Lee Murray

“This study showed patients with autism that was associated with intellectual disability seem to have the greatest association with concomitant Parkinson's.”

Lee Murray · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

The study found that individuals diagnosed with both autism and an intellectual disability had the highest prevalence of parkinsonism at 4.86%.

“It certainly is an interesting correlation, although it does not imply that someone with autism is certain to develop Parkinson's,”

Lee Murray · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Murray cautioned that autism encompasses a wide range of symptoms and severity, so the findings do not necessarily apply to milder cases.

“From a clinical perspective, it's helpful to review medications with the autistic patient's physicians and, if possible, try to avoid medications that may cause a Parkinson's appearance.”

Lee Murray · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Murray advised reviewing medications with physicians and avoiding those that may cause a Parkinson's-like appearance.

“This study takes into account the use of antipsychotic medications that can cause a Parkinson's look (resting tremor, stiffness, shuffled gait, stooped posture, softened voice), which is a different pathology than stereotypical or idiopathic Parkinson's disease,”

Lee Murray · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Dr. Lee Murray, who was not involved in the study, said the research clarifies earlier findings by accounting for antipsychotic medications that can cause Parkinson's-like symptoms.

“Patients with autism can have atypical movements that can be misdiagnosed as Parkinson's if the examiner is not accustomed to diagnosing it,”

Lee Murray · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Murray confirmed that atypical movements in autism patients can be misdiagnosed as Parkinson's by examiners unfamiliar with the condition.