Author(s) :

Shreya Karthik.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social behavior. Emerging evidence indicates that those with ASD exhibit disruption in neural networks supporting social behavior. This study investigated group and individual brain differences to identify the neural underpinnings of ASD. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data was obtained from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange Initiative to perform whole-brain functional connectivity (FC) analysis, comparing ASD-affected brains to brains with typical development. Results showed lower FC in the ASD group among the following regions: left superior frontal gyrus, anterior cingulate gyrus, right posterior parahippocampal gyrus, left Heschl’s gyrus, right planum polare, left and right precentral and right postcentral gyrus, left supracalcarine cortex, cuneus, right occipital pole, and cerebellum regions (vermis). These FC values were compared to measures of social behavior (the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ)). A negative correlation was found between the SRS awareness subscale score and connectivity of the right parahippocampal gyrus with the superior frontal gyrus, and a positive correlation was found between the SRS Mannerisms subscale and connectivity of Heschl’s gyrus with the cerebellar vermis 1 2. Additionally, the SRS Cognition and Communication subscale scores were positively correlated to the connectivity of the left Heschl’s gyrus with vermis 1 2. These results can be used to understand the neurological basis of ASD and determine an objective identification of ASD and the severity of social behavior impairment, leading to the development of effective individualized treatments for a better quality of life.