Exp Neurobiol.  2015 Dec;24(4):273-284. 10.5607/en.2015.24.4.273.

Characteristics of Brains in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Structure, Function and Connectivity across the Lifespan

• Ha S
• Sohn IJ
• Kim N
• Sim HJ
• Cheon KA

• KMID: 2165564
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5607/en.2015.24.4.273

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social communication and restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs). Over the past decade, neuroimaging studies have provided considerable insights underlying neurobiological mechanisms of ASD. In this review, we introduce recent findings from brain imaging studies to characterize the brains of ASD across the human lifespan. Results of structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies dealing with total brain volume, regional brain structure and cortical area are summarized. Using task-based functional MRI (fMRI), many studies have shown dysfunctional activation in critical areas of social communication and RRBs. We also describe several data to show abnormal connectivity in the ASD brains. Finally, we suggest the possible strategies to study ASD brains in the future.

Keyword

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD); Neuroimaging; Magnetic resonance image (MRI); Functional MRI (fMRI); Diffusion tensor image (DTI)

MeSH Terms

Autistic Disorder*
Brain*
Child
Autism Spectrum Disorder*
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Neuroimaging