Common neural substrates of diverse neurodevelopmental disorders

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Neurodevelopmental disorders are typically studied as distinct syndromes with separate diagnostic and intervention pathways.
• High rates of comorbidity and unusual strength/weakness profiles suggest underlying shared mechanisms.
• Current research often overlooks transdiagnostic commonalities among these conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential for transdiagnostic commonalities in neurodevelopmental disorders.
• To apply the core-periphery model of brain organization to understand network-level similarities.
• To investigate if variability in multimodal association cortex connectivity underlies diverse neurodevelopmental conditions.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the core-periphery model as a framework for interpreting neural data.
• Analyzing network-level commonalities across studies of neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Examining connectivity patterns in core perceptual/motor regions versus flexible periphery regions.

Main Results:

• The core-periphery model offers a framework for understanding neural data in development and disorders.
• Network-level commonalities are reported in neurodevelopmental disorder research.
• Variability in multimodal association cortex connectivity may represent a shared origin for distinct disorders.

Conclusions:

• Connectivity variations in the brain's flexible periphery could be a common factor in diverse neurodevelopmental disorders.
• This framework helps explain both comorbidities and individual profiles of cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
• Rethinking neurodevelopmental disorders through a network-based lens may reveal deeper insights.