Large-scale study links autism to increased risk of Parkinson’s disease

A major new study out of Sweden, published in JAMA Neurology, has found that autistic people are more than four times more likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease compared to non-autistic people.  

This is the largest and most rigorous study to date examining the potential connection between autism and Parkinson’s. Using national health registers, researchers analyzed data from over 2.2 million people born between 1974 and 1999, including nearly 52,000 people with autism. 

The results showed that:

• Parkinson’s disease occurred in 0.05% of autistic people, compared to 0.02% of those without autism—a 4.4 times greater risk. 
• Risk was greater even after accounting for factors such as sex, socioeconomic status, family history of Parkinson’s or mental illness, and age at autism diagnosis. 
• All identified Parkinson’s cases occurred before age 50, suggesting a possible link between autism and early-onset Parkinson’s disease. 

What this means for the autism community 

While the overall number of Parkinson’s cases was small, the findings suggest a meaningful increase in risk among autistic people and raises important questions about shared biological pathways between the two conditions.  

“This study adds to the growing evidence that we need to better understand and support aging autistic adults, especially as they face higher risks for complex neurological and physical health conditions,” said Dr. Andy Shih, Chief Science Officer at Autism Speaks. 

Most autism research has historically focused on childhood, leaving significant gaps in our understanding of how autistic people age and what kinds of care and support they may need in later life. With an estimated 70,000 autistic teens transitioning to adulthood each year in the U.S., addressing these gaps is increasingly urgent. 

This study reinforces the importance of building systems that support healthy aging, ensuring autistic people receive not only early interventions, but also the care, resources and planning they need in adulthood. Autism Speaks remains committed to advancing this important work in partnership with researchers, families and policymakers to help autistic people live longer, healthier lives.