An altered scaffold for information processing: Cognitive control development in adolescents with autism

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Autism Research

Background:

• Cognitive control development varies significantly between typically developing individuals and those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• Understanding these differences is crucial for identifying potential interventions and support strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review cognitive neuroscientific studies from the last decade on cognitive control development in ASD versus typical development (TYP) from adolescence to young adulthood.
• To synthesize findings from structural, resting-state, and diffusion imaging studies.

Main Methods:

• Selective review of neuroimaging studies (structural, resting-state fMRI, diffusion imaging) published since 2007.
• Focus on individuals aged 10-30 years with ASD and TYP.
• Analysis of brain regions and networks supporting cognitive control.

Main Results:

• Longitudinal structural studies show anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) overgrowth and delayed parietal white matter development in adolescents with ASD.
• Resting-state functional connectivity reveals differing network patterns (salience, executive control, default mode) in ASD through adolescence.
• Diffusion imaging indicates reduced white matter tract integrity in ASD, correlating with less improvement in cognitive control task performance.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive neuroscientific approaches offer unique insights into persistent cognitive control deficits in ASD.
• Significant differences in brain structure and function underlie developmental trajectories of cognitive control in ASD.
• There is a critical need for longitudinal studies to further elucidate these mechanisms and inform treatment options for ASD.