1. Alam S, Shaughnessy CA, Lucas EA, Olawale F, Fathepure BZ, McCullagh EA. Fmr1 mutation is associated with gut microbiome structure and diversity as well as intestinal barrier integrity and function in a sex- and genotype-dependent manner. mSphere. 2026; 11(9): e0044226.

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading monogenic cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), caused by mutation in the Fmr1 gene. In addition to cognitive and behavioral challenges, FXS patients often experience altered gut microbiome-induced gastrointestinal (GI) problems. Evidence suggests that an altered gut microbiome can disrupt mucosal barrier and promote inflammation, leading to impaired intestinal barrier integrity and function. However, the mechanisms by which the gut microbiome alters the barrier integrity and contributes to GI pathology in FXS remain poorly understood. To address this gap, we tested the hypothesis that Fmr1 mutation is associated with gut microbiome composition, altering transcriptional markers of intestinal barrier regulation, and gut barrier physiology in mice. To test our hypothesis, we used an Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse model with wild-type (WT) littermates as controls. First, we performed 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing to characterize gut microbial community structure and diversity across genotypes and sexes. Among the alpha-diversity metrics, only Chao1 showed significant differences across female genotypes in both fecal and cecal contents. Additionally, qRT-PCR analysis of ileal samples revealed reduced barrier and mucosal defense gene expression in female KO and Het mice compared with WT females. Next, we used an Ussing chamber assay to test gut epithelial permeability and function. Our physiological data showed that female Het mice had increased transepithelial resistance compared to WT females, indicating a tighter epithelial barrier. Overall, FXS is associated with modest genotype- and sex-specific microbiome variation, impaired gut barrier integrity, and altered epithelial barrier function in female mice.IMPORTANCEFragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common inherited cause of autism, affects not only brain function but also physical health, including chronic gastrointestinal (GI) problems that are often overlooked. This study reveals that a single genetic mutation linked to FXS is associated with the gut microbiome and the intestinal barrier-the body’s frontline defense against inflammation and disease-in a sex-specific manner. Using a mouse model, we show that females carrying the Fmr1 mutation exhibit changes in gut microbes, reduced expression of genes that protect the intestinal lining, and altered gut barrier function. These findings highlight a critical gut-genetic connection in FXS and point to the intestine as an important, yet underappreciated, site of disease impact. By linking genetic risk for neurodevelopmental disorders to gut health, this work opens new avenues for understanding-and potentially treating-the gastrointestinal symptoms experienced by individuals with FXS.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

2. Azadikhah F, Amini-Khoei H, Lorigooini Z, Kazemi SM, Bijad E, Dehkordi HT, Rahimi-Madiseh M. Morus nigra L. Extract Mitigates Autistic-Like Behaviors in Maternally Separated Mice: Potential Involvement of Neuroinflammation, Nitric Oxide, and Oxidative Stress. Dev Neurobiol. 2026; 86(4): e70066.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder with rising global prevalence and no effective pharmacological treatments. Early-life stress, such as maternal separation (MS), is a known risk factor that can lead to neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, contributing to autistic-like behaviors. This study addresses the knowledge gap by exploring the potential of Morus nigra L. (black mulberry) extract, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, in mitigating these behaviors in a mouse model of MS. In this study, 40 male NMRI mice were used. Hydroalcoholic extract of M. nigra was isolated by maceration method; then, it was administered to MS-exposed mice (20, 40, or 60 mg/kg), and its effects on social interaction, memory, aggression, and spatial learning were assessed by using behavioral tests, including a three-chamber test, resident-intruder test, shuttle box test, and Morris water maze test. Oxidative stress markers in the serum and hippocampus as well as gene expression of inflammatory mediators in the hippocampus were assessed. Behavioral tests revealed significant improvements in social preference and passive avoidance memory and reduced aggressive behaviors. The Morris Water Maze test indicated enhanced spatial learning and memory. Biochemically, M. nigra extract reduced malondialdehyde levels and nitrite levels and increased total antioxidant capacity in the hippocampus. Gene expression analysis showed decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including Tnf-α, Il-1β, and Tlr4. These findings suggest that M. nigra extract mitigates autistic-like behaviors in MS mice by possibly attenuating neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, highlighting its potential for further investigation in ASD-related behavioral phenotypes. Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms and optimize dosing strategies.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

3. Bernache-Assollant I, Lacroix J. « Meeting Intellectual, Psychological, and Developmental Disabilities »: Evaluating an 8-Month Adapted Physical Activity Contact-Based Approach. Adapt Phys Activ Q. 2026: 1-9.

