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Autism Spectrum Disorder

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

Updated: May 6, 2026

Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Published on: September 12, 2011

Differences in white matter reflect atypical developmental trajectory in autism: A Tract-based Spatial Statistics

Reyhaneh Bakhtiari¹, Nicole R Zürcher, Ophélie Rogier

¹Control and Intelligent Processing Center of Excellence, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran ; Department of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran ; Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale, Lausanne, Switzerland.

Neuroimage. Clinical

|November 2, 2013

Summary

White matter (WM) integrity in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) shows developmental differences. While adolescents with ASD have reduced WM integrity, this difference normalizes in adulthood, suggesting a dynamic maturation process.

Keywords:

ADI-R, Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised ADOS, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule AQ, Autism Quotient ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorders ATR, anterior thalamic radiations Autism spectrum disorder Brain connectivity Brain development Brain maturation CC, corpus callosum CT, corticospinal tract DTI, Diffusion Tensor Imaging DTT, Diffusion Tensor Tractography Diffusion Tensor Imaging EF, executive functions FA, fractional anisotropy Fractional anisotropy IFOF, inferior froto-occipital fasciculus ILF, inferior longitudinal fasciculus NT, neurotypical PIQ, Performance Intelligence Quotient SLF, superior longitudinal fasciculus TBSS, Tract-based Spatial Statistics TE, echo time TFCE, Threshold-free Cluster Enhancement TR, repetition time UNC, uncinate fasciculus VBM, Voxel-Based Morphometry VBS, Voxel based Statistics of FA Images (VBM-like)WM, white matter

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Last Updated: May 6, 2026

Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging

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Published on: September 12, 2011

Measuring Connectivity in the Primary Visual Pathway in Human Albinism Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Tractography

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Published on: August 11, 2016

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

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

Published on: November 8, 2012

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Developmental Neuroscience
Neuroimaging

Background:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition.
White matter (WM) development is implicated in ASD.
Understanding WM maturation is crucial for ASD research.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate white matter (WM) integrity in adolescents and adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
To compare WM integrity between individuals with ASD and neurotypical (NT) controls.
To examine the relationship between age and WM development in ASD.

Main Methods:

Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) was used to assess WM integrity.
Tract-based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) was applied for analysis.
Participants included 16 adolescents and 14 adults with high-functioning ASD and matched NT controls.

Main Results:

Adolescents with ASD showed decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) in tracts for emotional processing, language, and executive functions.
No significant FA differences were found between adult ASD participants and NT controls.
Positive correlations between FA and age were observed in specific WM tracts in ASD participants, but not in NT controls.

Conclusions:

WM maturation in ASD is atypical, with differences observed in adolescence.
These WM differences appear to normalize with age, suggesting a dynamic developmental trajectory.
The normalization of WM integrity may contribute to observed behavioral improvements in high-functioning autism.