample size and exploratory post hoc design, these findings should be interpreted cautiously and do not establish a treatment effect of CBD on social cognition in children with ASD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBEC), RBR-5wr2cqq (UTN: U1111-1261-4178), accessible at https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-5wr2cqq.

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13. Meossi C, De Falco A, Rinaldi D, Pagano S, Tessa A, Trovato R, Pezzoli L, Iascone MR, Ceccarini C, Freri E, Bartolini E, D’Arrigo S, Calderoni S, Canosa A, Gallone S, Verduci E, Milani D, Santorelli FM. Beyond Rett syndrome: a case series expanding the neurological spectrum associated with pathogenic MECP2 variants. J Neurol. 2026; 273(9).

BACKGROUND: Although pathogenic variants in MECP2 are classically associated with Rett syndrome (RTT), increasing evidence suggests that they can underlie a broader spectrum of neurological phenotypes. Clinical manifestations may vary according to sex, variant type, residual protein function, and pattern of X-chromosome inactivation. METHODS: We describe five unrelated individuals carrying pathogenic MECP2 variants identified through multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, chromosomal microarray analysis, and next-generation sequencing. Clinical, neuroradiological, neurophysiological, and molecular findings were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Two unrelated girls carrying large de novo Xq28 deletions encompassing the entire MECP2 locus presented with mild neurodevelopmental impairment and epilepsy, but no developmental regression or classic RTT features. Both girls showed borderline cognitive functioning and normal brain MRI. A 9-year-old boy carrying a maternally inherited MECP2 frameshift variant presented with intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and focal epilepsy, whereas carriers in his family exhibited milder neuropsychiatric manifestations. A 44-year-old man carrying a MECP2 missense variant presented with an early-onset spastic-ataxic syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, and cerebellar dysfunction, while a 16-year-old girl patient carrying a distinct de novo MECP2 missense variant displayed isolated mild motor incoordination and subtle cerebellar signs with preserved cognitive functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings expand the evidence that pathogenic MECP2 variants can produce neurological phenotypes distinct from classic RTT, including mild neurodevelopmental impairment without regression, and predominantly cerebellar or spastic-ataxic manifestations associated with limited cognitive involvement. Allelic heterogeneity seems to correlate with clinical phenotypes, at least in our small cohort. In conjunction with established diagnostic criteria, these observations support testing MECP2 in a selection of atypical neurodevelopmental and movement disorder presentations.

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14. Moser C, DaWalt LS, Burke MM, Taylor JL. The Effect of a Parent Advocacy Intervention on Service Access for Autistic Youth: The Moderating Role of Baseline Advocacy Ability. Autism Res. 2026: e70357.

Autistic youth face significant challenges accessing adult disability services as they transition out of school-based services. Advocating for Supports to Improve Service Transitions (ASSIST), a group-based program, was developed to address this issue by teaching parents about the service system and how to advocate for services for their youth. Through a randomized controlled trial, previous findings showed that ASSIST improved parent advocacy ability and increased access to government programs for youth who had exited high school. To identify which families may benefit most from ASSIST, the current study used a baseline target moderation framework to examine whether parents’ baseline levels of advocacy ability (i.e., knowledge of adult services, perceived advocacy skills, and empowerment) modified the effect of intervention modality (ASSIST vs. written materials) on the primary outcome. The primary outcome for this study was having one or more service needs met at the 6- or 12-month follow-up. Participants included 138 parents of transition-aged autistic youth who received the ASSIST program or comprehensive written materials on disability services. We found that parents taking ASSIST who reported high levels of perceived advocacy skills and empowerment at baseline were more likely to have a service need met compared to those who received written materials. These findings help clarify which families are most likely to benefit from a parent advocacy program and underscore the importance of parental empowerment and perceived advocacy skills in securing needed services for their autistic youth. After high school, services can be hard to access for autistic youth. To help, we developed a parent advocacy training program called Advocating for Supports to Improve Service Transitions (ASSIST). In this study, we wanted to understand which families may benefit the most from ASSIST, which we defined as receiving at least one service that they needed. We found that families in ASSIST were more likely to receive a needed service when parents came into the study with high levels of perceived advocacy skills and empowerment. eng.

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15. Murariu A, Bobu L, Iovan G, Gelețu GL, Leon LI, Teodorescu AC, Zapodeanu D, Onofrei BA, Frățilă DN, Lupu CI, Baciu ER. Oral Health-Related Quality of Life and Its Determinants in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Scoping Review. Dent J (Basel). 2026; 14(8).