Stigma toward people with intellectual, psychological, or developmental disabilities persists. This study assessed the longitudinal impact of a contact-based educational intervention combining two methods of contact-indirect (theoretical teaching) and direct (adapted physical activity practice)-on intergroup anxiety and explicit social perceptions toward people with intellectual, psychological, or developmental disabilities. Thirty-nine undergraduate students took a teaching module on disability and completed assessments at four time points. The results revealed that intergroup anxiety significantly decreased following the combination of indirect and direct contact and remained reduced at the follow-up assessment. Higher levels of social contact, prior experience, and professional intention were associated with lower baseline anxiety, though they did not moderate the intervention’s effect over time. Perceptions of people with intellectual, psychological, or developmental disabilities as warmer than competent remained stable from baseline to follow-up. These findings support the integration of adapted physical activity contact into training programs to reduce stigma among future education professionals.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

4. Callaci CR, Dyk TRV, Morrell HER, Fenning RM, Neece CL. Parent stress reduction interventions and sleep problems in autistic youth. Res Autism. 2025; 127.

BACKGROUND: Sleep problems in autistic children are associated with behavioral difficulties and elevated parenting stress even after accounting for autistic symptoms and demographics. This study evaluated whether two caregiver stress-reduction interventions had collateral benefits in improving parent-reported sleep in autistic children. METHOD: Participants included families of autistic children aged 3-5 years (N = 51, 80.39 % child ethnic minority) enrolled in a larger randomized control trial examining the efficacy of two different parent stress reduction interventions: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Psychoeducation and Support (PE). Parent-reported child sleep problems were measured by the behaviorally-based subscales (bedtime resistance, sleep duration, sleep onset delay) of the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire and parenting stress was measured using the PSI-4 Short Form Parental Distress subscale, both at baseline, post-intervention, and 6- and 12-months post intervention. RESULTS: Using multilevel modeling, bedtime resistance significantly improved over time, with no significant differences between intervention groups. Sleep duration and sleep onset delay improved over time; however, these outcomes were no longer significant when the effect of the intervention group or its interaction with change over time was added to the model. Less within-individual parenting stress was associated with fewer problems with bedtime resistance and sleep duration, but not with sleep onset delay. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in parenting stress appears to correspond with improvement in aspects of children’s sleep, particularly bedtime resistance. Clinicians may consider the benefits of addressing parenting stress in the context of behavioral sleep interventions for autistic youth.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

5. De Chiara S, Di Somma A, Mazziotti V, Coppola S, Oglio F, Tammaro L, Riccio MP, Bravaccio C, Molinaro A, Berni Canani R, Di Lorenzo F. Functional Heterogeneity of the Autism Spectrum Disorder-Associated Gut Microbial Ecosystem Revealed by Fecal Lipopolysaccharides and Bacterial Proteomic Profiling. Chembiochem. 2026; 27(19): e70557.

The etiology of pediatric autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been increasingly linked to alterations in the gut-brain axis, highlighting the intricate bidirectional communication between gut microbiota and central nervous system. The molecular mechanisms of this communication are poorly understood. Here we investigated whether ASD-associated gut microbiota could exhibit altered inflammatory molecular outputs by integrating chemistry-driven profiling of fecal lipopolysaccharides (LPS), functional bacterial proteomics, and neuroimmune cellular assays. Structural analyses revealed that LPS from non-autistic healthy donors (NASD) displayed highly conserved carbohydrate and lipid A signatures dominated by hypo-acylated mono-phosphorylated species typically associated with immunomodulatory Bacteroides-derived LPS. In contrast, LPS from ASD children exhibited increased structural heterogeneity. These molecular alterations were functionally reflected in human HMC3 microglial cells, where ASD-derived fecal LPS induced stronger IL-6 and IL-8 release compared with NASD-derived LPS, indicating enhanced neuroinflammatory potential. Functional proteomic profiling disclosed broadly comparable microbial compositions but marked metabolic divergence. These findings suggest that gut microbiota in ASD children are associated with a functionally heterogeneous microbial ecosystem characterized by altered immunostimulatory molecular outputs despite the absence of massive taxonomic shifts, with potential relevance for neuroimmune dysregulation.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

6. Esposito G. From measurement to meaning: Advancing developmental disabilities research across contexts. Res Dev Disabil. 2026: 105391.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

7. Gonzalez-Alguacil E, Lamagrande Casanova N, Luján Bonete M, Mansilla Lozano D, García Peñas JJ, Ballará Petitbó M, Trincado Lamuño R, Cantarín-Extremera V, Díaz Conejo R, Rodríguez Sánchez C, García Ron A, Soto Insuga V. Fenfluramine in Rett syndrome: A multidimensional clinical study. Epilepsia Open. 2026.

