Collection Overview 

Scientific Reports has launched a Guest-Edited Collection on Genetic and environmental determinants of early childhood autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions.

Early childhood autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions might result from complex interactions among genetic, environmental, nutritional, and societal factors. Preterm birth, parental pre-natal eating patterns, maternal health, and intergenerational diet are all considered risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders. Research in this domain can thus improve our understanding of early markers of autism and its phenotypic characterization.

This will be a Collection of original research papers  and will be open for submissions from all authors – on the condition that the manuscripts fall within the scope of the Collection and of Scientific Reports more generally. Narrative review articles are also welcomed, to our sister journal Scientific Reviews. We are welcoming submissions until 30th October 2026.

Why is this Collection important?

"Understanding the genetic and environmental determinants of early childhood autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions is essential for advancing early identification, prevention strategies, and personalized interventions. This topic is particularly important because neurodevelopmental conditions arise through complex interactions between biological vulnerability and environmental exposures across critical developmental periods. I am excited about this Collection because it encourages interdisciplinary research integrating genetics, epidemiology, neuroscience, psychiatry, and developmental science. The collection has the potential to strengthen international collaboration and accelerate translational findings with real-world clinical relevance. Researchers should submit to this collection to contribute to a rapidly evolving field with significant scientific, clinical, and societal impact."

- Dr. Branko Aleksic, Guest Editor

Why submit to a collection?  

Collections like this one help promote high-quality science. They are led by Guest Editors, who are experts in their fields, and In-House Editors and are supported by a dedicated team of Commissioning Editors and Managing Editors at Springer Nature. Collection manuscripts typically see higher citations, downloads, and Altmetric scores and provide a one-stop-shop on a cutting-edge topic of interest.  

Who is involved?

Guest Editors:

• Branko Aleksic, Nagoya University, Japan
• Kristina Denisova, City University of New York, United States
• Martina Micai, National Autism Observatory, National Institute of Health, Italy

Internal Team:

• In-House Editor: Betty Mousikou, Scientific Reports, USA
• Commissioning Editor: Stuart Weir, Fully OA Brands, Springer Nature, UK
• Managing Editor: Rebecca Chan, Fully OA Brands, Springer Nature, UK

How can I submit my paper?

Visit the Collection page for more information on the Collection, and how to submit your article.