Autism-associated 16p11.2 microdeletion impairs prefrontal functional connectivity in mouse and human.

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This study shows that children and adults with a proximal 16p11.2 deletion have weaker long‑distance connections in the front part of the brain that supports social thinking and planning, helping families understand that social and cognitive challenges are linked to real brain‑wiring differences and can guide clinicians to focus on supports that strengthen executive skills, social understanding, and adaptive functioning rather than behavior alone.