OBJECTIVE: Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder frequently associated with drug-resistant epilepsy, autonomic dysfunction, respiratory abnormalities, sleep disturbances, and behavioral impairment. Fenfluramine has shown efficacy in developmental and epileptic encephalopathies and may provide broader therapeutic benefits through modulation of serotonergic and sigma-1 receptor pathways. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, open-label, single-center study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of adjunctive fenfluramine in patients with classic RTT carrying pathogenic MECP2 variants. Clinical assessments were performed at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Outcomes included seizure frequency; clinician-reported measures of RTT severity, including the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scale, Clinical Severity Scale (CSS), and Motor Behavior Assessment (MBA); caregiver-reported measures, including the Rett Syndrome Behavior Questionnaire (RSBQ), Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC), the EQ-5D-5L quality of life scale; and neurophysiological measures using auditory evoked potentials. RESULTS: Eight patients with classic RTT and drug-resistant epilepsy were included. Median age was 12 years (range, 6-17 years), and the median number of previously failed antiseizure medications was 5 (range, 2-10). All patients achieved a >50% reduction in seizure frequency. Significant improvements were observed in clinician-reported outcomes, including CGI-I, CSS, and MBA scores, and in caregiver-reported behavioral symptoms assessed with the RSBQ at 3 and 6 months (-7 and -9, respectively). Sleep disturbances improved markedly, with normalization of SDSC scores in all patients by month 6. Respiratory dysfunction, including hyperventilation-related symptoms, improved during follow-up. Neurophysiological assessments showed improved attentional and auditory discrimination processing in a subset of patients. Adverse events occurred in 71% of patients, most commonly somnolence; no patient discontinued treatment because of tolerability issues. SIGNIFICANCE: Fenfluramine was associated with clinically meaningful improvements across several symptom domains in patients with RTT, including seizures, respiratory dysfunction, behavior, sleep, and overall disease severity, with an acceptable safety profile. Further evaluation of fenfluramine as a potential multisymptomatic treatment strategy in RTT in prospective controlled studies is warranted. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Rett syndrome is a rare genetic disorder with complex symptoms that affect many aspects of daily life. In this study, fenfluramine was associated with improvements in seizures and several other important symptoms, including behavior, sleep, breathing, and clinical severity. The treatment was generally well tolerated. These results support further studies to determine whether fenfluramine could become a treatment for multiple symptoms of Rett syndrome.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

8. Grewal S, Roy R, Sidhu K, Bascon K, Elahresh F, Ahmad F, Naidoo L, D’Angiulli A. Pediatric social robotics in ASD: navigating AI blind-spots toward clinical validation. Eur J Pediatr. 2026; 185(10).

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into children’s therapeutic environments, social robots are emerging as one of the most clinically complex AI applications for pediatric autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This mini-review examines three under-validated « blind-spot » domains: robot-wearable sensor integration, immersive VR-robot hybrid systems, and generative AI conversational interfaces. Although these technologies offer promising opportunities for adaptive and personalized intervention, current evidence remains limited by small pilot studies, insufficient longitudinal validation, and unresolved developmental safety concerns. Key risks include pediatric sensor intolerance, cognitive overload during immersive exposure, privacy concerns related to continuous data collection, and unconstrained AI-generated dialogue that may reinforce maladaptive communicative patterns in vulnerable children. We propose a five-module clinical validation roadmap focused on pediatric calibration standards, standardized developmental outcome measures, multisite randomized controlled trials, longitudinal monitoring, and human-supported safety architectures. CONCLUSION: Adaptive social robotics offers a promising but currently unvalidated frontier in pediatric ASD care. These systems cannot yet be supported as primary therapeutic interventions, as pediatric-specific calibration standards, standardized developmental outcome measures, and adequately powered longitudinal trials remain absent. The proposed validation framework outlines a pathway for ensuring AI-supported interventions augment rather than replace authentic human-centered developmental care. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Social robots can produce measurable short-term gains in social and communication skills in children with autism spectrum disorder. • Supporting evidence derives largely from small, short-duration pilot studies conducted in controlled settings, limiting clinical applicability. WHAT IS NEW: • Three under-validated blind-spot domains are identified: robot-wearable sensor integration, VR-robot hybrid systems, and generative AI conversational interfaces. • A five-module Clinical Validation Roadmap is proposed to move these domains from pilot demonstration toward pediatric standard of care.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

