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Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.

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Cerebral Hemispheres

The human brain, a complex organ, is functionally divided into two cerebral hemispheres—left and right. These hemispheres are interconnected by a structure of paramount importance, the corpus callosum. This substantial bundle of neural fibers is not just a bridge between the hemispheres but a crucial element for the brain's comprehensive functioning. It enables efficient communication between the two hemispheres, allowing each side of the brain to control and receive sensory and motor...

Lateralization

Lateralization

Brain lateralization refers to the division of mental processes and functions between the two hemispheres of the brain, a phenomenon that optimizes neural efficiency and underpins complex abilities in humans. This specialization allows each hemisphere to perform tasks where it has a comparative advantage, facilitating more refined cognitive capabilities across different domains.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 18, 2025

Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Published on: September 12, 2011

The Relationship between Retained Primitive Reflexes and Hemispheric Connectivity in Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Robert Melillo¹, Gerry Leisman^1,2, Calixto Machado³

¹Movement and Cognition Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel.

|August 26, 2023

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is linked to altered brain activity and connectivity. Reducing retained primitive reflexes (RPRs) may improve brain networks and clinical outcomes in ASD.

Keywords:

autism spectrum disorders bottom-up processing maturational delay neuronal synchrony retained primitive reflexes top-down processing

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Published on: December 7, 2018

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Developmental Psychology
Clinical Neurology

Background:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by reduced low-frequency brain activity and increased high-frequency localized activity.
Retained primitive reflexes (RPRs) are often observed in individuals with ASD.
Brain network connectivity patterns differ in ASD compared to neurotypical individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the relationship between retained primitive reflexes (RPRs) and quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) measures in children and adults with ASD.
To examine the effects of an intervention aimed at reducing RPRs on brain network connectivity in ASD.
To compare qEEG and functional connectivity in ASD individuals with and without RPRs.

Main Methods:

Quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) spectral and functional connectivity analysis.
Assessment of retained primitive reflexes (RPRs) before and after intervention.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) unilateral stimulation as an intervention.

Main Results:

ASD is associated with abnormal brain lateralization, including long-range underconnectivity and short-range overconnectivity.
A higher left-to-right qEEG functional connectivity ratio was observed in ASD.
Intervention effects on qEEG and connectivity were analyzed in relation to RPRs.

Conclusions:

Clinical improvement and the resolution of RPRs in ASD may correlate with changes in qEEG frequency bands.
Optimized brain networks, particularly improved right-hemisphere long-range connectivity, may be linked to reduced RPRs.
These findings suggest a potential pathway for improving brain network function in ASD through interventions targeting RPRs.