Personalized functional network mapping for autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neuroimaging
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are common neurodevelopmental disorders.
• These conditions often co-occur and present overlapping clinical symptoms.
• Understanding their distinct and shared neurobiological underpinnings is crucial for targeted therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the differences in behaviors, functional connectome, and network properties among individuals with ASD, ADHD-Combined, and ADHD-Inattentive.
• To identify shared and disorder-specific neurophysiological profiles using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI).

Main Methods:

• Utilized resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data from participants with ASD, ADHD-Combined, and ADHD-Inattentive.
• Employed non-negative matrix factorization to define personalized large-scale functional networks for each individual.
• Conducted graph-theory-based complex network analyses and edge-wise functional connectivity analysis.

Main Results:

• Identified shared and disorder-specific differences in functional network connectivity (FNC) and network attributes between ASD and ADHD subtypes.
• Revealed abnormalities in edge co-fluctuation amplitude and the number of transitions in functional connectivity across groups.
• Demonstrated distinct regional and edge-wise functional connectivity patterns specific to ASD and ADHD.

Conclusions:

• The study provides novel evidence for brain functional abnormalities in ASD and ADHD using an individual-level functional network mapping approach.
• Findings highlight both shared and distinct neurophysiological profiles, aiding in the understanding of the neurobiological basis of these disorders.
• This research facilitates the development of more precise diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for ASD and ADHD.