Neurobiological Basis Of Autism Research Articles

Salience Network in Autism: preliminary results on functional connectivity analysis in resting state.

The literature suggests that alterations in functional connectivity (FC) of the Salience Network (SN) may contribute to the manifestation of some clinical features of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The SN plays a key role in integrating external sensory information with internal emotional and bodily information. An atypical FC of this network could explain some symptomatic features of ASD such as difficulties in self-awareness and emotion processing and provide new insights into the neurobiological basis of autism. Using the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange II we investigated the resting-state FC of core regions of SN and its association with autism symptomatology in 29 individuals with ASD compared with 29 typically developing (TD) individuals. In ASD compared to TD individuals, seed-based connectivity analysis showed a reduced FC between the rostral prefrontal cortex and left cerebellum and an increased FC between the right supramarginal gyrus and the regions of the middle temporal gyrus and angular gyrus. Finally, we found that the clinical features of ASD are mainly associated with an atypical FC of the anterior insula and the involvement of dysfunctional mechanisms for emotional and social information processing. These findings expand the knowledge about the differences in the FC of SN between ASD and TD, highlighting atypical FC between structures that play key roles in social cognition and complex cognitive processes. Such anomalies could explain difficulties in processing salient stimuli, especially those of a socio-affective nature, with an impact on emotional and behavioral regulation.

A Review of the Neurobiological Basis of Autism

This manuscript reviews ongoing developments in autism research that defines it as a behavioral phenotype with many known neurobiological and molecular causes. Strides in neuroimaging, histopathology, neurophysiology, genetics and metabolic disorders are discussed that support the understanding of autism as a pervasive abnormality of neural systems with particular dysfunction of neuronal connections that impacts the development of socialization, communication and behavior. The aim of this review is to provide insight into the current knowledge of the complex pathophysiology of autism. [N A J Med Sci. 2011;4(3):107-111.]

Neuroimaging of autism

Neuroimaging studies done by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have provided important insights into the neurobiological basis for autism. The aim of this article is to review the current state of knowledge regarding brain abnormalities in autism. Results of structural MRI studies dealing with total brain volume, the volume of the cerebellum, caudate nucleus, thalamus, amygdala and the area of the corpus callosum are summarised. In the past 5 years also new MRI applications as functional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging brought considerable new insights in the pathophysiological mechanisms of autism. Dysfunctional activation in key areas of verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction, and executive functions are revised. Finally, we also discuss white matter alterations in important communication pathways in the brain of autistic patients.

The neurobiological basis of autism from a developmental perspective.

Autism is a neurobiological disorder that is diagnosed through careful behavioral assessment in early childhood. In this paper, we review recent studies that have attempted to reveal the underlying causes of autism using a variety of techniques. Particular emphasis is placed on techniques that have been used by a number of different laboratories, including structural magnetic resonance imaging and postmortem studies of neuroanatomy. Neurobiological and neuropsychological data from individuals across a wide age range are examined from a neurodevelopmental perspective. We discuss how these recent advances have led us to develop a growth dysregulation hypothesis of autism. Finally, we discuss how this hypothesis may lead to new innovations in autism research.

Progress in the Neurobiology of Autism

AbstractTo date, research regarding the neurobiological basis of autism has produced only the most preliminary of data. Although some advances have been made, the need for more definitive knowledge is crucial to more fully understand and treat this disorder.In this review, the autistic spectrum is discussed in terms of its defining symptoms. These symptoms are explained based on current understanding, and the need for more information regarding the bases of these abnormalities is noted. The critical needs of research are discussed, with an emphasis on areas in urgent need of analysis.