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Related Concept Videos

Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.

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Related Experiment Video

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Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging
12:21

Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Published on: September 12, 2011

White matter structure in autism: preliminary evidence from diffusion tensor imaging.

Naama Barnea-Goraly1, Hower Kwon, Vinod Menon

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.

Biological Psychiatry
|January 28, 2004
PubMed
Summary

This study found reduced white matter integrity in the brains of children with autism, impacting areas crucial for social interaction. These disruptions in brain connectivity may explain social communication difficulties in autism.

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Last Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging
12:21

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Published on: September 12, 2011

Co-analysis of Brain Structure and Function using fMRI and Diffusion-weighted Imaging
17:06

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Published on: November 8, 2012

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Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Published on: July 28, 2013

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Neuroscience
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

Background:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by significant challenges in social communication and relationships.
  • Prior research suggests that atypical brain connectivity in social cognition networks may underlie these social deficits in autism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate white matter structural integrity in male children and adolescents diagnosed with autism.
  • To identify specific brain regions where white matter abnormalities correlate with autism-related social deficits.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to examine white matter microstructure.
  • Compared seven male children and adolescents with autism to nine age-, gender-, and IQ-matched control participants.

Main Results:

  • Observed reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) values in white matter near the ventromedial prefrontal cortices and anterior cingulate gyri.
  • Found decreased FA in temporoparietal junctions, superior temporal sulcus, temporal lobes (near amygdala), occipitotemporal tracts, and the corpus callosum.

Conclusions:

  • Disruptions in white matter tracts connecting key social processing regions are evident in individuals with autism.
  • These white matter alterations likely contribute to the impaired social cognition characteristic of autism spectrum disorder.