Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026
Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Published on: September 12, 2011
Cross-Sectional Mega-Analysis of Resting-State Alterations Associated with Autism and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity
Luke J Norman1,2,3, Gustavo Sudre2,4,5, Marine Bouyssi-Kobar3
1Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.
Abstract:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (autism) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often co-occur, although it remains unclear if these conditions share common neurobiological foundations or exhibit distinct alterations in resting-state brain connectivity. We conducted a cross-sectional mega-analytic comparison of functional connectivity patterns linked to autism and ADHD traits in children and adolescents (ages 6-19 years; n=10,168), with follow-up analyses considering autism (n=764 autistic; n=893 neurotypical) and ADHD diagnoses (n=2,026 ADHD; n=2,409 neurotypical). In total, 12,732 unique child and adolescent participants were included: 3,528 in both analyses, 6,640 in the trait analysis only, and 2,564 in the diagnostic analysis only. Autism traits and diagnosis were associated with reduced connectivity between the thalamus, putamen, salience/ventral attention, and frontoparietal networks, while ADHD traits showed the opposite pattern. Hyperconnectivity between the default mode and dorsal attention networks was observed in both autistic and ADHD groups relative to neurotypical individuals and associated with ADHD traits. Despite frequent co-occurrence, autism and ADHD traits exhibit distinct neural signatures, with small effect sizes indicating subtle associations.
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01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
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.