1. Abaszadeh Y, Khalifeh S, Sala C, Mohseni-Moghaddam P. Exploring ferroptosis: Unraveling its potential role in autistic spectrum disorder. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2026; 189: 106893.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a diverse neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by ambiguous etiological mechanisms and the absence of recognized disease-modifying pharmacotherapies. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent and lipid peroxidation-driven mechanism of regulated cell death, has been associated with neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration, prompting interest in its potential role in ASD. This narrative review consolidates from molecular and clinical studies, animal models, and in vitro systems to assess ferroptosis as a candidate mechanistic pathway, biomarker source, and therapeutic target in ASD. Peripheral transcriptomic analyses reveal differentially expressed ferroptosis-related genes, ferroptosis-based molecular clusters, and immune-activated subtype in children with ASD, facilitating the development of ferroptosis-derived diagnostic and scoring models with modest yet reproducible discrimination. Clinical data associate maladaptive polyunsaturated fatty acid profiles, increased lipid peroxidation products, and adverse docosahexaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio with autistic social impairments, aligning with ferroptosis-prone conditions. In rodent models, genetic or pharmacological modulation of DDIT4-PI3K/Akt signaling, Nrf2/GPX4/xCT antioxidant systems, and ferritinophagy mitigates ASD-like social deficits, repetitive behaviors, anxiety-like phenotypes, and liver pathology. Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitors from autistic children with megalencephaly exhibit heightened oxidative and iron stress, alongside active resistance to ferroptosis mediated by upregulated GPX4 and selenoprotein pathways, indicating subtype-specific ferroptosis resistance. These findings suggest a complex, context-dependent role of ferroptosis and ferroptosis resistance in ASD, interacting with immune dysregulation, redox imbalance, and peripheral organ involvement. Nevertheless, longitudinal and interventional studies integrating brain, peripheral, and cellular data are required to establish causality, define meaningful ferroptosis-related signatures, and evaluate the safety and efficacy of ferroptosis-modulating interventions.

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2. Ashari P, Renhoran CR, Komariyah DAN, Ishibashi Y. Experiences of Teachers and Occupational Therapists in Identifying Activity Problems Among Primary School Students With Developmental Difficulties in Indonesia: A Focus Group Interview. Occup Ther Int. 2026; 2026(1): e4812427.

BACKGROUND: An interprofessional approach integrating the perspectives of teachers and school-based occupational therapists is crucial for identifying and addressing complex activity problems among students with developmental difficulties. Nonetheless, the process through which professionals jointly perceive and describe these problems remains underexplored in Indonesia. OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed at describing the experiences of Indonesian teachers and occupational therapists in identifying activity problems among primary school students with developmental difficulties. METHODS: This descriptive qualitative study included 15 participants (seven teachers, one assistant teacher, and seven occupational therapists) who were purposively sampled and invited to participate in four online focus group interviews. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis supported by member checking, peer debriefing, and an audit trail to ensure trustworthiness. RESULTS: Two primary descriptive themes were identified as follows: (i) « holistic approaches to the management of student activity problems » and (ii) « students’ functional participation challenges at school. » The participants perceived those restrictions on students’ participation in expected activities resulted from the dynamic interplay between student capacities and contextual environmental constraints. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the value of integrating diverse professional perspectives to capture the complex, transactional nature of students’ functional participation challenges in educational environments. School-based occupational therapy practices should adopt holistic, collaborative approaches that empower school personnel and align with each school’s context. Further studies are necessary to develop contextually relevant assessments, protocols, and support programs addressing participation restrictions in Indonesian school settings.

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3. Barbarroja N, Giardini F, Ordin M, Manrique HM. Handling of Reputation-Damaging Information in Adolescents and Young Adults With Autism. J Autism Dev Disord. 2026.

PURPOSE: This study investigated how adolescents and young adults, both with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), handle and disseminate gossip, particularly when it involves norm-violating, reputation-damaging information. METHODS: We presented participants with a series of narratives in which a fictional character either adhered to or violated established social norms and asked participants whether they would disclose the newly acquired information. RESULTS: We found that negative content-especially involving norm transgressions-was 1.5 times more likely to be shared, regardless of neurodevelopmental profile. Surprisingly, participants across both groups-those with ASD and those without-were equally likely to disseminate harmful gossip, challenging assumptions about reduced reputational sensitivity among autistic participants. However, differences emerged in qualitative patterns: participants in the comparison group often preferred peer recipients and cited reputational protection as a reason for withholding gossip, while participants in the autistic sample more frequently shared information with authority figures and did not reference reputational concerns. CONCLUSION: These tendencies suggest that individuals in the comparison group may be more motivated by social affiliation, whereas their age-matched autistic counterparts may place greater emphasis on norm enforcement. Overall, our results highlight a communicative hierarchy in which norm-related information takes precedence. Given that the autistic sample had a significantly lower mean IQ than the comparison sample, caution is warranted when generalizing these findings to the broader population of autistic adolescents and young adults.

