Brain morphometry of preschool age children affected by autism spectrum disorder: Correlation with clinical findings

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Pediatric Neurology

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with varied clinical presentations.
• Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of ASD in preschool-aged children is crucial for early intervention.
• Previous research indicates structural brain differences in individuals with ASD, but preschool-specific patterns require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate potential patterns of clinical and imaging findings in preschool-aged children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• To identify specific brain imaging patterns correlated with clinical features in a selected ASD cohort.
• To compare brain volumetric data between preschool-aged children with ASD and typically developing controls.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a combined imaging and clinical approach in a cohort of preschool-aged children (3-6 years) with ASD.
• Employed semiautomatic brain segmentation for volumetric analysis of MRI scans in ASD patients and age-matched typically developing controls.
• Excluded ASD participants with dysmorphic features, epilepsy, major neurological signs, or other MRI-detectable abnormalities.

Main Results:

• Significantly greater total gray matter volume, total cortical gray matter volume, and amygdalar volumes were observed in the ASD group compared to controls.
• Analysis of subgroups based on verbal/non-verbal status revealed a significant difference in cerebellar hemispheric size between these groups.
• Reduced total cerebellar white matter volume was noted in non-verbal ASD patients.

Conclusions:

• Semiautomatic brain segmentation MRI techniques can differentiate preschool-aged ASD patients from controls.
• Integrated imaging, cognitive-behavioral, and genetic data offer a comprehensive approach to understanding ASD.
• Findings suggest specific volumetric differences, particularly in gray matter and amygdala, and cerebellar white matter in non-verbal individuals, contributing to the heterogeneity of ASD.