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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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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 8, 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

Autism spectrum disorder-specific changes in white matter connectome edge density based on functionally defined

Clara F Weber^1,2,3, Evelyn M R Lake¹, Stefan P Haider^1,4

¹Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, New Haven, CT, United States.

Frontiers in Neuroscience

|December 11, 2023

Summary

Early autism spectrum disorder (ASD) white matter changes were identified using novel functional imaging methods. These findings highlight the potential for early detection of ASD-related disruptions in brain connectivity.

Keywords:

DTI autism spectrum disorder connectome microstructure neurodevelopment

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Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases

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Last Updated: Jul 8, 2025

Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging

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Published on: September 12, 2011

Measuring Connectivity in the Primary Visual Pathway in Human Albinism Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Tractography

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Published on: August 11, 2016

Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Published on: July 28, 2013

Area of Science:

Neuroimaging
Developmental Neuroscience
Autism Research

Background:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by disruptions in brain connectivity.
Understanding white matter (WM) microstructural changes is crucial for early ASD detection.
Current methods may not fully capture early, functionally relevant connectome alterations.

Purpose of the Study:

To apply a novel methodology using functionally defined nodes to guide white matter tractography.
To identify autism spectrum disorder-related microstructural connectome changes across the lifespan.
To compare the efficacy of functionally guided versus structurally defined nodes in detecting ASD-related WM alterations.

Main Methods:

Utilized diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data from the National Database for Autism Research (NDAR) across multiple age groups (infants to young adults).
Employed functionally defined cortical nodes from fMRI studies to guide WM tractography, creating Edge Density (ED) maps.
Conducted voxel-wise and tract-based analyses to assess group differences and correlations between ED and ASD diagnosis.

Main Results:

Identified significant autism spectrum disorder-related changes in infants using functionally guided tractography (p ≤ 0.001-0.483).
Wider ASD-related differences were detected using functional nodes positively correlated with symptom severity.
Voxel-wise analysis revealed widespread reductions in central white matter tracts in toddlers, adolescents, and adults with ASD.

Conclusions:

Detected early aberrant white matter development in infants later diagnosed with ASD using functionally guided connectome mapping.
Functionally guided DTI-based tractography is more sensitive to early ASD-related white matter disruptions than structurally defined nodes.
Results underscore the benefit of incorporating functional information into diffusion imaging and adapting protocols for different age cohorts.