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4. Boyle K, Murphy L, Frechette JD, Castro R. EEG-guided transcranial magnetic stimulation shows correlative reduction in core restrictive and repetitive behavioral symptoms for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. Appl Neuropsychol Child. 2026: 1-12.

This exploratory study investigates the effectiveness of EEG-guided Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in treating children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting about 1 in 36 children , with neuroimaging studies revealing brain abnormalities, particularly in the frontal and temporal lobes, along with changes in gray and white matter volumes. These neuroanatomical differences are linked to challenges in emotional regulation, motor skills, and cognitive functions. Although TMS has been proven effective for adult psychiatric conditions, especially depression, its potential for ASD treatment is still under investigation. We conducted a systematic review of the literature on EEG-guided TMS for children with ASD, following PRISMA guidelines. Out of 3,133 studies screened, 43 were selected, including 3 additional grey literature records. Seven studies met the final inclusion criteria. The majority of these studies used standardized assessments such as the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), and Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R) to evaluate outcomes. Findings from these studies suggest that TMS significantly improved behavioral issues, accompanied by EEG changes, specifically gamma band oscillations in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), an area critical for executive function, resulting in reduced irritability and hyperactivity. Importantly, no serious adverse effects were reported, supporting TMS as a safe alternative treatment option.

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5. Bruno G, Ahmad M, Cutknife C, Littlechild H, Ertman T, Smith J, Zwaigenbaum L, Nicholas D. Exploring the Experiences of First Nations Caregivers of Autistic Children in Canada: A Qualitative Community-Based Participatory Research Study. Autism. 2026: 13623613261464661.

Autism exists across all populations, including among Indigenous Peoples, yet the experiences of First Nations caregivers of Autistic children remain significantly under-researched. This study explores the lived realities of caregivers in two First Nations communities: Maskwacîs (Alberta) and Six Nations of the Grand River (Ontario). Guided by a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach and grounded in the nêhiyaw concept of wâhkôtowin (relationality), this research was co-led by the Autism Community Research Circle, which included Elders, Autistic individuals, caregivers, and professionals. Fourteen caregivers participated in semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis revealed eight key themes: lack of understanding and recognition; caregiver burnout; challenges with diagnosis and clinical navigation; school experiences; advocacy; stigma and ableism; culture and ceremony; and acceptance and transformation. Caregivers identified barriers including jurisdictional divides, racism, and lack of culturally appropriate services, but also emphasized the importance of kinship, cultural identity, and community acceptance. Autism was often reframed through Indigenous worldviews as a gift from the Creator, highlighting a strength-based perspective rooted in relationality. This study addresses a critical gap in the literature and calls for culturally grounded, community-led autism supports that align with Indigenous knowledge systems. Findings offer essential insights to inform more responsive policy, programming, and future research.Lay AbstractAutism exists in every community, including among First Nations Peoples in Canada, yet very little research has explored the experiences of Indigenous families raising Autistic children. This study looked at what life is like for First Nations caregivers of Autistic children in two communities, Maskwacîs in Alberta and Six Nations of the Grand River in Ontario. The project was led in partnership with community members, including Autistic people, Elders, caregivers, and professionals, through the Autism Community Research Circle. Together, we used a community-based approach that followed local teachings and values, especially the Cree concept of wâhkôtowin, which means kinship and relationship. Fourteen caregivers took part in interviews where they shared their stories and perspectives. We learned that caregivers often face major challenges in getting autism diagnoses and finding appropriate supports and services. Many spoke about burnout, stigma, and racism, as well as frustration with school systems and health care providers. Despite these barriers, caregivers described the strength they draw from family, culture, and community. Cultural teachings, ceremonies, and language helped caregivers and their children feel proud, connected, and supported. Some families described autism as a gift from the Creator, showing how Indigenous ways of understanding autism can promote acceptance and belonging. This research shows the need for autism programs, services, and policies that are guided by Indigenous knowledge, community leadership, and cultural safety. It also highlights the importance of seeing autism through a strengths-based lens that values family relationships, community, and identity. By listening to First Nations caregivers, we can build more inclusive and culturally grounded supports for Autistic children and their families.