9. Gür K, Uludağ Alkaya D, Güneş N, Onur H, Zübarioğlu T, Kılınç Sakallı AA, Saygılı SK, Kıykım A, Yalçınkaya C, Tüysüz B. Severe neurodevelopmental phenotype with multisystem involvement in VPS16-related mucopolysaccharidosis-like syndrome. Neurogenetics. 2026; 27(1).

Vacuolar protein sorting 16 (VPS16) functions in endolysosomal trafficking. Biallelic VPS16 variants cause a mucopolysaccharidosis-like syndrome reported in only four patients, with neurological involvement ranging from mild developmental delay to severe impairment with epilepsy and pyramidal signs. We report an additional patient biallelic for VPS16 NM_022575.4:c.2272-18 C > A, with profound developmental delay, early-onset epilepsy, and spasticity. Multisystem involvement included recurrent infections, neutropenia, serosal effusions, and tubular proteinuria. Brain MRI showed white-matter abnormalities, progressive cerebral and cerebellar atrophy, and symmetric signal changes in the globus pallidus and substantia nigra, suggestive of iron deposition, further expanding the neurological spectrum of this disorder.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

10. Jacobsen K. « I had this fear that as an autistic person, they would take me less seriously »: Trans autistic experiences of epistemic (in)justice in gender-affirming care. Int J Transgend Health. 2026; 27(5): 2579-96.

BACKGROUND: A disproportionate number of transgender and nonbinary people are autistic, and research suggests that trans autistic people experience significant barriers and challenges to accessing gender-affirming care. Much of the existing research in this area focuses on determining why trans people are more likely to be autistic, and less research has attended to trans autistic people’s lived experiences of accessing gender-affirming care. METHODS: To better understand these barriers and their impacts, I conducted qualitative interviews with 12 trans autistic people who had recently accessed gender-affirming medical care in the province of Ontario, Canada. Interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants reported being frequently not believed, listened to, or taken seriously by healthcare providers, which I conceptualize as instances of epistemic injustice. I identify how medical discourses, ideologies, and clinical guidelines create conditions for gender-affirming care in which trans autistic people experience pervasive epistemic injustice. For example, participants felt pressure to conform to a transnormative and neuronormative narrative in order to be taken seriously by gender-affirming care providers. Some providers misinterpreted autistic communication styles and unfairly discredited their client’s knowledge, eroding their trust in health care. While participants used creative self-advocacy strategies to access care, some providers felt threatened by this challenge to their epistemic power and medical authority. Conversely, participants also had positive experiences of epistemic justice when providers took their knowledge and lived experience seriously. CONCLUSION: I argue that gender-affirming care providers must practice epistemic humility by listening deeply and acknowledging the limits of their knowledge to deliver patient-centered care for trans autistic people. Systemic changes to the healthcare system and disrupting transnormativity and neuronormativity are necessary to improve trans autistic people’s experiences of gender-affirming care and enable epistemic justice.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

11. Rosenau KA, Parks R, Goral D, Hotez E, Chang MJ, Czyzia J, Rudolph D. United States Medical and Dental Curricula on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Inclusion of People with IDD in Curriculum Creation and Delivery. Teach Learn Med. 2026: 1-11.

