Neurobehavioral perspectives on autistic spectrum disorder

Abstract

Understanding genetics and environmental influences in autism has been explored in greater depth in recent decades. However, the mechanism by which they converge that leads to autism still needs to be explored further. An autism diagnosis in DSM-5 results from a neurodevelopmental disorder hurting normal brain function, affecting communication and social interaction combined with restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. This paper reviews current work investigating how the underlying mechanism of the brain structure and function relates to the complex and aberrant behavioral manifestations of autism. Mapping this connection can provide us with a better understanding of autism signs and symptoms, making the process of accurate diagnosis more straightforward. As a complex neurobehavioral condition, autistic individuals process the environment and their interactions with others differently from those without autism. So, they make different perceptions and connections between themselves and the environment. Consequently, they will have difficulty communicating, forming relationships, and responding appropriately to their environment. It is this lifelong neurobehavioral dysfunction that prevents autistic individuals from adequately understanding what they perceive and the emotional expression of others. There will be differences in their mental states, how their brains work, and how their thinking processes will be affected by a neurodevelopmental disability.