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6. Burgac E, Çelik MY, Bulut FD, Kaplan İ, Köseci B, Kara E, Gündüz NT, Mert GG, Kaya Ö, Kor D, Mungan N. Creatine Deficiency Syndromes: Clinical Spectrum, Neuroimaging Features and Treatment Response. Int J Dev Neurosci. 2026; 86(5): e70163.

BACKGROUND: Creatine deficiency syndromes (CDS) are rare inborn errors of creatine biosynthesis or transport, predominantly affecting the central nervous system. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical features, neuroimaging findings, cardiac involvement and treatment outcomes of patients with CDS, while also increasing awareness of CDS in the differential diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and developmental delay. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with CDS and followed at the Pediatric Metabolism Departments of Çukurova University and Adana City Hospital between 2014 and 2024 were retrospectively analysed. Demographic data, age at symptom onset and diagnosis, clinical findings, laboratory results, brain magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, genetic analyses, cardiological evaluations and treatment outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Eight patients were included: two with arginine-glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT) deficiency, four with guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT) deficiency and two with creatine transporter deficiency (CTD). Developmental and speech delay were present in all patients. Seizures were observed in six patients and were controlled with antiepileptic therapy. Behavioural disorders, including autistic features, were detected in five patients. Brain MRS revealed reduced cerebral creatine peaks in evaluated patients. Cardiac evaluations showed no abnormalities in any patient. Follow-up MRS performed after treatment initiation in six patients demonstrated a marked increase in cerebral creatine peaks in three patients. CONCLUSION: CDS should be considered in patients with unexplained neurodevelopmental delay, epilepsy and autistic features. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are associated with improved outcomes.

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7. Burstain TL, Jacques D, Burstain JM. Association Between First MMR Vaccination Before Age 2 Years and Childhood Autism in a U.S. EHR Cohort of 2.5 Million Children. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2026.

BACKGROUND: Concerns about potential associations between measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination and autism persist despite extensive prior research. Observational studies evaluating vaccine timing are susceptible to bias from healthcare utilization patterns, neurodevelopmental concerns and time-dependent exposure classification. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Cosmos electronic health record database, including 2,560,035 US children with linked birth-parent data and follow-up through age 8 years. To minimize bias related to exposure timing and healthcare utilization, we performed prespecified age-based landmark analyses evaluating the first MMR vaccination administered between 11.5 and 24 months. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for autism were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models with covariates selected via directed acyclic graphs. A negative control exposure (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine booster administered at 12-15 months) was analyzed to assess residual confounding. RESULTS: In the primary 11.5-24 month landmark cohort, the first MMR vaccination was not associated with increased autism risk (aHR 0.97; 99% confidence interval 0.91-1.03). Across all age-specific landmark cohorts, aHRs remained near the null. The negative control analysis yielded a similarly near-null estimate (aHR 1.01; 99% confidence interval 0.99-1.04), supporting that residual bias is unlikely to explain the findings. CONCLUSIONS: In this large US cohort, age-anchored landmark analyses show no association between MMR vaccination before 24 months and childhood autism. The concordant near-null findings for both MMR and a negative control exposure support that the observed results are unlikely to be explained by residual confounding. These findings highlight the importance of age-specific analytic approaches in evaluating vaccine safety using observational data.

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8. Glatz C, Mercado NR. End-of-life ethics for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: Procedural safeguards, state oversight, and respect for persons. J Hosp Med. 2026.

New York State law establishes oversight during end-of-life care for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to avoid any additional mistreatment of people with disabilities. Unfortunately, these safeguards can lead to increases in suffering and loss of autonomy. The lessons learned in caring for these patients are generalizable, and following the steps outlined in this article can help ensure ethical end-of-life care for all of our patients.

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9. Greenstein E, Lee NR, McQuaid GA, Wallace GL. Executive Functioning Is Linked to Internalizing Symptoms in Autistic Adults With Higher Support Needs. Autism. 2026: 13623613261466302.

