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Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Published on: September 12, 2011
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Tract- and gray matter- based spatial statistics show white matter and gray matter microstructural differences in
Marissa DiPiero1,2, Hassan Cordash2, Molly B Prigge3
1Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.
Frontiers in Neuroscience
|October 13, 2023
Summary
This study examined brain microstructure in autistic males aged 12-46, finding age-related differences in white and gray matter. These microstructural variations correlate with autism symptom severity, offering insights for adult interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Autism Research
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition.
- Understanding brain microstructure changes in ASD from adolescence to adulthood is crucial for improving lifelong outcomes.
- Previous research often focuses on early childhood, necessitating studies across the lifespan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM) microstructure between autistic and neurotypical males from adolescence into adulthood.
- To explore the relationship between brain microstructure and clinical features of autism spectrum disorder.
- To identify age-related changes in brain microstructure within autistic individuals.
Main Methods:
- Utilized multi-shell diffusion MRI data from 78 autistic and 81 neurotypical males (ages 12-46).
- Applied Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) for WM and Gray Matter Based Spatial Statistics (GBSS) for GM analysis.
- Employed general linear models to assess group and age-related differences, and correlations within the ASD group.
Main Results:
- Significant age-related associations were found across both WM and GM microstructure measures.
- Distinct group differences in WM and GM microstructure were observed between autistic and neurotypical males.
- Within the autistic group, white matter microstructure showed positive correlations with Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2) Calibrated Severity Scores.
Conclusions:
- Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) and Gray Matter Based Spatial Statistics (GBSS) revealed significant microstructural differences in autistic males across adolescence and adulthood.
- These findings highlight the importance of lifespan perspectives in understanding ASD brain characteristics.
- Identifying microstructural differences and their link to symptom severity can enhance our understanding of brain-behavior relationships and inform intervention strategies for autistic adults.
