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Updated: Jul 28, 2026
12:21
Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Published on: September 12, 2011
Brain structural abnormalities in young children with autism spectrum disorder
B F Sparks1, S D Friedman, D W Shaw
1Department of Radiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.
Neurology
|July 24, 2002
Summary
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show enlarged brain volumes, particularly in the cerebrum, cerebellum, amygdala, and hippocampus, indicating early developmental abnormalities. These findings highlight key neuroanatomic differences in young children with ASD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder.
- Understanding the neuroanatomic basis of ASD is crucial for early intervention.
- Previous studies have shown varied results regarding brain structure in ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate specific neuroanatomic differences in young children with ASD.
- To compare brain morphometrics in children with ASD, typically developing (TD) children, and developmentally delayed (DD) children.
- To identify potential early structural markers of autism spectrum disorder.
Main Methods:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to measure brain volumes.
- Three-dimensional coronal MR images were analyzed for 45 children with ASD, 26 TD children, and 14 DD children.
- Volumes of the cerebrum, cerebellum, amygdala, and hippocampus were assessed in relation to age, sex, and clinical status.
Main Results:
- Children with ASD exhibited significantly larger cerebral volumes compared to TD and DD groups.
- ASD group showed increased cerebellar volume, proportional to cerebral volume increase.
- Enlargement of amygdala and hippocampus was observed in ASD, proportional to total cerebral volume.
Conclusions:
- Structural findings suggest abnormal brain development early in the course of autism.
- These neuroanatomic differences may serve as early indicators of autism spectrum disorder.
- Further research is ongoing to understand the mechanisms and progression of these structural abnormalities.
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