Executive function (EF) refers to a set of cognitive skills essential for self-regulation, problem-solving, and goal-directed behavior. Although EF’s relationship with co-occurring depression and anxiety symptoms is well documented in autistic individuals, particularly children without intellectual disability (ID), far less is known about this relationship in autistic adults with higher support needs, including those with ID. The present study addresses this gap by examining associations between three EF components (flexibility, emotion regulation, and inhibitory control) and symptoms of anxiety and depression in 486 autistic adults with higher support needs (ages 18-68; M = 31.07 years), recruited through the Simons Powering Autism Research for Knowledge (SPARK) Research Match service. Caregivers completed the Flexibility Scale, the Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale (inhibitory control and emotion regulation subscales), and the Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Scale (anxiety and depression subscales). Hierarchical linear regressions, controlling for age, sex assigned at birth, likely cognitive impairment, and caregiver educational attainment, revealed that greater difficulties with flexibility and emotion regulation were significantly associated with elevated anxiety and depression symptoms, whereas inhibitory control difficulties were not. These findings identify flexibility and emotion regulation as key correlates of internalizing symptoms in autistic adults with higher support needs, highlighting these domains as potential targets for future mechanistic and intervention research aimed at reducing anxiety and depression symptoms in this group.Lay AbstractSome everyday thinking skills help people manage feelings, handle change, and pause before acting. These are called executive functions. Most studies on these skills in autism have focused on children or on adults who do not have an intellectual disability, so autistic adults who need higher levels of support are often left out of research. In this study, caregivers answered questions about these thinking skills and about anxiety and depression for a large group of autistic adults with higher support needs, including people with intellectual disability. The results showed that greater challenges with flexibility and emotion regulation were linked with more anxiety and depression symptoms, suggesting that flexibility and emotion regulation could be an important focus for intervention development and support provision efforts aimed at reducing anxiety and depression symptoms in this group.

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10. Hazan S, Spradling-Reeves KD, Papoutsis A, Walker SJ. Correction: Hazan et al. Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing of Gut Microbiota in Triplet Sibling with ASD and Gastrointestinal Symptoms: A Descriptive Case Report. Children 2020, 7, 255. Children (Basel). 2026; 13(7).

The title of this publication […].

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11. Hellsten L, Rast J, Nielsen A, Ekström AM, Gemzell-Danielsson K, Kosidou K, Ahlqvist VH. Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Among Youth With Autism and ADHD: A Population-Based Study From Sweden. Autism Res. 2026: e70306.

Youth with autism spectrum disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may face barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Yet, data on preventive SRH service use remain limited, especially digital care. This population-based registry study investigated whether patterns of SRH service use differed by digital versus in-person care among 12-22-year-olds in Stockholm County (2018-2022). Among 454,405 youth (48.6% female; mean age 16 years), 11,850 were autistic, 31,144 had ADHD, and 9126 had both conditions; the majority of SRH contacts were in-person visits. ADHD youth had higher adjusted Odds Ratios [aOR] of in-person (females: 2.02 [95% CI, 1.93-2.11]; males, 1.46 [1.39-1.54]) and digital visits (females, 1.21 [1.14-1.29]; males, 1.26 [1.05-1.52]) than control peers. Autistic youth had lower aOR of in-person (females, 0.67 [0.63-0.72]; males, 0.45 [0.40-0.51]) and digital visits (females, 0.79 [0.71-0.89]; males, 0.79 [0.54-1.15]). Intensity of use (incidence rate ratios) was higher among ADHD youth but similar among autistic females compared with control peers. Autistic females were more likely to consult physicians but less likely to see midwives or use short-acting contraception. ADHD was associated with higher odds of all provider types, contraceptive methods, and abortion. In conclusion, ADHD youth engaged more and autistic youth less-particularly males-with SRH services than controls. Smaller relative digital than in-person differences suggest digital options might reduce access disparities. Similar intensity of use between autistic and control females suggests barriers may be entry to care, whereas high SRH use among ADHD youth challenges assumptions that low engagement drives risk outcomes. Sexual and reproductive health services help support young people’s health and wellbeing, but neurodiverse youth may face barriers to accessing care compared to their neurotypical peers. This study examined the use of sexual and reproductive health services among autistic and ADHD youth, including digital services. We found that young people with ADHD used services more than their peers, whereas autistic youth—particularly males—used them less often. Smaller differences in digital service use suggest that online pathways might help reduce inequalities in access to care. eng.

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12. Huang X, Wang L, Jiang Y. Intrinsic potency of biological motion in guiding attention: A conflict-based assessment across autistic traits. Br J Psychol. 2026.

