Autism Spectrum: Brain Connectivity

0
11KB


Brains of autistic individuals have been observed to have abnormal connectivity and the degree of these abnormalities directly correlates with the severity of autism. Following are some observed abnormal connectivity patterns in autistic individuals:

Decreased connectivity between different specialized regions of the brain (e.g. lower neuron density in corpus callosum) and relative over-connectivity within specialized regions of the brain by adulthood. Connectivity between different regions of the brain ('long-range' connectivity) is important for integration and global processing of information and comparing incoming sensory information with the existing model of the world within the brain. Connections within each specialized regions ('short-range' connections) are important for processing individual details and modifying the existing model of the world within the brain to more closely reflect incoming sensory information. In infancy, children at high risk for autism that were later diagnosed with autism were observed to have abnormally high long-range connectivity which then decreased through childhood to eventual long-range under-connectivity by adulthood.
Abnormal preferential processing of information by the left hemisphere of the brain vs. preferential processing of information by right hemisphere in neurotypical individuals. The left hemisphere is associated with processing information related to details whereas the right hemisphere is associated with processing information in a more global and integrated sense that is essential for pattern recognition. For example, visual information like face recognition is normally processed by the right hemisphere which tends to integrate all information from an incoming sensory signal, whereas an ASD brain preferentially processes visual information in the left hemisphere where information tends to be processed for local details of the face rather than the overall configuration of the face. This left lateralization negatively impacts both facial recognition and spatial skills.
Increased functional connectivity within the left hemisphere which directly correlates with severity of autism. This observation also supports preferential processing of details of individual components of sensory information over global processing of sensory information in an ASD brain.
Prominent abnormal connectivity in the frontal and occipital regions. In autistic individuals low connectivity in the frontal cortex was observed from infancy through adulthood. This is in contrast to long-range connectivity which is high in infancy and low in adulthood in ASD. Abnormal neural organization is also observed in the Broca's area which is important for speech production.

Suche
Kategorien
Mehr lesen
Business
What Careers and Degrees Are Associated with Management Science?
Management Science offers a wide range of career opportunities across industries. Professionals...
Von Dacey Rankins 2025-08-14 21:47:14 0 2KB
Business
What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses? A Window into Self-Awareness and Growth Potential
The interview question “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” remains a classic...
Von Dacey Rankins 2025-06-25 12:42:58 0 4KB
Business
How Do You Motivate the Team, Especially on Long Projects? Celebrating Wins, Clear Communication, Reinforcing Purpose
Long-term projects can test even the most committed teams. Initial enthusiasm may wane, obstacles...
Von Dacey Rankins 2025-07-15 15:58:52 0 3KB
Business
What Common Mistakes Should Be Avoided When Writing a Startup Biography?
A startup biography is more than just a summary — it’s a powerful narrative that can...
Von Dacey Rankins 2025-04-19 14:45:22 0 8KB
Business
Which Books or Media Detail This CEO’s Biography?
The best way to understand a CEO’s philosophy, achievements, and challenges is often...
Von Dacey Rankins 2025-08-14 21:39:13 0 2KB

BigMoney.VIP Powered by Hosting Pokrov