Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 31, 2026

Using the Visual World Paradigm to Study Sentence Comprehension in Mandarin-Speaking Children with Autism
06:15

Using the Visual World Paradigm to Study Sentence Comprehension in Mandarin-Speaking Children with Autism

Published on: October 3, 2018

Autism or autisms? Finding the lowest common denominator

Emily L Williams1, Manuel F Casanova

  • 1Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA.

Boletin De La Asociacion Medica De Puerto Rico
|July 20, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Autism Spectrum Conditions may involve minicolumnopathy, a brain structure abnormality. Understanding periventricular germinal cell defects in mouse models offers insights into autism

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) are increasingly linked to neuroanatomical abnormalities.
  • Previous research suggests a potential 'minicolumnopathy' in individuals with autism.
  • Cellular defects in migration and proliferation are common in ASC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the potential link between periventricular germinal cell division and maturation defects and minicolumnar abnormalities in autism.
  • To investigate how genetic and environmental factors contribute to these neurodevelopmental alterations.
  • To identify common pathways underlying ASC pathophysiology.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on minicolumnar structure in autism.
  • Analysis of transgenic mouse models exhibiting periventricular germinal cell/radial glia increases.
  • Examination of environmental factors implicated in autism neurodevelopment.
  • Comparative analysis of genetic versus environmental influences on neuroanatomical phenotypes.

Main Results:

  • Increased numbers of periventricular germinal cells/radial glia are observed in various autism models.
  • These cellular changes can be induced by both genetic modifications and environmental exposures.
  • A homogenous neuroanatomical phenotype (minicolumnopathy) can arise from diverse genetic underpinnings.

Conclusions:

  • Minicolumnar abnormalities in autism may stem from disruptions in early cell division and maturation processes.
  • Studying the minicolumn as a fundamental unit can help elucidate the diverse genetic and environmental pathways contributing to ASC.
  • This approach may reveal common pathophysiologic mechanisms across different autism etiologies.

More Related Videos

A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research08:42

A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research

Published on: July 31, 2017

Portable Intermodal Preferential Looking (IPL): Investigating Language Comprehension in Typically Developing Toddlers and Young Children with Autism10:11

Portable Intermodal Preferential Looking (IPL): Investigating Language Comprehension in Typically Developing Toddlers and Young Children with Autism

Published on: December 14, 2012

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.
Modeling in Therapy01:26

Modeling in Therapy

Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Learning Disabilities01:25

Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities are cognitive disorders caused by neurological impairments that affect cognitive functions like language and reading, without indicating overall intellectual or developmental challenges. These disabilities differ from global intellectual or developmental disabilities as they are limited to distinct cognitive functions. Common learning disabilities include dysgraphia, dyslexia, and dyscalculia, each of which impacts unique aspects of learning.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
Intellectual Disability01:29

Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning that manifest during the developmental period. This condition encompasses challenges in reasoning, memory, problem-solving, and learning, accompanied by impairments in everyday life skills, such as communication, self-care, and social interactions. Intellectual disability affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States, impacting an estimated 5...
Social Anxiety Disorder01:28

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is characterized by an intense fear of social situations where one might face humiliation, rejection, embarrassment, or negative evaluation. This disorder leads individuals to avoid activities like casual conversations, public speaking, or seemingly simple tasks such as eating, signing documents, or swimming, in public settings. Its impact extends beyond discomfort, often significantly interfering with daily functioning and quality of life.
Behavior Modification01:21

Behavior Modification

Behavioral approaches have often been criticized for ignoring mental processes and focusing solely on observable behavior. However, these approaches provide an optimistic perspective for individuals seeking to change their behaviors. Rather than concentrating on intrinsic personality traits, behavioral approaches suggest that even longstanding habits can be modified by changing the reward contingencies that maintain them.
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...