Here are some key February 2026 updates from recent studies:

1. **Preterm Birth & Autism Heterogeneity**: Research from the Simons Foundation found links between preterm birth and varying autism presentations, highlighting multi-ancestry differences in the SPARK sample (Chatzigeorgiou et al., 2026).

2. **GI Symptoms & Behavior**: New findings explore connections between gastrointestinal issues and behavioral challenges in autism, suggesting tailored interventions may help (Autism Research Institute, 2026).

3. **Early Detection**: A Missouri study identified infant crying patterns as potential early markers, aiding earlier diagnosis (Thompson Center, 2025).

For deeper dives, check the Autism Science Foundation’s 2025 review or Autism Spectrum News’ Winter 2026 issue. Hope this helps!