Background/Objectives: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represent a special population whose characteristics may adversely affect both their own and their families’ quality of life. These characteristics include poor oral health, sensory hypersensitivity, restrictive and repetitive behaviours, communication difficulties, medication-related adverse effects, and associated comorbidities. This scoping review aimed to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children and adolescents with ASD, as perceived by their parents/caregivers, and to identify the factors associated with these outcomes. Methods: Literature searches were conducted in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar databases. Studies published between 2016 and May 2026 were considered for inclusion. Results: Of the 799 records identified, 23 studies met the eligibility criteria. Among these, 15 used the Parental-Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ), an instrument specifically developed for children with cognitive impairments. Most studies reported statistically significant associations between poorer OHRQoL and dental caries experience, lower household income, older age, male sex, and lower parental oral health literacy. Conversely, preventive interventions and comprehensive dental rehabilitation performed under general anaesthesia were associated with improvements in the quality of life of both children and their families. Parents of children with ASD also reported a greater emotional burden, primarily related to responsibility for toothbrushing, dental attendance, the child’s general health status, and the family’s financial situation. Conclusions: The majority of the included studies indicate that, according to parental reports, children and adolescents with ASD experience poor OHRQoL, particularly in the domains of emotional well-being, social well-being, functional limitations, and oral symptoms. These findings highlight the need for targeted preventive strategies and multidisciplinary interventions aimed at improving both oral health and overall quality of life in this vulnerable population.

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16. Napitupulu CLM, Tengkawan J, Utari A, Winarni TI, Sihombing NRB. Phenotypic variability of Fragile-X syndrome in Asian population: A systematic review. Intractable Rare Dis Res. 2026; 15(3): 232-46.

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common genetic cause of inherited intellectual disabilities. Individuals with full mutation of FXS exhibit physical and behavioral symptoms in addition to other comorbidities. The clinical features of FXS have been widely studied in Caucasians; however, they remain limited in the Asian population. This study aimed to characterize the spectrum and variability of physical and behavioral phenotypes in Asian populations. A total of 5,830 studies from the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Cochrane/CENTRAL databases were screened using the Covidence software. We identified FXS-specific research studies conducted in Asia that reported the clinical characteristics of individuals with FXS. This review summarizes 51 studies from different Asian regions. The frequently reported physical characteristics were large and prominent ears (72.63%), an elongated face (57.49%), and macroorchidism (45.21%). The three most prevalent behavioral characteristics were intellectual disability (ID), hyperactivity, and social withdrawal, reported in 99%, 77%, and 55% of all cases, respectively. Our findings show that the physical characteristics of FXS are variable in the Asian group but similar to those in other populations and are not recommended for early recognition. Individuals with intellectual disabilities, especially when combined with autism spectrum disorders and large prominent ears, are suggestive of further genetic testing for FXS.

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17. Nazik A. Echoes of autism in family life: Neurotypical siblings’ perspectives. PLoS One. 2026; 21(8): e0356696.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder impacts not only the diagnosed individual but also their family members, particularly neurotypical siblings. While international research on siblings of autistic individuals has expanded, studies in Türkiye remain scarce and predominantly quantitative. This study aimed to explore in depth the lived experiences of neurotypical siblings, focusing on family dynamics, sibling relationships, coping mechanisms, and social life. METHODS: A qualitative approach grounded in interpretative phenomenological analysis was adopted. 9 neurotypical siblings of individuals with autism participated. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, recorded, transcribed verbatim, and repeatedly reviewed for familiarity. Meaningful segments were coded, grouped into categories, and synthesized into overarching themes. Direct quotations were used to capture participants’ emotional expressions, with all identifiers anonymized. As a qualitative study, no statistical analyses were conducted. RESULTS: The analysis revealed 4 major themes and 10 sub-themes. Sibling relationships were described as complex and fluid, marked by both closeness and distance. Communication barriers, behavioral difficulties, and disruptive or aggressive actions were highlighted as challenges that strained interactions and daily routines. Participants reported heightened family responsibilities, including caregiving and protective roles, alongside parental expectations that exceeded typical sibling duties. Despite these burdens, many siblings developed coping strategies and reported personal growth, such as enhanced empathy, patience, resilience, and responsibility. In social contexts, they encountered stigma, exclusion, and misunderstanding, yet continued to seek acceptance and support. CONCLUSIONS: The experiences of neurotypical siblings of individuals with autism embody a dual reality of strain and growth. These findings underscore the need to acknowledge siblings’ support requirements and to integrate their perspectives into holistic, family-centered autism services.

