Key Brain ‘Networks’ May Differ in Autism
Differences in brain connectivity may help explain the social impairments common in those who have autism spectrum disorders, new research suggests.
The small study compared the brains of 25 teens with an autism spectrum disorder to those of 25 typically developing teens, all aged 11 to 18. The researchers found key differences between the two groups in brain “networks” that help people to figure out what others are thinking, and to understand others’ actions and emotions.
"It is generally agreed that the way the networks are organized is not typical [in those with autism]," explained study lead researcher Inna Fishman, assistant research professor of psychology at San Diego State University.
The prevailing idea until now, she said, has been that these neurological networks are under-connected in people with autism. However, “we found they were over-connected — they talk to each other way more than expected at that age.”
The study is published in the April 16 online edition of JAMA Psychiatry.
