Face processing in autism spectrum disorders: From brain regions to brain networks

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is marked by social deficits, including reduced attention to faces.
• This may stem from atypical functioning in the brain's motivation, reward, and attention systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review neuroimaging literature on face perception in ASD.
• To highlight a shift from isolated brain region analysis to network-based approaches.

Main Methods:

• Review of emerging neuroimaging studies on face processing in individuals with ASD.
• Analysis of atypical activation patterns within distributed brain networks.

Main Results:

• Evidence suggests atypical activation within brain networks, not just isolated regions (e.g., fusiform gyrus, amygdala, superior temporal sulcus).
• This network-level dysfunction may underlie social deficits in ASD.

Conclusions:

• A holistic, network-based approach is crucial for understanding face perception in ASD.
• Future research needs developmental studies and naturalistic social stimuli to further examine face processing in autism.