Biological motion (BM) is a potent social signal capable of guiding human attention, a phenomenon termed social attention that underpins adaptive behaviour and interpersonal interaction. Although extensively studied in laboratory settings, social attention is typically examined using simplified, isolated cues, leaving unresolved whether it possesses reflexive properties distinct from nonsocial attention. This study developed a dual-cue paradigm that embedded oppositely oriented arrow cues within BM sequences, directly assessing the reflexive nature of BM-induced attention using a conflict-resilience criterion. Results confirmed that BM cues, despite being reduced to kinematic information within incongruent directional signals, robustly directed attention. Furthermore, this potency persisted even for local BM signals lacking global configuration but disappeared upon removal of essential biological characteristics, highlighting the crucial role of local motion cues in guiding attention under perceptual conflict. Crucially, BM-driven reflexive attention was negatively correlated with autistic traits. Individuals with higher autistic traits failed to utilize BM cues to direct attention, yet showed intact arrow-driven attention, manifesting specific deficits in social rather than nonsocial attention. These findings uncover an intrinsic processing advantage for social signals in complex contexts that appears compromised with increasing autism-like characteristics, providing a novel paradigm with promising implications for precisely assessing social attention ability in autism.

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13. Luo W, Yin Z, Dai J. Early Detection Methods for Autism Spectrum Disorder: From Clinical Screening to Multimodal AI. Diagnostics (Basel). 2026; 16(15).

Early detection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in young children is essential for timely referral, developmental monitoring, and access to early intervention. However, conventional screening and diagnostic pathways often depend on parent-report instruments, episodic clinical observation, and specialist-administered assessments, which may delay identification during the first years of life. This scoping review maps the methodological landscape of early ASD detection from traditional clinical screening to multimodal artificial intelligence (AI). A structured literature search was conducted across major biomedical, psychological, and engineering databases for studies published between January 2010 and May 2026. After screening and eligibility assessment, 65 evidence sources were included in the qualitative synthesis, with additional methodological guidelines used to support reporting and appraisal. The reviewed evidence shows that early ASD detection is increasingly shifting from single-session clinical assessment toward multidimensional risk characterization. Clinical and behavioral screening tools remain the foundation of early identification, while eye tracking, video-based motor analysis, acoustic and vocal biomarkers, electroencephalography (EEG), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and molecular or genomic indicators provide complementary information across different developmental windows. AI-based methods, including machine learning, deep learning, Transformer architectures, multimodal fusion strategies, and foundation-model-based representation learning, may improve the objective quantification of gaze, movement, vocalization, neural activity, and biological risk. Nevertheless, most AI-assisted systems remain limited by small and heterogeneous datasets, insufficient external validation, population bias, privacy concerns, computational burden, and limited interpretability. This review argues that future early ASD detection systems should be developed as clinician-supervised decision-support tools rather than autonomous diagnostic instruments. Clinically meaningful progress will require robust external validation, privacy-preserving deployment, age-appropriate risk stratification, and intrinsically interpretable architectures that align model outputs with developmental and clinical knowledge.

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14. McBride M, Graber A. Does Honouring Assent Really Respect the Preferences and Values of Research Participants with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities?. J Bioeth Inq. 2026.

Processes of representative consent and individual assent for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the research context are intended to protect such individuals from the power imbalance between participants and researchers. However, these protections often lead to exclusionary practices, leaving those with IDD without the opportunity to reap the same benefits from research as other, less vulnerable populations. Current conversations regarding research ethics heavily emphasize relying on participant assent as the solution to exclusionary research practices, as obtaining assent best respects the preferences and values of participants. In response to such arguments, we propose that the extent to which assent serves as a remedy to issues of those with IDD in research is unclear.

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15. Najim Abed Al-Saadi Y, Basim Mohammed Z, Abdulkareem Abdoun M, Mahmoudi A. Peripheral IL-6/IL-17/NF-κB1 and IL-10 Signaling in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Integrative Transcriptomic Analysis and qRT-PCR Validation. Med J Islam Repub Iran. 2025; 39: 165.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with immune and inflammatory dysregulation. However, the molecular networks linking peripheral immune signatures to neuroinflammatory processes remain poorly understood. This study aimed to explore inflammation-related molecular pathways in ASD through integrated transcriptomic network analysis and to validate key cytokine genes (IL6, IL10, IL17, NF-κB1) using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). METHODS: This was an integrative computational-experimental study. We analyzed 4 gene expression Omnibus (GEO) transcriptomic datasets (GSE18123, GSE111176, GSE87847, GSE6575), constructed protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, and identified inflammation-related modules. Selected inflammatory genes (IL6, IL10, IL17, NF-ΚB1) were validated by qRT-PCR in peripheral blood samples from ASD (n = 15) and healthy controls (n = 5). Statistical analyses were conducted in R. Data normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and normally distributed variables were compared using t-tests. RESULTS: Integration of datasets revealed core differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and a connected PPI network (26 nodes, 88 edges), with hub genes such as PUM1, TRRAP, ILF3, INO80, and PTBP1. Functional enrichment indicated cytokine-mediated signaling, leukocyte activation, and neuroinflammation processes. Network analysis highlighted central regulators linking chromatin remodeling, ribonucleic acid (RNA) processing, and immune signaling. qRT-PCR confirmed dysregulation of IL6 (fold change ≈ 12.8, P = 0.049), IL17 (≈ 21.3, P = 0.048), NF-ΚB1 (≈ 42.4, P = 0.039), and IL10 (≈ 0.101, P = 0.038). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest an IL-6/IL-17/NF-κB1-centric proinflammatory axis and reduced IL-10-mediated regulation in ASD, implicating peripheral immune activation and transcriptional regulators in neuroinflammatory processes. The identified hub genes and pathways may serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for an inflammation-associated ASD subtype. Limitations include small qRT-PCR sample size and lack of protein-level validation; future studies should explore longitudinal and multiomics approaches.