Surveys of medical trainees have found that while students agree on the importance of understanding clinical care of people with disabilities, the majority of medical students do not feel competent treating these populations. The purpose of this descriptive mixed-methods study was to better characterize efforts in a non-random sample of US medical and dental schools to include material about intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) in their curricula, with particular attention to the meaningful involvement of people with IDD in curriculum development and delivery. This study consisted of a 36-item, electronically delivered survey (N = 38 respondents from 24 institutions) of medical and dental school students, faculty, and administrators, including people with IDD, who were involved with inclusive IDD curricula design and implementation. This was followed by two focus groups (N = 13) with people with IDD who had been involved in medical or dental school curriculum design, implementation, and/or evaluation. While people with IDD were commonly involved in curriculum delivery, goal-setting and evaluation were two phases where people with IDD were included the least. While most schools provided content on the social and medical model of disability and basic knowledge and context about IDD, less than half included gender and sexuality/reproductive health or diagnostics in topics covered. Focus group findings from people with IDD found varied levels of meaningful engagement. Moving forward, a continued push to increase inclusive IDD-related content in medical and dental schools should include people with IDD at the forefront, from goal setting to curriculum evaluation, and integrate intersectional topics such as sexual health. Collaborative efforts are needed to ensure researchers, educators, clinicians, and medical students are collectively increasing IDD-focused training for future healthcare providers.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

12. Schaaf CP. Rett syndrome in the era of early diagnosis and therapy: From genotype to phenotype. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2026.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

13. Sridhar A, Michael O, Dickson KS, Du A, Thirion M, Drahota A, Hall LJ, Kraemer B, Stahmer A, Mandell D, Locke J. Exploring Middle and High School Personnel’s Definition and Knowledge of Evidence-Based Practices for Autistic Students. Evid Based Pract Child Adolesc Ment Health. 2026.

BACKGROUND: Mandates that educators use evidence-based practices (EBP) with autistic students have not led to their widespread or consistent implementation, despite their growing availability. EBP knowledge is integral to effective implementation, and prior studies have shown that educators often are limited in their ability to identify and define existing EBPs. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to: (1) examine how middle and high school staff who support autistic students define EBPs; and (2) identify which practices they endorse as being EBPs in the school setting. METHOD: This study explored qualitative responses from 37 middle and high school and district staff members to the following questions: (1) « What does an EBP or support mean to you? » and (2) « What EBPs or supports do you or your colleagues use in your school? » Responses were compared to the National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice (NCAEP) definition and registry of EBPs. The EBP definition includes: (1) an instructional or intervention procedure (or set of procedures), (2) existence of an acceptable level of research evidence supporting the practice, and (3) demonstration of positive outcomes for autistic children, youth, and/or adults. RESULTS: Three participant responses were not consistent with any of the NCAEP EBP criteria, seven included one criterion in their response, 16 included two criteria, and 11 included all three criteria. School and district personnel listed 17 autism-focused EBPs that are listed in the NCAEP report and described the use of 41 other practices. Five respondents were unsure which EBPs their schools used. CONCLUSION: Findings highlight variability in school and district staff understanding of what constitutes an EBP, suggesting the need for tools to support educators in selecting and implementing such practices effectively.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

14. Topuz HS, Kurnaz ME, Keles ES, Ersen A, Onal H. Effect of a Novel Mediterranean-Style Diet (MIND-DASE) on Behavioural and Developmental Outcomes in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis. J Paediatr Child Health. 2026.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the efficacy of the MIND-DASE (Mediterranean-style Intervention for Neuro-Developmental Diversity and Autism Symptom Evaluation) nutritional model in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We hypothesized that increasing dietary diversity acts as a clinical catalyst for rapid behavioural improvement. METHODS: In this propensity score-matched retrospective cohort study (N = 188), children in the diet group (n = 94) were matched 1:1 with non-compliant controls (n = 94) based on age, gender and baseline symptom severity (ATEC/ABC). Behavioural and developmental outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: At 6 months, the MIND-DASE group demonstrated a significantly more rapid reduction in Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) total scores compared to controls (-18.4 ± 21.7 vs. -3.6 ± 16.2; p < 0.0001). Significant superiority was observed across all ABC subscales, including irritability (p = 0.0001) and hyperactivity (p = 0.0001). While both groups showed significant developmental progress in ATEC scores by the 12-month mark, the dietary intervention induced a markedly earlier clinical response in behavioural symptoms within the first 6 months. CONCLUSION: The MIND-DASE model induces a rapid and significant improvement in aberrant behaviours. While long-term standard care eventually leads to developmental gains, the nutritional intervention serves as a critical catalyst, accelerating clinical improvement in the early stages of treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06662916.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

15. Wen J, Pu Q. Integrative genetic analyses of circadian chronotype and autism highlight regional co-association at 17q21.31. Behav Brain Res. 2026; 517: 116508.