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18. Ribeiro GM, Pimentel É CL, de Goes L, Duarte JA, Stolf AR, Reis F. Hippocampal Alterations in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Scoping Review of Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Trends Psychiatry Psychother. 2026.

INTRODUCTION: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition defined by impairments in social communication and interaction alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior or interests. Alterations in the hippocampus are likely associated with cognitive and behavioral manifestations of ASD. This study aims to map the methods used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the hippocampus in ASD and to investigate its reported alterations. METHODS: We performed a literature search using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and keywords across PubMed, Embase, BVS, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO. Original case-control, cross-sectional, and longitudinal studies evaluating patients with ASD using MRI were eligible for inclusion. Data was manually extracted and charted in four tables. RESULTS: A total of 104 studies were included, encompassing neuroimaging modalities such as structural morphometry, diffusion imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, functional magnetic resonance imaging, and perfusion imaging. Reported findings across studies included atypical hippocampal overgrowth during early development, reduced N-acetylaspartate levels in children, chronic hypoperfusion extending into early adulthood, hyperrecruitment of specific hippocampal regions that improperly connect with cortical areas, reduced microstructural integrity in adulthood, and a notable decline in hippocampal volume as individuals age. CONCLUSION: The current evidence suggests that the hippocampus may undergo multimodal alterations in ASD, spanning morphometric, microstructural, metabolic, functional, and perfusion domains, and that these alterations may be age-dependent. Longitudinal research is required to delineate age-specific thresholds for these changes and elucidate their associations with neurodevelopmental outcomes in ASD.

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19. Vaucheret Paz E, Hyland M, Leist M. Group Favoritism in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders. Psychol Rep. 2026: 332941261481784.

People tend to evaluate more positively the members of their group. This study examined this behavior in autistic children to better understand the strategies they use when making decisions in a group context. We included129 participants who watched four videos and were divided into three groups: adults, children-with-ASD and children-without-ASD. Video 1 shows a soccer player from the participant’s country scoring a goal by handling the ballwith the hand. Video 2 shows a similar situation, but in this case against the participant’s national team. Videos 3 and 4 showed two similar goals scored by the Argentine soccer players Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. After watching them, participants expressed their opinions about what had happened. Children-with-ASD expressed negative opinions in Videos 1 and 2 (p = .36), whereas adults (p = .007) and Children-without-ASD (p < .001) expressed more negative opinions in Video 2. In Videos-3 and 4, adults preferred Maradona's goal while the group of children with ASD and children-without-ASD preferred Messi's goal (p < .001). Children-with-ASD did not show group favoritism when the choice involved moral judgment. Autistic children seem to focus more on the protagonist's behavior, while people without ASD focus not only on the characteristics of the protagonist but also on the social context in which the event occurs.

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20. Wilson RJ, Panesar HK, Dursun I, Mendieta R, Andrew PM, Li X, Lehmler HJ, Lein PJ. Neurodevelopmental outcomes relevant to autism in juvenile mice exposed to PCB 11 in the maternal diet throughout gestation and lactation. Front Toxicol. 2026; 8: 1816944.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) pose a significant risk to the developing human brain, and recent epidemiological data suggest PCBs increase the risk and/or severity of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), including autism spectrum disorder (autism). Experimental animal studies confirm that PCBs disrupt neurodevelopment, resulting in behavioral deficits. Historically, research on the developmental neurotoxicity of PCBs has focused on the higher-chlorinated PCBs found in legacy commercial mixtures; however, lower-chlorinated PCBs (LC-PCBs), including congeners not present in commercial mixtures, predominate in contemporary human exposures. Previous in vitro studies demonstrated that one such LC-PCB, PCB 11, altered dendritic arborization, a cellular phenotype common to multiple NDD. Whether PCB 11 modulates dendritic morphogenesis in vivo is not known. In this study, we investigated how gestational and lactational exposure to PCB 11 in the maternal diet affected critical neurodevelopmental processes in juvenile male and female mice. C57BL/6J mouse dams were exposed to vehicle or PCB 11 at 0.1 or 1.0 mg/kg/day in their diet for 2 weeks prior to mating and throughout gestation and lactation. Brain tissue was collected from offspring at postnatal day (P)4 and P21 to assess dendritic arborization, apoptosis, glial reactivity, and neurogenesis in the hippocampus and neocortex. PCB 11 dose-dependently reduced the dendritic arborization of pyramidal neurons in the neocortex by 13%-25% but had no significant effect on the dendritic morphogenesis of pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus. Apoptosis was not altered by PCB 11 in either brain region of either sex at either age. While PCB 11 had no effect on neurogenesis at P4, it dose-dependently decreased neurogenesis by 15%-70% in the dentate gyrus at P21. GFAP immunoreactivity and the morphological complexity of astrocytes were increased by 40%-60% and 20%-60%, respectively, in the CA1 hippocampus of female mice exposed to 0.1 mg/kg/day PCB 11; in contrast, PCB 11 had no effect on IBA1 immunoreactivity. These findings demonstrate that developmental exposure to PCB 11 promoted NDD-relevant cellular phenotypes in a dose, sex, and region-dependent manner, providing experimental evidence in support of epidemiological data identifying PCBs as potential NDD risk modifiers. Ongoing studies are investigating behavioral responses in weanling mice developmentally exposed to PCB 11.

