Olfactory Function in Autism Spectrum Disorder Across the Lifespan: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

AutismJul 15, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchPsychiatry

Isabelle Cullen, Elisa Dal Bò, Peace Maddox et al.

✦ AI-curated · Sources linked

In 30 seconds

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined olfactory function in 1,580 autistic and 7,698 non-autistic individuals. Autistic individuals demonstrated significantly poorer olfactory performance (g = -0.64), particularly in psychophysical testing (g = -0.58) and informant reports (g = -1.31). The findings suggest pronounced olfactory deficits in autism, especially in childhood.

Key findings

  • Autistic individuals showed significantly poorer olfactory performance than non-autistic individuals (g = -0.64).
  • Psychophysical testing revealed reduced olfactory performance in autistic individuals (g = -0.58).
  • Informant reports indicated even greater deficits in olfactory function (g = -1.31).
  • Moderate deficits in olfactory function were observed in autistic children (g = -0.88).

Why it matters

Understanding olfactory function in autism is crucial for developing age-appropriate assessments and interventions. Clinicians can better support autistic individuals by recognizing sensory processing differences that impact daily life.

Source

PubMed · PMID 42458743

Published in Autism. This summary was written by xxcode from the publication's abstract and metadata. It is not peer reviewed and is not a substitute for the original article. For clinical decisions, review the original publication.

ShareTelegramLinkedIn

AI-generated summaries may contain errors or omissions. Verify clinically important information with the original publication.

More in Psychiatry

Clinical ResearchHematology

Ponatinib-Blinatumomab or Imatinib-Chemotherapy for Adult Ph-Positive ALL.

This multicenter, phase 3 randomized trial compared frontline ponatinib plus blinatumomab with imatinib plus chemotherapy in adults with Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

N Engl J MedOct 15, 2026Read summary
Clinical ResearchHematology

Efficacy and safety of mitapivat in patients with sickle cell disease (RISE UP): a phase 3, double-blind, global, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

RISE UP was a phase 3, double-blind, global, randomised, placebo-controlled trial conducted at 69 sites in 15 countries. It evaluated twice-daily mitapivat in patients older than 16 years with sickle cell disease…

LancetOct 24, 2026Read summary
Clinical ResearchRheumatology

Ianalumab for the Treatment of Patients with Sjögren's Disease.

Two 52-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase III trials evaluated monthly or less frequent ianalumab in patients with active Sjögren's disease.

N Engl J MedOct 22, 2026Read summary

Want this personalized?

Stop searching the literature. Choose what you follow and xxcode will build your personalized medical digest.

  • Your specialties
  • Your filters and thresholds
  • Clinical Research + Case Reports, tuned separately
  • Automatic weekly delivery
  • Audio and text
Create my personalized digestSee plans

Prefer listening? Personalized audio digests are available with Pro.

Stay updated for free

Get the 3 most interesting publications in one specialty each week.

Weekly email. Unsubscribe anytime.