Rise in autism prevalence but not traits; and more

Non-parallel lines: Although clinical diagnoses of autism have risen over time, levels of autism traits among teenagers have held steady, according to a new population-based study in Sweden. The results support the idea that the well-documented increases in autism prevalence stem from factors such as a broadening of diagnostic criteria and heightened public awareness. The authors write that their findings might curb public worries about an epidemic. They also cite “a need to discuss how problems related to … diagnostic categories should be managed, both from a clinical as well as a societal perspective.” Psychiatry Research

More autism research we spotted:

• “Duke ends controversial agreement with Cryo-Cell after legal disputes” The Chronicle
  See also: “Study finds little evidence to back cord-blood therapy for autism”
• “Comprehensive analysis of CNOT3-related neurodevelopmental disorders: Phenotypic and genotypic characterization” European Journal of Human Genetics
• “FOXG1 gene mutation impairs auditory cortex response and reduces sound tolerance” Cerebral Cortex

• “Parallel functional interrogations of autism risk genes reveal drivers of transcriptomic convergence and the female protective effect” bioRxiv
• “FDA signs off on Neurogene’s ‘best-case scenario’ pivotal study design for Rett syndrome” BioSpace
  See also: “What’s next for brain-directed gene therapy after death in Neurogene trial”