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21. Yoon N, Kim S, Oh MR, Kim JI, Lee JM, Kim BN. Bridging Genes and Behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Contributions of OXTR Gene Variants and Methylation to Brain Connectivity Patterns. Psychiatry Investig. 2026.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how genetic variants and epigenetic modification of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) relate to resting-state functional connectivity (FC) alterations and core symptom severity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS: We recruited 43 children with ASD and 54 typically developing (TD) children. Participants underwent OXTR genotyping and DNA methylation analysis (including CpG site 924), resting-state functional MRI, and standardized clinical assessments of ASD symptom severity. Group differences in within- and between-network FC were evaluated, and diagnosis-by-genotype/methylation interaction analyses were performed. Associations between FC measures and clinical severity scores were examined. RESULTS: Children with ASD showed decreased FC within and between major brain networks compared with TD children. OXTR genetic variants and hypermethylation further moderated these group differences. Specifically, risk alleles of two OXTR single nucleotide polymorphisms and hypermethylation at CpG 924 were associated with decreased FC in ASD but increased FC in TD children, suggesting a diagnosis-dependent, potentially compensatory pattern in typical development. FC measures were significantly associated with ASD severity scores. CONCLUSION: These findings link OXTR genetic and epigenetic variation to network-level brain connectivity alterations and clinical symptoms in ASD, supporting an integrated neurobiological model that bridges molecular variation and behavior. Multimodal approaches incorporating epigenetics and neuroimaging may facilitate personalized, mechanism-based strategies for ASD.

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22. Zhang K, Kong J, Zhang J, Zhang S, Chen J. Participant-Independent Classification of Autism-Related Visual Attention Patterns from Eye-Tracking Scanpath Images Using a Global-Local Fusion Network. J Eye Mov Res. 2026; 19(4).

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit atypical patterns of visual attention allocation and social-cue processing. Eye-tracking scanpath (ETSP) retains information about fixation points, saccade paths and their temporal changes in the form of images, providing an intuitive and computable data representation for analyzing ASD-related visual attention patterns. However, in ASD auxiliary identification studies, the same participant often generates multiple eye-tracking recordings or multiple visual representation samples. If participant independence is not properly considered during model evaluation, the training and test sets may share individualized eye-movement patterns from the same child. In such cases, the model may learn subject-specific characteristics rather than stable and transferable ASD-related visual attention features, leading to an overestimation of its recognition ability on unseen participants. To address this issue, we propose a Global-Local Collaborative Fusion Network (GLCF-Net) under a strict participant-independent splitting protocol. Specifically, the proposed method first maps ETSP images into patch token sequences through a shared Patch Embedding layer. A CNN-based local branch is then used to extract local trajectory morphology, path density, and spatial neighborhood structure, while a ViT-based global branch models cross-region gaze transitions and the overall attention distribution. Finally, a gated adaptive fusion module dynamically integrates local and global information to enhance the representation of stable visual attention features. In the primary repeated stratified five-fold participant-level evaluation, averaging the two out-of-fold probabilities for each participant yielded an Accuracy of 87.0% and a ROC-AUC of 93.7%; the original participant split, retained as a secondary analysis, yielded an Accuracy of 83.52% and a ROC-AUC of 90.27%. Under the reported frozen-backbone configurations, the model also showed a balanced pattern across Accuracy, Recall, and F1-score. These results characterize performance for unseen participants within the same dataset and acquisition conditions.

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