News / Spectrum

FOXP1 and FOXP2 genes; school absences; Parkinson’s disease

Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 3 June.

By Jill Adams
4 June 2024 | 2 min read
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https://doi.org/10.53053/TQMR7149 https://doi.org/10.53053/TQMR7149 - opens a new tab Cite this article
  • Mice missing the FOXP1 and FOXP2 genes in D1-receptor-expressing spiny projection neurons show increased firing of those neurons, as well as altered motor and social behaviors. Cell Reports
  • Preferred interests, a core trait of autism, are often reported by parents of toddlers, and having such interests—regardless of interest type—correlates with eventual autism diagnosis. Autism Research
  • Both coding and noncoding de novo variants in the SCN2A gene are associated with autism, according to a preprint. medRxiv
  • A growing proportion of autistic teenagers in the Netherlands are not attending school; the latest estimate is 16 percent, up from 10 percent in 2021. NL Times
  • Minimally verbal autistic children appear to fall into one of three categories: those with global delay, plus two other groups with distinct combinations of cognitive and communication skills. Autism Research
  • Autistic people are three times as likely as the general population to develop Parkinson’s disease. Spectrum reported on the link between autism and neurodegenerative diseases in 2021. Nature
  • Although disparities in autism prevalence between Black and white children have been decreasing—a trend that may reflect improved screening, awareness and access—many barriers to care persist. Autism Research
  • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has released its report on progress made on the goals of the Autism CARES Act of 2019. hhs.gov

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