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16. Nowbotsing J, Erasmus P, van Aswegen M. Effects of a Structured Resistance Training Program on Muscular Strength and Functional Performance in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A 12-Week Intervention Study. Children (Basel). 2026; 13(7).

Background/Objectives: Motor impairments, including reduced muscular strength and coordination, are commonly reported in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and may negatively affect functional mobility and participation in daily activities. Despite increasing recognition of these challenges, structured resistance training programs for children with ASD remain limited. This study aimed to examine the effects of a 12-week resistance training program on muscular strength and functional performance in children aged 9-11 years with mild ASD. Methods: A selected-group repeated-measures design was employed. Twenty-eight children with specialist-confirmed mild ASD were allocated to an exercise (n = 14) or control group (n = 14) using a strength-matched allocation procedure. The intervention followed established exercise guidelines for youth. Assessments were conducted at baseline, week 6, and week 12 and included handgrip strength, vertical jump height, and 10-m walk time. Non-parametric Friedman tests assessed changes over time, followed by Durbin-Conover post hoc comparisons where appropriate. Effect sizes (r) were calculated. Results: No significant overall time effect was observed for handgrip strength, although a between-group difference favoring the exercise group was observed at week 6. Vertical jump height demonstrated a significant effect over time, with improvements observed in the exercise group from baseline to week 6 and a between-group difference at week 6. Walking time improved significantly across the study period, with improvements observed in both the exercise and control groups. Conclusions: These findings suggest that structured resistance training is a feasible intervention that may support improvements in physical function in children with mild ASD. Resistance training may therefore represent a useful component of exercise programs aimed at improving functional mobility and participation in children with developmental conditions.

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17. Olzi F, Raucci D, Narzisi A, Valente E, Ditaranto F, Belmonti V, Tancredi R, Pfanner C, Inguaggiato E, Villafranca A, Lenzi F, Berloffa S, Tolomei G, Viglione V, Masi G, Milone A, Fantozzi P. A Transdiagnostic Comparison of Emotional Regulation, Executive Functions, and Empathy in Three Groups of Female Adolescents: With Anorexia Nervosa, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Comorbid Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Brain Sci. 2026; 16(7).

Background: Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a severe eating disorder. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are two Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs), frequently co-occurring with each other (ADHD+ASD). The present study aimed to clarify cognitive and behavioral profiles, with a specific focus on emotional regulation, executive functions and empathy, in three groups of female adolescents. Methods: A total of 102 female adolescents aged 12-18 years were recruited. Participants were divided into three groups (AN: n = 30, ADHD: n = 47, ADHD+ASD: n = 25). All participants underwent a psychometric and a multidimensional clinical assessment. Group differences were analyzed through ANOVA with Bonferroni corrections. Results: Adolescents with ADHD+ASD scored significantly higher than the ADHD group in verbal comprehension. The AN group performed significantly better than both the ADHD and ADHD+ASD groups in working memory, and significantly better than the ADHD+ASD group in processing speed. Both the AN and ADHD+ASD groups were characterized by significantly greater impairment in global functioning than the ADHD group. No significant differences were found among the three groups on the Attention Switching, Attention to Detail, and Imagination subscales of the Autism Spectrum Quotient. Behaviorally, AN participants exhibited higher internalizing symptoms (anxiety and depression), the ADHD group presented more prominent externalizing behaviors (aggressive, rule-breaking, and attention problems), and the comorbid ADHD+ASD group demonstrated significantly more pronounced social problems. Most measures used to assess emotional dysregulation did not reveal significant differences among the three groups. Both the ADHD and ADHD+ASD groups showed significantly greater impairment in executive functioning than the AN group. Regarding empathic abilities, mixed results emerged. Conclusions: Findings suggest the coexistence of condition-specific features and shared vulnerabilities in female adolescents with AN, ADHD, and ADHD+ASD. These data underscore the importance of investigating the female phenotype from a transdiagnostic perspective to facilitate early detection and tailored interventions.

