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

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