Potential Locations for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Treating Autism Spectrum Disorders-A Functional Connectivity...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is a promising therapeutic approach for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• Identifying optimal brain targets is crucial for enhancing NIBS efficacy in ASD treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify novel brain targets for noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• To explore brain regions associated with ASD using meta-analysis and functional connectivity.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a meta-analysis of 170 functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies to pinpoint ASD-associated brain areas.
• Performed resting-state functional connectivity analysis on 70 individuals with ASD to identify correlated surface regions.

Main Results:

• Identified several potential NIBS targets in the medial prefrontal cortex, angular gyrus, dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex, and inferior frontal gyrus.
• Further potential targets include the superior parietal lobe, postcentral gyrus, precentral gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, superior temporal sulcus, lateral occipital cortex, and supplementary motor area/paracentral gyrus.

Conclusions:

• The identified brain regions represent potential novel targets for developing more effective NIBS therapies for ASD.
• This research provides a foundation for future investigations into targeted NIBS interventions for autism spectrum disorder.