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18. Souza LJC, Moura MDG, Lopes LPN, Sasaki Zeredo KM, Carrillo JFS, Júnior JL, Figueiredo Modesto AC, de Oliveira AM, Motter FR, Ito M, Barbosa DF, Neto J, Lopes LC, Rodrigues W. Health databases and early identification of autism spectrum disorder: a scoping review. BMJ Open. 2026; 16(7): e112845.

OBJECTIVES: To map the available evidence on the use of health databases for the early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across diverse populations and settings. DESIGN: Scoping review conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute framework. DATA SOURCES: Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, with grey literature searched through ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, up to December 2024, and updated on March 2026. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies including individuals with diagnosed or suspected ASD were considered without restrictions on age, country or healthcare setting. Early identification was defined as the detection of ASD-related features prior to formal diagnosis. Health databases included digital sources such as electronic health records and surveillance systems, excluding those based solely on biological or genetic data. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Study selection and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. Extracted data were synthesised descriptively according to database type, analytical methods and reported outcomes. RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies were included, mostly from high-income countries and involving children or adolescents. Data sources included electronic medical records (n=25), automated healthcare databases (n=6) and national surveys or data sets (n=6); only one database was publicly accessible. Analytical methods comprised machine learning (ML) (n=14), predictive modelling (n=6), natural language processing (NLP) (n=7) and diagnostic code algorithms (n=7). Common early predictors reported across studies include male sex, advanced maternal age, immigrant background, low SES, perinatal complications, and language or motor delays. Reported comorbidities included epilepsy, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, mood/anxiety disorders and sensory issues. Children later diagnosed with ASD had more frequent medical visits, hospitalisations and emergency care. Diagnostic delays were more pronounced among low-income and underrepresented groups, despite early parental concerns. CONCLUSION: Health databases have been increasingly used to support early ASD detection through methods like ML and NLP; however, their clinical application is limited by challenges related to standardisation, ethical considerations, feasibility and data access. Addressing these barriers is essential to support inclusive, evidence-based strategies. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Open Science Framework. DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/RMVWE.

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19. Welsh J, Redmond K, McPeake J, Nikolić N, Moller AB. Understanding maternity care provision and experience for autistic women and birthing people and their care providers in the UK: protocol for a scoping review. BMJ Open. 2026; 16(7): e114558.

INTRODUCTION: Maternity care in the UK is under increasing scrutiny, with reports indicating that services often fail to meet the diverse needs of women and birthing people. Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent difficulties in social communication and interaction alongside restricted and repetitive behaviours. Autistic women and birthing people may face distinct barriers to accessing and navigating maternity care, compounded by limited awareness and inflexible service provision. To improve care responsiveness, it is essential to understand both the challenges faced by autistic women and birthing people and those encountered by healthcare professionals in delivering optimal care. This scoping review aims to identify and map existing literature and evidence on maternity care in the UK for autistic women and birthing people. METHODS: A comprehensive search, restricted to January 2000 to July 2026, will be conducted across multiple databases, including the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and the Overton Index. Reference lists of included studies will be screened to identify additional relevant literature. Extracted data will include study context, research focus and key findings. ANALYSIS: The literature will be mapped across several domains: experiences of care among autistic women and birthing people; maternity care providers’ knowledge of autism and ability to provide optimal care for autistic women and birthing people; interventions designed to support this population and relevant government policies influencing practice. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: As this review involves secondary analysis of published literature, ethical approval is not required. Findings will be presented using tabular and diagrammatic formats, supported by narrative synthesis. Results will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and via relevant professional networks and charity partners, and may inform future research, policy and practice in maternity care.

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20. Xiao G, Li X, Qin Y, Zhao W, Li X, Qian Y, Tian J, Chen X, Li W, Wang L. Structural brain alterations associated with brain age may link to social dysfunction in male adults with autism spectrum disorder. Front Neurosci. 2026; 20: 1795744.

