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Updated: Apr 4, 2026
Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Published on: September 12, 2011
Increased hippocampal volumes in adults with high functioning autism spectrum disorder and an IQ>100: A manual
Simon Maier1, Ludger Tebartz van Elst2, Daniel Beier3
1Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Hauptstr. 5, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; Freiburg Brain Imaging, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 64, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.
Abstract:
Previous studies concerning the volumes of the amygdala and the hippocampus in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) show inconsistent results. We acquired magnetic resonance images of 30 individuals with ASD and individually matched controls. All participants had an IQ>100 to increase the likelihood of including non-syndromal forms of ASD. Manually defined amygdala volumes showed no significant group difference, while hippocampi were significantly enlarged in ASD. This finding is discussed with regard to the 'intense world hypothesis'.
