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Related Concept Videos

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: Apr 14, 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

Constrained spherical deconvolution-based tractography and tract-based spatial statistics show abnormal

Ulrika Roine¹, Juha Salmi¹, Timo Roine²

¹Brain and Mind Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Computational Science, Aalto University, Rakentajanaukio 2 C, FI-02150 Espoo, Finland.

Molecular Autism

|April 16, 2015

Summary

Individuals with Asperger syndrome (AS) show white matter microstructure abnormalities, particularly in the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF). These findings suggest localized differences in neural structure in adults with AS.

Keywords:

autism spectrum disorder diffusion magnetic resonance imaging fractional anisotropy inferior longitudinal fasciculus white matter tract

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Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases

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Last Updated: Apr 14, 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

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

Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Published on: July 28, 2013

Area of Science:

Neuroimaging
Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
White Matter Microstructure

Background:

Asperger syndrome (AS), a form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is characterized by social interaction impairments and restricted behaviors.
Understanding the neural underpinnings of AS is crucial for developing targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate differences in white matter (WM) neural structure between adults with AS and neurotypical controls.
To explore correlations between WM microstructural changes and symptom severity in AS.

Main Methods:

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) was used to acquire data from 14 adult males with AS and 19 matched controls.
Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) and constrained spherical deconvolution (CSD)-based tractography analyzed voxelwise and tract-level differences in fractional anisotropy (FA).
Correlations between FA and Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Empathy Quotient, and Systemizing Quotient were examined.

Main Results:

TBSS revealed widespread bilateral increases in FA in individuals with AS, notably in the superior longitudinal fasciculus and inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF).
CSD-based tractography confirmed FA increases, with the left ILF showing statistical significance after Bonferroni correction.
A correlation was found between higher AQ scores and increased FA in the right inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFO) across the entire group.

Conclusions:

Adults with AS exhibit local and tract-level abnormalities in white matter microstructure.
The left ILF is a key area showing significant microstructural differences in this AS cohort.
These findings contribute to understanding the neurobiology of Asperger syndrome.