Chronotype and sleep problems are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but their genetic relationship remains uncertain. We integrated published cross-trait LD score regression (LDSC), brain eQTL-based summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR), SNP-based two-sample MR, two-step mediation MR, secondary parallel SMR, and Bayesian colocalization using UK Biobank chronotype GWASs, the iPSYCH/Psychiatric Genomics Consortium ASD GWAS, and GTEx v8 brain eQTLs. The published LDSC estimate was negative for morningness-coded chronotype and ASD (rG = -0.199). Primary ASD-outcome SMR identified 50 gene-tissue pairs representing 24 genes at the exploratory multi-SNP PSMR < 0.001 threshold; none met Bonferroni significance. Fifteen candidates occurred in the LD-rich 17q21.31 inversion and are not independent gene discoveries. Secondary eveningness-outcome SMR tested all 24 candidates in matched tissues; 22 had PSMR < 0.05, but GTEx reuse made this descriptive. At 17q21.31, the prespecified p12 = 1 × 10⁻⁵ favored distinct variants (PP.H3 = 0.785) over one shared variant (PP.H4 = 0.126). H3 dominance strengthened at p12 = 1 × 10⁻⁶ and reversed only at the permissive p12 = 1 × 10⁻⁴, equal to p1 and p2. Eveningness-oriented IVW MR was positive (β = 0.270, P = 0.008), whereas robust estimators were attenuated; no mediation was detected through sleep duration or insomnia complaints. These analyses prioritize exploratory regional associations without proving shared causality or mechanism.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

16. Wilkinson E, Pai K, Jahoda A, Hastings RP, Bal VH. Depression Screening Tools for Non- and Minimally Speaking Autistic Adults: Feasibility, Psychometrics, and Wider Validity. Autism. 2026: 13623613261480395.

Depression remains underdiagnosed in non- and minimally speaking (NMS) autistic adults, despite caregiver concerns suggesting high rates of mood-related difficulties, as such this study evaluates the validity, reliability, and feasibility of three established caregiver-report depression measures (Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Scale-ADAMS; Glasgow Depression Scale-Caregiver Supplement-GDS-CS; Mood, Interest, and Pleasure Questionnaire-MIPQ) with 160 caregivers of NMS autistic adults. Participants completed surveys, and a subset engaged in cognitive interviews to assess content validity and usability. Psychometric analyses included confirmatory factor analyses, internal consistency estimation, and exploratory cut-off scores based on parent-reported concern about depression. Results indicated that the GDS-CS had the strongest support, showing acceptable model fit, fair reliability, and high caregiver acceptability. The ADAMS also demonstrated strong psychometric properties and feasibility, with the added benefit of capturing related symptoms such as anxiety. The MIPQ, while designed for individuals with limited language, showed poor model fit and lower caregiver usability. Findings support the use of the GDS-CS and ADAMS as promising tools for screening depression in NMS autistic adults and highlight the need for further validation and tailored mental health assessment approaches for this underserved population.Lay AbstractSome autistic people do not use speech to communicate, even when they become adults. These individuals are called minimally speaking (or nonspeaking; NMS). Many parents think their NMS autistic adult children may be depressed, but few have a diagnosis from a doctor. One reason for this is that most ways doctors check for depression ask about feelings using spoken words. This does not work well for people who do not speak. This study asked 160 parents of minimally speaking autistic adults to fill out three surveys that may help identify depression. The surveys were the ADAMS, the GDS-CS, and the MIPQ. The parents answered questions about how their adult children behave, how often certain things happen, and whether they think their child is depressed. Some parents also talked in interviews about how easy or hard the surveys were to understand and complete. The results showed that two of the surveys, the ADAMS and the GDS-CS, worked pretty well and were quick to fill out. Parents said the GDS-CS was the easiest to understand. The third survey, the MIPQ, was harder for parents to use and did not work as well. This study shows that it is possible to screen for depression in autistic adults who do not speak by asking caregivers the right kinds of questions. It also shows that more research is needed to make sure these tools work for everyone. Doctors and caregivers can use these tools to find people who may be feeling depressed and need more help. This is an important step toward making sure all autistic adults, including those who don’t speak, get the mental health care they need.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

17. Zhang X, Wu J, Zhao Z, Lang L, Hou W, Hu A, Sheng Z, Wang Z, Shen M, Xu C, Lv M, Lu Y, Mao Y, Chen L. Deep brain stimulation of the nucleus accumbens and anterior limb of internal capsule in a paediatric patient with autism spectrum disorder: A case report and literature review. Gen Psychiatr. 2026; 39(5): e70063.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)