BACKGROUND: While atypical brain development in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been extensively characterized during childhood and adolescence, it remains unclear how these neurodevelopmental deviations persist into adulthood and affect brain aging. Existing studies relying on single morphometric measures have yielded inconsistent findings, underscoring the need for integrative, multiscale neuroimaging approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using data from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange I (ABIDE-I) dataset, we investigated brain structural alterations in 90 adult males with ASD and 132 age-matched typically developing (TD) controls. All participants were right-handed and aged 18-55 years. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was employed to assess gray matter volume (GMV), and surface-based morphometry (SBM) was used to quantify cortical fractal dimension (FD). Global brain aging was evaluated using MRI-derived brain age estimation, from which the brain age gap (BAG) was calculated. Site-related effects were harmonized using the ComBat method. Group comparisons were performed for GMV, FD, and BAG using multiple linear regression, with age, full-scale IQ, and total intracranial volume included as covariates. Associations between neuroimaging metrics and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) scores were further examined. RESULTS: Cross-sectional comparisons demonstrated that adults with ASD exhibited higher estimated BAG values relative to TD controls (F = 6.838, p = 0.01, partial η(2) = 0.031). ComBat-harmonized morphometric analyses revealed exploratory localized GMV and FD differences, including increased GMV and FD in the right precuneus and increased FD in the lingual gyrus and lateral orbitofrontal cortex. GMV in the right precuneus showed an exploratory positive correlation with ADOS social-domain scores (r = 0.214, q = 0.044). CONCLUSION: Adults with ASD exhibited higher estimated BAG relative to TD controls in this cross-sectional sample. An exploratory association between right precuneus GMV and ADOS social-domain scores suggests a possible link between localized structural variation and social symptom severity, although this finding requires replication in longitudinal and clinically richer datasets given their sensitivity to the harmonization strategy.

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21. Zeng Y, Wang F, Li S, Liu Q, Liu L, Song B. Gut microbiota dysbiosis in autism spectrum disorder: 10 years of progress on compositional alterations, metabolic/immune mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies. Front Neurosci. 2026; 20: 1873864.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition frequently accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms, pointing to a potential role of the gut microbiota-brain axis. To explore this connection, the present review synthesizes findings from studies published between 2016 and 2026, including observational studies, meta-analyses, animal experiments, and clinical trials, with the aim of characterizing gut microbiota alterations in ASD, elucidating underlying mechanisms, and evaluating emerging therapeutic strategies. Across diverse populations, the most consistent microbial signatures in ASD include reduced abundances of Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia muciniphila, together with increased abundances of Clostridium, Bacteroides, and Escherichia-Shigella; however, geographic, age-, and sex-specific variations exist. In addition to bacterial changes, the gut virome and mycobiome are also perturbed, as evidenced by enrichment of Candida albicans and Clostridium phages. Mechanistically, these alterations are linked to reduced short-chain fatty acids (especially butyrate), disrupted tryptophan-serotonin metabolism, and elevated neuroinflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6). Causal evidence from animal models using fecal microbiota transplantation further demonstrates that ASD microbiota can directly induce autistic-like behaviors. Building on this causal link, early-phase clinical trials indicate that fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary interventions (e.g., ketogenic diet) can improve both gastrointestinal and behavioral symptoms, although larger double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are needed to confirm efficacy. Furthermore, multi-omics integration and host epigenetic signatures show promise for developing non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers. In conclusion, gut dysbiosis plays a causal role in ASD pathophysiology, and microbiome-based interventions represent a rational and potentially transformative therapeutic avenue.

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22. Zimmerman MP, Yin M, Cragg KR, Nareddula S, Kumar VM, Saldarriaga V, Rotger A, Lehman R, Edens P, Powell C, Barry J, Kim S, Makin JG, Chubykin AA. Impaired behavioral inhibition in Fmr1 KO mice is linked to disrupted visual cortex theta oscillations. Cell Rep. 2026; 45(7): 117590.

Fragile X syndrome (FX) is associated with sensory processing and learning deficits. Visual familiarity evokes persistent theta oscillations during passive stimulus presentation in the primary visual cortex (V1) and the hippocampus (HPC), which are impaired in V1 of FX. How does this activity change during active behavior? To address this, we performed Neuropixels recordings in V1, HPC, and the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during Go/No-Go visual discrimination behavior. Theta oscillations are reduced in FX in both V1 and HPC and are abolished during No-Go trials, correlating with excessive, incorrect licking behavior. In wild-type (WT) mice, V1 theta power strongly correlates with correct behavioral outcomes. PFC shows significantly reduced cue-related responses in FX. Together, these findings show loss of behavioral inhibition in FX correlated with attenuated theta activity in V1 and HPC and deficient top-down control from PFC. This work sheds light on circuit-level impairments underlying behavioral deficits in FX for potential therapeutic interventions.

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