Self-reported parkinsonism features in older autistic adults: A descriptive study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is increasingly diagnosed in adulthood.
• Motor features, including tremors and leg stiffness (parkinsonism), are reported by autistic adults.
• Parkinsonism is associated with Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of parkinsonism in middle-aged and older autistic adults.
• To explore the potential link between reported motor features in autism and the risk of developing Parkinson's disease.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of self-reported motor features in two independent cohorts of autistic adults (Dutch and USA studies).
• Inclusion criteria focused on autistic adults without intellectual disability, aged 50 years and above.
• Data collected from adult diagnoses of autism.

Main Results:

• Parkinsonism was found to be remarkably prevalent in middle-aged and older autistic adults across both studies.
• Specific motor features reported included tremors and leg stiffness.
• Prevalence was observed in cohorts aged 50-81 years.

Conclusions:

• Autistic adults, particularly those middle-aged and older, exhibit a high prevalence of parkinsonism.
• Further research with neurological assessments is crucial to determine if these individuals face an elevated risk for Parkinson's disease.
• Understanding this association may inform early detection and intervention strategies for both autism and Parkinson's disease.